Grassley to Send Another Round of Letters

Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley is set to send out another round of letters to the six prominent charismatic television ministries he began investigating in November.

[01-21-07] Amid criticism and support, Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, the ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, is set to send out another round of letters to the six prominent charismatic television ministries he began investigating in November the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The follow-up documents, which will go out in the next few weeks, will further inquire about many of the unanswered questions surrounding such issues as salaries, private jets, mansions and luxury vehicles.

Among those asked for financial records, only Joyce Meyer’s and Kenneth Copeland’s ministries have turned over documents.

Though the ministries led by Benny Hinn and Randy and Paula White have been in touch with Grassley’s office, they have not indicated whether they plan to cooperate.

According to the AP both Creflo Dollar and Eddie Long have been adamant in their refusal to disclose information, claiming Grassley has no right to lead such an investigation.

“It’s been extremely rare for tax-exempt groups to decline to cooperate with his requests for information,” said Finance Committee spokeswoman Jill Gerber. “Tax-exempt groups usually work to answer questions from a leader of the Senate committee that sets tax policy. Sen. Grassley hopes that these groups will be similarly cooperative with this inquiry.”