Two Atlanta-based preachers and four national ministries are being audited by the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday.
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the highest ranking official on the committee, sent letters requesting detailed financial documents of these ministries whose leaders are known for opulent lifestyles.
Grassley has developed a reputation for seeking the financial responsibility of non-profits organizations.
The six preachers are Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga.; Rev. Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International in College Park, Ga.; Rev. Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries, Grapevine, Texas; David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Fenton, Mo.; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Newark, Texas; and Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries, Tampa, Fla.
All are well-known evangelical ministers who are received nationally and speak about financial prosperity in their messages.
Jill Kozeny, a Grassley spokeswoman, said the senators chose the six ministries because of reports from third parties, whistle-blowers and the press.
None of the six organizations belong to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
Many nonprofits have to file Form 990s with the Internal Revenue Service that detail salaries and expenses. Those forms are public documents, but religious ministries are exempt from filing them.
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