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Senate probe targets Copeland, Hinn ministries

11:35 PM CST on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

From Staff and Wire Reports

File
Benny Hinn, left, and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland are targets of the Senate investigation.

The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday he has launched an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing involving six well-known televangelists—including two ministries based in North Texas.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa sent letters to six Christian media ministries this week requesting information about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities given to executives.

Grapevine-based Benny Hinn Ministries and Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas are among the organizations facing questions.

Hinn is reviewing the request, a spokesman said. Copeland could not be reached.

"I'm following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries," Grassley said in a statement. "The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces.

"I don't want to conclude that there's a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more," Grassley said.

Other organizations that are part of the Senate investigation include:

• Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla.;

• David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo.;

• Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia, Ga.;

• Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Ga.

WFAA.com, Dallas Morning News staff writer Sam Hodges and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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