This question has been asked and answered hundreds, probably thousands of times. Why don't churches pay taxes? And, should they? Well, that depends on the side of the aisle you are sitting. Without going into a history lesson ,churches have always enjoyed special status when it comes to taxes and their perceived place in government. We understand that there should be a separation of church and state. That is the way we perceive it to be. However, that has never been the case. The church today is a very powerful force in moving their agenda in government.
Churches used to be places of spiritual healing and local centers for helping communities and those who fell upon misfortune and needed a helping hand. That changed when politics went from being a local interest to a national effort to fund and influence politicians and elections for a specific agenda. Now with the power and influence of congregations, a politician can be swung and influenced to their purpose. And all of this happens from the pulpit and the influence of one person. This congregation or congregations has now become a political action committee.
Now, that would be OK, except with the special status that churches and also ordained ministers enjoy, it is illegal. Not only do churches enjoy special tax status, and there are many, the minsters and clergy may enjoy those as well. Ordained clergy do not pay FICA taxes. If they have for exemption they may not pay SECA taxes. Many of their housing related expenses are not taxed. And of course those who contribute to their churches deduct that from their adjusted gross income.
Churches used to be large edifices in honor to a supreme being. Now they may be just a former store front in an abandoned strip mall, with fewer than a few dozens of members. There has been a huge proliferation of churches, especially with cable television and the internet, giving them hope that they become the mega church. And many have.
All it takes is a promise to an assemblage of believers and the requirement of them to support their divine purpose and they are on their way. Churches are like ice cream shops. They are easy to open and as long as the product feels good, you are going to make money.
But when they are having meetings in the halls of government with the leaders of government, something is really wrong. There is question they there to influence a particular leader. But what if you are not of that religious persuasion or belief, how do you influence that politician. Perhaps you are in the minority. This then becomes religious oppression.
It is happening. The beliefs of some groups forced on others by their influence and power with legislators. And it is coming from the pulpits of America everyday. If you don't believe it, you are not paying attention to them, because they are speaking behind closed doors.
I am absolutely not against religion. I believe it can be a healing experience. I used to go every Sunday morning to meditate and calm myself. I also contributed to the needs of our local community. Fortunately our pastor did not talk a bout politics. At all.
So. Do I think churches should pay taxes. Absolutely! If they want to try and influence our democracy with special interest influence. And in the meantime reap the rewards of those efforts, they should be all in and participate fully. Pay your taxes! And I include the pastors and ministers in that. Ordained or not. Right now, they have no skin in the game.
Jack Wilson
Opinion
Good one.