Reported by Christianpost.com:
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Finance, requested on Monday that the six ministry leaders provide financial statements and records by Dec. 6 and respond to a wide range of questions regarding their personal and organizational finances.
Letters requesting for full cooperation were sent to:
Kenneth Copeland and
Grassley is trying to determine whether the ministries are improperly using their tax-exempt status as churches to shield lavish lifestyles, according to CBS News. Allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls-Royces, according to a statement by Grassley.
Responses from ministers:
Paula and Randy White found it unusual that a U.S. senator, and not the IRS, is leading the investigation. "We find it odd that the IRS did not initiate this investigation. It also seems odd that they have asked about areas that have no relationship to the operation of the church," the Whites, who recently announced an amicable divorce, told The Tampa Tribune.
A spokesperson for Joyce Meyer Ministries provided CBS News with an IRS letter dated October 10, 2007 that stated, "We determined that you continue to qualify as an organization exempt from Federal income tax."
Benny Hinn's spokesperson, Ronn Torossian, said in a statement that "World Healing Center Church complies with the laws that govern church and non-profit organizations and will continue to do so."
And Creflo Dollar told CBS News that his ministry is an "open book" and said he would comply with any "valid request" from Grassley.
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