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THE CHURCH OF THE DIVINE LEASE FINANCING

August 22, 2008

Convicted tax evader Robert Beale is in hot water for allegedly saying that "God wants me to destroy the judge" that presided over his tax trial. He also is reputed to have said that God wanted him to "take out" the judge, presumably not for a candlelight dinner.

As it turns out, Mr. Beale's spiritual mentor is having tax troubles of his own. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the IRS is investigating the Brooklyn Park church where Mr. Beale once served on the board. The report says that the church is defying an IRS summons. The investigation involves the finances of the pastor of the church, Mac Hammond:

According to the petition, the IRS wants to examine Hammond's compensation, benefits and deals in which the church financed an airplane for him, which he in turn leased back to the church. The IRS also is asking for details on loans for Hammond's residence that were later forgiven by the church.

None of this getting by on locusts and wild honey stuff for this pastor:

Hammond's church's creed, often called the "prosperity Gospel," says that following God's word will lead not only to spiritual salvation but also earthly wealth.

"I think it's important that I not be embarrassed about the increase the Lord does bring me," Hammond said last year.

It's not clear from the story what role the Almighty had in the sale-leaseback deal.

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