Although there are so very many crimes at work in religion...I think that the worst of all those, is when religious bullies prey on the hurting and vulnerable, not robbing them of their monies necessarily but of their faith.

Of their belief that God loves them. Always making them feel like they are not as good as others, not of a big enuf faith to be healed, delivered, to be accepted by God and others. And that is rampant crime in many a church...

OhDear

Don't worry, Gary is tracking this story for you.

I wonder what these guys are trying to hide?

"Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas, said in a statement to the AP on Thursday that he will not respond to the inquiry until next year.
A lawyer for preacher Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International in suburban Atlanta had said Wednesday that the investigation should be referred to the IRS or the Senate panel should get a subpoena for the documents.

Sen. Charles Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent lengthy questionnaires a month ago to six ministries so he could review whether pastors were complying with IRS rules that bar excessive personal gain through tax-exempt work.

Only Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., has provided the detailed financial and board oversight information sought by Grassley.

All the ministries preach a form of Word of Faith theology, known as prosperity gospel, which teaches that God wants believers to reap material rewards for their faith.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hyJXUzspCsKqZSfzvWuBli3_DM-gD8TC0JB00

I only heard yesterday that the Rev. Dollar was defiant to Grassley, and told him to contact the IRS or get a warrant (or subpoena).

"Where is that Goshen of mediocrity in which a smattering of science and learning will pass for profound instruction, where platitudes will be accepted as wisdom, bigoted narrowness as holy zeal, unctuous egoism as God-given piety? Let such a man become an evangelical preacher; he will then find it possible to reconcile small ability with great ambition, superficial knowledge with the prestige of erudition, a middling morale with a high reputation for sanctity."
- George Elliot, in Evangelical Teaching

I have always questioned Creflo Dollar and his ilk. As if they thought no one would question all the money and bling they flash around. I think at least one or two of these "ministries" are gonna get busted.