Politics and Religion

[sqkcrk]

What's your opinion?

Should houses of worship loose tax exempt status if Rabbis, Ministers or Imams speak out for or against a particular candidate or party? I have heard that there are a hand full of churches who have or are going to test the Dept. of Justices position that they shouldn't endorse or speak against political candidates.

I'm not absolutely sure on which side to come down on. Should freedom of speech be infringed on if it is coming from a religious leader? I think not, not necassarily.

Maybe someone can explain this one to me.

[dragonfly]

What's your opinion?

Should houses of worship loose tax exempt status if Rabbis, Ministers or Imams speak out for or against a particular candidate or party?

I guess it depends on your definition of separation of church and state. I don't necessarily think they should be tax exempt in the first place. Tax them like any other business and let them deduct charitable donations and other business expenses. But that's just how I see it. If they are really charitable, then they wouldn't be paying much in taxes anyway.

[deknow]

i know someone who started "the church of euthanasia" as a tax shelter. his "church" sold tons of bumper stickers through specner gifts (fart in a can, black light posters, etc) that said "save the planet, kill yourself". google it if you wish...it's far to distasteful for me to link to it...take my advice and don't bother.

i think none of them should be tax exempt....it would remove the incentive for the govt to keep tabs on what is preached.

deknow

[Derek]

I guess it depends on your definition of separation of church and state. I don't necessarily think they should be tax exempt in the first place. Tax them like any other business and let them deduct charitable donations and other business expenses. But that's just how I see it. If they are really charitable, then they wouldn't be paying much in taxes anyway.


That's exactly how I see it.

[Sundance]

I am totally against the tax exempt status of any
organized religion. Many hold millions of dollars worth
of real estate.

Under the present system I feel any organized religion
that is active in politics at any level should lose the
status.

[walking bird]

Without question religious institutions should be, at the very least, paying property taxes. Here in CA that revenue alone would probably balance our budget!

The separation of church and state was intended to protect freedom of religion, so that the government couldn't dictate religious views. Which is pretty funny, considering how much time folks in government spend doing exactly that.

Religion may be a very personal choice on an individual basis, and that's fine. But in the grand scheme of things Religion is big business. It reaps humongous revenues, it sponsors (whether directly or indirectly) groups and/or initiatives that end up in the political arena, it lobbies tirelessly to legislate its views.

I'm not singling out a religion. They ALL do this. Therefore, they should earn that right by paying their share. Tax 'em.

[JPK1NH]

What's your opinion?

Should houses of worship loose tax exempt status if Rabbis, Ministers or Imams speak out for or against a particular candidate or party? I have heard that there are a hand full of churches who have or are going to test the Dept. of Justices position that they shouldn't endorse or speak against political candidates.

I'm not absolutely sure on which side to come down on. Should freedom of speech be infringed on if it is coming from a religious leader? I think not, not necassarily.

Maybe someone can explain this one to me.

Yes, they should lose any tax exempt status and be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

[randydrivesabus]

Losing their tax exempt status doesn't mean they will pay taxes...it means any contributions made to them will not be considered charitable contributions for itemized deduction purposes for the donor.

[Galaxy]

Good point randydrivesabus. However, "tax exempt status" depends entirely on whatever Congress and IRS regs define it as. But, you are correct, if churches were not charitable institutions your donations would not be deductible.

[MapMan]

"If religious institutions benefit, it is in spite of rather than because of their religious character. For religious institutions simply share benefits which government makes generally available to educational, charitable, and eleemosynary groups.'' Abington School Dist. v. Schempp

MM