Minn. Pastor Criticizes IRS Investigation of His Church

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August 29, 2008

Minn. Pastor Criticizes IRS Investigation of His Church

The Rev. Mac Hammond, the pastor of one of Minnesota’s biggest churches, said an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service into his ministry’s finances is “politically motivated,” reports The Washington Post.

In March, his church, Living Word Christian Center, in Brooklyn Park, refused to comply with an IRS summons, arguing that the law stipulates that such a request must come from a “high-ranking official.” The agency has filed a petition in the U.S. District Court to require the church to provide the requested financial information. A court hearing is scheduled for October.

In a letter to members of his congregation, Mr. Hammond said the agency’s investigation is part of “a very clear effort, on a national scale, to discredit, defame and intimidate” preachers who focus on the “prosperity gospel,” which says that God wants his faithful followers to be rewarded spiritually and financially.

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Comments

As well the IRS should. Bogus “charities” make it more difficult for those in legitimate nonprofits.

— Dennis Aug 29, 02:15 PM #
I am a very poor struggling minister of a new pioneering Church. We call our selves “Word of Faith in Jesus Christ” and I have followed the Faith Preaching since 1982 but I know we need to change a few things. I have given all, and I am still a struggling Church.I hope Mc Hammond and Kenneth Copeland and others stand for ever. For these people are the rock of foundation we all stand on. We all are standing on the Word of God, but without these people it would be much harder for us all. So lets get together and pray without ceasing for these brothers in Christ. If any one can help and advice me in my pioneering I will be so grateful.www.maxpages.com/independence

— Reverend Brian Richards Aug 29, 02:34 PM #
I am glad the IRS recognizes this “prosperity gospel” stuff as the scam(and heresy) that it is. The prosperity lifestyle is exactly opposite of what Jesus lived and preached.

— J.M. Belle Aug 29, 04:14 PM #
Sounds like they have something in common with Scientology… and are facing the same challenges. This is part of a bigger question we all need to deal with: if a nonprofit doesn’t primarily help people with economic disadvantage, why should the public subsidize it through tax relief?

— C. S. Fitz Sep 2, 11:51 AM #

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