Several religious leaders took to the pulpit recently in a move that simultaneously defied the law and threatened the separation of church and state. A group of 33 pastors openly endorsed political candidates last week while preaching, ignoring a federal law that bars tax-exempt religious institutions from endorsing political candidates. The law in question was created to ensure that nonprofit houses of worship do not become tax-exempt rallying points for political campaigns. The pastors have argued that they should be allowed to speak on any issue and maintain their tax-exempt status. They violated the law and have used religion as a shield. These pastors have committed a serious ethical breach by attempting to hide behind the Constitution while trying to advance their own political ambitions. Churches are not taxed and thus must not be allowed to become centers for political recruitment.
The logic that these pastors are using is faulty. Religious institutions are given tax exempt status because they are classified as nonprofits, organizations that benefit their communities while claiming no gains in return. Faith-based nonprofits are assumed to be religious charities that help their congregations. When religious leaders endorse political candidates, these places of worship cease to be charities and become government-funded
political recruiting centers.
The issue at hand is one of taxes. If religious leaders want to endorse certain candidates during services, they must pay taxes like interest groups and political campaigns. The freedoms of religion and speech do not guarantee one the right to become involved in politics while getting a free ride through the tax system. If these leaders choose to stump for politicians, then they should be treated like any other political body. Tax exemption is not a right, it is a privilege.-
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Erich Hiner
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