Taxing all Religions
How can we force the government to start taxing all religions? I have been
for this idea for years now since they all in someway try to influence their
followers in political ways.
Sandi
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Dear Sandi,
First we just keep talking about it. Then we learn about it: what are the guidelines? What actually constitutes stepping over the line? What organizations are working on this already? Find out and get back to me. I’m waiting for a call from Obama’s transition team for the job of Humor Laureate.
Best,
Kate
lk
December 8, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
Be careful here. You must realize that this will affect ALL religions, not just the ones you disagree with. All wiccan and pagan groups will be affected. Think it through. Also, think about the number of people who are fed and clothed and housed by religious groups like the Salvation Army and, yes, the Catholic Church. If these charities were to disappear because you just could not stand to be in the same world with people who oppose you, you’re going to have a heavy burden on your conscience.
Kathleen
December 9, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
The IRS code on non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations says:
“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).”
Unfortunately, “substantial part” is extremely vague, “determined on the basis of all the pertinent facts and circumstances in each case.” But I think a strong case can be made that the extremely large contribution of the Mormon Church to Prop 8 lobbying efforts DOES constitute a “substantial part of its activities.”
If you feel strongly about this, at least write a letter to your members of Congress.
For more info, go to this page of the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/charities/churches/article/0,,id=155746,00.html and download the “Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations.”
Cheers
Kathleen
December 9, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
Sorry Kate, I forgot to say one more thing:
To the first person to comment on this post, I agree that churches do many good things in their communities. I am not saying I want churches to be stripped of their non-profit status, I am saying that churches should have to follow the same rules as other non-profits! If they are forced to follow the rules, then their extremist influence on legislation will be very limited, and that will be better for everyone!
Kathryn
March 7, 2010 @ 12:02 am
Kate, Saw you last night at the Triple Door. You were fabulous. I laughed my self silly. I was the one in the first show that responded to you being in Kansas City because that is where I was born. I loved everything about the show except for disagreeing with the taxing of churches. Now figuring out how to penalize the right wing churches for participating in partisan politics would be a good thing, but do you know how many churches are working on homophobia or heterosexist terrorism? There are many on the HRC website. Educating the people in the churches so that they no longer believe what the minister is saying is the truth is one way to go. Another is for the LGBT community to out organize the right wing church. It is important to know that the political right wing and the right wing church are the same so your idea about not paying part of the cable bill is a great one! Thanks for all of the laughs. Also loved being with you on the Olivia cruise.
Kandra Tindall
March 10, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
ohhh fine information
Zachary Graham
July 28, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
actually it doesn’t matter what Religion you may have, as long as you treat the other person right.;,*