What do I need to start a recognized Church by the federal Government? I live in Arizona?

Question

Dude your a dumbass and have no idea what you speek of with the separation of church and state..
And no I don't want to use drugs or anything, I want to run a church out of my house. What do I do or is there a link where I can get this information?

Deirdre H,
Will that make me exempt from paying taxes?

Answer 1

In most states, you need a real piece of property either owned or rented. It's unlikely that they'll let it be your home. That's the reason that many Pagan churches are unrecognized.

Some states might require that you have some sort of leadership or heirarchy or recognized body of government.

On the Other hand, you can check out the Universal Life Church where you can become an ordained minister, but tied to no particular theology. In most states, such an ordination grants you rights to perform weddings and such. You can also then begin your own congregation, with your own faith. This helps take care of some of the legal problems. Ordination is free and immediate, and can be done over the web.

Answer 2

Why do you want your church to be recognized by the Federal Government? There is a separation of church and state and you really gain nothing by them recognizing your church.

Answer 3

If you are starting a church with the primary goal of having it recognized by the feds, then maybe you have the wrong motives for starting a church. Your probably also going to do something illegal and get yourself in trouble.

Answer 4

Are you on Federally owned land? Indian reservation?

Is this a mainstream religion? Does it have a relationship with some cultural?

EDIT: I would contact an established church and ask them.

Answer 5

I would check but I think that you need a name for the church and then file for non-profit status... and you are in like Flynn...

Check Az may have things... but I don't know...