gregorygarver.com

HolyCow · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 4

ATLANTA - An Atlanta megachurch took in $69 million in 2006, according to a financial statement the church's minister released in response to a Senate investigation into him and five other well-known televangelists.The Rev. Creflo Dollar disclosed the World Changers Church International's financial information to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but said the money he spends is his own.Dollar said his income comes from personal investments, including businesses and real estate ventures. But the church gave him a Rolls Royce, which he mainly uses for special occasions, he said.http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071111/ap_on_re_us/televangelists_probe;_ylt=AlvrJ0kxlWihecEwAu049ps7Xs8F

alphabetsoup25053 · Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

It is the deepest kind of cynicism when a evangelical minister raises funds and spends extravagantly on his or her "lifestyle".

rance429612 · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 5

I believe a list has been compiled to look into several individuals who may be using this as a scam. I hope all that are caught pay a very heavy price.

gustooch3611 · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

that is definitely wrong.

FRAGINAL-NOYPI5753 · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

The tax free status of the church is often abused with many pastors and priests enjoying luxury without the taxes such as buying expensive cars.

JacobW6961 · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

I always wondered how Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton can afford the expensive rides they have as well as the fine suits and homes . Do they even have churches? At least the guy in your story has an actual church and congregation. .

Mentat4698 · Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 3

They belong in labratories, so somebody might figure out how they work, or think (if they can). These Televangelists could be a whole different species. They hide behind religion while they are insidouos scammers who's intent is to make money. Of course, these are the people who richly funded the whole LGM debate in the first place. But half the people here probably believe in it.And give the $69 million back to the people who deserve it.

edubya7433 · Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Posts: 3

When one thinks of "church" we have been taught to think of giving and existing to do more of the same. Taxation needs to be transformed to "consumer use" in other words what one purchases is taxed, forget how much one makes or takes in.

im_foxygirl1233 · Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 2

Yes they are.Not only are they abusing their tax status in what they buy I also think the abuse goes farther in the fact that they are exempt from paying taxes on property that isn't even used for a church. Seems like a great racket if you ask me.Why don't we all declare our homes as churches and hold a prayer session once a week and not have to pay taxes!

farmerblank4615 · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 3

YES it is abuse but not in violation of state and church separation,He,and other "CHRISTIAN MINISTERS",are in violation of this rule when they use their pulpit,rallys,services, to put forth a political message,as leader of a church.If they use church funds to live high on the hog,then they are abusing the church and all who attend it.

Sway_270056 · Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 5

not all churches are like that and in case you havent heard republicans called for investigations of these mega churches. My step-father is a pastor at a small church in Texas, him and my mother have baought their own home, pay for their own vehicles and all of their own bills. The only thing my step-father gets from the church is a pretty small salary and mileage when he has to drive to places like the hospital by request of church members. The other money goes to pay the bills for the church building and for mission trips and charity in the community. They often trvael to the poorest parts of mexico to set up water wells, build schools and provide shoes and clothing and monetary supprt for the children to attend schools. Please dont lump all churches in with those mega churches. Some actually do great things for the community and the world.

namsaev6233 · Joined: 24 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

There are those who abuse the tax laws and there are those who use the tax laws. If the church is using the law then the problem lies not with the church as far as the legality of it goes. The problem lies with the tax laws themselves.As far as the preacher driving a Rolls goes that is a problem for the members of the particular church.If a CEO makes a 70 Million dollar salary that is a problem for the stockholders.I don't think either one is morally correct. But both are probably leagally correct. So if you want to go after the money change the laws.

NEOPIRATE8708 · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

If I told you how I really felt about the church, i would be suspended again. But nicely I can say that 90% of all churches are corrupt.

cynical3606 · Joined: 28 Jul 2005 Posts: 7

You betcha.

Johnny8822 · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 2

Just like in private business, if you want the best you have to pay for it with money and perks.Government needs to keep their noses out of what goes on in churches unless the public at large is being hurt.All of what you described is a matter for the congregation to decide