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Joyce
Meyer and Benny Hinn Making Reforms Amid Congressional Financial Probe
 Two
prominent mega-ministries under a Senate probe for opulent spending
indicated they would institute reforms even before the investigation is
complete, according to a new report. Charismatic preachers Joyce Meyer
and Benny Hinn are the only two that have fully cooperated with an
investigation that is currently scrutinizing four other popular
ministries and they are now reportedly taking their own action to
ensure proper financial standing as a nonprofit.
"Transparency
has been and will continue to be a standard of this ministry," said
Joyce Meyer, who was the first to turn over requested papers, in a
statement Tuesday. "We hold a deep commitment to our ministry partners
and friends, and this is why we have a tradition of going above and
beyond what is required by law. We are committed to the truth and to
our purpose."
After review of the ministries' financial documents and responses to a
range of questions, Sen. Charles Grassley, the ranking Republican on
the Senate Finance Committee, concluded that both Joyce Meyer and Benny
Hinn have answered every question and "in the spirit of true
cooperation, also have provided information over and above what was
requested."
"Joyce Meyer and Benny Hinn have engaged in open and honest dialogue with committee staff," Grassley said Monday.
The investigation began last November after media reports and ministry
watchdogs alleged opulent spending and possible abuse of nonprofit
status by six ministries, each of which has millions of followers.
Grassley, who is leading the probe, has asked for financial records and
answers to questions regarding organizational as well as personal
spending.
The Senate probe, however, has not gone without question and criticism.
Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International has declined to
provide any of the requested information. And Grassley has received
limited responses from Randy and Paula White of Without Walls
International Church, Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist
Church, and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries has gone public with its protest, launching
a Web site, www.BelieversStandUnited.com, against the senator's
investigation.
Copeland, who has said his ministry fully complies with all laws,
believes the inquiry is a violation of religious freedom, an invasion
of privacy and a threat to the separation of Church and State. He also
raised suspicion over Grassley’s targeting of only Pentecostal
churches that preach the “prosperity gospel” – a
teaching that God wants his followers to be rich both spiritually and
materially.
Currently, the Senate Finance Committee is consulting with its attorneys to determine the next steps regarding Copeland.
“The ministries that continue not to cooperate appear to be
heeding the advice of attorneys who are not familiar with congressional
oversight in general and specifically the Finance Committee’s
oversight and legislative work in the area of tax-exempt organizations
over the last seven years," Grassley said. "These attorneys who
aren’t part of the ministries themselves have a natural incentive
to prolong the process as long as possible.”
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing investigation, Meyer and Hinn have plans to
institute reforms and Grassley expressed full support for
"self-reform," which he said can be faster and more effective than
government regulation.
Delanie Trusty, CFO for Joyce Meyer Ministries, said Tuesday, "As our
ministry grows, we continually examine how we can most efficiently
serve and minister to people. We embraced this opportunity to examine
in detail the daily operations of the ministry, and we have reconfirmed
our commitment to the high standards we hold ourselves to."
Each year, Joyce Meyer Ministries voluntarily undergoes an independent
financial and legal audit to ensure its goals of accountability, the
ministry noted.
Grassley encouraged ministries to pursue independent accreditation
programs, such as the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
"The most successful non-profit organizations recognize the need for
transparency about their operations and accountability to their donors
and the taxpaying public," Grassley commented.
Source: Christian Post
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