IN THEORY
IRS Warning - Does it work both ways?
Q:
The IRS is warning churches and charities to stay clear of
political messages when communicationg with congregations,
and is stepping up its enforcement efforts. The IRS
prohibits religious organizations from intervening directly
or indirectly with political campaigns, if those
organizations are to receive tax-exempt status. Do you agree
with the law? Where do you draw the line between what is a
political issue, which a religious organization should speak
out on, and where it shouldn't?
A: It's interesting that this topic should come to forum this week, especially considering that right here in Glendale, the Mayor's "Prayer" Breakfast takes place with a keynote by Kenneth Starr. Now here's an interesting partnering of politics and religion.
So, on the one hand, the law mandates that churches should not engage in political campaigns, but on the other hand, political agendas can be hidden beneath the cloak of religiosity? Let's not fool ourselves, there's more to this than taxation. It would be nice if this could be debated objectively, but I doubt it will be any time in the near future.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
Youth Ministries
Note: This response was not published by the Glendale Newspress