In an age of increased corporate accountability under the Sarbanes-Oxley rules, it seems that Senator Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the p0werful Senate Finance Committee, is seeking detailed information from six major ministries concerning the application and use of their members contributions.
From his news release on November 6th the following is stated: “Grassley has reviewed a wide range of non-profit issues over the last five years, first as Finance Committee chairman and now as ranking member. The committee has exclusive Senate jurisdiction over federal tax policy, including the policy governing the billions of dollars donated to and controlled by the nation’s tax-exempt groups.”
He goes further to say, “I’m following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries,” Grassley said. “The allegations involve governing boards that aren’t independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces. I don’t want to conclude that there’s a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more. People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code.”
What do you think about Senator Grassley’s request? Do you feel that prosperity enjoyed by church leaders is unethical? Should the Government be involved in the affairs of the Church? Are these individuals being singled out or is there a broader issue at play?
Every choice has a consequence. Is it possible that opulent prosperity can go too far?
To read the news release see:
http://www.senate.gov/~finance/press/Gpress/2007/prg110607.pdf
What do you think?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment