T.V. Preacher Rebuffs Senate Spending Inquiry
Pastor Dale Morgan
Dec 5, 6:07 PM EST
*T.V. Preacher Rebuffs Senate Spending Inquiry*
By ERIC GORSKI and RACHEL ZOLL
AP Religion Writers
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.