(ajc) The gospel message that links God with dollars has been called to judgment before a powerful U.S. senator. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) sent letters requesting detailed financial documents to two metro Atlanta preachers and four other ministries nationwide whose leaders are known for opulent, or as the ministers would say, blessed, lifestyles. Grassley is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and has developed a reputation for demanding financial transparency from non-profits. He wants to know how much Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia and the Rev. Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International in College Park make, how their church-issued credit cards are managed and how many cars, planes and foreign bank accounts they own. He has asked for information on the ministries' boards, business relationships and associated organizations. "I'm following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries," Grassley said in a press release. The other ministers are the Rev. Benny Hinn, based in Grapevine, Texas; David and Joyce Meyer, Fenton, Mo.; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Newark, Texas, and Randy and Paula White, Tampa, Fla. All are well known in the evangelical religious broadcasting world. They are also known for preaching that financial blessings are part of Christian life. "The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowance and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces," Grassley said. "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." A spokesman for Long said that he intends to comply fully with Grassley's request. Dollar said in a written response that Grassley is setting a precedent that would allow the Senate to pry into donations from any church or church school. "Because of this fact, we feel it is prudent to consult well-respected legal professors and scholars to see what their thoughts are," the statement said in part. "The questions are much bigger than World Changers as it could affect the privacy of every community church in America." Dollar said his life and ministry have always been an open book.

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