I have been reading where the IRS has been investigating more churches for getting involved in Politics by indorcing canidates or by telling people to vote for people that have certain beleifs ( and other reasons) that violate IRS rules and regulatoins.

Does this not violate the churches constitutional rights, since the IRS is established by Congress, so the laws and rules the IRS has are endorced by Congress since they created the IRS.

So if they pass laws regulting and restricting religion is this not unconstitutional. Should not churches be free to give thier opinions on political matters.

FREDLHRA

When the Church applies for and accepts 501c3 status, the rules and regulations of the State incorporation go along with the territory. The Church is not forced into this State incorporation, it is strictly voluntary. When the Church incorporates, like it or not, it is doing business just like anyone else.

I believe God would have anyone stand by their word. And the rules for 501c3 incorporation are spelled out in the IRS rules. The Church fell into this trap out of greed.

Matthew 22:21 "They say unto Him, Caesars. Then saith He unto them, render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's".

Starman

The real issue from a Christian church standpoint is where to draw the line between merely expressing a Christian opinion and going so far that the church effectively becomes part of the world of which Jesus told his disciples to separate themselves. During Nazi Germany's existence this fine line was crossed.

talaniman

Why should the church get exemptions and not play by the rules of those laws that were written to monetarily enrich that same church? Who in the church makes political policy and does the congregation vote on this or not? I think the church no matter the religious affiliation should stay out of politics and minister to the needs of the people they serve,or else pay taxes like everyone else!

jduke44

I am going to ride on both sides of the fence on this. No, I am not running for public office, it's just I can see both sides of the argument to be true. I think fo rthe sake of non-profit organizations, since they don't make any income, should be allowed to stay tax exempt. Yes, it would help to pay the taxes if the property they owned were taxed but this is allowed by the IRS so let them take advantage of it. Talking on the other side of my mouth, I do agree that the IRS made certain restrictions for this tax exempt so organizations need to abide by it -- churches included. I looked up these regulations and from what I see these aren't too hard to follow.

I agree with talaniman about the churches ministering to the people they serve and I will go one step furthur -- the community.

I am not sure if I am missing something, but these regulations specifically say not to endorse on the pulpit, signs on property, giving preferential treatment to candidates at functions, and so forth. It doesn't say a leader couldn't give their opinion any where else. I think the IRS doesn't want influentual leaders persuading the people they lead to vote a certain way so that benefits the organization.

I did agree with Need in the beginning of this post, and I still do, but the law is the law. I didn't know the extent of what was going on here.

Fr_Chuck

Are you in congress jduke44, I think I heard Kennedy saying something like that last week.

But really thank you all very much, it was nice to have a discussion over this issue

jduke44

I was thinking of running for NY governor this year.

Your very welcome.