Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, wrote to six media-based ministries, seeking information about various issues related to tax-exempt policy. The Committee on Finance has exclusive Senate jurisdiction over tax policy.

Here is an accounting of the responses so far:

Joyce Meyer Ministries provided extensive answers to all questions. Staff continues to review the materials submitted but generally is finding the responses to be in good faith and substantively informative.

Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church provided extensive answers to all questions in a series of submissions. Staff continues to review the materials submitted but is finding the responses to be in good faith and substantively informative.

Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church provided only responses to the “general” and “real and personal assets” questions. Staff deems their submissions to be incomplete as a result and is engaged in dialogue with attorneys for the ministry to secure responses to the remaining questions.

Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church/Eddie L. Long Ministries submitted a response that contained only general information about the organization’s operations as well as copies of articles of incorporation and bylaws (which the committee did not request) for the organization’s affiliates and subsidiaries. Staff deems this submission to be not responsive as a result and is engaged in dialogue with attorneys for the ministry to secure responses to the remaining questions.

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries submitted partial responses to the majority of questions but did not provide a response to any of the compensation questions. Staff deems this submission to be not responsive and is hoping to engage the attorneys for the ministry in a dialogue to secure responses to all of the questions.

However, since Kenneth Copeland has declared publicly that he will not submit responses even if a subpoena is issued, staff also is consulting with Senate attorneys about next steps.

Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International/Creflo Dollar Ministries have declined to provide any of the requested information. Staff has engaged the church’s attorneys in a number of conversations but the attorneys have indicated that the church’s decision not to respond remains the same. Staff has reached out to church officials directly to confirm the church’s decision.

Memorandum from the office of Senator Grassley, 7 July 2008