Yes churches existed before tax exemptions. But there is no question that these expected actions will hurt the finances of religions. It will take away resources from the charitable and humanitarian work done by religious denominations.
I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here by saying that when Mother Teresa was scraping people off the streets of Calcutta, she really didn’t give a sh!t about whether her work was “tax exempt” or not.
Not if they’re smart. They can easily create charitable organizations that are related to them that will keep tax exempt status. Which then gives donors the option of giving money to the church or to the church’s charity.