If a church accepts the tax free status “gift” offered by the government, they will always be under the control of that same government.
I belong to a church that has never applied for nor accepted that tax free status. We are a government free zone. Our pastor can preach what he wants, without restrictions, be it religion or politics.
Our parishioners know that any money they contribute to the church cannot be declared as a tax-deductible contribution for any reason.
Yet, with all these warnings, our church continues to grow.
That is very remarkable, God is blessing your Church.
I believe that is the route the Catholic Church will take, too.
I fear that will only be a temporary refuge.
In provinces and countries with strong hate speech laws that is no longer possible. Has nothing to do with tax-free status or not. Coming here within six months.
As a matter of law, religious organizations are exempt from income tax and are exempt from reporting financial information and limits IRS examinations. If recognized as 501(c) then contributions are deductible as itemized deductions by contributors.
I don’t feel that the government can easily remove that exemption for exercising their religious beliefs. To some extent they may be able to if engaged in campaigning for political candidates. However, this has not been fully tested against 1st amendment rights.Many of the cases concerning health care and abortion has been held for religious freedom . Some are still pending. Even the political aspects have not seem even handed as many democratic leaning churches have been very political.
However, if the federal government provides government funds services such as adoptions, hospitals, etc, then the government can stop these payments claiming discrimination.
But an out of control government and judiciary seems to be able to do what they want.
Look for more churches to go that route.