[AmericaOne]

The solution seems obvious to me. Churches should stop using the tax exempt status and then begin to speak freely and often from the pulpit about the issues of the day. With the threat removed they will be free to speak.

Good Point. Then they would not have to worry about big brother when they speak about Morality and other issues of the day.

Although any church would likely have to forgo at least some of its charity work, like helping out the needy, etc., since the money that would be raised for these "help the needy" programs would likely have to go to pay taxes instead. We as tax payers would probably end up taking it in the chin with more social spending to make up for the churches not being able to help the needy any longer or as much as they used to.

[highlander_UW]

I'm not entirely convinced that your conclusion necessarily follows. One could equally posit a situation where, when churches decline to take tax exempt status in order to speak to the issues of the day more people take note and join those churches increasing the membership base. Those new members along with an invigorated current membership might begin to donate not only more money but more time as well to the very sorts of ministries you mention. Of course, as I said, that is speculative, but seems equally likely as the result you posited.

And, as far as tax payers taking it in the shorts...even if one were to accept the conclusion you posited, if the churches are paying taxes but doing less charitable works and the result is greater cost to taxpayers then the result will be that the raw value (cost wise) of the work of the church will become apparent AND the preachers will have been free to speak to the issues from the pulpits.