CBS News has learned Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is investigating six prominent televangelist ministries for possible financial misconduct.
Letters were sent Monday to the ministries demanding that financial statements and records be turned over to the committee by December 6th.
According to Grassley’s office, the Iowa Republican is trying to determine whether or not these ministries are improperly using their tax-exempt status as churches to shield lavish lifestyles.
The six ministries identified as being under investigation by the committee are led by: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. Three of the six – Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar – also sit on the Board of Regents for the Oral Roberts University.

What makes this particular investigation all the more interesting is Sen. Grassley’s own faith. He is a very committed evangelical Christian. This investigation isn’t one that the ministries will be able to blame on “liberal secularists” – quite the contrary. Chances are actually high that it is precisely his faith that is leading Grassley’s investigation.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.