letter to churches that advocate bush re-election

[AnnInLa]

Don't know if you have seen this or not...we are doing this in our area, and it would be great if you could do it too...at least it's doing SOMETHING about the churches that are actively getting into the election fray. Just copy and send to the right-wing churches in your area:

To Whom It May Concern:

We were notified by a member of your church congregation that persons within your church are dangerously close to violating the law as it pertains to campaigning in the church for one candidate over another, or have completely violated it.

If we receive another complaint, we will be forced to file a formal complaint with the IRS and ask that your status as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization be revoked or suspended. This may also entail heavy fines against the church and its officers.

Please do not risk the future of your church by allowing persons connected directly or indirectly with you to campaign for candidates on church grounds or in the name of your church. This includes the minister or pastor and all other officers of your church. Attached please find a letter from the IRS to the various political parties about the dangers. Additional information can be viewed at the IRS website.

Sincerely,

Concerned Christians of Your Community

Then go to this website and print out the letter from IRS and attach:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/eo_letter.pdf

[DeepModem Mom]

1. Thanks, AnninLa -- this could help! nt

[Joanne98]

2. Good idea

Thanx :)

[noonwitch]

3. Liberals do it too

Not so much that the preacher advocates from the pulpit for a specific candidate, but that candidates visit churches and give speeches from the pulpit. A former "minister" at my church used to push Kucinich all the time-she no longer works there (for so many reasons), but is a pretty well-know new-age personality. We also have had candidates visit our church during the election cycle. In 2002, future Gov. Granholm, Senators Levin and Stabenow and Bonior all visited just before the election. In 2000, Gore and Conyers made the rounds in a highly publicized visit to various churches in Detroit. It's fine line, and we should let their church political activity go, and vice versa.

Televangelists are a whole different matter, however. I don't think "The 700 Club" should get any tax exemptions, except for the money that actually goes into their charities. Production costs, administrative costs, salaries for hosts and reporters, should all be taxed. They spend too much of their airtime on politics and fundraising. Billy Graham, on the other hand, who doesn't preach politics and sticks to religion, should retain his exemption.