The Public Opinion Soapbox

AnonyMouse · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 527

I seem to remember a couple of churches being investigated by the IRS during the last year or so, based on complaints, because the pastors preached against war. The Bush IRS took those complaints seriously, interpreting them as illegal endorsement of a liberal candidate. I don't recall reading about the IRS investigating any churches for preaching on issues that support conservative candidates.

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177

Unfortunately for all people of common sense, reporting "Rev." Keen to the IRS will do no good. There is no law preventing a preacher from preaching politics in his church. I Know this will probably disappoint some of us (it does me) but rev keen is protected by freedom of speech laws , even in the pulpit.

were he to organize a legit political action committee or something similar, and use the church as its base, then we got a case.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

AnonyMouse · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 527

I noticed this morning that the good reverend's sign says "We will trade our 501c3 in 2008 for lose the weight."

Did someone play with his sign or is he backing off his passionately held convictions? Does that even make any sense?

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3068 Location: Chambersburg

AnonyMouse, the sign doesn't make sense to me, but then, neither did the first one. It's too bad for him that I made a pdf file of the picture in the Public Opinion with him right next to it. I'm willing to bet I wasn't the only one who reserved a copy of that picture.

As for IRS investigations, it certainly seems like the current admin has a say in who gets investigated, remember back in 2003 and 2004 the politcal events that republicans were holding in churches? I kept waiting for something to happen with that, but the NAACP was investigated instead.

Spring, it isn't about freedom of speech. It's about tax exemption.
_________________
Nevermind.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177

A lot of people say there is no constitutional separation.

Congress shall make no law" .. it says.

Again I reiterate that a church cannot lose its tax exempt status simply because the preacher brings politics into the pulpit. If that were true, then there would be no jerry falwell (god rest his miserable soul)
no pat robertsons, and the like.

Only if a church were so bold as to form a political action committee and give donations to a specfic politician(s) , then the feathers would fly.

This, from my brother in law who is a field auditor for the IRS.

And I am sure "Rev" keen is aware of this.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

Yes, I understand the all the separation clause loopholes and ambiguity; but as for what a preacher can and can't say, as far as I know, they can talk politics all they want. They're just not supposed to endorse a specific candidate. I've also heard complaints being levied against clergy who speak out strongly against abortion when it is a relevant issue in an election year.

But it seems that the only time this is enforced is if a church specifically solicits funding based on their political position. "If you support Mike Huckabee, give us your tax exempt money." I would assume that's crossing some sort of line.

But, then again, it seems that most religious leaders do not even wish to go this route.

springhill · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 177

The several christian Churches would argue that their pastor (their direct electrically powered hookup to god in a mysterious way that only christians know is real) is Leading them with one voice, they as a church are not supporting a political candidate, but following their christian teachings and supporting the "prophet" that is in a position to be president of their country... or some such sh** Laughing

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

I passed by again today and sign is back to supporting Huckabee.

Whatever. After seeing that place, I really don't care anymore one way or the other.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 564

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 564

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg