Comments on: Pennsylvania Pastors Test Limits of Tax Exemption

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:55:30 +0000

I think the question of agency is what matters here. If the church is accepting an invitation to attend a conference or seminar, that's fine. Even if they use church funds to attend it.

If they're sponsoring it, or inviting only one side of the political spectrum to address them, then there's a problem.

By: McGehee

McGehee — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 03:59:25 +0000

Brian, the thing you're overlooking is that in recent years "censorship" has been totally redefined to include any discomfort of any kind that may be felt by any speaker saying anything at all under any circumstances.

Making pastors pay taxes if they engage in political activism from the pulpit, therefore, is alleged to be the equivalent of burning books and the people who read them.

Welcome to the post-modern republic.

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 03:12:44 +0000

How is this a first amendment issue? They can say whatever they want, but if they violate rules for tax exempt organizations, they should pay taxes.

By: djneylon

djneylon — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 01:30:31 +0000

Based on this, I guess ministers are no longer allowed First Amendment Freedom of Speech rights -- except when they're in the pulpit. Why wouldn't people who are interested in public affairs be allowed to generate get out the vote activities separate from their employment? And, by a strict reading, I guess we won't see any African-Americans greeting Democratic candidates in their pulpits -- or the Rev.s Jackson or Sharpton mentioning political candidates? Oh, I'm sorry; conservative Republicans ministers must strictly follow the rules; Democrats make the rules.....

By: MrGone

MrGone — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:56:31 +0000

Welcome, my friend, to the "New Republic."