If a church loses its tax-exempt status as a result of (fill in the blank, or choose one: an impartial review by competent tax specialists/a chaotic review by constitutional scholars and the press/whimsy), is that "a direct assault on freedom of speech and freedom of religion"?
Thats what the rector of a church in California said when he was informed that the church might lose its tax-exempt status as a result of an anti-war speech given by a guest lecturer.
I think he's wrong.
Loss of tax-exempt status has significant effects on the financial health of a church, and contemplation of that loss can cause the church to curtail activities -- but the church makes that decision, not the IRS. They can still speak; they can still practice religion.
As a side note, I don't think this question would come up if we trusted our agencies of government to be impartial and expert in what they do. Sadly.....(fill in the blank)
No comments:
Post a Comment