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Mormon Church’s human rights complaint rejected by European judges
Telegraph ^ | March 4, 2014 | Hayley Dixon

Posted on 03/04/2014 10:46:18 AM PST by greyfoxx39

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To: Morgana

Sorry I should have explained more

There is a case that goes to court in England on March 14..

Tom Phillips brought the case against Thomas S Monson several months ago..

Now Monson must turn up on March 14 to face the charge of criminal financial fraud under the 2006 fraud law..


41 posted on 03/04/2014 12:15:42 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: Pollster1

I don’t know about that...I just posted that the mormons chapels and other buildings that are open to the general public get the exemption...the temples are taxed at 20%, they’re getting an 80% tax exemption for the temples.

Seems like a pretty generous interpretation of their tax laws since they’re saying the temples engage in some type of “charitable purposes”, which, in fact, they don’t.


42 posted on 03/04/2014 12:17:27 PM PST by SZonian (Throwing our allegiances to political parties in the long run gave away our liberty.)
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To: SZonian

I found the actual wording from the tax exemption application for charities in England a couple of weeks ago..

I was looking for it again..

I cant remember if they have to reapply every year or just once..

but theres 2 or 3 sections to it..

the gist of it is that it explains what is considered a charity and the Mormons swore they fit the description and signed the application..

The wording was such that even a child or a Mormon could understand it there was no mistaking what the English government required..

now it turns out they didn’t fir the description as laid down by the English government at all..

so they signed the form knowing they were lying..

this has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with the Mormon god: MONEY


43 posted on 03/04/2014 12:22:51 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: Morgana

;-{)


44 posted on 03/04/2014 12:24:29 PM PST by JoeProBono (SOME IMAGES MAY BE DISTURBING VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED;-{)
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To: Pollster1; SZonian; colorcountry; Tennessee Nana; aMorePerfectUnion; Jim Robinson
Whether I think their rules are right is irrelevant. LDS is a real religion, and they are good neighbors.

It is not the place of a mere government to judge them.

Is it "the place" of a church to judge someone's "right" to salvation based upon the payment of a "full tithe"?

I know of no "real" religion that forbids entry of family members to a church building based upon payment of a "full tithe"...the mormon church does not allow family members, parents, siblings, grandparents to attend a temple wedding unless these family members are "full tithe payers".

What kind of "good neighbors" approve of this? Do you?

It seems to me that the courts in Europe are giving mormonism tit for tat! You base the privileges of your religion upon money, so the court bases its grant of tax exemption based upon your method of receiving the money of members and the exclusivity of your actions!

45 posted on 03/04/2014 12:28:58 PM PST by greyfoxx39 (We can thank Mitt Romney for the present situation in our country. His feet are made of clay.)
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To: SZonian; Morgana

Here’s something on what’s happened with case number LJA Code 2570 so far...I think January 31, 2014

Two of the sections in the fraud act 2006 are quoted in the case: Section 2, “Fraud by false representation” and Section 3, “Fraud by failing to disclose information”.

The relevant parts of the sections texts read:
Section 2 “Fraud by false representation”
(1)A person is in breach of this section if he—
(a)dishonestly makes a false representation, and (b) intends, by making the representation—
(i)to make a gain for himself or another, or (ii)to cause loss to another or to expose another to a risk of loss.
(2)A representation is false if—
(a)it is untrue or misleading, and (b)the person making it knows that it is, or might be, untrue or misleading.

Section 3 “Fraud by failing to disclose information”
A person is in breach of this section if he—
(a)dishonestly fails to disclose to another person information which he is under a legal duty to disclose, and
(b)intends, by failing to disclose the information—
(i)to make a gain for himself or another, or
(ii)to cause loss to another or to expose another to a risk of loss.

Evidence supporting fraud in violation Section 2 (fraud by false representation) is almost entirely ideological, and claims that Monson made misleading statements to encourage Mormon members to donate money based on false statements that have been shown by science, the media, academics and other institutions to be incorrect and perhaps even slanderous statements with the intent to defraud by encouraging donations to the church on the basis of the false statements. An example of one statement in the prosecutor’s case states that Monson has taught the Book of Mormon is a divine work given by God to Joseph Smith, and is “most correct book on earth, and an ancient historical record.” However, the prosecutor will argue that academics have shown that “the Book of Mormon has been shown to be a work compiled in the 19th century by Joseph Smith with or without the help of others.” And that “DNA evidence demonstrates overwhelmingly that the ancestors of Native Americans came from Siberia around 15,000 30,000 years ago. No trace has been found of Hebrews in either North or South America, and there’s no archaeological evidence for any of the Book of Mormon people.”

The prosecutor argues in his case, “These are not statements of mere ‘beliefs’ or opinions or theories, they are made as actual facts and their truthfulness can be objectively tested with evidence, unlike religious claims and beliefs.” That the LDS prophet has “made statements of fact which are untrue and he knows, or should know, they are untrue” as an argument that he has perpetuated fraud on the British people with “The purpose … to facilitate the conversion of individuals to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to pay to said church 10% of their income on a continuing, permanent basis.”

Evidence supporting fraud in violation of Section 3 (Fraud by failing to disclose information) uses LDS church documents showing that they know certain statements are false but continue to teach them and encourage members to pay tithing. For example, the claim that the Book of Mormon is an ancient record about Hebrews filling the lands in ancient America can be disputed by DNA evidence, and the church has acknowledged they know about the evidence, but have not taught this to members.


46 posted on 03/04/2014 12:34:39 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: SZonian; Morgana

Thomas S Monson must appear himself on March 14..

In England 2 weeks or more BEFORE the trial date the accused could arrange for someone to appear in his palace or to have his lawyers appear for him if he is too sick to travel etc but the 2 weeks grace is past..

thers just ten days to go now and Monson hasn’t answered the charges as yet..

He has to appear in person..

heres some info..

The summons was signed 31 January 2014 and issued under section 1 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, on receiving a formal Statement (described in that section as an ‘information’) alleging that someone has committed an offence, the court may issue—
(a) a summons requiring that person to attend court; or
(b) a warrant for that person’s arrest, if—
(i) the alleged offence must or may be tried in the Crown Court,
(ii) the alleged offence is punishable with imprisonment”


47 posted on 03/04/2014 12:39:07 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: Jim Robinson; Elsie

This relates only to their temples (which are not open to the public like churches are), and only local property taxes and they still get an 80% discount, but rather than pay, they fought it for 9 years. The Mormon corp is a business, not a church. Smith makes L. Ron Hubbard seem like an amateur.


48 posted on 03/04/2014 12:39:35 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.)
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To: greyfoxx39

Here are the specific reimbursements dispensed out of the payment the LDS Church deposits in the Mission President’s account.

“While you are serving as mission president, the Church reimburses the necessary living expenses for you, your wife, and your dependent children.”

These “necessary” living expenses include:

- Rent or lease or house payment,
- Food,
- Clothing,
- Household supplies,
- Family activities,
- Dry cleaning,
- Personal long-distance calls to family,
- Modest gifts (for example, Christmas, birthdays, or anniversary),
- Utilities,
- Telephones,
- Internet connection,
- Gardening, (employed gardener)
- Repair or replacement of household items,
- Part-time housekeeper,
- Part-time cook,
- One mission automobile assigned exclusively to the mission president,
- Other assigned mission vehicles (used by the wife or licensed dependents for“shopping, taking children to school, or other needs.)
- Automobile insurance, registration and taxes on assigned vehicles,
- Medical expenses (dental, eye care and medically necessary orthodontia),
- One round trip fare for each child under age 26 to visit the parents’ mission,
- Elementary and secondary school expenses for tuition, fees, books, and materials,
- Undergraduate tuition at an accredited college or university,
- Financial support for children serving full-time missions

While most of those sound reasonable, many are seen as taxable, especially in the UK. According to their tax authority, document SA012M from Her Majesty’s Revenue Customs (HMRC) on tax rules for “ministers of religion”:
Ministers are to report as income “fee” and “contractual payments” or any “gift or grants you receive because of your work”. They even ask the minister to declare “salary” or “stipend” in “box 2”. The stipend received by mission presidents makes it clear they are considered employees in the UK, and the amounts paid to them or reimbursed to them as a ‘living allowance’ is a salary. Add to that the cash equivalent of the benefit of housing, cars, medical insurance, college fees, cook, family travel etc. This needs to be “grossed up” and tax and employee national insurance contributions paid on it. Also the church as employer has to pay National Insurance Contributions (like US Social Security payroll tax) on the gross less a “lower earnings limit” at 13.8%. The church had in 2013 5 MPs in the U.K. (they used to have 8 in previous years). This kind of tax evasion has probably been going on for over 30 years. The amounts involved, plus interest and penalties will be in the millions of dollars.

Here then, is an estimate on Mission President “salary”:
Food & Household Supplies £8,000
Clothing £4,000
Family Activities £3,000
Dry Cleaning, Personal long distance phone £1,000
Gifts - Christmas, birthdays, Anniversaries £2,000
Medical Insurance and other medical bills £6,000
Tuition Fees - school and university £3,000
Family Travel (from US) for under 26 y.o. £1,000
Utilities - heating, council tax etc. £4,000
Gardener and Cook £9,000
Mission costs if child serving mission
Term Life Insurance up to $100 per month £800
SubTotal £41,800

House taxable benefit at 4% (on £600K home) = £24,000
Car Benefit £5,000
Total = net pay £70,800
Employee’s NIC = maximum of £4,430
£75 k grossed up = approximately £105,000

Employer’s NIC at 13.8% of excess £13,722

Fraud can be reported, and now has been reported to the UK HMRC at their website. Tom Phillips, who reports that he worked as the financial director for LDS Church corporate entities has said concerning the unpaid taxes on Mission President account reimbursements and stipends:
“ It was discussed at a First Presidency meeting with the Presiding Bishopric and they decided to continue not reporting and pay any fines when, and if, they were discovered. This is blatant tax evasion, a criminal activity in the UK. I never kept any documentary evidence but this hand book would be incriminating for them. “


49 posted on 03/04/2014 12:42:12 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: Scoutmaster
he U.K. doesn’t recognize Scientology as a religious institution or a charity. Scientology property is taxed without exemption.

Thanks for your prompt reply.

50 posted on 03/04/2014 12:43:01 PM PST by Albion Wilde (The less a man knows, the more certain he is that he knows it all.)
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To: Tennessee Nana

Priceless


51 posted on 03/04/2014 12:43:32 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.)
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To: greyfoxx39

Tom Phillips, who reports that he worked as the financial director for LDS Church corporate entities has said concerning the unpaid taxes on Mission President account reimbursements and stipends:
“ It was discussed at a First Presidency meeting with the Presiding Bishopric and they decided to continue not reporting and pay any fines when, and if, they were discovered. This is blatant tax evasion, a criminal activity in the UK.


52 posted on 03/04/2014 12:44:33 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: Tennessee Nana; Elsie
this has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with the Mormon god: MONEY

From my perspective that is all any religion is about although I do agree about the temple thing. Would have broken my daughters heart had I not attended her marriage in the Oakland Temple. The total and complete lying about all the questions gained me entry. Am I ashamed of myself? Ya, that's the ticket....

And now after twenty five years she announced divorce this week. Best thing though is that she quit Mormonism about ten years ago. I Elsieized her.

53 posted on 03/04/2014 12:44:59 PM PST by Utah Binger (Southern Utah where the world comes to see America)
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To: greyfoxx39
Tom Phillips, who reports that he worked as the financial director for LDS Church corporate entities has said concerning the unpaid taxes on Mission President account reimbursements and stipends: “ It was discussed at a First Presidency meeting with the Presiding Bishopric and they decided to continue not reporting and pay any fines when, and if, they were discovered. This is blatant tax evasion, a criminal activity in the UK.
54 posted on 03/04/2014 12:45:11 PM PST by Tennessee Nana
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To: Pollster1

//discriminating against good people because of their church rules is a terrible idea.//

Which is exactly what the LDS church does in its temples and why they have been judged against to pay local property taxes (at an 80% discount btw).


55 posted on 03/04/2014 12:47:52 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.)
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To: Mr Rogers

Did you read the article? It was because these temples are NOT public houses of worship (only a few select members can get it) that they were judged to not be exempt from the local property taxes (they still get 80% discount).

If their temples were public houses of worship it wouldn’t be an issue.


56 posted on 03/04/2014 12:52:49 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.)
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To: Morgana

This has NOTHING to do with religious freedom!


57 posted on 03/04/2014 12:53:38 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.)
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Comment #58 Removed by Moderator

To: Tennessee Nana; Morgana

I am a fan of religious freedom
__________________________________

Like Warren Jeff’s ???


Speaking for myself, there is far greater support in human history for polygamy than for homosexual ‘marriage’. The bottom line to me is this: If the government can deny freedom to worship God to the LDS, they can do it to Baptists or Catholics or any orthodox Christian church. I would rather push the bounds of religious freedom than have those bounds shrunk by an increasingly openly God-hating government.

As for a tax break, I can get a charitable deduction for my tithes to our local Baptist church - or I could if I had enough deductions to make it worthwhile. That is not the same as the US government directly giving money to our little congregation.

“Churches get tax breaks because of their charity not because they are “entitled””

Actually, that is not true. Our congregation gives about 35% of our offering to charitable works, but ALL the money I give to it is eligible as a tax deduction. That dates back to the days now long gone by, when government recognized that churches encourage good behavior and good deeds, and thus are good for the country as a whole.


59 posted on 03/04/2014 1:03:18 PM PST by Mr Rogers (I sooooo miss America!)
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To: greyfoxx39; restornu; teppe; Normandy; StormPrepper

The noose is drawing tighter...


60 posted on 03/04/2014 1:06:46 PM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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