[Ulysses]

Maybe this is a good reason to start taxing church properties. If they generate tax revenue, the same as any other entity, it will be harder to make a case that there will be a public benefit by seizing them for taxable development.

Kind of mixed feelings on this issue...

I'm an evangelical pastor. Of course, our church enjoys the "subsidy" of no property taxes on our buildings. Of course, we feel we provide services and positive benefits for our community.

But on the other hand, if we paid our "fair share," no one could tell us to shut up, we could have a real voice in the affairs of the community, etc.

It is absolutely true...whoever pays the band gets to call the tune.

[reflecting]

dear pastor, you are mistaken on this issue, our not paying taxes is not a subsidy any more than and money you do not give to the government is a subsidy.

The reason the government does not tax the church is because, at an earlier time, people understood that the church was not under the authority of the government, ....while you individually are, the church is not....but alas that was a long time ago before we began to see everything/one as an entity subservient to government.