A Bishop, A Bentley & Bad Taxes

A jaw dropping article about one of Atlanta's most beloved religious leaders, Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

Bishop's charity generous to bishop
New Birth's Eddie Long got $3 million

By JOHN BLAKE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/28/05

"I'm worried that a few people are confusing the ringing of a church bell with the ringing of a cash register," Grassley said in a statement in response to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's inquiries about the charity. "When I hear about leaders of charities being provided a $300,000 Bentley to drive around in, my fear is that it's the taxpayers who subsidize this charity who are really being taken for a ride."
-Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)

"In general, an individual(s) salary and benefits should not be excessive and must be approved by the majority of board of directors who are unpaid and not related to the individual(s)," said IRS spokesman Mark Green in a statement.

"We touch a lot of people," Bishop Long said in his defense. "This is a world-impacting ministry, and I personally get a little offended when my integrity is questioned."

To read the entire article-- which is a mammoth of an article that includes BISHOP EDDIE LONG'S compensation breakdown, incorporation papers for Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc., Quitclaim deed for house purchased by Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. and Bishop Long (address omitted) and so much more-- click on the link to read the entire article.

Right now. I don't have an opinion on this article until I get more information. I was a former accountant so I may look through the tax documents. Other than that, I hope you can leave comments here either for or against this investigation.

Do you think megaministers should receive large compensation from non-profits?
What would be a more ethical way for these ministers to receive a deserving salary without costing tax dollars?