Are televangelists above the law? Two seem to think so

Six televangelists are being investigated by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley for alleged financial wrongdoing. A deadline for them to turn over requested information was Thursday Dec. 6. Only two have complied with the request.

Due to complaints Sen. Charles Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, began an investigation of six televangelists last month. They are all "nonprofit" organizations. According to the Associated Press Sen. Chuck Grassley some questions to the six ministries asking about their salaries, their perks and their private jets. He is trying to determine if rules that govern tax-exempt groups has been broken. So far only two have turned in the requested information. Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., was the first to submit the information that was requested by Grassley. On Thursday representatives of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland sent in a package of material. The pastors of Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Fla., Paula and Randy White have asked for an extension according to Grassley's staff. Benny Hinn a Texas based faith healer has also asked for more time.

"We've had more concern from people meeting the deadline, so I've made very clear that if they're cooperating, we'll be flexible, because we want information," Grassley said. "I want and expect full cooperation."

Bishop Eddie Long pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Livonia, Ga. and Creflo Dollar, pastor of World Changers Church Intl. of College Park, Ga., have refused to comply with Grassley's request. Grassley is still confident that he will get the cooperation of all the ministries even though some are opposing it. The IRS does not require that churches make their finances public. Attorneys for some of the ministries claim that the information that is being sought amounts to unconstitutional governmental meddling in religion. Grassley states he is not investigating the doctrine of the ministries but checking to be sure that with their tax-exempt status that they are following the rules. Grassley states even though he doesn't believe it will be necessary he will seek subpoenas if it is necessary.