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Without Walls' Founders To Answer Senator's Questions
Tribune file photo by JULIE BUSCH
Paula and Randy White lead a service at Without Walls International Church.
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Published: April 1, 2008
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TAMPA - The founders of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries apparently have decided to cooperate with a U.S. senator's inquiry into ministry finances.
Staff for U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said they expected to receive a packet of information from Randy and Paula White on Monday to address questions about whether the ministries have abused their tax-exempt status.
Grassley's staff did not know whether the material addresses all 28 areas of concern raised by the senator, who serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Senate's finance committee.
In a statement, Grassley said the ministries receive generous tax breaks as nonprofit organizations and he was glad to see the Whites and other ministries cooperate.
On Nov. 5, Grassley sent letters to the Whites and the heads of five other large ministries, saying that reports of their lavish lifestyles attracted his attention. He gave them a month to answer questions about church expenses, use of donations and business practices.
Other ministries under review are Joyce Meyer Ministries, Benny Hinn Ministries, Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International, Eddie Long of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries.
Randy White told his congregation that he wouldn't turn over financial and corporate documents, and joined a chorus of other ministers who said Grassley was attacking their faith.
Grassley, a longtime watchdog of nonprofits, said the probe is about tax policy, not religion.
Last month, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., joined Grassley's inquiry and gave the ministries until Monday to cooperate. Baucus, chairman of the committee, brought bipartisan heft to the probe and raised the possibility of subpoenas for those who don't comply.
Only Meyer has answered most of the questions; Hinn initially answered five of 28 questions, but Grassley staffers said that his ministry submitted more documents and data before the new deadline. Attorneys for the Dollars in Atlanta challenged the senator to subpoena the information, setting the stage for a legal fight. Long, another Atlanta-area evangelist, indicated last week that the ministry will cooperate.
"It's good to see the majority of the ministries offering information," Grassley said in a statement. "The ministries' sharing of material with the Senate committee in charge of tax policy shows an interest in accountability for their special tax status."
Through a spokesman, the Whites declined to comment for this report.
Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at bhelgeson@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7668.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( RobKay ) on April 1, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Gee, I didn't think it'd take them this long to cook a set of books.
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Posted by ( GF ) on April 1, 2008 at 2:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It takes longer for "well done".
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Posted by ( HardTarget ) on April 1, 2008 at 3:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Audit all of these predators. It's about time.
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Posted by ( BoomBoom ) on April 1, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
IT will be served rare tar tar and full of salmonella!
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Posted by ( slappy ) on April 1, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Paula White,even though she is a preacher,is pretty darn hot looking.
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Posted by ( mooshu ) on April 1, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Can Scientology, Inc. be next, Senator Grassley? Compared to Without Walls, there's a heckuva lot more tax dollars at stake there.
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Posted by ( donttazemebro ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
they gave them something but I know they did not give them what they asked for. anyone with a brain knows how crooked that whole group is. getting a divorce because they are going in diffenent directions with GOD. NO, they both are so greedy,
Follow the Money....
the truth might come out now.. it's going to be good too..
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Posted by ( kjterz ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
it will be very interesting to see how all those suckers $$$$$ have been spent in the name of dogma......
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Posted by ( Libby ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If they have nothing to hide why all the fuss. And why does that man wear a collar? He is not a priest. Sorry that just irritates me.
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Posted by ( commentcava ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
my kharma ran over your dogma
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Posted by ( deusmemisit ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I guess what doesn't come out in the wash comes out in the dryer!!!
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Posted by ( insanekeeper ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
When will people realize that there is a certain level of humility that comes along with being a pastor? Sure, drive a good car, have home so each of your kids have their own bedroom, don't go hungry. When I see a pastor build a 4000 square foot house on a lake with a 1 million dollar price tag for him and his wife, I avoid that church. I don't believe it says anywhere in the Bible that a pastor must be poor, but money that is given to the Lord should be used for His work, not for the worldly luxuries that some of these people take advantage of. Stop being a hippocrate and give that money back to your congregation and church for His glory instead of your own!
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Posted by ( insanekeeper ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"my kharma ran over your dogma"
I don't care what your religion is, that's funny!
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Posted by ( Yankee ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have a feeling this is not going to be the last we hear about this "couple." They've sent a horrible message to the church and community. How can you stand on a pulpit and speak on forgiveness and love and then divorce? You just showed your congregation that God could not help you with your problems. Those of you who attend WW I am praying for you. Wake up!!!! Get out while you can because it is going to get ugly. Things are going to surface that does not compare with this.
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Posted by ( jj63 ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Once again organized religion gives a bad name to the Deity. These so called good doers are no more corrupt, money and power hungry as the politicians in Washington. Clearly, one does not have to church to remove your "sins." If your heart is clean and you do the right thing, Mother Nature will take care of you.
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Posted by ( StormVet90 ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yankee-I agree. This is just the "tip of the iceberg" with this scandal and I think it will get much worse. The unfortunate thing here is that THIS could be the catalyst for people to stop going to church all together. Some will be hurt by this monetarily but others emotionally and they will never recover. I had heard that they held several collections on many different occasions and that alone would make me suspicious. Couple that with the fact they lived in some high-priced real estate and you begin to get that sick feeling in your gut. If it looks like a duck and it walks like a duck...it ain't no chicken!!!
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Posted by ( iamforsure ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Is that Randy White or Ian Ziering from 90210?
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Posted by ( Ms_Suess ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Geez can someone please remove that file picture of Paula? She looks like she just swallowed a razor blade. Her acting skills are bad...really bad.
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
charlatans
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Check out Paula's hands..Some strange version of the Vulcan hand greeting! Live long and prosper
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Posted by ( topazorchid ) on April 1, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Randy White told his congregation that he wouldn't turn over financial and corporate documents, and joined a chorus of other ministers who said Grassley was attacking their faith."
If there is nothing to hide, then COME CLEAN and put it all out there! Even better, prove it by hiding an independent auditor.
All in the name of God, right??
BS!
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Posted by ( joeyg ) on April 1, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Typical "TV EVANGELIST" types. I"m a Christian, but these high profile bible thumpers make me sick. 1/2 of them are corrupt and pad their pockets with the money from their followers who mostly can't afford it and are brain washed into thinking this money will help them become "saved".
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Posted by ( topazorchid ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There really needs to be serious reform with regards to special tax-break status. And I mean for ANY organization, religion, or business that qualifies. There should be legislation passed that mandates independent suprise auditing of financial records on at least an anual basis.
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Posted by ( Jeke45 ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What a pair of charlatans! He's not a "priest" yet dresses like one and she is not black though she puts on an act as if she is african-american. How can anyone follow these two "pastors," much less give money to them is just ignorance.
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Posted by ( picogator ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
About time, don't you think?????
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Posted by ( sensiblysane ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I guess Randy and Paula didn't read the part about the rich man, camel, and eye of a needle.
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Posted by ( lovemy2boys ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
insanekeeper...didnt you know they bought that big house so they can feed the homeless on Thanksgiving! lol. That's what they said back then. Randy and Paula are nothing but lying, cheating scam artists! A friend of mine husband put his wedding band in the offering plate because he didnt have any money and when his wife found out she went to them to get it back and they wouldnt give it back! This is a horrible so called church!
iamforsure...omg you are so right about him looking like Ian Ziering! I didnt pay much attention to the picture until i read your comment. He looks exactly like him there....not im person though. Ian is WAY better looking!
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Posted by ( topazorchid ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"It's good to see the majority of the ministries offering information," Grassley said in a statement. "The ministries' sharing of material with the Senate committee in charge of tax policy shows an interest in accountability for their special tax status."
They are being asked to 'share' information. That's like inviting them to cook the books! What a freaking joke!
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Posted by ( supernanny80 ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DID YOU KNOW THEY MAKE $30,000 A WEEK??? BOTH HIM AND HIS NOW EX WIFE. WHAT A FREAKING JOKE!
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Posted by ( greenbeagle ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The only time Jesus got angry was when He dealt with the Randy and Paula Whites' of His day in the temple ("church") when they were grubbing for money. All the other times He spoke of love and forgiveness and hung out with the "sinners and tax collectors," (the congregation). This is yet another reason I do not believe in tithing. I have too many needy relatives and friends. Poor God, look at His "representatives" that get the headlines. Not the ones that truly serve Him, such as Chuck Swindoll, Adrian Rodgers (in heaven now), etc. No, it's these Pharisees that grab the headlines. Satan LOVES these types of religious folks. They serve his cause very well.
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Posted by ( bjm123 ) on April 1, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think the philosopher's name was Chang, he said, "the main purpose of organized religions is to prevent a person from having a direct experience with God."
I kinda think he was right. I feel we are in church everyday 24/7 365 days/yr. Everything is observed by our creator , get used to it!
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Posted by ( davidkc ) on April 1, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's about time. Despite what Paula and Randy White may think, they are not above the law.
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Posted by ( dogworld ) on April 1, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
All churches should be shut down if they won't cooperate. We have a situation where these reps of God are making their own laws and acting as if they aren't subject to legalities.
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on April 1, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I still find it amusing that as prosperity preachers,it's their use of money that's bringing them down. I just don't think that's a coincidence. I think God is allowing this for a reason. Hopefully people learn to avoid prosperity preachers.
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Posted by ( BigBucBrew ) on April 1, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sure. They'll turn over ALL of their records - April Fools !!
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Posted by ( dogworld ) on April 1, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"I think God is allowing this for a reason."
With due respect to you Beach, the illogic of God allowing things to happen in the first place is where the issue becomes laughable. This is a religious ploy to keep people locked into religion when it's obvious that God is doing nothing. The only thing that would make sense if is God never allowed such people to preach in his name in the first place.
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Posted by ( misspriss ) on April 1, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
iamforsure- He looks more like a Berstein Bear!
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Posted by ( brianw73 ) on April 1, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Paula, I have some questions for you as well. :) If you know what I mean.....
CALL ME!
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Posted by ( dhendrix99 ) on April 1, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
ok i went there for a short while , the thing that got me , is that they had like 3 or 4 offerings on a sunday , and right before everyone they would tell some story of someone who gave big to get big, and get people kinda of pumped up , and they said to throw the money on the steps of the pulpit, i was like what kind of worship is this , then behind the pulpit is not a cross but a huge silver and gold hand behind them , man the god in this church was silver and gold , kind of like u feel before they sacrifice someone in those indiana movies, they did have some good things going on..... they went to the poor neighborhoods had sermon and gave out food, but the bad/greedy overwhelmed the good
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Posted by ( mikeorlando ) on April 1, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
U.S. Government tells us of a Social Security LOCK BOX , while we all know SS is broke ! We are FORCED to give more to the government than to God. Senate spends more than they take in. And they want to investigate churches ?
When can the churches investigate the government ?
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Posted by ( Azuceit ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Priests thru the airwaves! Take my advice don't look twice or me and your money will go someplace funny! I guess the religious people in America are just sad idiots who think they can buy their way into heaven. In my heaven I sure do not want them there. The way to heaven is to treat your fellow human being as you want to be treated! Simple straight to the fact. You have a better chance to give a poor person or a bum your money! At least they can eat or drink or might have a place to stay for the night. Or would you rather pay these folks for new rims on their beamers. Choice is yours and by the way, God hates False Prophets!
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Posted by ( nprvoice ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
greenbeagle
The only time Jesus got angry was when He dealt with the Randy and Paula Whites' of His day in the temple ("church") when they were grubbing for money.
Amen Brother!
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Posted by ( mim ) on April 1, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am sooooooo happy to read these comments!!
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Posted by ( eggo ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Were members of the congregation forced into the church services and forced to give money?
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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I smell foul play.
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Posted by ( dogworld ) on April 1, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"When can the churches investigate the government?"
Never. Churches must bow to the law.
"Were members of the congregation forced into the church services and forced to give money?"
The word is coerced, which is a form of force through mental pressure. Telling them they are giving to do God's work and preying on their sincere beliefs that the money was going to help people.
Yes...they were forced, through the usual trickery of ministers, who have no belief in God or honesty, but use other people's beliefs to fleece them.
Just pick the right definition of the force that was used on them. And don't be so cynical about kind people who are deluded by charlatans.
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