Giving up tax exempt status

[geraldffff]

It would interest me to know why the Church dose not give up it’s tax exempt status so it can clearly state to the people in the pews that voting for Democrats or Republicans that aid the the culture of death is a sin. Is this evidence of the Church being neither hot or cold as in
Apocalypse 3: 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot.

 

[jman507]

It would interest me to know why the Church dose not give up it’s tax exempt status so it can clearly state to the people in the pews that voting for Democrats or Republicans that aid the the culture of death is a sin. Is this evidence of the Church being neither hot or cold as in
Apocalypse 3: 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot.

I think its in a far better position by sticking to theoritical principles, than getting behind this candidate or that candidate. Even if one may like that candidate today, tomarrow they may turn around and betray you on another issue. It is easier to have your agility and turn on a person you once supported strictly on issues, and not be under the weight of a conflict of interest of keeping your ‘friend’ in to the disregard of your principles.

 

[geraldffff]

I think its in a far better position by sticking to theoritical principles, than getting behind this candidate or that candidate. Even if one may like that candidate today, tomarrow they may turn around and betray you on another issue. It is easier to have your agility and turn on a person you once supported strictly on issues, and not be under the weight of a conflict of interest of keeping your ‘friend’ in to the disregard of your principles.

I would not advocate naming a party or person either but the Priests in their homily’s could be more forceful in telling the people they must vote in a certain way and must not vote in an other direction and give specific examples.

 

[TAS2000]

They can do that now without giving up their tax exempt status.

We also have many people that wish preists would spend more homily time on sin, homosexuals, tradition, womens roles, etc. etc .etc. Politics isn’t the only thing, just one amoung many.

No matter what they say, someone will say they should have spent the time on somthing else.

 

[lizaanne]

It would interest me to know why the Church dose not give up it’s tax exempt status so it can clearly state to the people in the pews that voting for Democrats or Republicans that aid the the culture of death is a sin. Is this evidence of the Church being neither hot or cold as in
Apocalypse 3: 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot.

Because then the Church would be FORCED to offer abortions in her hospitals, hand out condoms in her schools, give gay couples marriage status benefits, and you can just continue adding to the list from there.

No thank you - it’s just not worth it.

~Liza

 

[vz71]

It would interest me to know why the Church dose not give up it’s tax exempt status so it can clearly state to the people in the pews that voting for Democrats or Republicans that aid the the culture of death is a sin.

Seems to me a pretty good job of explaining the sin of supporting pro-death candidates has been done.
And without endangering tax-exempt status.

 

[geraldffff]

My question is in no way a criticism of priest’s. It just seems they could be more vocal if the tax exempt status was not acting to silence them. For instance if my priest could openly state that Obama and Clinton should not be voted for because of their Abortion and homosexual marriage positions. If they did it now the Internal Revenue service could take them to court.

 

[vz71]

For instance if my priest could openly state that Obama and Clinton should not be voted for because of their Abortion and homosexual marriage positions. If they did it now the Internal Revenue service could take them to court.

However, if your priest says something concerning the immorality of voting for a pro-death candidate, the same end is accomplished…without mentioning names.

Besides, morality is about issues - not people running for office.

 

[Polaris]

Its a good question. They have payed taxes in other countries, why not here?

 

[vz71]

In this country, the government seeks control of what it taxes.

Would you want the church subject to the governments bidding?

 

[geraldffff]

However, if your priest says something concerning the immorality of voting for a pro-death candidate, the same end is accomplished…without mentioning names.

Besides, morality is about issues - not people running for office.

I see there was a thread on this in 2004 in which a lot of questions were answered on this issue. It is just difficult to understand that if all practicing Catholics vote and are on the right side of this issue there would be a little more progress related to the life issues. I know the Bishops have put out a voting guide related to the issues but how many practicing Catholics are making themselves educated on the issues. I know from my own past experience that one can attend Church regular but be so involved in making ends meet and raising family these issues take a back seat to what seems more immediate.

 

[rwoehmke]

Anything I have ever experienced in Catholic Church/Parish finances would lead me to believe that the amount of coins necessary to pay the taxes would essentially sink the Church. I suppose we could cut out all funding of missionary and charitable endeavors, but I doubt even that would be enough to cover the taxes.

The other thing is that principles stay and politicians come and go. It is much more efficient therefore to teach and teach principles and leave it up to the faithful to apply them. In addition trying to tell people which particular candidate they should vote is like moving something by pushing on a rope.

 

[geraldffff]

Anything I have ever experienced in Catholic Church/Parish finances would lead me to believe that the amount of coins necessary to pay the taxes would essentially sink the Church. I suppose we could cut out all funding of missionary and charitable endeavors, but I doubt even that would be enough to cover the taxes.

The other thing is that principles stay and politicians come and go. It is much more efficient therefore to teach and teach principles and leave it up to the faithful to apply them. In addition trying to tell people which particular candidate they should vote is like moving something by pushing on a rope.

That you for your very excellent points.