Political Speech Protection for Churches

Freedoms' Alert ^ | Jan 2002 | Duane Motley

[JD86]

Self-government is all about doing what is right because it is right, not because man's government says it's ok.

If you truly believe this, tell your church not to seek or accept tax-exempt status. Then I will believe you are operating from an "ethical" stance. Until then, I will believe churches that want a tax-exempt status AND to participate in the political process....simply want it both ways.....a hypocritical stance to say the least.

[JD86]

I read #58....it doesn't apply to the issue of tax-exempt status....unless the "church" truly meets only to worship and never collects or distributes money. However, since most do collect and distribute money....they are a business..and subject to taxation like any other money making business, unless they choose to apply for tax exempt status....which carries certain restrictions. If they don't want the restrictions, don't apply for the tax exemption.

[max61]

Suck off the government teat and you are bound by the governments rules.

---max

[The Mayor]

I'm glad this came back to life.

I don't think the majority of the churches are sucking off the teat, as you say. The only real advantage of this is for the person making th donation, they can deduct their donation from their taxes.

[The Mayor]

Congressman Phil Crane of Illonois introduced the Bright Line Act of 2001, to clarify the confusion regarding 501(c)3 status. The purpose of this bill is to clearly define what churches can and cannot do in the area of lobbying and political (campaign) activity. Congressman Crane agrees that various pieces of legislation and candidates in public office certainly affect churches. He beleives churches should have an impact on legislation that will apply to them and on elected officals who will make those decisions. Other Corporations can and do spend money campaigning and lobbying on matters that relate to their businesses.

I think this is the main part of the article. If this gets passed then it would be a fair playing field for all candidates, the demonrats wouldn't have the upper hand. It makes me sick that HiTlery, Gore and Bill Klinkton get away with it as often as they do...

[AmericanDave]

I think more clearly, the point is your church should speak freely! If this causes you to lose your tax fee status, then so be it....

[AmericanDave]

You have probably looked at the U.S. Code of Laws. I'll bet most haven't. It is most interesting in that the First Book is Customs, then other books of laws added I think to 9 or 10 (adding Maritime law, etc) Each having its OWN BOOK, I think. THEN you have about SIX books of law code for the IRS!!!! This was about ten years ago, don't know how many might be there now. But in essence the entire code of U.S. laws could be CUT IN HALF (if memory serves) by eliminating the IRS CODE!!!!!!