There is a very real political impetus to start taxing churches because of clowns like Jim Baker. If that happens, full time preachers around the country will be paid less, and we can thank the megachurches and their rich preachers for that.
Most churches are organized as 501c3s which puts them under federal statutory jurisdiction and makes them legally a creation of the government. In order to maintain tax-exempt status, they must comply with the IRS rules for non-profits (no political speech, etc).
The way it's supposed to be according to the first amendment is to recognize God as superior to any manmade government, therefore the government cannot claim power over any religion to levy any tax whatsoever. It is not an exemption or special privilege - it's just the way it's supposed to be.
Those megachurches and celebrity preachers are just abusing the rigged system using their special exemptions and of course they are happy to keep their mouths shut on certain topics so they don't lose that exemption.
There is a very real political impetus to start taxing churches because of clowns like Jim Baker. If that happens, full time preachers around the country will be paid less, and we can thank the megachurches and their rich preachers for that.
Most churches are organized as 501c3s which puts them under federal statutory jurisdiction and makes them legally a creation of the government. In order to maintain tax-exempt status, they must comply with the IRS rules for non-profits (no political speech, etc).
The way it's supposed to be according to the first amendment is to recognize God as superior to any manmade government, therefore the government cannot claim power over any religion to levy any tax whatsoever. It is not an exemption or special privilege - it's just the way it's supposed to be.
Those megachurches and celebrity preachers are just abusing the rigged system using their special exemptions and of course they are happy to keep their mouths shut on certain topics so they don't lose that exemption.