Yet liberal churches and Buddihist temples always have liberal politicians come and give campaign speeches all of the time during their services, and get away with it?
2006-10-16 05:51:34 · 5 answers · asked by chuck3011 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
In terms of openly endorsing political candidates.
2006-10-16 05:55:37 · update #1
If conservative churches did what the black churches and the Buddhist temples did they would lose their tax exempt status.
2006-10-16 06:05:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bob - I understand the point you are trying to make but you are living in a utopia. Churches in my state (especially the Black churches in Chicago - and there are hundreds of them) routinely hold political rallies, have Democratic candidates speak to the congregation (during the homily sometimes), openly endorse Democratic candidates, distribute campaign literature, even use the church hall to make phone calls on behalf of Democratic candidates. Only Republicans are expected to follow the "separation" rules during campaigns.
In response to some of the other postings - I dare you to provide one SPECK of proof that any churches (in the South, North, East or West) that have been stripped of their tax-exempt status due to political activity. There are many urban legends - but no proof - I double dog dare you...
2006-10-21 15:37:23 · answer #2 · answered by Republican Mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Church and politics do not mix. The rule was put into place to keep religious leaders from speaking out on politics to a capative audience. What member of a church is going to stand up in the middle of service and debate a minister/priest/etc.?
Church should be about praying to the Lord, not talking about politics. One person suggested that a church in California was losing thier tax exempt status for this.
According to the washington post:
Under federal law, religious groups and other nonprofit charitable organizations that qualify for tax exemptions under Section 501(c)3 of the tax code may not "intervene in . . . any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office." If the IRS determines that a charity has intervened in an election, it can remove the group's tax exemption, though it has seldom done so.
This investigation came about after a liberal church in Southern California pastor delivered a fiery antiwar sermon that criticized President Bush by name on the Sunday before the 2004 presidential election. Basically he was trying to effect the election by giving this sermon.
Moral of the story - If a church wants to be tax exempt, the religious clergy needs to be quiet about their views of politics. They can discuss issues, but they cannot endorse candidates by name.
2006-10-16 15:44:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Conservative? I suppose that's why the IRS is after a liberal California church's tax exempt status but not the one's down south that have held Political action operations? Your supposition is bull to start with
2006-10-16 13:45:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because the churches are meddling in politics pushing for a theocracy in this country.
If the church wants to meddle in politics, they must pay the admission fee for politics consisting of taxes.
It is irrelevant what type of church or temple it is.
2006-10-16 13:37:01 · answer #5 · answered by sprcpt 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋