Creflo Dollar not cooperating with Senate probeDollar, Texas minister don't plan to turn over financial records by today's deadline
(edited by Ivent; courtesy of ajc.com)
The Rev. Creflo Dollar of College Park's World Changers Church International refused to cooperate in a U.S. senator's probe into televangelists' finances and uses of tax-exempt status.
His was one of six media ministries, including Bishop Eddie Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, from which Grassley asked documents.
His was one of six media ministries, including Bishop Eddie Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, from which Grassley asked documents.
The others — the Rev. Benny Hinn and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Texas, and Randy and Paula White of Florida — had not turned in records as of Thursday morning.
Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas, said in a statement to the AP on Thursday that he will not respond to the inquiry until next year.
Only Joyce Meyer of Fenton, Mo., has complied so far with Thursday's deadline looming.
Dollar's attorney sent Grassley a letter telling him to get a subpoena or to refer his request for a review to the Internal Revenue Service.
The letter expresses concerns about giving documents to the government, explaining such action could trample on the constitutional rights of people to practice religious beliefs without government interference.
The letter says the six ministries targeted preach the "...'Prosperity Gospel,' a deeply held religious belief that God's devout followers and earthly leaders will prosper and be successful in all they do, including in financial matters, as the outward expression of his favor."
It went on to say, "... we believe that the religious doctrine and practices of a church should not be held out for the world to evaluate as a result of responding to Congressional inquiries."
Dollar could not be reached Thursday morning.
Grassley said he is not interested in doctrine. He wants to make sure media ministries are not abusing their tax-exempt status.
He is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and has probed other nonprofit organizations, uncovering fraud and waste.
He believes he has a right to review records because when non-profits get tax breaks, the general public has to pick up the financial slack.
"I have an obligation to protect the integrity of U.S. tax laws," Grassley said in a written statement. "If tax-exempt organizations, including media-based ministries, thumb their noses at the laws governing their preferential tax treatment, the American public, their contributors and the Internal Revenue Service have a right to know. Considering tax-exempt media-based ministries today are a billion-dollar industry with minimal transparency, it would be irresponsible not to examine this tax-exempt part of our economy."
Long could not be reached, but a spokesman said they are preparing their response.
Meyer took an opposite stance from Dollar. She turned over records Tuesday.
In a written statement, Meyer said the ministry embraces "... this latest opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to transparency with our supporters and our dedication to the continual improvement of our own systems of accountability."
Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas, said in a statement to the AP on Thursday that he will not respond to the inquiry until next year.
Only Joyce Meyer of Fenton, Mo., has complied so far with Thursday's deadline looming.
Dollar's attorney sent Grassley a letter telling him to get a subpoena or to refer his request for a review to the Internal Revenue Service.
The letter expresses concerns about giving documents to the government, explaining such action could trample on the constitutional rights of people to practice religious beliefs without government interference.
The letter says the six ministries targeted preach the "...'Prosperity Gospel,' a deeply held religious belief that God's devout followers and earthly leaders will prosper and be successful in all they do, including in financial matters, as the outward expression of his favor."
It went on to say, "... we believe that the religious doctrine and practices of a church should not be held out for the world to evaluate as a result of responding to Congressional inquiries."
Dollar could not be reached Thursday morning.
Grassley said he is not interested in doctrine. He wants to make sure media ministries are not abusing their tax-exempt status.
He is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and has probed other nonprofit organizations, uncovering fraud and waste.
He believes he has a right to review records because when non-profits get tax breaks, the general public has to pick up the financial slack.
"I have an obligation to protect the integrity of U.S. tax laws," Grassley said in a written statement. "If tax-exempt organizations, including media-based ministries, thumb their noses at the laws governing their preferential tax treatment, the American public, their contributors and the Internal Revenue Service have a right to know. Considering tax-exempt media-based ministries today are a billion-dollar industry with minimal transparency, it would be irresponsible not to examine this tax-exempt part of our economy."
Long could not be reached, but a spokesman said they are preparing their response.
Meyer took an opposite stance from Dollar. She turned over records Tuesday.
In a written statement, Meyer said the ministry embraces "... this latest opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to transparency with our supporters and our dedication to the continual improvement of our own systems of accountability."
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please know...threats of hell and bible scriptures are futile-look at your church if you don't believe me! Get your 'body of christ' in order and then come talk to me.
Yours in Reason, Bria :)