Posted on 10/27/2004 10:50:56 PM PDT by hope
This is a WorldNetDaily printer-friendly version of the article which follows.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
TESTING THE FAITH Posted: October 28, 2004 1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Ron Strom In a letter of clarification requested by a traveling minister, the Internal Revenue Service has declared people gathered in tax-exempt churches can't pray for President Bush to win the election on Tuesday.
The ruling comes in response to a request by the Christian Defense Coalition, which is in the midst of a 15-day prayer tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the organization, had planned to lead in prayer for a Bush victory during evening services in each town. Though he had hoped to hold the services in churches, Mahoney says he has used American Legion halls, hotels and other venues pending a clarification from the IRS.
The American Center for Law and Justice wrote the letter to the IRS on behalf of the Mahoney's group, explaining that the pastor planned to "offer prayer during the evening services in the churches he visits that God grants President Bush four more years as president and that Senator Kerry does not become president."
"This is rank censorship," Mahoney told WND. "If churches felt compelled to pray for Senator Kerry, they should be able to do that, too.
"Now we have the IRS not only limiting what can said behind a pulpit in terms of electioneering, but churches aren't even allowed to pray the dictates of their consciences."
Mahoney said he would consider legal action against the IRS, saying churches that had considered hosting the tour were unable to do so. He also said he considers his First Amendment rights to have been violated.
Reaction to the IRS ruling, Mahoney predicts, will include "massive anger" in the Christian community.
"Our organization, along with the American Center for Law and Justice, is going to make this a major issue," he said.
Mahoney considers the ruling a "much greater leap into censorship" than the prohibition on endorsing candidates from church pulpits.
"You hear people talk about the separation of church and state," he said. "This is a massive violation of the separation of church and state from the standpoint of the government intruding on the private dictates of churches."
Under IRS regulations, churches that are tax-exempt organizations cannot openly advocate for candidates for office and can only use a small percentage of their budgets on political activity.
As WorldNetDaily reported, an concerted effort is under way to get the IRS to crack down on churches that might push certain candidates or parties. In July, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, headed by Barry Lynn, filed a complaint with the IRS against Ronnie Floyd, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark., accusing him of preaching a sermon promoting President Bush's re-election July 4.
Related stories:
Political snitches monitor sermons
Democrats back church IRS probe
If you'd like to sound off on this issue, please take part in the WorldNetDaily poll.
Ron Strom is a news editor for WorldNetDaily.com. |
Read it. Thanks. Sometimes I forget to read Psalms... GBU, Hope.
LOL
I simply can *NOT WAIT* for the IRS to reap the whirlwind...
And for the record, why a church would give up it's voice in our day to day governing for a license and freebies - or - why its congregation would need a tax deduction for giving to the Lord...is beyond me.
Alright! Amen! FReepmail me the church if you would please...I love it.
Why shouldn't your church pay property taxes? Just asking.
Well, it's a lot cheaper for one. I can't think of any other reason, though, can you?
Nope.
And the "it's cheaper" reasoning is pretty lame, even as I grant you the base economic motive...lol
Have you ever been audited?
Interesting question. I am guessing that someone in 1913 or thereabouts figured all of this stuff out? Would be an interesting historical research project to find out.
LMAO.....good post,wilburrrrrr
Churches aren't allowed to pray for a Bush victory but Kerry is allowed to preach from their pulpits in a blatant quest for victory? Huh?
check this site out -- not sure where they are coming from but interesting.
http://www.infidels.org/activist/state/ArchivesFederal.shtml
http://www.bpfrommer.com/Armed~Forces~Tribute.htm
If you cannot do this in churches, how about other tax exempt places, like Americam Legion clubs or hospitals. All tax exmept places have to ruled illegal, huh?
Can I pray with others on a government built street? This is insane.
I will speak my mind on this issue and no government shall deny me this right. No matter where I am, in church or elsewhere.
This is total bull funky!
The prayer warriors need to get on this.
I, for one, will not be told *who* I can pray for, *when* I can pray and *where* I can pray by some secular organization and secular judges. I answer to a *much Higher Power.*
Heavenly Father, we implore You to intercede in this madness that satan and his minions are pushing upon us. We ask that You, in Your infinite power and mercy, put an end to their evil, hatred and lies and allow those that wish to do Your Will and honor Your teachings to prevail.
Father, we are growing tired of the daily frustrations showered upon us by those who would seemingly undermine everything that You stand for. Please grant us the strength and determination to meet this ugly monster head on and to slay it through prayer and supplication.
Dear Lord, we try to be patient, but our patience is tried daily by the insanity of satan and those that follow at his heels. Especially during this time, allow us to stand firm, regale You in prayer and thanksgiving and continue to pray fervently for a restoration to good moral standing and peace in our lives.
We promise to sing Your praises for all of eternity for Your gifts to us and Your great goodness and mercy.
We ask these favors in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
ping to 139
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