The new tax bill allows churches to be political propaganda mouthpieces...

[Kablooie]

without losing their tax exempt status.

Does that mean that wealthy political donors will be allowed to donate, along with a tax deduction, anything they want for churches to push political agendas?

This opens up a whole new chapter in dirty money politics.

[unblock]

1. they already could use churches to push political agendas

now they'll be able to use churches to push particular candidates.

[VMA131Marine]

2. Well some of them already are and get away with it.

Maybe this at least puts the liberal churches on a more equal footing.

[dalton99a]

3. And such contributions will not have to be disclosed

because churches are exempt from reporting requirements.

Really nice.

[Hoyt]

4. Truthfully, they have been for decades.

[Kimchijeon]

5. IKR? Lol nt

[workinclasszero]

8. No doubt about that

And not one republican church of Rand was taxed for it so it was a done deal already.

[BSdetect]

6. Now forming: "Church of the Infinite Truth"

Based on my own enlightenment.

Cosmic awareness is the foundation of this "religion".

So how can I start this tax free "business"?

Looking forward to never having to pay Property Taxes again.

[pandr32]

7. It sure does

Where I live there are a disproportionate number of churches. Some are little more than tiny offices or ordinary houses with a small sign. Anyone can become a pastor or minister easily, too. Two of my children did so in order to officiate at friends' weddings because they were closer to them than some strange person--a one time deal for each of them. Others may do so because they "felt a calling" but it is likely that most see an opportunity.

[DeminPennswoods]

9. There is no better organizing entity for Dems than AfAm

churches and their pastors. This change is not all bad.

[RandomAccess]

11. No, it's bad -- very bad. Your point is just

one small benefit.

[chowder66]

10. Scientology will LOVE THIS!! They've had plenty of practice. This is going to slow

down their demise that Leah Remini has been working so hard on along with other defectors.
I fear the fucking republican assholes don't know what they are about to unleash.

[woodsprite]

12. I'm keeping that in mind when on the committee to find another pastor

We hired an ultra-conservative retired service guy several years ago. The result: a divided congregation between the liberal "heathens" and conservative "Bible believers", among other things. The church did not renew his contract. It took a little over 2 years under an interim minister to heal what was left of our congregation.

Unfortunately, our much beloved, liberal pastor (female), who helped us heal/grow as a congregation retired after serving our congregation over a decade. Now we're on the search for a new pastor.

Believe me, I am definitely keeping that in mind! We had a meeting last week re: defining what we were looking for in a new minister, and I brought that exact thing up - that politics from the pulpit will be allowed if the new bill passes, so we better make sure we find someone who believes in separation of church and state and has similar political beliefs as our liberal, relatively diverse congregation.

[dembotoz]

13. does sort of lower the status of pastors to that of political hacks perhaps we should refer to them

as such