Senator Attacks Free-Spending Megachurches

Sen. Charles Grassley thinks big-spending pastors of so-called “megachurches” might be abusing their tax-exempt status, NPR reports. Ministers in these stadium-sized churches preach a gospel of wealth, and practice what they preach—driving Rolls Royces, flying in private jets, living in mansions. “Maybe that's not illegal,” the Iowa Republican says, “but it may raise questions about whether it's the right expenditure of money.”

Grassley thinks some of those perks are taxable benefits. He also questions the pastor’s exorbitant salaries, and so-called “love offerings”—cash payments directly to ministers. So far he’s sent inquiry letters to six ministries. One target, Bishop Eddie Long, accused Grassley of attacking religious freedom. But Grassley’s not questioning church doctrine. “My business is the enforcement of tax laws,” he says. (More megachurches stories.)