Televangelist seeks love on reality show

The ex-husband of televangelist Juanita Bynum is recasting his new reality show and will be counseling couples even as he courts the would-be new Mrs. Thomas Weeks. "The Holy Hook Up: Who Will Be the Next Mrs. Weeks?" will track Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III's search for love, but he will also share the stage, coaching singles and other brokenhearted couples and drawing on his experience as an author, minister and twice-divorced man. Casting for the 30-minute show, which will feature four couples, begins Tuesday. Weeks appeared on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning show to talk about the series and told listeners, "It's going to be a very tasteful, five-star presentation."

(Associated Press)

More pressure on Georgia televangelists

A U.S. Congressman is still trying to get answers out of two Georgia ministers about their finances. Senator Charles Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is preparing another round of letters to Creflo Dollar and Bishop Eddie Long as well as four other ministers nationwide. Dollar and Long have refused to cooperate with Grassley’s investigation into complaints about impartial governing boards that allow ministers private jets and Bentleys for example. Some within the evangelical establishment who question whether Grassley’s probe violates principles of separation of church and state.

Investigation into Georgia televangelists

The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said today he has launched an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing involving six well-known televangelists -- including two based in Georgia. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa sent letters to six Christian media ministries this week requesting information about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities given to executives. Among them are Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park. Allegations include generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces.