The Brief Writer

CBS News is reporting that six prominent television preachers are being investigated for possible financial improprieties by the Senate Finance Committee. The preachers have been identified as:

1. Joyce Meyer
2. Kenneth Copeland
3. Paula White
4. Benny Hinn
5. Eddie Long
6. Creflo Dollar

The investigation apparently was initiated, in part, by the complaints of Ole Anthony of the Trinity Foundation located in Dallas, Texas. Anthony says, "What we hope is that this will lead to reform in religious nonprofits."

You can read the CBS story here.

As the particular ministries named operate as churches, Iowa Senator Grassley's request for financial documents from them raises many First Amendment concerns. And if the ministries oblige the senator by producing the requested documents, that action, in itself, could set a dangerous precedent for governmental intrusion of church affairs.

The father of a military serviceman was awarded over $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages against Westboro Baptist Church for its anti-gay picketing at his son's funeral.  The federal jury first awarded $2.9 million in compensatory damages and then followed-up with $6 million in punitive damages and $2 million for causing emotional distress.  The church has vowed to appeal.  You can read the story here.

The case raises issues of just when a religious organization is engaging in religious speech which is protected under the First Amendment and when it may be held liable for its actions under ordinary tort law.