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Televangelists Snub Senate Probe Into Finances

Creflo Dollar

Creflo Dollar is one of the TV ministers who is refusing to cooperate in a Senate probe into his church's finances and use of tax codes.

Courtesy World Changers Church International

News Headlines: Dec. 6, 2007

Talk About It:
The AJC: Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long Spurn Senate Probe -- "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. The others -- Bishop Eddie Long of Georgia, the Rev. Binny Hinn and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Texas, and Randy and Paula White of Florida -- had not turned in records as of Thursday morning. Only Joyce Meyer of Fenton, Mo., has complied so far with Thursday's deadline looming."

When News & Notes initially covered this topic, five out of the six churches provided us with statements on the matter -- including New Birth's Bishop Eddie Long.

The statement read:

"Bishop Long has received a request for information from the United States Senate. He plans to fully comply. New Birth has several safeguards put in place to ensure all transactions are in compliance with laws applicable to churches."

To what would you attribute this apparent lack of cooperation on his behalf and these other televangelists?

Related: Are Big-Spending Clergy Abusing U.S. Tax Code? | Questions Surround TV Preacher Inquiry

Flashback: Senator Probes Televangelists' Finances

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If they have nothing to hide why not comply with the request for information?

Sent by Andre Branch | 2:21 PM ET | 12-06-2007

I would respond to the IRS, not a Senator. It is a matter of principle. I know a lot of us do not trust mega churches. I know I have some reservations about them. At the same time who is this Senator to just demand financial records just because? That is like Barbara Boxer demanding copies of my tax returns because it 'appears' to her I have done something illegal.

I am all for keeping churches in line regarding the tax code. However, it is not his job to that. Let the IRS handle it.

Sent by T. Rogers | 7:08 PM ET | 12-06-2007

So what has happened to all the talk of "Church should be seperate from the State"?

Sent by ceecee | 7:26 PM ET | 12-06-2007

Since we have presidential candidates who are making their faith an issue, well, it's a political football. What better target than the televangelists. They have a history of corruption. Opposing candidates can put a spin on it and keep it going till election day. Their goal, to cast doubt in the minds of potential voters. The damage really, may be already done. Televangelists and their mega-churches are just pawns.

Sent by Hopkins | 1:18 PM ET | 12-07-2007



   
   
   
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