IRS warns churches: no politics allowed

[Freddie Stubbs]

By DAVID KARP, Times Staff Writer
Published September 15, 2004

TAMPA - The parking lot at First Baptist Church of College Hill was filling up when a worker began telling people to leave.

The political forum at the historically black church would not be taking place, he said. At the last minute, it was being moved to a public library.

Inside a cramped room, moderator Gerald White explained the switch. That afternoon, the pastor had received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service asking about political activity at the church, a stop for many Democrats running for office.

The Rev. Abraham Brown didn't want to hold another political event when the IRS was asking questions, White said.

more: http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/15/State/IRS_warns_churches__n.shtml

[ibegurpard]

1. The only way I have a problem with this

is if they're singling out churches that tend to support Democrats. If they're sending these warnings to ALL churches that engage in political activities then I have no problem.

[Walt Starr]

2. So, when did Falwell EVER stop talking politics from the pulpit?

They are targeting Democrats and the reason it's happening is GOP operatives have been attending churches in primarily Democratic districts to stick it to them.

Meanwhile, Republican preachers preach politics from the pulpits with no accountability.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. Of course they're singling out dem Churches.

Just follow Ralph Reed around as he makes his ecclesiastic rounds to see the difference.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

6. They are not singling out Dems. It's just Republicans are ignoring IRS

The Republican churches have received the same letters, but Falwell and others have been organizing seminars telling Republican churches they can ignore the IRS. It seems the Democratic churches are taking law and order more seriously.

Funny how America's most segregated hour has become even more segregated, extending into the realm of politics.

[indepat]

12. Repukes are not above the law: They are the law!

[The Backlash Cometh]

16. Exactly. That's how white communities get away with so much

criminal behavior. The powers that be make sure that the criminal justice system focuses their attention and resources on street crime, which impacts on the lives of minorities. Meanwhile, lawfirms in affluent white communities have octopus hands in local government & real estate ventures, and the courts. Lawyers from the same law firm are city attorneys interpreting laws loosely in favor of property rights, while the same law firm is consulting developers in the same city or who have nepotistic ties to land planners in the same city.

And, heaven forbid if there is an environmental mistake that impacts on a homeowner's Association. Then, another member of the same lawfirm will become the Association attorney and before you know it, the poor homeowners are paying for special assessments to cover-up the city's mistake, instead of suing and challenging the city and the lawfirm that started this cycle.

I HATE FLORIDA'S GOOD OLE BOY SYSTEM!

[Lerkfish]

4. then you definitely have a problem...because

the RNC is agressively campaigning through churches that support republicans, even asking them to organize rallies, etc. through the church membership lists.

I have not heard those churches being warned in any way.

welcome to fascism

fas·cism     P   Pronunciation Key  (fshzm)
n.
often Fascism
A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.

A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.


Oppressive, dictatorial control.

[tom_paine]

5. Exactly. This is Soviet-style persecution

Meanwhile, Bushevik churches routinely use church mailing lists and meeting rooms for pro-Bush activities, among other things.

But, like the Soviet Union, only opponents of THE PARTY get scrutiny.

Madness, but it is commonplace in today's Imperial Amerika.

[arbusto_baboso]

9. You just KNOW they'll only single out churches...

that are African-American, or are very liberal (think: Unitarians).

The hard-core right-wing fundies are part of the government now, so they'll be left completely alone.

[TexasLady]

7. Baptist Churches around here

in central Texas are notorious for their support for Bush. damned proud too...Ive seen them put support for Repukes many times on their little white signs above their parking lots...hmm...maybe I oughta take pictures.

[denverbill]

8. No maybe about it. That's blatantly illegal.

[classof56]

10. Take pictures and deliver them to the IRS

As a long-time Christian, I've had it with these so-called "fundamentalists" who push their right-wing political agenda and candidates. Is that what would Jesus do? I'm guessing not!

BTW, welcome to DU, Texas Lady!

BUSH MUST GO!!

[trogdor]

11. IOKIYAR

I never heard the IRS warning any conservative RC bishops about their bullshit re. Kerry, have you? Does the 700 Club still have tax-exempt status? What about all those visits to Bob Jones U. by Republicans? A-OK, right?

OTOH, Al Gore visits a Buddhist temple and all the flying monkeys never stop howling and throwing their feces around.

[seasat]

13. I heard an endorsement from the pulpit in 2000.

The pastor at 5th Avenue Baptist Church in St Petersburg, FL told the congregation that if you didn't vote for Bush you were not a Christian. It was over the abortion issue. I wasn't actively interested in politics then but never visited that church again after that incident.

[justjones]

14. What about the RNC recruitment from churches.....

Didn't those fools request that churches send them lists of their members? Isn't that "political activity"? Did they notify those churches as well?

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

15. By the time the IRS gets around to dealing with the churches

the election will be over, and if * wins he'll pull the IRS off the case.

Over the next 80 days, however, the Dems will follow the law, the Repugs will blow it off. So what did you expect?