03 November 2014

Rogue Pastors Endorse Candidates; IRS Looks Away

From Politico comes this story:

A record number of rogue Christian pastors are endorsing candidates from the pulpit this election cycle, using Sunday sermons to defiantly flout tax rules.

Their message to the IRS: Sue me.

But the tax agency is doing anything but. Although the IRS was sued itself for not enforcing the law and admitted about 100 churches may be breaking the rules, the pastors and their critics alike say the agency is looking the other way. The agency refuses to say if it is acting.

At the same time, the number of pastors endorsing candidates in what they call Pulpit Freedom Sunday jumped from 33 people in 2008 to more than 1,600 this year, according to organizers, Alliance Defending Freedom. And this year, they’ve stepped up their drive, telling pastors to back candidates any Sunday up until the election, not just one Sunday as in past years.

[snip] At issue is the churches’ tax break as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. They don’t pay taxes, and donations to them can be deducted from contributors’ taxable income.

Several pro-freedom law groups have been telling pastors that the prohibition on political endorsement isn't really there, in the law. Nice to see some leaders stepping up and actually, you know, leading.

Read the whole thing, here.

7 comments:

JMD said...

I wouldn't want to bet the proverbial ranch on this one. It is a tiny fraction and may be allowed a one time infraction or not. Just saying.

Rev. Paul said...

They did specify that there are over 1,600 instances, this year. But you may well be right.

"Everything will change, after the pogrom."

Old NFO said...

Well considering the 'other side' has been busing people to vote for years, and paying them to vote Dem, of course the IRS is looking away...

Cathy said...

Now if only our politicians would lead as boldly as these pastors.

Rev. Paul said...

Good point, NFO. On the other hand, unequal treatment has never really stopped 'em before ...

Cathy, I'm perfectly okay with pastors developing a conscience again.

ProudHillbilly said...

It's been OK for Democrat pastors to preach who to elect from the pulpit for years. Either all get to do it or none.

Rev. Paul said...

PH: there you go making sense again. Who do you think you are?? :)