"Ministers to Defy IRS By Endorsing Candidate[s]" (John Kerry, party affiliation)

[delusianne]

Defying a federal tax law they consider unjust, 33 ministers across the country will take to their pulpits this Sunday and publicly endorse a candidate for president.

The protest, called Pulpit Freedom Sunday, was organized by the Alliance Defense Fund, a consortium of Christian lawyers that fights for conservative religious and social causes.

“What they’re doing is talking to their congregations about biblical issues related to candidates and elections, and they believe they have the constitutional right to do that.”

The Rev. Barry Lynn, of Americans United, said of the protest on Sunday: “They act like this is a massive act of civil disobedience, but this is not like sitting in at a lunch counter. This is trying to change the law to give certain conservative churches even more political clout.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/us...l?ref=politics

Are these churches risking their tax-exempt status for a worthy cause? Or should churches officially stay out of politics?

[Ironclad]

They need to stay OUT of it, separation of church and state. Those with an active role should lose their exemption.

[Miborn]

I find this hilarious they are tired of being attacked in the media bible thumpers and all they are fighting back!

[boiseguy]

let em fight back... just send them a tax bill in the mail...
they already do it... but if you want to be stupid and throw it out there... don't be too surprised if you are not regarded as a tax-free entity anymore..

[delusianne]

I think they did this at least once before, back closer to 2004. A single Sunday...dont recall the details.

I remember this sort of thing got out of hand around that same time, when some pastor announced from the pulpit that [John Kerry supporters? anyone anti-Bush?] were not welcome in his church.

[Gone-2-Beach]

Let them say whatever they want to say ... and then let them start PAYING TAXES like the rest of us!

[calmdude]

Agree. Churches should not get involved in politics - unless they want to pay taxes. I think they forget that it is the constiitution that governs us.

[delusianne]

I wonder if these pastors will have read this article before they go out this morning and sacrifice their tax-exempt status:

The New York Times | McCain and Team Have Many Ties to the Gambling Industry

Somehow I doubt it. Hahahaha

[calmdude]

The law of the land, not the "higher law", applies in the US. Hope they get nailed regardless of their party affiliation.

[mrbob]

Sounds GREAT to me!!!

What we need is more tax revenue coming into the Treasury to help pay back this astronomical mountain of debt that Bush is leaving us...

There's big money in religion today - so just think of how many billions in extra revenue will be flowing into the Treasury!!!

Pony up to the table Mr. Preacher Man, and write out your check to the IRS - today!!!