Will IRS Investigate Churches that Support Republican Candidates?
by TChris
The IRS recently warned an Episcopal church in Pasadena that its "political activities" -- consisting of anti-war sermons -- placed its tax exempt status in jeopardy. How will the IRS respond to complaints by clergy members about two Ohio churches that have promoted the political campaign of a Republican running for governor?
In their complaint, the clergy members contend that the two Columbus-area churches, Fairfield Christian Church and the World Harvest Church, which were widely credited with getting out the Ohio vote for President Bush in 2004, have allowed their facilities to be used by Republican organizations, promoted the candidate, J. Kenneth Blackwell, among their members and otherwise violated prohibitions on political activity by tax-exempt groups.
The churches say they promote values, not candidates, but candidates benefit directly from the churches' work.
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