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Memo From Sen. Grassley's Office

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Tampa Tribune

Published: December 6, 2007

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
Fr: Jill Gerber for Sen. Grassley, 202/224-6522
Re: Ministries' response to Nov. 5 inquiry

Da: Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007

On Nov. 5, Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, wrote to six media-based ministries for information regarding expenses, executive compensation, amenities given to executives, and board governance. The inquiry is part of Grassley's long-standing interest in making sure tax-exempt organizations are accountable to donors and to the taxpayers as a whole. Today was his requested deadline to hear from the six ministries. He made the following comment on the level of cooperation so far.

"It's good that some of the ministries are cooperating. I hope all of them will cooperate in the end. For the focus of this inquiry, ministries are the same as any other non-profit organization. It's a question of abiding by tax laws just like any tax-exempt group. I'm willing to give ministries more time if that's needed, as long as they're cooperating and in contact with my office. It'd be very unusual if they don't cooperate. I've looked at a lot of non-profit groups over the last five years, and they've all cooperated. The only possible exception is when I was chairman, and then-Ranking Member Baucus asked for my help in getting a subpoena for charities connected to Jack Abramoff. That was an extreme case."

Here is an accounting of the ministries' responses as of 5:30 p.m. Eastern time:

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland – Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Attorneys delivered a package of material to Sen. Grassley's staff today.

Creflo Dollar – World Changers Church International

Sent Sen. Grassley and Chairman Baucus a letter indicating that the ministry does not intend to provide information voluntarily and raised the idea of a subpoena.

Benny Hinn – World Healing Center Church, Inc.

Sen. Grassley's staff is scheduled to meet with the ministry's attorneys on Friday, Dec. 7.

Eddie Long – New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

Ministry representatives said publicly that the ministry will cooperate. Sen. Grassley has not received any material or contact from the ministry.

Joyce Meyer – Joyce Meyer Ministries

Sen. Grassley's staff received a package of material from the organization on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and is reviewing the material.

Randy and Paula White – Without Walls International Church

Today, received initial contact from attorneys. Said attorneys will contact Sen. Grassley's staff shortly. No indication of further response.

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