CT Declines Acquisition from Pastor Doug Wilson’s Publishing Firm
Christianity Today (CT) magazine has rejected a $10 million buyout offer from Canon Press, a publishing house founded by Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson. Canon’s proposal, shared online by Daily Wire reporter Megan Basham on Sept. 29, claimed the acquisition would return CT to the founding vision of Billy Graham. CT Interim President and CEO Thomas Addington confirmed the unsolicited offer but stated firmly that the publication “is not for sale and has never been for sale.”
Canon Press’s Background and Ties to Wilson
Canon Press began in 1988 as a ministry of Wilson’s Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and was converted into a for-profit LLC in 2012. Despite its ownership transfer, Doug Wilson remains listed as a member of the company. Canon has published over 100 books by Wilson and his family, maintaining deep ties to the controversial pastor. Critics view Wilson as a polarizing figure for his Christian nationalist views and his advocacy of conservative social order.
Financial Strength and Recent Leadership Shifts
Founded in 1956, CT remains one of the most influential voices in evangelicalism. It reports nearly $10 million in net assets and $18 million in revenue for 2023, reaching 4.5 million readers monthly across its platforms. Following CEO Tim Dalrymple’s move to the John Templeton Foundation, Addington stepped in as interim president. Russell Moore serves as editor-in-chief, with Marvin Olasky as executive editor.
Funding Controversy and Editorial Independence
Basham criticized CT’s acceptance of more than $1 million in grants from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, which also supports Planned Parenthood. She claimed the funding undermines CT’s traditional pro-life stance. CT leaders dismissed the claim, stating that Hewlett exerts no editorial control and that the funds support journalism and digital projects.
Supporters and Detractors Voice Concerns
Supporters of CT praise its continued editorial independence and theological balance. Detractors, including Basham and pro-life advocate Seth Gruber, argue that CT has diluted its commitment to the anti-abortion movement. Addington reaffirmed CT’s “conservative Evangelical pro-life stance,” asserting the magazine will never accept funds that compromise its convictions.
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Christianity Today Rejects $10 Million Buy-Out Offer by Doug Wilson-Affiliated Publisher
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