Why hasn't the IRS taken away the tax exempt status of the Catholic Church & all politically active churches??

Question

Churches and other non-profits are tax exempt under section 501C-3 of the IRS Code. Section 501 (C) 3 requires that the tax exempt entity have no political activity. This is apparently another law not being enforced by this administration. Catholic Churches are hiding illegal aliens and actively lobbying for non-enforcement of our immigration laws, and other churches have endorsed so called right wing conservative candidates. Why is this law not enforced? If churches want to be politically active, they should pay taxes like any other business. How can the IRS rationalize selectively enforcing their tax laws?

notadummyrat: You need to learn the definition of "bigot." Wanting existing laws enforced, which have been on the books for years enforced would not fit within the definition. A bigot might be one who only wants certain laws enforced for certain people. Or a bigot might be one who thinks when it comes to a certain group of law breakers, the law should not be enforced. Maybe you are a bigot.

Answer 1

"Is a puzzlement."

I haven't a clue on this one. I completely agree that when they lobby as part of their functions, they should lose their exemption.

Answer 2

Lobbying is not considered a "political activity". Endorsing a candidate or endorsing propositions or constitutional amendments is considered "political activity" and churches do not engage in such activities.

Some churches walk VERY close to that line when they invite a political candidate to speak at services, but I have never heard of this happening at a Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church publishes a voter's guide which gives the major candidates views on certain issues, but it is very careful to not suggest which candidate to vote for.

Answer 3

I agree-religion should be a sanctuary from all the political madness, not add to it. I hear politics preached in a church, I am out of there. Developing a closer relationship with God is a personal thing. Its between me and God. What goes on outside of that relationship is up to me to deal with. But when I am in church, I want to hear ways to help me with my personal relationship with God. I dont want to hear about how others are doing something right or wrong. That does not help me in my goal for the personal relationship. No tax benefits for churches who try to tell people how to live, how to vote, who to tolerate, who to hate. Absolutely disgusting. Not limited to the Roman Catholic church by the way. Lots of other "religions" (baptists come immediately to mind) do the same thing!!!!
Great question!

Answer 4

<> they are in a position to, and do - however the tax-exempt prestige of religions could no longer substitute no remember how a lot of people think of it may. thank you US shape! <> i think of you're way at a loss for words. First - Obama isn't a Catholic. As such, Obama isn't attending Catholic Mass nor attempting to get carry of Communion. So, if all and sundry tries to disclaim him Communion, this is not going to be a Catholic prist. 2d - Biden IS a Catholic. through his professional-abortion stance, he's right now excommunicated from the Church. provided that actuality, a clergyman in basic terms can't administer Communion to Biden despite the fact that if the priest needed to in my opinion. however, you probable will see Catholic clergymen administering Communion to Biden - to their very own peril. 0.33 - decrease back to Obama; the U. S. Council of Catholic Bishops has promised to confront Obama on his professional-abortion stance, because it extremely is their rght to do ensuing from the reality those bishops are individuals. <> the as quickly as a year funds of Vatican city is type of the comparable length as that of the city of Chicago - no longer almost sufficient to "positioned a dent" in something, in no way techniques the deficit. this is irrelevant besides as teh shape forbids the taxation of religious institutions. <> so some distance as taxing religions? No. The company of religion in u.s. is secure via the 1st substitute. not one of the 1st Ten Amendments can be replaced the two.

Answer 5

I don't know but the church that housed that Elvira creep definitely should lose it. And any other church that tries to influence an election! Apparently the IRS doesn't have to rationalize anything. I'm sure that they are aware of duplicate SS# but I don't see them trying to fix the damage.

Answer 6

A few of them are losing their exempt status. Not many, but a few have for endorsing a President.


Edit: My guess is that politicians do not want to look like they're attacking God.

Answer 7

No one has the political will to go after them. The religious right would cause such an uproar. It's not just the Catholics either, but almost all churches!

Answer 8

i agree 100%.

Answer 9

Dam good question.

Answer 10

Because they are not ignorant bigots.