by Grammy 6 Replies latest watchtower scandals
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is investigating six prominent televangelist ministries for possible financial misconduct.
The six ministries identified as being under investigation by the committee are led by: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. Three of the six - Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar - also sit on the Board of Regents for the Oral Roberts University.
the Iowa Republican is trying to determine whether or not these ministries are improperly using their tax-exempt status as churches to shield lavish lifestyles.
It's about time !! Some of these "preachers" are scam artists, and most or all of them have extremely wealthy lifestyles. This is not like their supposed leader Jesus who the records say "had nowhere to lay his head".
I see no reason why these wealthy ministries should retain tax-exempt status. All other money making industries are taxed (including the ones who give large charitable donations).
Good for Senator Grassley!
I see no reason why these wealthy ministries should retain tax-exempt status.
I agree 100% now if only they would investigate the WBTS!
I agree the WTS should eventually be a target. But first, the high-profile wealthy ministries like Benny Hinn need to be dealt with.
I see no reason why these wealthy ministries should retain tax-exempt status.
I see no reason why any religion/ministry should retain tax-exempt status. Religions and their churches have become big business.
If a religion has charitable foundations or programs to help the poor/needy/etc, then those programs could be set up to be non-profit charities, exempt from taxes, but the religion, as a business, should be paying taxes.
Not only would this hit the quasi-cults like the JWs and the Mormons, it would hit the televangelists and the main stream religions, like the Catholics, who have more money than God...literally.
Mmm - wonder if this is why Joyce Meyer has just switched to a UK publisher for her books?
Dunno if there is a connection, maybe someone else can work it out. Royalties made outside the US are exempt from US income laws maybe?
I'm totally against the USA taxation and strongly dislike the fact that so much goes towards it's super big military and is spent on Imperialistis goals which will bring huge profit for the mega rich. If most of the tax revenue went towards helping people and not feeding this behemoth resource waster we call the US government I would have no problem with with paying my fair share but until it does I will look for ways to circumvent such taxation with what I consider fair measures.
When I get some more money I plan to get some good lawyers and see if I can avoid paying any taxes by forming somekind of religion and donating all my money to it.My religion can be simply beleive what you will, or something like that, after all what right does some judges hired by the state to collect taxes have to say whether or not it is a bona fide religion, there is lots of wiggle room on that question,, if you ask me.
