Pope Jeopardizes U.S. Tax-Exempt Status of Church

[ellswo16rthsnjqv]

Originally Posted by StupidScript

. But there are laws that say, "If you want to not pay taxes as a 'church' in America, you can't be involved in political issues." I didn't write it, but I agree with it. In many cases, the church's statements are far more influential than even a parent's. They must be kept from turning the U.S. political system (such as it is) into a Catholic system.

link?

There are no US laws confiscating people's things based on their religion.

Originally Posted by StupidScript

When the Pope calls on legislators to vote anti-anything or lose their ability to worship in the church, that's a distinct violation of the law.

See above. Congress has no jurisdiction over religion. It is in the US Constitution.

US citizens have freedom of religion, assembly, and speech.

Originally Posted by StupidScript

I haven't heard any Jewish or Muslim (or whatever) leaders calling for the same ... just the Pope. The Pope. The single leader of one of the largest churches in the world. Jewish and Muslim faiths do not have anything like that (a single, dominant worldwide leader), so they can only jeopardize their individual synagogue or mosque by making such statements.

random pick on jewish muslim lobby
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=AIPAC

Fascist Adolf Hitler confiscated Jewish peoples teeth for the gold after he exterminated them for his their religion. Communist Joseph Stalin, oddly who was Jewish, exterminated Catholics and Christian sects by confiscating their food based on their religion to starve them.

Originally Posted by StupidScript

The Catholic church is, indeed, people ... except for the Pope, who holds special status with members of his flock. And there lies the rub ...

The Pope is a simple priest. His role is the Bishop of Rome. He spreads the good news of Jesus Christ.

[ellswo16rthsnjqv]

Originally Posted by John Scott

You are kidding, right? Many people consider Islam to be a political system, not a religion.

Religions have every right to express values and express values in relation to political questions. Any suggestion otherwise is absurd.

Well said Mr. Scott.

I think it is called shariah. Google again

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...sa&btnG=Search

[StupidScript]

Read 'em and weep.

In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.

Here's the sub-page I drew that quote from.

Bring on the quibbling about what "substantial part of its activities" and "too much lobbying" mean, with regard to the penetration of the Pope's remarks on this topic as compared to the Catholic church's other media frenzies, of late.

PS: It's the IRS that has jurisdiction over this type of tax issue ... not Congress, or the Constitution, unless there are some pretty substantial changes to the Tax Code in the wind ...

[John Scott]

LOL!!! You tried to characterize church policy as lobbying!!! You must now know the first thing about what lobbying is.

[StupidScript]

You must now know the first thing about what lobbying is.

Indeed, I do. And now that I've actually looked it up, I withdraw my implication that the Catholic church may lose its tax-exempt status. That is all you're gonna get from me.

In the interest of reaching a common goal (next few quotes from NP Action):

Nonprofits have been and continue to be the primary vehicle of civic involvement in the United States. They play a crucial role in the democratic process and have the information, networks needed for policy debates. Charities provide a forum for people to voice their ideas and get involved. They have the public interest at heart.

The term "charitable" in Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code is broad and includes relief of the poor, advancement of religion, education or science. IT IS NOT LIMITED TO HANDOUT ASSISTANCE OR BRICKS AND MORTAR: ADVOCACY INCLUDED WITHIN SCOPE OF THE DEFINITION OF CHARITIABLE. IRS Reg Sec. 1.501(c)(3)-1(d). says: "The fact that an organization, in carrying out its primary purpose, advocates social or civic changes or presents opinion on controversial issues with the intention of molding public opinion or creating public sentiment to an acceptance of its views does not preclude such organization from qualifying under section 501(c)(3)"

(my emphasis)

Source: IRS Reg. IRS Regulations Sec. 56.4911-1 and Reg. 56.4911-2(d)(1)(ii).

I rest your case.

And here's the loophole:

An organization is attempting to "influence legislation" when the communication is directed to a legislator or employee of a legislative body, refers to specific legislation and reflects a view on that legislation.

So, since the Pope didn't address a specific legislator and didn't address specific legislation ... his church is safe. Let this be a lesson to all who seek to establish a church!

[John Scott]

I withdraw my implication that the Catholic church may lose its tax-exempt status.

I'm proud of you.

[temyong]

Actually abortion is killing an innocent person and it is a crime. Church is helping a poor all over the world and building a church its not a business. So why government would like to ask a tax for a church.

[ellswo16rthsnjqv]

Originally Posted by StupidScript

PS: It's the IRS that has jurisdiction over this type of tax issue ... not Congress, or the Constitution, unless there are some pretty substantial changes to the Tax Code in the wind ...

The irs is not a court, it has no "jurisdiction." It is a sub bureaucracy under the Treasury Dept, a cabinet position to the President.

Lincoln created it to raise money to kill people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irs

Interesting link http://www.thelawthatneverwas.com/new/home.asp

[StupidScript]

ju·ris·dic·tion

1. the right, power, or authority to administer justice by hearing and determining controversies.
2. power; authority; control: He has jurisdiction over all American soldiers in the area.
3. the extent or range of judicial, law enforcement, or other authority: This case comes under the jurisdiction of the local police.
4. the territory over which authority is exercised: All islands to the northwest are his jurisdiction.

I'd say that the IRS has jurisdiction over tax matters ... including whether the head of any Church engages in lobbying against the provisions cited above ... even if in this case I have already withdrawn my contention that the Pope was, according to the letter of the U.S. tax code, cited above, engaging in lobbying.

And if you believe Abraham Lincoln's intention was to use the money collected by the IRS "to kill people", then you haven't learned your American history very well.