An Atlanta megachurch took in $69 million in 2006, according to a financial statement the church’s minister released in response to a Senate investigation into him and five other well-known televangelists.
The Rev. Creflo Dollar disclosed the World Changers Church International’s financial information to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but said the money he spends is his own.
More goodies from the AJC:
Grassley says he believes televangelists receive billions in donations each year. But he doesn't really know, because churches don't have to make their finances public like most nonprofits and charities.
Thanks to the First Amendment, the government treads carefully when it comes to walking in religion's orchard. The federal government does not tax ministries.
But Grassley said his probe has nothing to do with religion.
"I'm not interested in doctrine, just the tax laws," he said.
He has looked at the high-roller lifestyles of TV ministers and wonders whether church leaders are using the breaks given to them to enrich themselves.
Ya think, Chuck?
