The so-called "prosperity preachers" are rebuffing demands by Sen. Charles Grassley (D-Iowa) to submit records detailing their salaries, perks, travel and oversight.
Of six mega-ministries included in the inquiry, only Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., has complied.
The ministries all preach a "prosperity gospel," which holds that God wants believers to be rich. Grassley wants to know just how rich the preachers are, and whether they're violating IRS rules that prohibit ministers and executives of nonprofits from excessive personal gain through tax-exempt work.
It's an interesting issue. One can see why churches--even some who disapprove of the six ministries--are wary of Congress prying into their business. That seems like a classic church-state confrontation.
On the other hand, shouldn't the public have the right to know what preachers, such as the richly named Creflo Dollar of suburban Atlanta, are doing with the bounty of the offering plate?
Only when the details are known can we ponder the question: Do oceanfront homes and (in the case of the Joyce Meyer Ministries) a $23,000 marble-topped commode mean that God is pleased?
Read more about Grassley's inquiry here.
Barb Shelly, editorial board
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God must be dead
if these so-called "preachers" are alive
Religion is fertile ground
Religion is fertile ground for cons. The govt should have an interest as long as they receive preferential tax treatment, but maybe the best answer is to do away with the special tax treatment.
I'm torn
I think to myself, "bout time" and then I think, hmmm, but at what cost? It's a fine line in religious organizations when you bring in governmental power. The balance of the government and religion is very difficult. I wonder if the Lemon Test would work here...secular purpose (protecting the public from being ripped off), excessive entanglement of government in religion...maybe there is maybe there isn't in this case, and does it inhibit or advance religion? Well, it doesn't advance religion, but would submitting salaries of the pastors and staff inhibit religion? I don't think so. It might be entanglement, the government deciding the salaries of church pastors and staff. Other than that, salaries being made public doesn't seem like a bad idea. I think churches should make public exactly how their funds are spent...at least in general terms such as stating what goes for building maintanace, missions, different programs, etc. I am not sure what rights the pastors have to hide their salaries in this case.
Dawn Meisenheimer Lewis
Midwest Voices 2007