Senator says televangelists obstructing finance probe

Senator Chuck Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is irritated with the lack of cooperation he’s received from several televangelists under investigation for allegedly using their tax-exempt ministries to fund lavish lifestyles. The Iowa Republican says in his five years of investigating non-profits, he’s never encountered such stonewalling.

Grassley had asked six televangelist ministries to turn over their financial statements and records to the Senate Finance Committee by December 6, 2007. The six ministries under investigation are led by Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland, and Benny Hinn.

But only Kenneth Copeland and Joyce Meyer have complied with Grassley’s request. Creflo Dollar says he will not provide the information voluntarily and has raised the idea of a subpoena. Eddie Long has also said he is unwilling to cooperate, and Paula White has asked for additional time to respond. Grassley’s office has not heard from Benny Hinn’s attorneys since December 13, 2007…