1: Legitimate church’s are automatically tax exempt no real reason for 501c3 status exept for transpanency.
2: 501c3 status is the same rules for NPO business and church's. They are prevented from Partisan politics ( influence of one candidate over the other). Prevented from partisan donation be it financial or campaign support. They are prevented from major lobbying.
They are free to discuss or preach upon major social issues as they choose. Its about how they use their money.
There is a lot of truth, but as Mr. dumb_okie pointed out, it is lacking.
What I wanted to add, and why I commented in the first place, is that:
Many churches promote this kind of B.S. (LGBT, socialism, covid) and all of that is absolutely disgusting, but would have happened regardless of 501c3 status. Satan and his minions have most churches by the balls. I can't say why many Christians fall for it, just only can observe that it is definitely true.
My recommendation for any Christian looking for a church, or anyone considering Christianity and is looking for a church (Insert my church ad... just kidding, I would never), look at their website, it should be pretty obvious if they're into the woke ideology. If no website exists, or it is low in info, go in person, because that's already a good sign that they don't follow woke agendas. Also, be sure to check for social media pages associated with them. More information to arm yourself with before you physically go somewhere and spend your precious time, potentially hearing blasphemy and utter bs or maybe actually hearing God's word.
Narrow is the path, and not many tread upon it, to life eternal.
Broad is the path, and many who tread upon it, that leads to eternal death, the lake of fire.
501c3 is tax exempt status given by the government for charitable (non-profit is the technical term used by the government) organizations such as churches and other religious organizations (churches, temples, synagogues,etc are actually 501c3s by default, no application needed). There are multiple types of non-profits, but the 501c3 is the tax exempt one.
While 501c3s are restricted in campaigning for and supporting individual candidates, they can have a stance on political issues. Hence why many churches are able to organize prayer walks for Planned Parenthood locations.
What this means in actuality is that most churches, especially the larger ones, tend to be as apolitical as possible to ensure they are nowhere near crossing the line and losing tax exempt status. Pair that with a Democrat in the white house and the pastors will be even less likely to want to rock the boat. That having been said, some pastors will put their convictions above the tax exemption and some get away with it while others do not.
Personal anecdote: I've never once seen a liberal pastor get in trouble for being political. I've seen them brag about campaigning for Obama, which they can do as a citizen, but they're not supposed to bring the pastor side into it and they most certainly brought the pastor side into it. And while I've never seen a right-wing pastor get their tax exempt status in jeopardy, I've also never seen them discuss individual candidates except in private.
TLDR: the message is a bit hyperbolic, but the idea behind the message isn't too far off. Pastors tend to stay away from most politics just to keep their church's tax exempt status. Doesn't apply to all pastors, but it does apply.
If anyone is wondering it is quite rare for churches to actually lose their 501c3 status, the fact that there is some ambiguity can lead many pastors to feel like they need to water down their opinions.
A great example of how much a church can actually get away with is the Westboro Baptist Church. They still have tax exempt status.
What's the big deal with losing tax exempt status? Well, for one thing, the decision to revoke tax exempt status usually takes time, which means if it takes 3 years to decide that a church did in fact break the rules, then said church is on the hook for 3 years worth of back taxes. Add to that the fact that those donating to the church can no longer deduct said donations and you've got a fairly ugly scenario.
What is the solution? I'd argue that more pastors and churches need to know the rules on what can and can't be done. A lot of pastors are hesitant because they lack the knowledge on what can happen. Unless somebody like Beto O'Rourke gets into the white house (and is able to convince the house and Senate to agree), speaking out against abortion (or other issues) is permissable. Whereas holding an anti-abortion rally, that's likely to get you in trouble.
As a churchgoing individual, you can volunteer and donate to candidates, but if there is any reason to believe that the church or pastor is encouraging people to do so, that's a no-go. Another issue being that there is a level of vagueness when it comes to 501c3s. Can't tell people to vote Trump from the pulpit, but what if I see my pastor wearing a MAGA hat. Some would argue that's influencing people. So again, the actual dangers are significantly less than the perceived dangers, but if you get the wrong government worker on the wrong day, you could be out of luck. Because that is just the truth of the matter, people will always be a little bit more hesitant than necessary.
A priest I liked said you have to vote your conscience. Just you being here you know what that means. We knew he meant prolife candidates but he didnt come out with any names or details.
What has more recently come to light is Clergy Response Team. Sounds good but what it is clergy to report to govmint parishoners who go against the 'narrative' or govmint policies. Clergy being told if they dont, they will lose their 50c3.
This is not wholly true
1: Legitimate church’s are automatically tax exempt no real reason for 501c3 status exept for transpanency.
2: 501c3 status is the same rules for NPO business and church's. They are prevented from Partisan politics ( influence of one candidate over the other). Prevented from partisan donation be it financial or campaign support. They are prevented from major lobbying. They are free to discuss or preach upon major social issues as they choose. Its about how they use their money.
.
I had originally made a SWAG that there may have been some exaggeration in that claim. Glad to hear, thanks.
There is a lot of truth, but as Mr. dumb_okie pointed out, it is lacking.
What I wanted to add, and why I commented in the first place, is that:
Many churches promote this kind of B.S. (LGBT, socialism, covid) and all of that is absolutely disgusting, but would have happened regardless of 501c3 status. Satan and his minions have most churches by the balls. I can't say why many Christians fall for it, just only can observe that it is definitely true.
My recommendation for any Christian looking for a church, or anyone considering Christianity and is looking for a church (Insert my church ad... just kidding, I would never), look at their website, it should be pretty obvious if they're into the woke ideology. If no website exists, or it is low in info, go in person, because that's already a good sign that they don't follow woke agendas. Also, be sure to check for social media pages associated with them. More information to arm yourself with before you physically go somewhere and spend your precious time, potentially hearing blasphemy and utter bs or maybe actually hearing God's word.
Narrow is the path, and not many tread upon it, to life eternal.
Broad is the path, and many who tread upon it, that leads to eternal death, the lake of fire.
Stay SHARP.
501c3 is tax exempt status given by the government for charitable (non-profit is the technical term used by the government) organizations such as churches and other religious organizations (churches, temples, synagogues,etc are actually 501c3s by default, no application needed). There are multiple types of non-profits, but the 501c3 is the tax exempt one.
While 501c3s are restricted in campaigning for and supporting individual candidates, they can have a stance on political issues. Hence why many churches are able to organize prayer walks for Planned Parenthood locations.
What this means in actuality is that most churches, especially the larger ones, tend to be as apolitical as possible to ensure they are nowhere near crossing the line and losing tax exempt status. Pair that with a Democrat in the white house and the pastors will be even less likely to want to rock the boat. That having been said, some pastors will put their convictions above the tax exemption and some get away with it while others do not.
Personal anecdote: I've never once seen a liberal pastor get in trouble for being political. I've seen them brag about campaigning for Obama, which they can do as a citizen, but they're not supposed to bring the pastor side into it and they most certainly brought the pastor side into it. And while I've never seen a right-wing pastor get their tax exempt status in jeopardy, I've also never seen them discuss individual candidates except in private.
TLDR: the message is a bit hyperbolic, but the idea behind the message isn't too far off. Pastors tend to stay away from most politics just to keep their church's tax exempt status. Doesn't apply to all pastors, but it does apply.
Thanks for the response. It's nice to hear what actually goes on.
Happy to provide information where I can.
I'll add a few notes to my original statement.
A great example of how much a church can actually get away with is the Westboro Baptist Church. They still have tax exempt status.
What is the solution? I'd argue that more pastors and churches need to know the rules on what can and can't be done. A lot of pastors are hesitant because they lack the knowledge on what can happen. Unless somebody like Beto O'Rourke gets into the white house (and is able to convince the house and Senate to agree), speaking out against abortion (or other issues) is permissable. Whereas holding an anti-abortion rally, that's likely to get you in trouble.
As a churchgoing individual, you can volunteer and donate to candidates, but if there is any reason to believe that the church or pastor is encouraging people to do so, that's a no-go. Another issue being that there is a level of vagueness when it comes to 501c3s. Can't tell people to vote Trump from the pulpit, but what if I see my pastor wearing a MAGA hat. Some would argue that's influencing people. So again, the actual dangers are significantly less than the perceived dangers, but if you get the wrong government worker on the wrong day, you could be out of luck. Because that is just the truth of the matter, people will always be a little bit more hesitant than necessary.
Great stuff, thanks again.
A priest I liked said you have to vote your conscience. Just you being here you know what that means. We knew he meant prolife candidates but he didnt come out with any names or details.
What has more recently come to light is Clergy Response Team. Sounds good but what it is clergy to report to govmint parishoners who go against the 'narrative' or govmint policies. Clergy being told if they dont, they will lose their 50c3.