The Minneapolis Star-Tribune wrote about CREW's IRS complaint against the Living Word Christian Center. We filed the complaint, our second against that organization, yesterday -- and this was before the info. about the stunt plane emerged:

 

The group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, says in a complaint to the Internal Revenue Service that the church violated federal tax law that forbids insiders from benefitting from a charitable organization. Between 1999 and 2004, the group says, the church made eight loans worth $1.9 million at favorable rates to its senior pastor and founder, James (Mac) Hammond.

Hammond could not be reached on Thursday, but the church released a statement saying that all contracts and financial transactions are reviewed by its law firm and audited by its accounting firm and that it makes every effort to comply with tax laws.

"Living Word and those outside professionals involved in the conduct of our financial affairs remain confident any fair review of our dealings will reveal the validity of our effort to consistently be an accountable and honest ministry before God, our congregation and our community," said the Rev. Marc Redman, associate pastor.

The Star-Tribune did some digging in to Hammond's lifestyle. He does okay:

Records show Hammond has two Florida condos worth more than $3 million. He pays no taxes on a home in Plymouth that has a pool.

A Lexus and a Porsche are registered under Hammond's name, as well as three boats. A home near Brainerd valued at more than $500,000 is used as a retreat and is church property, a church spokesman said recently.

In a recent interview with the Star Tribune, Hammond said he keeps track of the personal use of his jet and repays the church.