Posted on 07/25/2014 6:23:09 AM PDT by LeoMcNeil
The IRS recently settled a case against it brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). As part of the settlement, the IRS has agreed to monitor church sermons for political content. The suit was filed because FFRF apparently did not like an event called Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Apparently once a year a number of pastors preach on political topics, presumably to rebel against the never enforced Federal prohibition on 501(c)(3) political activities. Technically it is illegal for tax exempt non-profits to engage in political activities, presumably this includes commenting on politics from the pulpit. To date there isn’t a single case of IRS enforcement since the ban was created in 1954.
There is a long history of church political involvement in the United States. Churches supported the abolitionist movement even before independence. In the 20th century, progressives specifically targeted churches to push for radical social change. Mainline protestant denominations largely destroyed themselves with political social justice. Churches were the center of the civil rights movement, they’re currently the center of the pro-life movement. There are leftist churches pushing socialism, such as President Obama’s old church. There are others pushing feminism and homosexual special rights. Others promote conservative social values, opposing abortion and homosexuality. Both political parties use churches for their campaigns. Go to any inner city and you can bet you’ll see candidates endorsed at major black churches. The same is true in conservative churches.
The IRS has never enforced this provision, which means it’s never faced appellate review. Odds are, the prohibition of church involvement in politics wouldn’t be able to withstand a Constitutional challenge. The people are free to exercise their religion, pastors have the right to speak freely under the 1st amendment. There is no compelling reason for the government to restrict this activity. In light of recent decisions allowing corporations the right to speak (Citizens United) and closely held corporations to exercise religious freedom (Hobby Lobby) it’s a safe bet a Constitutional challenge would result in the law being overturned.
The IRS knows that, which is why it hasn’t enforced the law in 60 years. From a practical standpoint, do we really want government micromanaging sermons and church activity? At what point does a sermon on Leviticus 18:22 become a political sermon? It is absurd to think of the state sitting in the last row jotting down which sentences were political and which ones were not. The battle over what a political statement is would rage. All of this over a tax exempt status for churches, which have never been subject to taxation in our nation’s history. You want to talk about separation of church and state, the church not being subject to taxation makes it completely separate from the state.
The IRS isn’t going to enforce their settlement with the FFRF. They will once again ignore Pulpit Freedom Sunday, just like they have the last several years. The fact is, the Democrats need church involvement in campaigns and political activities just as much as Republicans. They aren’t going to risk a Constitutional challenge to the law. As for the church, it shouldn’t ruin the Lord’s Day with silly gimmicks like Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Pastors should preach the word of God and apply it to our personal and national lives as they see fit. They shouldn’t worry about the government revoking tax status, they should worry about accurately preaching God’s word. As it stands, the government isn’t going to enforce a law that both parties understand is unconstitutional.
LeoMcNeil
Since Mar 14, 2014
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“LeoMcNeil” is a NOOB, BlogPimper!
Indeed, church can speak of policies but government is forbidden from speaking in church.
Now with atheists screaming every time a manger or the ten commandements are posted in court, theocracy is coming... How “funny” and stupid are those liberal atheists.
How about they make sure to include the mosques and chinese temples too.
The IRS hasn’t been abolished yet? Why?
Churches should be able to denounce government or whatever from the pulpit
nothing wrong with free speech
I pity the agent who infiltrates the mosque and gets caught...
Just like China's Communist Party. How nice.
He never mentions political parties but by how they stand on issues you will know them.
Probably not one mosque either.
Believe me, I sure have been, for a long time, especially here in PA, where I now live.
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