June
The problem stems from a church saying it is separate, not a taxable entity, but then does not adhere to that statement.
People go to church not to hear political rhetoric. They go to church for spiritual fulfillment.
When a preacher, a religious man, uses the pulpit for political reasons, it is no longer a place for spiritual fulfillment. It becomes a political platform. Much like the clerics of the middle eastern nations.
I'm not saying these political places should not exist. It's a free country, but they shouldn't be allowed to state they are not a political entity so they can reap the tax rewards, and then a month before a major election, change and say they are allowed to be a political entity, and then right after the election, they want their tax free status back. It doesn't work that way.
The minute a preacher starts talking of politics, they should be taxed as a business. From that day until they day they close their doors. They take in income, and it should be taxed. It is no longer a donation to a religious organization, but a donation to a political organization.
I never thought I would agree, but Amesh is right on this time.
