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Grassley Praises Ministry Under Inquiry, Not 'Without Walls'

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By BAIRD HELGESON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 16, 2009

TAMPA - One of six ministries facing an inquiry by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has been accredited by an organization that scrutinizes finances of religious organizations.

Virginia-based Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability endorsed Joyce Meyer Ministries last week, saying the Fenton, Mo., megaministry met its standards for financial openness, sound board governance and ethical fundraising.

"We are pleased to include in our membership a ministry which seeks to strengthen Christian individuals and the environments in which they live, work and worship," said Dan Busby, the group's president.

Grassley focused his investigation on megaministries that had gained attention for the lavish spending of their leaders, including Without Walls International Church and its founders, the now-divorced Randy and Paula White. Grassley is exploring whether the ministries' spending on trips, private jets and exotic cars violated their tax-exempt status.

Meyer's ministry has been the most cooperative and done more than others to clear its name.

"Since ministries have independence from the IRS and don't have to file material with the IRS, like most other tax-exempt groups, ECFA membership is like a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval," Grassley said in a statement.

Since launching the inquiry more than a year ago, only Meyer's ministry and Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church provided extensive answers, Grassley said.

Randy and Paula White, Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries have submitted incomplete responses, Grassley said. Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International declined to provide any information.

Sen. Max Baucus of Montana joined Grassley's inquiry when some ministries refused to comply with the request.

Grassley's office is still reviewing the information it has received. It could issue subpoenas for ministries that have not complied.

"We continue to weigh our options for the ministries that have not cooperated," Grassley's statement said.

Randy White could not immediately be reached for comment.

Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at (813) 259-7668.

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