Senator Grassley vs The TV Preachers


The AP is reporting that Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is investigating a bunch of Christian media ministries.

Grassley sent letters to the half-dozen Christian media ministries earlier this week requesting answers by Dec. 6 about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities, including use of fancy cars and private jets.

It’s no big surprise that the letters were sent to the big names in tv preaching- the ones easily tempted by the cash…

Kenneth Copeland, the tongues-speaking charismatic preacher from Newark, Texas, gave himself a “personal gift” of more than $2 million.

Joyce and David Meyer, of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., spent $30,000 on a conference table and $23,000 on a “commode with marble top.” (these two have been doing it for years)

Randy and Paula White, of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla., purchased three homes and ran up excessive credit card charges for clothes and cosmetic surgery. They also bought a Bentley convertible as a gift for Bishop T.D. Jakes

and the list goes on and on…

Creflo and Taffi Dollar: use of private planes, excessive compensation

Benny Hinn: Use of a private jet, a home in california, excessive salary

Eddie Long: excessive Salary and a $1.4 million real estate transaction

I’m glad to see someone if finally going after these tax-dodging charlatans. My only regret is that Rod Parsley isn’t included in the list.

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Plunderchat:

[…] in November Sen. Chuck Grassley launched an investigation of some big-name TV preachers believing they no longer deserve to maintain their tax-exempt status […]

I believe the whole bunch of televangelist got corrupted by greed, which is an almost natural response to all that abundance of hopeful followers, the extravagancy they live on, certainly! must be stopped, it is the most vile explotation of the simple minded masses yet, it is not a new phenomenon, Senator Grassley is really (perhaps without realizing it)protecting the public.

Well put.

At the very least these megachurches and TV ministries need to start paying their fair share of taxes.

[…] Kenneth Copeland - one of the corrupt ministers being investigated for breaking all kinds of tax laws with his extravigant lifestyle - has basically told Senator […]

Why isn’t Grassley going after Billy Graham?

And how about James Dobson?