A Megachurch's $6.6M Theater Deal Raises Questions About Rev. Kinloch's Campaign Finance.
Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., a prominent figure in Detroit's megachurch scene, has made several high-profile deals that have raised eyebrows among watchdog groups and local officials. Most notably is his purchase of the former AMC Star Southfield theater for $6.6 million. The deal was finalized just days before he announced his candidacy for Mayor of Detroit.
The transfer of ownership from Triumph Church to Kinloch's private company, Triumph Southfield Property LLC, took place in May 2024 and was executed at a price of $1. However, according to county records obtained by the Metro Times, this sale is riddled with red tape that seems designed to benefit Rev. Kinloch personally.
The transfer, which involved no payment from the church to the private company, has raised questions about whether Rev. Kinloch's non-profit status was exploited for his own financial gain. The decision to transfer ownership of the theater to a private entity has led many to question whether the megachurch will be able to claim its intended exemptions under state law.
In reality, the church and private company are now burdened with millions of dollars in property taxes that it may never pay. This means that if Rev. Kinloch loses his bid for Mayor, he and his family won't have to worry about paying any of this money back to the city. It has raised many questions among local officials who claim that Kinloch is trying to exploit his position as a megachurch leader to enrich himself.
Triumph Church's Chief of Staff Ralph Godbee dismissed these claims stating, "We again have no response to another lie that is not based in fact offered by Robert Davis." However, the activist behind this investigation maintains his theory and believes Kinloch will face consequences for his actions.
As the election nears, the details surrounding Rev. Kinloch's financial dealings are increasingly coming under scrutiny. While he has framed himself as a champion of economic development, many residents wonder if his true focus is on lining his own pockets.
Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., a prominent figure in Detroit's megachurch scene, has made several high-profile deals that have raised eyebrows among watchdog groups and local officials. Most notably is his purchase of the former AMC Star Southfield theater for $6.6 million. The deal was finalized just days before he announced his candidacy for Mayor of Detroit.
The transfer of ownership from Triumph Church to Kinloch's private company, Triumph Southfield Property LLC, took place in May 2024 and was executed at a price of $1. However, according to county records obtained by the Metro Times, this sale is riddled with red tape that seems designed to benefit Rev. Kinloch personally.
The transfer, which involved no payment from the church to the private company, has raised questions about whether Rev. Kinloch's non-profit status was exploited for his own financial gain. The decision to transfer ownership of the theater to a private entity has led many to question whether the megachurch will be able to claim its intended exemptions under state law.
In reality, the church and private company are now burdened with millions of dollars in property taxes that it may never pay. This means that if Rev. Kinloch loses his bid for Mayor, he and his family won't have to worry about paying any of this money back to the city. It has raised many questions among local officials who claim that Kinloch is trying to exploit his position as a megachurch leader to enrich himself.
Triumph Church's Chief of Staff Ralph Godbee dismissed these claims stating, "We again have no response to another lie that is not based in fact offered by Robert Davis." However, the activist behind this investigation maintains his theory and believes Kinloch will face consequences for his actions.
As the election nears, the details surrounding Rev. Kinloch's financial dealings are increasingly coming under scrutiny. While he has framed himself as a champion of economic development, many residents wonder if his true focus is on lining his own pockets.
this whole thing is being blown outta proportion, rev kinloch did nothing wrong, he just made a smart business move. $6.6 million for that theater is a steal, and the church will still get its exemption, it's not like he was keeping all that cash for himself 
. the city should be focusing on more important stuff than this 
. and btw, what's with all these accusations? can't we just trust the guy to do good in detroit? 
and what's up with all these "red tape" claims? sounds like someone's trying to spin a narrative 
either way, it's definitely shady 
. Now, I get that Rev. Kinloch is a busy guy, but you've got to wonder if his megachurch is getting more financial help than it should 
Can we please get to the bottom of this and see what's really going on? 
anyway back to this megachurch deal, I'm just wondering how someone can get a theater for 1 dollar and still end up with millions in property taxes tho? like isn't that some kinda loophole or something?
. and now the megachurch is stuck with millions in property taxes if kinloch loses his bid... it's just not right 
. as a detroit resident, i'm tired of seeing our city leaders using their power for personal gain 
) who says Kinloch is trying to sweeten the deal with city officials if he wins the election... just think of all those 'community development' funds lining his pockets 
. And now his church and private company are stuck with a ton of property taxes? That doesn't seem right at all 
.
. Maybe he's not as bad as everyone thinks... or is he? 
.
. Can we get some clarification on this? Was he trying to help his church or was he just lining his own pockets?
. And now we're finding out that they're basically going to be stuck with millions in property taxes if he doesn't win the election 
. That's not right, you know? It sounds like he's trying to use his position for personal gain, and that's just not cool 
.
And if this is all legit, why hasn't Triumph Church been transparent about the whole thing? I mean, we're talking about a non-profit here, so some transparency would be nice 