Interesting point. The root of the problem is in some special legal status for religious broadcasting. I read something about it a few years ago. The one thing I remember is that all of this fundamentalist broadcasting followed on the heels of the passage of a piece of legislation which granted special status to religious broadcasting.
The other problem is the tax-exempt status of religious and quasi-religious groups. I think it's better to tax them all. It will take money away from the Benny Hinns of the world and will help to smarten up the liberal clergy of every religion.
We in protestantism have mixed feelings about this. The 501 c(3) tax exempt status has been seen as of late as a tool for unwarrented interference in religious activities by government, and the restrictions have not been consistently enforced. It depends on what the "politics" of the group in question are. Some of us have rejected the 501 c(3), other larger ministries have considered it (such as Focus on the Family). Unfortunately, it is easier to get rid of AIDS than the 501 c(3), as the end result is that the ministry usually forfeits all of it's assets.
If you are Catholic and knowlegable in these matters, perhaps you can answer a question for me. It is my understanding that the Roman Catholic Church in the US is not organised under the 501 c(3), rather under older, eccliastical law. Is this correct? If so, what is that provision?
On the general issue, you may want to give that matter some consideration. It seems to me as if such a provision as removing tax exemption is much like sawing off the branch we are sitting on!