Preacher Tells the Senate to Go Investigate Itself

In a follow-up to this item, one of the six ministries under investigation by the Senate has basically told the Senate to go pound sand:

One of six Christian ministries under investigation by a Senate committee is rebuffing inquiries into its spending, challenging the panel's watchdog role over religious groups, The Associated Press has learned.

A lawyer for preacher Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International in suburban Atlanta has asked Sen. Charles Grassley to either refer the matter to the IRS or get a subpoena, according to a letter from Dollar's attorney obtained Wednesday by the AP.

Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent pointed questionnaires in early November to a half-dozen ministries, asking about salaries, perks, travel and oversight. The Iowa Republican set Thursday as the deadline for a response.

All six organizations preach a form of the "prosperity gospel," the belief that God wants his faithful followers to reap material rewards.

Besides Dollar, several other televangelists have signaled concerns about invasions of privacy and violations of religious freedom. Only Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., has provided the detailed financial and board oversight information sought by Grassley.

Dollar's refusal could lead to a court fight, giving a judge the authority to decide whether the committee is entitled to all the information it requested.

Whether or not the ministries are operating on the up-and-up, I tend to agree with Dollar in refusing the request of the Senate. Whether you like what they're doing or not, they are a religious non-profit and that shouldn't give the Senate carte blanche to look at whatever they want.

UPDATE: Benny Hinn too. He probably doesn't want to risk losing that jet.