Politics from the Pulpit, Church vs. IRS
This Sunday many pastors have decided to violate IRS rules and endorse specific political candidates from their pulpits. Approximately 30 churches in 22 states will take part in “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” in an effort to trigger an IRS investigation that they intend to contest in court.IRS rules provide tax exempt status to non-profit organizations as long as they adhere to restrictions such as not endorsing specific politicians. But some disagree with the constitutionality of this rule. “The IRS does not have the role of censoring speech from the pulpit” said a baptist pastor from Georgia who states he backs McCain for president.
Clergy from fifty-five Christian and Jewish organizations have strongly condemned the initiative and filed a complaint with the IRS. The IRS is aware of the issue and is investigating.
This is clearly not an issue of free speech. The rules only stipulate qualifications for tax-free status, not constitutional rights. Pastors in churches who pay taxes are free to speak on any topic of their choice. The organizers of this “mass violation of federal tax law” may get more than they bargained for. It is a violation of federal rules for tax professionals to advise clients to break the law.
This set of rules has been contested (without success) twice before. In 1992 a New York church lost its tax exempt status for urging its members to vote against Bill Clinton. The precedent is clear but I think this is a great idea. I believe such associations that have extreme influence over members, and do very little charity, are a source of revenue that this nation should not have to do without.
It should be well noted that JUDAS ISCARIOT tried to use Jesus' ministry as a platform for political and military uprise.
He was in extreme error to say the least.
Jesus rebuked Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane for trying to use force on Jesus' captors putting to rest any misconceived notions that this was some uprising.
There are many other examples where Jesus went to great lengths to distance himself and his ministry from being considered political or military.
I am sickened by many things in the pulpit and find this "vain revolution for political freedom of speech" particularly irreprehensible and contrary to the teachings and overall impetus of Jesus' ministry.
As a sideline note I would also like to point out that none of the candidates are running for office of priest or pastor.
To criticize one politician for being "pro choice" or in favor of stem cell research while giving full support to a candidate who advocates fully the use of war, torture, and nuclear armament not only for defense but also as a " first strike" option, is garbage and contradicts all that Jesus came to establish as his message and legacy.
I would like to add another thought that sacrificing a church's tax exempt status is extremely irresponsible when considering that the minister is being entrusted with money that did not come from him nor belongs to him.
(see all the biblical listings for stewardship).
I would like to charge and challenge all elders and/ or board members to challenge and rebuke your pastor if you feel he is abusing his post of shepherd for the sake of spewing politically in a place that should bring respite from all of this rather than becoming a platform for it.
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