Thread: Should Churches Have To Stay Out of Politics to Remain Tax Exempt

Originally Posted by GloriaInTX

Why should donated money be taxed? It has already been taxed once on the person who donated it why should it be double taxed?

The problem is that money donated to churches is elligible to be tax deductible (assuming you itemize your deductions and go over the minimum.) Money donated to political campaigns is not elligible for a tax deduction. Which is why it would be smart and easy to funnel campaign money through churches to get the biggest bang for your buck. I don't think that is sensible or fair, which is why I think that it's a good compromise that churches (like labor unions) could maybe be tax exempt except for political contributions.

See, now I do not have a problem with this. What I do have a problem with, is limiting what a pastor can preach on or say from the pulpit.

Originally Posted by Alissa_Sal

The problem is that money donated to churches is elligible to be tax deductible (assuming you itemize your deductions and go over the minimum.) Money donated to political campaigns is not elligible for a tax deduction. Which is why it would be smart and easy to funnel campaign money through churches to get the biggest bang for your buck. I don't think that is sensible or fair, which is why I think that it's a good compromise that churches (like labor unions) could maybe be tax exempt except for political contributions.

Political contributions is a whole separate issue. I don't think donations from churches should go to support political candidates. I think if the donations are not for a candidate but for a specific issue like the legality of marriage or abortion or something the church stands for it should be allowed. As far as supporting a candidate, I don't think there should be a problem with a pastor saying that they think a specific candidate seems to have values that are more in line with the beliefs shared by the church.

Originally Posted by Jessica80

To me, it is one thing to say we do not support x, y, z in this church and another saying "HEY! I suggest you vote for Obama/Romney/Paul because I think they are the best candidate. Does not sit well with me.

I don't like it when unions do it (my dad always ignores his whether he votes for that candidate or not) or any other organization. No one should be swaying your vote except the candidate.

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Then we should keep previous presidents and anyone else that's government funded from expressing their opinions on who to vote for. Along with Planned Parenthood and any other charity and ESPECIALLY the ones that are assisted by the government financially. If a Preacher can't say what he wants about the candidates and stay tax exempt, then those that are actually directly funded by the government and of course those who are tax exempt shouldn't be able to say anything political either. So anyone commenting on the current President in regards to the upcoming election or his current policies should lose any federal funding. Sounds like a terrific plan (seriously) to me.

Originally Posted by Alissa_Sal

Yes. I agree. My thought on it is that if churches are doing political contributions, they should be taxed on those like anyone else would be. Otherwise, they should be able to say what they want from the pulpit.

I will reiterate that I think it is unethical for pastors to use their position of authority to try to influence people's vote. But unethical or not, I'm willing to leave that up to the church goers themselves and whether they are willing to put up with that. I wouldn't, but that's not a big surprise is it? LOL

Right. If you don't like the message, there is no government mandate making you go. Freedom of Religion is actually in the Constitution.

I don't ever remember Planned Parenthood coming up to me and telling me who to vote for. I do agree on the tax exemption as well.

Again, I'm fine with a pastor explaining why they feel a certain way on a political issue. I am not okay with a pastor (or union or anyone really) advising you on who to vote on.

There is no difference (at least when it comes to the current presidential debate). Pro Life means vote for Romney. Pro Choice means vote for Obama. and so on. It's silly to pretend like one is OK and the other isn't since they are the same thing.

Originally Posted by GloriaInTX

Why should donated money be taxed? It has already been taxed once on the person who donated it why should it be double taxed?

How so? If I donate money to a church or other charity, I write it off as a donation and don't pay taxes on it. Maybe my barcket is higher/lower than yours? Or maybe because I itemize?

If I am understanding the argument correctly:
If I donate $1mil to No on 8, I can't take a write off for the donation - still pay taxes on it.
If I donate $1mil to the Morman Church, which then funds a No on 8 campaign, I get my tax write-off and they don't pay taxes on my donation because they are tax exempt even though the money is going to a political campaign.

Thus politicians could start churches or allign with churches to circumvent the laws about campaign donations?

Originally Posted by wlillie

There is no difference (at least when it comes to the current presidential debate). Pro Life means vote for Romney. Pro Choice means vote for Obama. and so on. It's silly to pretend like one is OK and the other isn't since they are the same thing.

Because my priest can state that the Catholic Church stands for pro life but it doesn't mean that I personally am pro life (and I'm pro choice). I don't agree with the Church's stance and if I attend service I'm prepared to hear that and respect it while I'm there. I do not expect my priest to say..."You must vote for X". Too much influence.

Originally Posted by ethanwinfield

Thus politicians could start churches or allign with churches to circumvent the laws about campaign donations?

A church donating money to a political campaign is a much different thing than restricting what a pastor can say from the pulpit.

Originally Posted by Jessica80

Because my priest can state that the Catholic Church stands for pro life but it doesn't mean that I personally am pro life (and I'm pro choice). I don't agree with the Church's stance and if I attend service I'm prepared to hear that and respect it while I'm there. I do not expect my priest to say..."You must vote for X". Too much influence.

Someone saying "This is who I am planning to vote for, and who is going to support our church", is different than saying this is who you must vote for.

Going to a particular church is voluntary. No one is going to make you go there. No one is also going to force you to vote for a particular candidate. With the union situation you do not have a choice with that other than to quit your job. They are still not forcing you to vote for a candidate, just telling you who they want you to vote for.