NOW UNDER INVESTIGATION!
(finally)
(finally)
This morning I heard that Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) is spearheading a Senate investigation to look into the financial records of “Prosperity” TV preachers. Praise the Lord! He is investing Benny Hinn, Greflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Bishop Eddie Long, and Paula & Randy White. Naturally there are cries that this is not legal nor Constitutional, but when Joyce Meyer has a $23,000 commode, I think it is perfectly acceptable to watch these blood sucking maggots suffer a little emotional wear and tear as they contemplate visions of IRS agents dancing on their graves.
“…Grassley is the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, which has oversight of non-profits. The letters say he wants to ensure money spent on the lifestyles of the rich and famous ministers falls within the boundaries of tax codes and that donors' money is going where they expect.
The letters mention Rolls Royce cars, overseas bank accounts, private jets and planes, donated jewelry, and in the case of Joyce Meyer, a $23,000 commode.
The request is voluntary at this point. The committee has subpoena power, but the letters were from Grassley, not the committee.
"We can recognize that Congress has a right to gather information concerning religious organizations' compliance with the tax code, but this right must be limited in order to protect the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom," Hammar said.
Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said that, because the IRS is constrained by the Church Audit Procedures Act, it may need the help of congressional oversight to look into church finances.
"I don't think this step by Senator Grassley has violated the constitutional rights of anyone," Lynn said. Lynn is a United Church of Christ minister and the organization lobbies to make sure the wall of separation between religion and government is a strong one.
"Senator Grassley has the right to ask people for information when he's clearly not just on a fishing expedition."
Ken Behr, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, noted that Congress has investigated other non-profits such as universities, the United Way, the American Heart Association and hospitals. The ECFA is a voluntary membership organization that sets accounting, transparency and operating standards for ministries. It has more than 2,000 members. None of the ministries in question belong to it.
"It isn't unusual at all for the Senate Finance Committee or the House Ways and Means Committee to get involved in tax issues such as these," Behr said.
But Behr noted that the questions posed to the six ministries by Grassley read just like questions the IRS would be asking an organization it was investigating. And there is no prohibition from the congressional committee sharing any information it receives from the ministries with the IRS.
"Many of the questions they're asking are right up the alley for the IRS," Behr said. "The committee could just be teeing it up for them."…”
The letters mention Rolls Royce cars, overseas bank accounts, private jets and planes, donated jewelry, and in the case of Joyce Meyer, a $23,000 commode.
The request is voluntary at this point. The committee has subpoena power, but the letters were from Grassley, not the committee.
"We can recognize that Congress has a right to gather information concerning religious organizations' compliance with the tax code, but this right must be limited in order to protect the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom," Hammar said.
Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said that, because the IRS is constrained by the Church Audit Procedures Act, it may need the help of congressional oversight to look into church finances.
"I don't think this step by Senator Grassley has violated the constitutional rights of anyone," Lynn said. Lynn is a United Church of Christ minister and the organization lobbies to make sure the wall of separation between religion and government is a strong one.
"Senator Grassley has the right to ask people for information when he's clearly not just on a fishing expedition."
Ken Behr, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, noted that Congress has investigated other non-profits such as universities, the United Way, the American Heart Association and hospitals. The ECFA is a voluntary membership organization that sets accounting, transparency and operating standards for ministries. It has more than 2,000 members. None of the ministries in question belong to it.
"It isn't unusual at all for the Senate Finance Committee or the House Ways and Means Committee to get involved in tax issues such as these," Behr said.
But Behr noted that the questions posed to the six ministries by Grassley read just like questions the IRS would be asking an organization it was investigating. And there is no prohibition from the congressional committee sharing any information it receives from the ministries with the IRS.
"Many of the questions they're asking are right up the alley for the IRS," Behr said. "The committee could just be teeing it up for them."…”
A RANT
Last night as I was preparing for bed I was doing some channel surfing. I had the misfortune to hit upon TBN, (the “Christian” show with the woman who has pink hair) where a “Minister” named Paula White was schlepping her “First Fruits” con game. http://www.paulawhite.org/ (hot damn, she’s one of them being investigated!)
THE FIRST FRUITS SCAM
This is the S*@# she was promoting – The First Fruits Donations, etc.
“… The first fruits offering honors God and gives you the power and anointing to get wealth according to the word of God. The Bible references first fruits or first things or devoted things no less than 32 times "First fruits" is not the same as tithe. Tithe is the first tenth. First fruits is the whole... the root... the foundation. "For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches."— Romans 11:16 When you offer God your first fruits and bring Him the fullness of the first, you establish the foundation that the "whole thing" — your entire life — will be holy and blessed. To biblically position yourself for your first fruits blessing in 2007, give your very best to the Lord's work today as your first fruits offering….”
Her scam works like this. If your prayer life isn’t working well, if you don’t think you are getting answers as quickly as you would wish, donate a whole paycheck or a month’s pay to her ministry or to TBN! (I am not kidding you). Then, and only then, will the Lord bless you and give you piles and piles of money!
GIMME GIMME GIMME!
Just read these "testimonies!"
““We have had a lifestyle of giving into the Kingdom and know from years of experience the benefits that come with giving God your first fruit. Since then we have bought five homes, of which the one we now live is in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Pensacola. But in all that, our goal was to be able to plant a $10,000 seed ... and it was Pastor Paula that God said plant into the ministry God has given unto her. — Dr. Crenshaw, Florida
I watched your shows about First Fruits. I had recently been praying and fasting and saw doing First Fruits as something I could share with my Lord and Savior for answering so many of my prayers. I had separated from my husband and was a single mom struggling to survive. I continued to pray for financial stability for me and my daughter. Two weeks after I first fruited to the Lord, I was interviewed for the Director's position at work and the day after my interview I was given the job. My salary was doubled instantly and I was even going to be retro paid for the interim position I had been fulfilling. I could not believe God had blessed me and my daughter in such a manner!— Guadalupe, California”
THE RANT CONTINUESI watched your shows about First Fruits. I had recently been praying and fasting and saw doing First Fruits as something I could share with my Lord and Savior for answering so many of my prayers. I had separated from my husband and was a single mom struggling to survive. I continued to pray for financial stability for me and my daughter. Two weeks after I first fruited to the Lord, I was interviewed for the Director's position at work and the day after my interview I was given the job. My salary was doubled instantly and I was even going to be retro paid for the interim position I had been fulfilling. I could not believe God had blessed me and my daughter in such a manner!— Guadalupe, California”
Paula White stood there, on television and said that if people donated to TBN they would be financially “blessed”. She also advocated that people donate a whole paycheck or a month’s pay to the ministry in order to be blessed in their prayer life and prosperity. In order to “Prosper” (as in live long and) White advocates donating to her ministry or that of TBN BEFORE paying ones rent, electrical or phone bills. In other words, of your kids were starving and you could barely make ends meet, you need to donate the money you need to care for your children, NOT OUT OF LOVE OF CHRIST, but in order to generate a God-given income stream based on a 10X return of your donation.
I watched in fascinated horror as she pointed her very long French manicure nails, much like the talons of a raptor carrying in their prey. She sounded like one of those out of control, old fashioned, southern preachers I despise so much. Despise is such a wrong word – I don’t like out of control emotion. Give me a good 15 to 20 minute rational (three legged stool – reason, scripture, tradition) Episcopalian sermon any day of the week. There’s a heck of a lot more Gospel in it. And, if there isn’t – well it’s required, unless you’re in a liberal diocese (which I’m not). In the Episcopal church there is no specific requirement about how much a parishioner is to donate. It doesn’t even need to be in cash, but time spent or in-kind donations (my usual).
Paula White’s pyramid sounding donation scheme doesn’t even reflect the teachings of Christ. Matthew 6: 1-6
“1 "(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites 2 do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
I know this is about giving alms, but I don’t remember Christ discussing First Fruit giving for blessings and the mega buck lottery.
Paula White and her husband, Randy are divorcing. The question is who is getting their mega-church “Without Walls”? Paula owns a $3.5 million condo in Trump Tower!
The Feds are now investigating them!
“…* Detailed explanations of compensation received by the Whites, including all cash and other gifts.
* Dates and locations of all board meetings since 2004. The letter also calls for the names of those who attended the meetings, as well as the total cost for lodging, meals, travel and entertainment.
* Statements for all credit cards used by the Whites since 2004 for expenses related to the
ministries, including explanations for clothing and cosmetic surgery.
* A list of expenses paid by the ministries relating to homes purchased by the Whites in Tampa; San Antonio, Texas; New York City; and Malibu, Calif. The letters also call for the addresses and size of each residence.
* The year, make and model of all vehicles and aircraft purchased, leased or maintained by the ministries. Copies of flight records also are requested.
* A receipt and documentation of payment method for a Bentley convertible reportedly purchased by the Whites as a tax-exempt gift for Texas author Bishop T.D. Jakes.
* All domestic and overseas bank accounts and investments belonging to the ministries.
* Names and addresses for the publishers of all commercial-related goods relating to the ministry, such as books and audio-video recordings of sermons.
* Detailed accounting of $871,000 worth of merchandise reportedly sold to the church since 2005 by two private businesses owned by the Whites. The letter also calls for the names of those companies and the amounts paid by the church.
Grassley said in his letter that the investigation of the six ministries stems from multiple news reports that have "caused some concern for the Finance Committee."…”
* Dates and locations of all board meetings since 2004. The letter also calls for the names of those who attended the meetings, as well as the total cost for lodging, meals, travel and entertainment.
* Statements for all credit cards used by the Whites since 2004 for expenses related to the
ministries, including explanations for clothing and cosmetic surgery.
* A list of expenses paid by the ministries relating to homes purchased by the Whites in Tampa; San Antonio, Texas; New York City; and Malibu, Calif. The letters also call for the addresses and size of each residence.
* The year, make and model of all vehicles and aircraft purchased, leased or maintained by the ministries. Copies of flight records also are requested.
* A receipt and documentation of payment method for a Bentley convertible reportedly purchased by the Whites as a tax-exempt gift for Texas author Bishop T.D. Jakes.
* All domestic and overseas bank accounts and investments belonging to the ministries.
* Names and addresses for the publishers of all commercial-related goods relating to the ministry, such as books and audio-video recordings of sermons.
* Detailed accounting of $871,000 worth of merchandise reportedly sold to the church since 2005 by two private businesses owned by the Whites. The letter also calls for the names of those companies and the amounts paid by the church.
Grassley said in his letter that the investigation of the six ministries stems from multiple news reports that have "caused some concern for the Finance Committee."…”
Bentley convertible? Wait, there’s more…
“…White also has been dubbed a prosperity preacher, a proponent of the name-it and claim-it gospel, which purports that people can receive financial, emotional and spiritual blessings if they donate. That message and her penchant for designer clothing and flashy cars have added to the cacophony of criticism. White drives a Mercedes-Benz and flies around the country in a private jet. She lives in a $2.1-million mansion on Tampa's Bayshore Boulevard and has a Fifth Avenue condo in Trump Tower in New York City. The ministries took in $39.9-million in 2006, according to an audit of Without Walls and Paula White Ministries released in June by an independent Clearwater accounting firm. About $28.6--million helped promote the church's programs, conferences and outreach efforts, the audit said. Other expenses covered management and fundraising. White's salary was not detailed, but her publicist says she has multiple streams of income outside the ministry. She donates to causes and individuals both inside and outside of Without Walls, her publicist said. At the Christian retail show, for example, White told one of her assistants to send gospel artist CeCe Winans "another check" for her planned conference for girls. Winans beamed. White said she already had given the effort $25,000.
And for his 50th birthday in June, White sent Jakes a black convertible Bentley. It was intended to be quiet gift, White said, but an overzealous member of Jakes' ministry shouted out the news at the retail show….
…
Without Walls International Church
Origin: Started as a storefront church in 1991 as South Tampa Christian Center.
Renamed: Without Walls International Church in 1997 and moved into an old Canada Dry Factory near Raymond James Stadium.
Size: Has more than 22,000 members and more than 200 outreach ministries.
Demographics: Predominately African American. But prides itself on being the "Vegetable Soup Church" with people from a variety of ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Income: $39.9-million in 2006; $28-million in 2005. Figures represent combined income from Without Walls and Paula White Ministries.
Source: Without Walls by Randy White; 2006 Independent Audit by Lewis, Birch & Ricardo, LLC…”
THE RANT CONCLUDES And for his 50th birthday in June, White sent Jakes a black convertible Bentley. It was intended to be quiet gift, White said, but an overzealous member of Jakes' ministry shouted out the news at the retail show….
…
Without Walls International Church
Origin: Started as a storefront church in 1991 as South Tampa Christian Center.
Renamed: Without Walls International Church in 1997 and moved into an old Canada Dry Factory near Raymond James Stadium.
Size: Has more than 22,000 members and more than 200 outreach ministries.
Demographics: Predominately African American. But prides itself on being the "Vegetable Soup Church" with people from a variety of ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Income: $39.9-million in 2006; $28-million in 2005. Figures represent combined income from Without Walls and Paula White Ministries.
Source: Without Walls by Randy White; 2006 Independent Audit by Lewis, Birch & Ricardo, LLC…”
I’m sorry, this is obscene. Funny though, last night while watching the raptor that is Paula White, I kept thinking how nice it would be to see her investigated. Golly, I guess God does answer prayers, even when you don’t give some preacher all your money!
Who knew?
Seriously, I don’t believe in mega-churches, mega-giving, and religious machines. Maybe that’s why I like the Episcopal church so much. I’d much rather put up with a gay bishop or two than have an embarrassment like Paula White sucking blood money out of people like an ecumenical vampire. I like giving privately. We are not required to “Donate” 10% to a church for our salvation, prosperity, or blessings. We donate freely because we have the generosity of Christ within us.
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