Can the Catholic Church lose tax exemption?

[Meldread]

Can the Catholic Church lose tax exemption? Okay, yes fat chance of that happening. However, I think it might be possible to target certain "loud mouth" Churches and that may be enough to encourage others to become silent.

This idea comes to mind after reading this. Obviously, Bush visiting the Pope in hopes of gathering support against Same Sex Marriage is unacceptable and unethical. However, the question is this: Does it break the law?

Churches make an agreement with the state. They are allowed to be exempt from paying taxes as long as they respect the boundaries between Church and State. As we all know more than a few of them have violated those boundaries, and Churches are often used as "rallying" places for Conservatives who are posing an attack on Progressives.

I'm not clear on the law exactly. How strict is it and how much flexibility does it allow? Certainly, what went on in Colorado with the Bishop who said those who vote for people who support same sex marriage should be denied communion *might* be breaking the law.

I did a little poking around and found out that the cards may be in our favor if we target specific Churches, as was done in this case.

I am also reading up on the organization called Americans United for Separation of Church and State. It seems that Conservatives are already trying to push legislation through that would water down the law and give Churches much more latitude. (This is likely for the fight against Gay Marriage.) Obviously, we cannot allow the barriers between Separation of Church and State to be eroded -- in fact it needs to be strengthened.

[LittleApple81]

1. I hope ALL meddling "churches" lose tax exemption. n/t

[Book Lover]

2. One can only hope (nm)

[rexcat]

3. In theory they should but

the IRS doesn't have the gonads to do it.

[Meldread]

6. That's why you target individual Church's.

That's why you target individual Church's. Target the larger Churches that are popular. Get some steam rolling. Threaten other Churches if they don't shut their mouth the same will happen to them. This will "encourage" smaller Church's to become silent because many of them can't afford (literally) to lose their tax exempt status and still remain open.

The question here is how much latitude does the law give to Church's and how can we use it to our advantage to keep them silent on important matters? It would certainly help rail road Bush in many ways if key Churches started to lose their tax exempt status for supporting him. It would also send the message to the Pope and other Religious leaders that we will not tolerate them meddling in our Political Affairs.

[ElaineinIN]

12. group exemptions

it may not be quite so easy. The Catholic Church has what is called a group exemption letter. The parent organization gets the exemption letter, and it covers every other organization that falls under its umbrella--its a long enough list that its a book. So, at least in the Catholic Church's case, each individual parish or dioceses does not necessarily have its own exemption. Such a tactic might be more effective with independent churches, or denominations that don't have a group exemption letter.

The law is absolutely clear that a Section 501(c)(3) organization --- which include churches --- are not allowed to be involved in political activities in any way, shape or form. See www.irs.gov website re: charities... there are a number of notices on this, including a letter sent by the head of IRS EO to all the party chairman about the law regarding political activities and churches. The problem is that the IRS, as a practical matter, isn't going to revoke the exemption for the Catholic Church, and so they have some degree of impunity.

[Meldread]

15. Thanks!

That's been a big help.

[TexasProgresive]

4. It would not happen nationwide but

each diocese could loose it tax exempt status if the rules and laws were broken. Some bishops are dangerously close to crossing the line. Personally as a Catholic I wish that the Church would give up the tax benefits and be free to speak.

BTW All churches that own income producing property pay taxes on that income and property value.

[Meldread]

7. Yes, but if they were to do that...

Then many of the smaller Churches would be threatened. I target Catholics above others simply because they have the most well organized infostructure and could possibly make the largest difference in a close election.

[ElaineinIN]

13. Rentals...

Not necessarily true.... rents, dividends, interest are not subject to federal tax unless they are debt fianances. As to property taxes, it depends upon the state.

[Lars39]

5. I think the line was crossed a long time ago...

when an ambassador was named to the Vatican.

[Meldread]

8. More examples.

Check this out. The more and more I read about Americans United for Separation of Church and State the more i'm liking them. I think we should all sign up to show them support.

[Meldread]

9. .

:kick:

[missedherniceguy]

10. What is the difference between the Sierra Club and churches

With regards to tax free status. Environmentalism is a religion to some and they pay no taxes. I won't mention that most environmental upper staff make six digit incomes. A bit more than most bible bangers.

[thebigidea]

11. uh huh. Sure.

[missedherniceguy]

16. Ahem...take a look at the facts and huge environmental salaries

http://www.ashevilletribune.com/enviro_groups.htm

Environmental Organizations: The Facts

1. There are over 12,000 such organizations in the United States.
2. The ten top organizations are listed below:

1. The Nature Conservancy (Founded 1951)
E. President: John Sawhill. Salary and benefits: $197,118

2. National Wildlife Federation( Founded 1936)
E. Executive Director: Jay Hair. Salary and benefits:$376,205

3. World Wildlife Fund (Founded 1961)
E. Executive Director: Kathryn Fuller. Salary and benefits:$201,650

8. Environmental Defense Fund (Founded 1967)
E. Executive Director: Fred Krupp. Salary and benefits: $210,774

"Sure" indeed...Much more at the link.

[ElaineinIN]

14. No difference

both section 501(c)(3), both subject to the no political activity provision. Churches are exempt from certain reporting requirements due to excessive entanglement under the first amendment.