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.
Not one black church will be monitored. Not one.
Ah. This would explain why The REVEREND Al Sharpton and The REVEREND Jesse Jackson never invite anyone to attend their services.
No church, no pulpit, no problem.
The IRS recently settled a case against it brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (ISUS).
There. Fixed it.
My Pastor will continue to observe Pulpit Freedom Sunday.
Perhaps FFRF will go after mosques next.
Bwa ha ha ha ha haaaaaaa!
Sometimes I say the craziest things.
Except if Herman Cain or equivalent preaches.
Uh, the Freedom From Religion junkies are already free from religion.
Nobody is compelling them by threat of force to attend any sermons that may offend their delicate sensibilites.
What they are doing is VIOLATING THE FIRST AMENDMENT by siccing a GOVERNMENT AGENCY on churches that exhibit FREE SPEECH with political content during the FREE EXERCISE of their religion.
Let’s try this again, shall we?
CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION NOR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF
What is so bloody hard to understand about that? How much plainer can it be?
And what about the bloody MoHamHeads that preach several times a week from their pulpits to promote the extermination of the Jews and murder, rape, subjugation and enslavement of the “kaffir” (non-Muzzloid)?
Of course, you’re right.
Well, that’s a given. He isn’t down for the struggle.
The phrase “Separation of Church and State” came from a letter from Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists where the Baptists were concerned the state would interfere with their worship of God. Jefferson re-assured them that there was a separation of church and state and that government would never interfere.
Fast forward 238 years and the meaning now means the opposite of what it did back then.
Technically Americans don't lose their First Amendment rights... ever.
Interesting. Politics and “religion” are sometimes one in the same.
How, for instance, does a pastor talk about the coming anti-Christ and one-world government, and persecution of Christians and Jews without mentioning the current administration?
The IRS begged for the lawsuit. So it could “settle”.
Amen, bro. EVERY Sunday should be Pulpit Freedom Sunday.
In fact, it already is. It's enshrined in our Constitution. Congress shall pass no law establishing a religion nor prohibiting one.
IRS law does not supercede The Constitution.
ObamaDon'tCare notwithstanding.
The law is that the government can't run their show, i.e., establish a religion. This is a good example....They're making up church rules.
Abolish the IRS.
Muzzie mosques won’t be monitored either.
Nobody puts a gun to the heads of church members to take the tax deduction. If they turn it down the Federal government has no leverage on them.
If you make yourself a puppet of the state don’t be surprised when the government yanks your strings.
Churches do not require 501c3 status. They are automatically exempted from taxation on formation. The reason churches incorporate under this statute is to limit liability for the leadership.
The 501c3 regulations bring the church under IRS jurisdiction and the rules are invasive.
There is no reason a church should incorporate. Church leaders should be prepared to take full personal responsibility and defend their churches from the state. Churches were the original town halls and true church leaders would never have sold their souls for government pottage.
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