Religion & Money

USA Today has an interesting article on religious organizations violating IRS laws. The law being violated is 501(c)(3).

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.

The law spells out fairly clearly what is a violation. Mary Dalrymple's article is lacking in details. She reported that the IRS recommended revoking tax-exempt status in three cases. It's not clear if these were churches.

I have mixed feelings about this. I am someone who was against the McCain/Feingold bill. That legislation has not kept money out of pollitics (Like that was ever really the goal) and hurts freedom of speech. My feelings about the separation of church and state are Jeffersonian. The partisan in me would love to see GOP coffers dry up.

I hope there is more reporting on church and IRS laws. If not then I am going to have to endure pdf files. The joy.