tax exemption

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coffeeusa -> tax exemption (6/25/2008 5:21:02 PM)
I saw a pastor from Minnesota on Fox news then an ABC website. This pastor, as I also talked with him, said that he is frustrated by the fact that Republicans cannot speak their political views from the pulpit but Democrats, (case in point Obama's church) can and do. He wrote the IRS. with a sermon attatched, also invited the media, and informed all that he will be preaching his political views from the pulpit-for the most part his congregation agrees I called a couple of churches and except for one, the people seemed very indifferent-another Minnesota pastor, with opposties view and who still believes that we need to remain tax exempt told me that I may want to share this with other pasotors. This may die done, yet after it hit FOX other media sources ran with it. Just sharing. Also wondering, does this mean members of the congregations of churches, who choose to drop tax exemption, loose the deductions on their taxes? HMMM. Thank you for reading

GroupW -> RE: tax exemption (6/26/2008 9:51:16 AM)
Churches are free to discuss their political views as non-profits. James Dobson and Jim Wallis do it on a regular basis. They key is to refrain from endorsing specific candidates or do anything that could be considered to be advocacy on the part of a specific candidate or political party. If you stick to the issues and keep personalities out of it, you should be just fine.

earthless -> RE: tax exemption (6/26/2008 12:30:41 PM)
This is a reason why churches should drop the tax exempt status and be free to preach God's Word with no curbing due to to cultural reasons, state laws, etc..

rcjames -> RE: tax exemption (6/26/2008 1:01:55 PM)
When everybody I know or have contact with is saved and fully serving God according to the New Testament Scriptures; then I might consider taking my teaching towards political things. Thsnks RC

earthless -> RE: tax exemption (6/26/2008 1:03:13 PM)
Ha ha.. I like that, RC. [:D]

phosadaud -> RE: tax exemption (6/26/2008 4:49:31 PM)
Churches can lose their tax exempt status for political activity, but being a church does not mean you are a tax exempt organization. So, yes some churches do seem to "get away" with political activity but it's only because they are not tax-exempt for IRS purposes. It's not a double-standard. Churches choose to fit or not fit under this umbrella. A church is totally free to choose to become a political entity - it just won't be able to claim the benefits of a 501(c)(3) charity. As far as how it affects the members of the church: If the church loses it's tax exempt status (or doesn't have it in the first place), any donations made to it will not be deductible as charitable contributions. I personally don't understand why a church would be in the business of campaigning anyway. I go to church to worship God and learn to follow Him - not to find out how to vote and listen to a politician. [8D]

youthrev -> RE: tax exemption (7/2/2008 11:19:45 AM)
I may not know who to vote for this election, but as I continue to learn about God's character and His commands, how to follow Christ, etc., I certainly know who NOT to vote for. I don't need a pastor telling me that. And I agree with RCJ that the pulpit (the "sacred desk") should be used for preaching the Gospel of Christ, not campaigning. As long as there are lost people, our work of evangelism isn't done.

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