General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: End the Tax Exempt Status of Churches! [View all]Generic Other
(28,979 posts)So maybe churches should only earn a tax exemption for charitable giving if they can show they address valid social needs. Audit them to make sure that the exemption will only be used to support qualified charitable causes. No exemptions for pastors' parsonages and the like.
Churches who receive giant government handouts should use the money in the spirit that it is given. They should open their doors to the homeless, feed the hungry, administer to the needs of the helpless. I have no problem with churches who do these things.
But when they use taxpayer money to promote their beliefs and politics, they need to lose their tax-exemptions entirely.
Example: What qualifies Westboro Baptist Church for a tax exemption? They would certainly seem likely candidates to lose any exemptions under my policy.