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Today in the AJC, a story cracked on how the Senate is investigating Megachurches here in Atlanta and a few more nationwide. Of course under scrutany is world reknowned leaders, Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth, and Rev. Creflo Dollar (and wife Taffi) of World Changers Church International. I have attended both congregations and yes, both are extremely lavish and extravagant, but does that mean that the actual members of the congregations are the main cause and reason for both pastors to live lavishly outside of the church? Well according to Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), this could very well be the case.


The gospel message that links God with dollars has been called to judgment before a powerful U.S. senator.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) sent letters requesting detailed financial documents to two metro Atlanta preachers and four other ministries nationwide whose leaders are known for opulent, or as the ministers would say, blessed, lifestyles.

Grassley is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and has developed a reputation for demanding financial transparency from non-profits. He wants to know how much Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia and the Rev. Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International in College Park make, how their church-issued credit cards are managed and how many cars, planes and foreign bank accounts they own. He has asked for information on the ministries' boards, business relationships and associated organizations.

"I'm following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries," Grassley said in a press release.


For the full story by Christopher Quinn of the AJC, visit:
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/11/06/preachers_1106.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab