Senate to investigate Televangelists

[cheewiee]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/06/cbsnews_investigates/main3456977.shtml

To make a long story short, Sen. Charles Grassley (R) is investingating six televangelist ministries for possible financial misconduct. The ones being investigated, Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland, and Benny Hinn.

My initial reaction, regardless of the possible abuses carried out by televangelists the Republicans really don't want the conservative evangelical vote anymore, do they?

Anyway it appears that this was instigated by Ole Anthony, who is sour that bad press hasn't caused people to cease donations to these ministries, so he turns to a federal senate investigation.

[kiwisongbird]

They will all be fine, if they have nothing to hide - if they have stuff to hide or stuff to be ashamed of - then it'll do them nothing but good to be found out when you look at eternity...

Good on them for not worrying about the vote, rather thinking about justice and truth! :)

[clemsontigers23]

Doesn't the Senate have better things to do?

[cheewiee]

Doesn't the Senate have better things to do?

That's kind of my point of view...

I mean isn't that what the IRS is for? To keep these people on the Up and up?

[in hiding]

Doesn't the Senate have better things to do?

i think it's perfectly appropriate for the senate committee on finance to involve themselves; they oversee the IRS. If there are legitimate concerns (Benny Hinns group has been ranked very poorly on transparency of funds etc...) then I think it's appropriate they are investigated. It may be sour grapes, or at least it's possible to construe it that way, but the bottom line is this...if there is evidence these televangelists are misusing funds they shouldn't be let off the hook.

[Evanescence]

A lot of non-profit groups abuse the system....preachers aren't immune to this so all groups should be looked at. They all cheat on some level, it just comes down to who is gonna get caught or who has been dumb...

The Animal Rights groups are a good example...

[kiwisongbird]

Yup, they should all be kept an eye on - Christian and non-Christian groups alike... as Christians we should be pleased when others get checked out - it gives the world the opportunity to see that Christians can be above boards in these matters - and if they aren't - then they, more than non Christian groups, need to be caught! IMHO... :)

[Debbie]

I am with you. I believe in a world of legalities, no one exempt from accountability.

Yup, they should all be kept an eye on - Christian and non-Christian groups alike... as Christians we should be pleased when others get checked out - it gives the world the opportunity to see that Christians can be above boards in these matters - and if they aren't - then they, more than non Christian groups, need to be caught! IMHO... :)

[EmmoGomer]

They will all be fine, if they have nothing to hide - if they have stuff to hide or stuff to be ashamed of - then it'll do them nothing but good to be found out when you look at eternity...

AMEN Mama LJ!!!

[Pouye]

There are a lot bigger fish to fry out there. This doesn't even make sense to me unless it is an attempt to distance themselves from the right-wing media.

Truth be told, most private businesses and "non-profits" (whether "Christian" or not) do not hold up to microscopic scrutiny from an investigation. There are lots and lots of laws out there, and some of them are ambiguous.

Here is an example. You are in a non-profit organization. You, as a member, raise your own funds, and you contribute a portion of your funds to the organization, who then helps you with services (such as keeping track of your donors, etc.). You, as a member, ask if a donor program could be set up so that members can use donated cars to travel around in, thus paying only a small amount to cover taxes and the cost of licensing.

In some states, such programs are illegal. You, as a member of a private organization, are "unfairly" benefiting from a "scheme", even though the vehicles were donated.

Such things nail organizations all of the time, especially "conflict of interest" situations.

Rock

[kiwisongbird]

I can see that things can be difficult - but think that it's a good idea for many organisations to be checked out, not just Christian ones.

BTW, I've had an email from Joyce Meyers' organisation giving addresses to check out their financial books etc - I was impressed! :)

[middletree]

BTW, I've had an email from Joyce Meyers' organisation giving addresses to check out their financial books etc - I was impressed! :)

Good for her. Doesn't make up for the fact that she said that the devil doesn't want her preaching the Prosperity Gospel, but hey...

Bill Graham is part of an organization which several ministries are part of. It requires participating ministries to be very open and accountable regarding how all incoming money is spent.

[Sam!]

I thought that as Christians we no longer lived under the law?

j/k ;)