Investigation is underway for possible financial misconduct involving six popular televangelists who preach what critics call the prosperity gospel.

Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Finance, requested on Monday that the six ministry leaders provide financial statements and records by Dec. 6 and respond to a wide range of questions regarding their personal and organizational finances.

Letters requesting for full cooperation were sent to: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. more >>

Internet talk show host Reuben Armstrong announced he will file a multi-million dollar lawsuit against a faith-based broadcast portal for dropping his show over a controversial book he authored.

StreamingFaith.com, used by churches to broadcast their programs online, removed Armstrong's show earlier this month from the website because the talk show host "slandered a few of our beloved partners," Armstrong quoted Streaming Faith managers as saying.

Armstrong's self-published Snakes in the Pulpit blasts four prominent megachurch pastors who preach what critics call the "prosperity gospel," alleging that they are "false prophets." more >>

The “prosperity gospel,” as critics call it, is growing highly prominent megachurches and has blacks divided on the controversial message.

While the nation's largest African American religious organization – the 7.5 million-member National Baptist Convention – has clearly denounced the prosperity gospel especially with many black communities suffering in poverty, tens of thousands of black Christians flock to services every week to hear the message of wealth and abundance.

"God gives us power to get wealth. Does that sound like he wants you to be on welfare? That's in the Bible!" the Rev. Frederick K.C. Price, pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles, told Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. Current membership at Crenshaw is reported to be over 18,000. more >>

A new report has named today's "most influential black spiritual leaders" in the nation.

From some of the most prominent spiritual figures and preachers to up-and-coming figures, spiritual website Beliefnet released a non-comprehensive list of African American religious leaders who have had the greatest influence in America.

High-profile evangelical Bishop T.D. Jakes was listed for his "electrifying blend of gospel and tell-it-like-it-is sermonizing." Best-selling author Jakes pastors the Potter's House, one of the largest churches in the nation with more than 30,000 members, in Dallas and hosts an annual MegaFest conference that has drawn up to 80,000 people. The popular conference was cancelled this year but will return in 2008. more >>

Prosperity theology is "booming," Time magazine reported in this week’s issue, with some of the biggest megachurches in the country preaching the Health and Wealth message that many other evangelical leaders criticize.

The cover of this week's Time was dominated by a silver Rolls Royce car topped with a gold cross emblem shining on the front. The headline: "Does God want you to be rich?"

According to a new Time poll, 61 percent of adult Christians in America agree that "God wants people to be financially prosperous" and 49 percent disagree that "poverty can be a blessing from God." more >>