Sydney, Sept 05: Beleaguered actor-director Mel Gibson has reportedly donated 10 million dollars for the construction of a controversial private church in the Malibu hills, in order to promote his contentious sect.
A federal tax filing reveals that Gibson has donated a huge amount of money to his Holy Family Catholic Church, situated in the secluded Agoura Hills. The church now has 37 million dollars in its coffers, up from 27 million dollars last year, shows the document.
The Roman Catholic Church does not recognise Gibson’s secretive sect because it does not acknowledge the authority of the Pope or the Vatican, and rejects the universally accepted teachings of the Second Vatican Council.
Gibson’s church follows an antiquated ideology of Catholicism dating back to the 16th century. Its female followers have to abide by a strict dress code, needing them to wear veils over their hair and long skirts. Women are banned from wearing pants.
Currently, the existing chapel has a seating capacity for only 100 people.
The new church located at a place 400 metres higher from the current building will be able to accommodate about 400 people, when it is completed in the next 12 months, reports the website news.co.au.
A construction company owned by Gibson is constructing the high-ceilinged church in the architectural style of an old-fashioned Spanish mission.
Federal tax records enlist Gibson and his wife Robyn as directors of the church, reveal the planning documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph.
Gibson`s Icon Production company offices in the beachside suburb of Santa Monica run the church.
The church has an unlisted phone number, keeps its address a secret, and has asked members of the congregation not to release the information.
Bureau Report
