[Calvinist_Dark_Lord]

The other problem is the tax-exempt status of religious and quasi-religious groups. I think it is 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!

[Aquinasfan]

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?

Sorry, I don't know.

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!

The priests that I know tend to be more liberal than the general population particularly regarding economic issues. Part of it is that many have never worked in the business world. Another reason may be that the Catholic Church receives a lot of money from the federal government. Catholic Charities receives as much as 65% of its budget from the government.

Two-thirds of Catholic Charities' $2 billion annual budget comes from public sources. Most, though, have set up non-profit arms to abide by federal non-discrimination guidelines.

And there's the rub. The Church has lost its missionary zeal and converted its Mother Theresa's into faceless bureaucrats. The State is killing the Church with "kindness."

I've thought about the issue a lot and it's a tough call, but I think losing tax-exempt status would be for the best. Suffering tends to purify and has always strengthened the Church. And I also don't want my Church beholden to the government.