I don't have much use for televangelists. On the other hand, I have even less use for political grandstanding. I therefore applaud Creflo Dollar's response to Charles Grassley.

One of six Christian ministries under investigation by a Senate committee is rebuffing inquiries into its spending, challenging the panel's watchdog role over religious groups, The Associated Press has learned.

A lawyer for preacher Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International in suburban Atlanta has asked Sen. Charles Grassley to either refer the matter to the IRS or get a subpoena, according to a letter from Dollar's attorney obtained Wednesday by the AP.

Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent pointed questionnaires in early November to a half-dozen ministries, asking about salaries, perks, travel and oversight. The Iowa Republican set Thursday as the deadline for a response.

All six organizations preach a form of the "prosperity gospel," the belief that God wants his faithful followers to reap material rewards.

Besides Dollar, several other televangelists have signaled concerns about invasions of privacy and violations of religious freedom. Only Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., has provided the detailed financial and board oversight information sought by Grassley.

Dollar's refusal could lead to a court fight, giving a judge the authority to decide whether the committee is entitled to all the information it requested.

Grassley emphasized the other five still have time. The senator also reiterated that his probe "has nothing to do with church doctrine" and is strictly concerned with making sure the tax-exempt groups are following the law.

I happen to agree with the stance being taken here. If you truly believe something is wrong here, refer the matter to the IRS. If you are looking to change the law, issue subpoena's that will provide confidentiality to those forced to turn over records. But untill you do ojne of those two things, Senator, we are just looking at an attempt to garner a little publicity at the expense of disfavored religious groups.

By the way, Senator, might it not be better to subpoena the resoucres of mosques to see if they are somehow supporting terrorism, rather than concerning yourself about he lavish (and, dare I say it, scandalously unChristian) lifestyles of these televangelists and their heretical "prosperity gospel"? Granted, these ministries are a safer target due to the infinitesimal probability of a terrorist bombing or attempted beheading by their followers, but I think my suggestion would be much more important for the security of the United States.

Posted by: Greg at 11:25 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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