The chairman of an evangelical Christian broadcaster once rapped for its unbalanced views on homosexuality, has criticised a Charity Commission investigation into his group’s finances.

Gordon Pettie, from the Revelation Foundation and Revelation TV, said he felt the commission’s enquiries were moving too slowly and taking time away from “Kingdom business”.

The commission opened its investigation into the channel, formerly based in Surbiton but now broadcasting from Spain, last September.

Mr Pettie said: “A lot of our time, and a lot of staff time, is having to deal with matters related to the Charity Commission’s enquiries. We want to get on with what we believe that we’re called to do.

“I’m absolutely certain that what they’re saying isn’t the case.”

The commission said in a statement: “In March 2014 complaints were received from members of the public alleging the charity was being used for private advantage.

“The commission identified regulatory concerns, which include potential significant loss of charitable funds, trustee benefits, conflicts of interest and connected party transactions.

“These concerns are primarily in relation to the production and broadcasting of television programmes from Spain, as well as the trustees’ decisions to transfer significant charitable assets and funds from the UK to Spain.”

A further meeting between the charity and the commission is set for Tuesday, January 27, in Surbiton, where Revelation TV still has a video studio.

Mr Pettie told viewers in an update on Revelation TV’s website: “We do believe that we are in a spiritual battle.

“Certainly the enemy is using the investigation to cause us to have a great deal of time taken away from ‘Kingdom business’.”

Between 2002 and 2010 UK regulator Ofcom rapped the channel, formerly based at Genesis House in Surbiton, for a small number of broadcasting code breaches.

Those included excessive on-air promotion of a book and DVD, and failing to ensure a balance of views in a discussion of homosexuality.

Revelation TV explained its move to Spain in a 2011 newsletter.

It said: “The political correctness that exists in the UK makes it almost impossible for a television station like Revelation TV to continue to exist and speak forth the word of God.”