Pentecostal group backs televangelist Copeland in probe protest
by Lillian Kwon, Christian Post
Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008, 9:54 (BST)
A group of Pentecostal ministers and churches have thrown their backing behind televangelist Kenneth Copeland and his refusal to cooperate with a Senate probe into his ministry's spending.
Assemblies of God International Fellowship released a statement in their latest newsletter saying the current investigation, led by Republican Senator Charles Grassley, into the financial records of six prominent ministries "seems to be crossing a legal boundary".
"Politicians enact laws to separate church and state which many think to be unconstitutional and then try to intrude into church affairs while denying the church discussion of state (political) affairs. This sounds like a one way street in favour of the state," the group said.
Grassley launched an investigation last November, requesting financial records and answers to questions regarding organisational and personal finances from ministries led by Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Paula and Randy White, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long and Benny Hinn. Each has millions of followers and collects tens of millions of dollars in donations a year.
The senate probe was prompted by media reports and ministry watchdogs that alleged opulent spending and possible abuse of their nonprofit status.
Copeland submitted limited responses to the Grassley office and recently launched a Web site, www.BelieversStandUnited.com, questioning and protesting the senator's investigation.
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 12:37 (BST)
If Kenneth Copeland was trying to hide something why would he ask the IRS to audit him? That is a bold thing to do.
Kwn, Northport Al USA
Added: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 7:25 (BST)
By challenging this enquiry, Kenneth Copeland Ministries is causing suspician. If there is nothing to hide, then why create the fuss?
Brandon, Johannesburg, South Africa
Added: Monday, June 23, 2008, 13:08 (BST)
Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Steve Page, Clinton, TN
