[laweeks]

501c3 has dummied any and all churches that have glommed on to the IRS madness; that is, except for black churches that can not only have politicians preach from their pulpit, but will pass the basket for donations.

Because of the 501c3 rulings, the churches now are corporation churches that speak no ill about 1) abortion, 2) homosexuality, 3) homosexual marriages, 4) illigitimate children, 5) etc.

If you speak anything about these topics, they scream "politics!" But if you're in congress and talk about them they yell "Religion!" Which is it?

Who in the world dreamed up this extreme attack on the 1st Ammendment? And what can we do about it?

[Always Right]

The dirtly little secret is that churches are automatically considered tax exempt organizations, even withot applying for 501c3 status. It is only when they apply for 501c3 status does the IRS gain control over them. Since the founding of this country, Churches tax exemption was considered part of the first amendment protection. LBJ wrote the law that made this consitionally protected right and put it quasi under the authority of the IRS.

[aviator]

The writer of this article should re-read the 503(c) rules regarding the tax-exempt application of a church or other organization receiving the tax-exempt status. It says that the entity has to avoid political activities.

We are a law-abiding nation. If one doesn't like the law, go to court or have Congress amend it.

[Cedar]

Churches need to refuse all government money, so as to be completely free of federal control and regulations.

This is a very important matter---do they want freedom to preach the truths of God's Word or will they sell out to the government/money?

[Secret Agent Man]

Even if the IRS takes away a church's exemption letter, there is already case law that the church would still retain its tax-exempt status. There is a difference between the tax-exempt letter being sent back, but still having a status of tax-exempt, at least when it comes to churches. They lose their letter, not their status. It's sounds funny but that is what it is.

Churches pre-date the country, they have always been tax exempt and will continue to be.

Now christian groups that are not churches, if they lose their tax exempt letter, then they have truly lost their tax exempt status. It works this way for non-church religious groups because they are not a church.

[scottteng]

I don't think many churches would have a real problem with paying their taxes as levied by the IRS they would be like any business with a gross income less expenses of keeping the doors open. Most churches I have attended struggle to meet these expenses thus would end up paying little to no tax. Where they would get hammered is by local property taxes as many sit on very valuable pieces of real estate.

[Biblebelter]

The great fear by the atheists has always been the church will intrude upon government. But the truth is that the church needs to be vigilant in respect to government. The late Dr Gene Scott familar to those from California and C-Band satellite dishes will remember that he preached against taking the deduction for church giving as his church supposedly did not comply with the requirements of achieving the proper tax status. One could argue that he did so for his own enrichment, but the logic and principle upon which his arguments were based were quite sound irregardless of how you might view his motivations.

[DannyTN]

I don't think this is a big deal. Churches have worked within the tax law for ages.

Any church can speak out on morality and the morality of political issues without specifically endorsing one party or one candidate. It ain't that hard.

As far as the Pennsylvania law banning preaching against homosexuality, a church just needs to challenge it. A court will probably thought it out as preventing "free expression thereof".

[elkfersupper]

The problem is not income tax. That can be remedied through planning.

The problem is property tax.

Tax is tax. Once you open the door.........

[plain talk]

A ludicrous state law in Pennsylvania forbids preachers in their churches from decrying the practice of homosexuality in sermons, under penalty of a “hate crime.”

Well it is not exactly as he states it. The amendment to their Constitution is not targeted at preachers as implied here. It says harrassment by communications. As a result some have been warned preachers that this could imply to their sermons. So it is a stupid law and liberal leftists could twist to prosecute preachers I suppose but the law was not designed to go after preachers. I may be putting too fine a point on it but I hate sloppy journalism.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[Rembrandt_fan]

Christians in the US are a (largely) unpersecuted quasi-majority, which makes us something of a global anomaly. When I think of what's happening to people of my faith in places like, say, China or Sudan, or just about anywhere where Islam holds majority sway, I count my blessings.

The Lord told us to render unto Caesar that which was his. So pay the taxes, eschew governmental interference of any kind as much as possible, and have done with it. If the Spirit moves you, preach on topics forbidden by the government, and go to jail, if necessary. Afraid of governmental foreclosure of your church? Your church drives and walks to a building on Sunday morning. Don't worry about the building. Afraid the delicate, labyrinthine infrastructure supporting your charities will collapse, should the government thrust itself into church affairs? Get simple, fast. They can't take what they can't hold.

So speak out, live the Faith, walk the walk, carry the cross, and consequences be damned, literally.

That's my take on things, anyway.

[xzins]

Not a bad article, except I don't think the churches can ever be taxed without running afoul of the first amendment.