Preachers endorse candidates from the pulpit (lobby, politicians, government, state)

[rikensquire]

Originally Posted by le roi

section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Just getting some clarity. A lot of people are of the thought that there's laws that hold churches at bay from upholding their belief systems. As long as you're aware that it's only in regard to a tax exempt status and that it's the code of the Internal Revenue Service, not the laws of our country holding a church accountable, then I'm OK with your position. The tax exempt status of those who've taken a vow of poverty should never color their views, otherwise they are insincere and motivated by money. People crawl on their knees, often to a bloody end in Italy as a show of faith, giving Caesar his 20% shouldn't be much of an obstacle.

[le roi]

Originally Posted by rikensquire

A lot of people are of the thought that there's laws that hold churches at bay from upholding their belief systems.

yes, i see that. it is a pervasive fear of the religious right, that the secular left is "out to get them", and vice versa.

[rikensquire]

The versa and the vice versa are in constant turmoil, it's all about mind control and influence. If everyone would mind their own business and allow people to believe what they want to believe in peace, without the hope to silence opposing viewpoints, we would have more time to craft better beliefs and work towards a better society.

[Calvinist]

Originally Posted by Ecovlke

What's your opinion on preachers endorsing candidates from the pulpit? It's illegal if the church wants to keep the tax free status, but apparently they do it anyway.

From Oklahoma:

Edmond Pastor Continues Preaching Politics from Pulpit - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

The black and liberal churches have been doing it for years with the democrat candidates. How many times did we see clinton speaking in a black church?

Heck, obama recently told the churches they need to get out and campaign for his HCR.

[rikensquire]

Who created the IRS? Why would they make sure it had laws to enforce the will of the state upon those prostlytizing? I wonder why "certain" political perspectives are never the subject of the Tax Code's enforcements upon speech?
If that don't put the dink in coinki-dink, I don't know what'll do it fur ya'.

[BentBow]

Originally Posted by le roi

...which has nothing to do with the topic. this is about tax breaks, not separation of church and state.

of course when all you have is a hammer, i guess everything looks like a nail.

Was this one of those, "Nothing to see here. Move along." posts?? Doesn't work, PAL!

And why do Churches have tax free status?
Because of the separation laws.

[le roi]

Originally Posted by BentBow

And why do Churches have tax free status?
Because of the separation laws.

Oh yeah, and what law is that?

The answer is: none. There is no law that "gives" churches tax free status.

There is a law that grants tax free status to eligible groups, and it says nothing about churches or religion.

[rikensquire]

Originally Posted by BentBow

Was this one of those, "Nothing to see here. Move along." posts?? Doesn't work, PAL!

And why do Churches have tax free status?
Because of the separation laws.

If you won't rail against us from the pulpit for having the masses give unto Caesar what is due Caesar, you'll get X.
The initial agreement was flawed in it's pitch, in that: What the heck were they being motivated with? We'd done pretty well, pre-Caesar's influence upon the citizenry. Didn't Pilot free the hardened criminal in order to allow for the crucifiction of Christ? Someone didn't get the memo?

[Visvaldis]

Tax the churches!

[BentBow]

Originally Posted by le roi

section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Boy, let the facts speak for themselves, instead of cherry picking what you want seen!!! Are you also a scammer in real life?

Exemption Requirements - Section 501(c)(3) Organizations

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=175419,00.html - broken link) and operated (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=175421,00.html - broken link) exclusively for exempt purposes (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=175418,00.html - broken link) set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123297,00.html - broken link) to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions (http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96102,00.html - broken link) in accordance with Code section 170.
The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123297,00.html - broken link), and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123303,00.html - broken link) with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123298,00.html - broken link) may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction.
Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct. For a detailed discussion, see Political and Lobbying Activities (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=120703,00.html - broken link). For more information about lobbying activities by charities, see the article Lobbying Issues; for more information about political activities of charities, see the FY-2002 CPE topic Election Year Issues.
Additional Information

Application Process Step by Step: Questions and answers that will help an organization determine if it is eligible to apply for recognition of exemption from federal income taxation under IRC section 501(a) and, if so, how to proceed.

The IRS has published Revenue Ruling 2007-41, which outlines how churches, and all 501(c)(3) organizations, can stay within the law regarding the ban on political activity. Also, the ban by Congress is on political campaign activity regarding a candidate; churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations can engage in a limited amount of lobbying (including ballot measures) and advocate for or against issues that are in the political arena. The IRS also has provided guidance regarding the difference between advocating for a candidate and advocating for legislation.