Pope Francis Smacks Churches: “If You Don’t Help the Poor and Needy, then Pay Taxes Like a Business”

[David_42]

BOOOOOOOOOOM. The Pope is awesome.
Pope Francis Smacks Churches: "If You Don't Help the Poor and Needy, then Pay Taxes Like a Business"

With Pope Francis coming to the United States just a little over a week away, he has sent a very clear message to churches that use their tax-exempt status as a way to exploit their property for economic gain. Some churches are refusing to accept refugees into the buildings they own, instead preferring to use it to make money on rentals.

“Some religious orders say, ‘No, now that the convent is empty we are going to make a hotel and we can have guests and support ourselves that way, or make money,'” said Pope Francis. “Well, if that is what you do, then pay taxes! A religious school is tax-exempt because it is religious, but if it is functioning as a hotel, then it should pay taxes just like its neighbor. Otherwise it is not fair business.”

The practice of renting space in religious buildings is very common in Europe. The philosophy behind it, that Pope Francis describes, could very well undermine what many televangelists do in the United States. Rather than practicing their religion, these charlatans run lean businesses and make fat profits. If the church isn’t engaged in the business of the Church, as Pope Francis explained, then it’s time for them to pay their fair share of taxes!

 

[ScienceRocks]

He's right. This is what Jesus Christ would say! he knocked over the money changer as he hates greed.

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

All assets of religious orgs not going directly to charity should be taxed like any other business.

In return, churches would gain back their political voice.

 

[Pete7469]

All assets of religious orgs not going directly to charity should be taxed like any other business.

In return, churches would gain back their political voice.

Churches, especially the Catholic Church, needs to STFU for a while.

 

[TheOldSchool]

I would say that most churches have programs in place that support the poor and needy.

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

I am not a proponent of the suppression of free speech for anyone, even with Barnum's Adage in force.