Well the ACLU website will have the most comprehensive information about it, I know you wouldn't want to get it from what you'd probably consider is the lion's den, but it's a liberal viewpoint so I support those sources.
That's where democracy as a constituent comes in, you can't advocate something if you believe that everything is naturally 1:1, for or against.

Ministers do pay taxes with some exceptions.

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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming 'WOO HOO, what a ride!'"

I agree. Especially when they don't separate church and state, by preaching politics and campaining for a candidate.

The IRS has enforced that all of twice in 50 years, and that's for political reasons so while it is an option it is extremely unusual.

If anyone has been to Hawaii, especially Oahu, did you notice how much land that the Mormon church owns?? Yes, churches should have some minimal tax exemptions but that is it. The current system is ripe with abuse with mulitmillion dollar pastors and huge businesses and land/other property all free from the burden we face. I, too, have noticed many warehouse style churches popping up so clearly others must know that it is a money making system.

However, I also realize that taxing churches in the US would be like touching the third rail. Good luck with trying to get that accomplished.

It is interesting how tax exempt status has given rise to mega churches. One popped up near where I live, and it is the size of a shopping mall, and they own buildings on all the surrounding blocks. And as evangelical mega churches have become more and more political, it makes sense from a political standpoint, as you can influence larger numbers of people through mega churches. When do they cross the line from being a religious institution into becoming a political cult? Don't mind me, just thinking freely--not making much sense.

But when the organizers of these churches now live in large houses, drive expensive cars, and travel on lavish vacations, I think we've passed the point of being legitimate religious institutions. When you have 4,000 parishioners giving 10% of their income to your church, you have a lot of power.

I don't know, it's a slippery slope, but probably needs to be revisited as to what is acceptably tax exempt.

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"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."

"An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens."

-Thomas Jefferson

When you say a church has become political to the point where in they are “campaigning ” ala politics, its important to delineate how exactly that is so, or not.

These mega churches appear to be fund. Christian. For instance the message there is dogmatic regards abortion. If they espouse voting for instance for politicians whom agree with their stance, is that a political statement crossing the line? If it is, then there are churches that espouse gay rights and same could be said of them. Slippery slope indeed.

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We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile....

It's a funny thing where I live...I've never had a preacher even mention in church the name of the politician they'd be voting for. I've heard them preach the moral issues and remind people to check the candidates' voting records and where they stand on certain issues but never have I heard, "Vote for John Doe because he believes..."

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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming 'WOO HOO, what a ride!'"

Greetings and Felicitations,

Neither of the organizations you mentioned have a religious belief system which is contrary to the seperation of church and state. Allowing a religious organization to refrain from taxes because they are serving god violates that seperation in my book.

I would much rather see the tax exempt rules changed so that unimportant things cannot be covered. I can give you a better example than the earlier one. The Walmart I worked collected and ordered things for the Boy Scouts of America for their awards banquets which were then purchased with a tax exempt card. Do you want to know what kinds of things get bought? Among the items I helped collect were 4 different Ipods, 4 Playstation 2's, multiple radios, multiple MP3 players, movies, CD's and related objects. The total purchase was close to $10,000 and all for just junk that doesn't really help anyone. No food, no camping equipment, no clothing, Just high-priced junk to give kids at a dinner. I have seen the same kinds of things happen with churches, Salvation Army and the Red Cross where they purchased such things for awards dinners.

If your going to work for humanity then work for humanity but don't belittle that work for the sake of consumerist junk.

Sincerely Yours,
C. David Neely

PS. The reason I don't work for Walmart anymore is that the environment is completely counter to any kind of caring for humanity.

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Sarah Palin Wants To Ban Books

I'm with the OP. If a church violates the conditions of their tax exempt status, then they should lose it. It has gotten to the point where some churches are deliberately violating the rules. They are mocking the IRS and daring them to do something about it.

ABC News: Pastors Use Pulpit to Challenge Election Law

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I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American. ...a tradition

A chuch in city (not county) down near Baylor does it all the time, told folks not to vote Lieberman as he's Jewish, don't vote Obama because he's black etc, all white chuch. (I won't mention the name of the church but i'm sure some folks already know who i'm talking about.) They're not my church so i'm happy enough.

But its not a problem in that case because all the church members are gonna vote for Bush/McCain etc, having the IRS in there would just resonate general anti-government sermons and lead to no limits on what they could say at all.

All businesses should be exempt, including churches.

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http://www.fairtax.org

Elminate all taxes on income and replace with a national sales tax.

All businesses should be exhempt from taxes?

they are tax-exempt charities all, has nothing to do with the establishment clause. and they all have to file paperwork demonstrating that.




How do you know for a fact that they were to be given away to kids ? Many non-profits use auctions and raffles to raise money. They try to get items donated but that doesn't always work out so the rest of the time they buy items as cheaply as they can. Thats Walmart's stock in trade.

things are not always as they seem.

Thats correct. Businesses should pay no taxes, as its just passed down to the consumer and reduces efficiency.

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http://www.fairtax.org

Elminate all taxes on income and replace with a national sales tax.