How to report a church for electioneering.

[MisterBeale]

Religion and politics cannot coexist

Only in other nations.

The founders felt our form of government cannot survive w/o it.

It was religion, and the ideas spread by godly folks, that were the primary mover for the Revolution and the Civil War fool.


If we didn't have it, we would become like China or the Soviet Union. Without a soul or moral compass.

 

[MisterBeale]

Excuse me. I've been told several hundred times on this board that everyone on the left is an atheist, so that can't be true.

His point was, that the left only want to enforce the 501c rule on conservative churches.

I guess you missed the part where Kamala is actively speaking at black churches?

No one on the left is criticizing that, at all. I get the impression from that OP, THAT? Is just fine.

https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5156612/harris-went-to-two-black-churches-yesterday-as-part-of-souls-to-the-polls-tradition

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/20/politics/harris-black-church-souls-to-polls/index.html

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-10-20/harris-is-attending-church-in-georgia-and-encouraging-black-congregants-to-vote

Black Churches Want Black Folks To Go To The Polls

Vice President Kamala Harris visited two Black mega churches in Georgia, rallying voters for the 2024 election, while Black denominations nationwide continue mobilizing African-American communities through initiatives like Souls to the Polls.#SoulsToThePolls #BlackChurchesVote #Vote2024...

thenewjournalandguide.com

 

[Tumblin Tumbleweed]

His point was, that the left only want to enforce the 501c rule on conservative churches.

I guess you missed the part where Kamala is actively speaking at black churches?

No one on the left is criticizing that, at all. I get the impression from that OP, THAT? Is just fine.

https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5156612/harris-went-to-two-black-churches-yesterday-as-part-of-souls-to-the-polls-tradition

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/20/politics/harris-black-church-souls-to-polls/index.html

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-10-20/harris-is-attending-church-in-georgia-and-encouraging-black-congregants-to-vote

Black Churches Want Black Folks To Go To The Polls

Vice President Kamala Harris visited two Black mega churches in Georgia, rallying voters for the 2024 election, while Black denominations nationwide continue mobilizing African-American communities through initiatives like Souls to the Polls.#SoulsToThePolls #BlackChurchesVote #Vote2024...

thenewjournalandguide.com

I'd like to see 501c tax exemption pulled from the church. Why not?

 

[justoffal]

You'd have to check with the IRS

The law gets violated all the time. Take the tax exemption away from a few of them and watch how quickly their goddamn keep politicians out of their pulpits.

 

[Nostra]

I am sure that there are lots of folks on this site that appreciate your information.

Because only one side does this. . .




. . oh wait.

/thread.

Another Creepypuss thread fail.

 

[Nostra]

His point was, that the left only want to enforce the 501c rule on conservative churches.

I guess you missed the part where Kamala is actively speaking at black churches?

No one on the left is criticizing that, at all. I get the impression from that OP, THAT? Is just fine.

View attachment 1032276

https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5156612/harris-went-to-two-black-churches-yesterday-as-part-of-souls-to-the-polls-tradition

View attachment 1032278

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/20/politics/harris-black-church-souls-to-polls/index.html

View attachment 1032279

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2024-10-20/harris-is-attending-church-in-georgia-and-encouraging-black-congregants-to-vote

View attachment 1032280

Black Churches Want Black Folks To Go To The Polls

Vice President Kamala Harris visited two Black mega churches in Georgia, rallying voters for the 2024 election, while Black denominations nationwide continue mobilizing African-American communities through initiatives like Souls to the Polls.#SoulsToThePolls #BlackChurchesVote #Vote2024...

thenewjournalandguide.com

LOCK HER UP!

 

[MisterBeale]

I'd like to see 501c tax exemption pulled from the church. Why not?

I don't care either way.

If a church does not apply for 501c in the first place? They can't be taxed according to the first Amendment.

If you want them taxed? You first have to abolish the first amendment.

Good luck yo.

 

[lg325]

When we did have politicians visit we always had the potluck in the side building not in the worship area.
Politicians and others who come to a church may look down their noses at religion but once they come to a church first this they want to do is get behind the pulpit. We always made sure they understood that wont happen.

 

[MisterBeale]

Leftists don't really understand why that Johnson Amendment was passed. It was to keep religious activity from funding campaigns.

If a church's primary activity is NOT politics, and it does not run political advertising. . . the government will leave it alone.

What Political Activities By Churches Can Jeopardize 501(c)(3) Status With The IRS?​

What Political Activities By Churches Can Jeopardize 501(c)(3) Status With The IRS? | Kershaw, Vititoe & Jedinak, PLC

Most churches will qualify for federal income tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, there is a restriction on certain types of political activity that churches and other non-profit organizations can engage in to retain this status. Any unauthorized activity...

www.monroecountylawyers.com

"Most churches will qualify for federal income tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, there is a restriction on certain types of political activity that churches and other non-profit organizations can engage in to retain this status. Any unauthorized activity reported to the Internal Revenue Service can result in revocation of this tax-exempt status.

The following organizations “shall be exempt from taxation” under the Internal Revenue Code:

• “Corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation…, and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.” 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).

The portion of the statute in italics is known as the Johnson Amendment which was passed in 1954 to prohibit all 501(c)(3) organizations (including churches) from endorsing or advocating against political candidates. This provision is controversial as its opponents say that it restricts the First Amendment rights of churches and other religious organizations to engage in free speech and exercise religious freedom, but proponents say if it was repealed then churches can make political contributions on a tax-deductible basis where other for-profit organizations could not.

Despite the Johnson Amendment remaining in full force and effect, not all political activity is prohibited. This blog article will explain what the Internal Revenue Service has treated as permitted political activity and non-permitted political activity.

Generally, churches and other tax-exempt organizations are permitted to take positions on political issues that are important to its leadership and the congregation, but the line is not clear where issue advocacy can cross over into prohibited behavior. There are two important considerations that churches should respect to stay within the bounds of the rules. First, it must avoid making influencing legislation a “substantial part” of its activities. Second, issue advocacy must not cross the line into support for or against particular candidates or officeholders. . . "

Should Churches Incorporate and Seek IRS Recognition of 501(c)(3) Status? – MinistryWatch

ministrywatch.com

Churches are 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations by default

"Some people believe that churches should not be 501(c)(3) organizations. They fear that churches will have to waive their first amendment freedom of speech rights in order to qualify as a 501(c)(3). This fear is unfounded.

First, many people do not realize that any organization that is properly classified as a church is automatically deemed to be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whether they have applied for IRS recognition of their 501(c)(3) status or not. Churches may apply for IRS recognition of their exempt status (and receive what is called a “determination letter”), but they are not required to do so.

There are some advantages to seeking a letter from the IRS determining that the church is exempt under 501(c)(3). An IRS determination letter can aid the church in proving it qualifies for certain exemptions from local real estate transfer taxes, property taxes, or sales and use taxes. A determination letter can also be very useful to a member of the congregation who is being audited and must prove that his contributions to the church were in fact deductible.

The perception that being 501(c)(3) means forfeiting a first amendment right to free speech is probably a misunderstanding of the restrictions on all 501(c)(3) organizations, not just churches, prohibiting them from engaging in any political campaigns. In addition to the prohibition from engaging in political campaigns, 501(c)(3) organizations must not engage in any substantial amount of lobbying. Certain organizations can engage in political campaigning or lobbying, but if they do so, they cannot claim the benefits of 501(c)(3) status.

This is certainly not a restriction on free speech in any direct way, but merely a requirement to claim a tax benefit. The limitation applies to all churches, whether they have asked the IRS to issue a ruling that they are exempt under section 501(c)(3) or not. Churches can exercise free speech on moral and religious issues without crossing the line into engaging in political campaigns. Those churches that have a desire to publish voter’s guides should seek experienced legal counsel to help them avoid crossing that line.

I can certainly understand the fear of increasing government regulation, especially under the current environment. But the reality is that churches (and other similar religious organizations) are still afforded a place of relative privilege under the law.

Among all types of tax exempt organizations, 501(c)(3) organizations are the most privileged in that donations to them are deductible to the donors. Churches are one of only a very few types of 501(c)(3) organizations that have the benefit of being deemed to be 501(c)(3) by default, without having to file the lengthy and complicated application other types of organizations must file. How long these privileges last may depend on the kinds of people we elect to political office. "

 

[Vrenn]

Only in other nations.

The founders felt out form of government cannot survive w/o it.

It was religion, and the ideas spread by godly folks, that were the primary mover for the Revolution and the Civil War fool.


If we didn't have it, we would become like China or the Soviet Union. Without a soul or moral compass.

And which religion are you referring to? Remember your history of the 100 year war where it was one for of Catholics versus another from of Catholics? And it was largely finance by the new upstart Protestant Religion?

 

[RoshawnMarkwees]

Democrats have been pandering to black churches ever since the dems were co-opted by communists in the late 1960’s.

 

[MisterBeale]

And which religion are you referring to? Remember your history of the 100 year war where it was one for of Catholics versus another from of Catholics? And it was largely finance by the new upstart Protestant Religion?

That is European history.

In America, the attitudes of Americans toward both the Jesuits and the Church of England, explicitly rejected the notion of, "The Divine Right of Kings."

Many came here, BECAUSE of sectarian strife and prosecution. duh.

. . . in fact, they still do.

 

[initforme]

Only in other nations.

The founders felt our form of government cannot survive w/o it.

It was religion, and the ideas spread by godly folks, that were the primary mover for the Revolution and the Civil War fool.


If we didn't have it, we would become like China or the Soviet Union. Without a soul or moral compass.

If you want to allow it fine just ensure the church gives up its tax free status

 

[Mashmont]

Churches are not allowed to be political and keep their 501C status.

Here's how to report them:

To: eoclass@irs.gov

Subject: Report of Illegal Church Electioneering

Body:

“To whom it may concern,

I am contacting you in regards to [Church name] for their partisan political actions despite claiming non profit status. They reside at [Full address]. Photo evidence of their electioneering is attached to this email in the form of a [Type of political advertisement] posted at/distributed from [Detailed location; i.e. SW corner of building]; photo taken [time and date].

Regards,

Full name, address, and contact information”

IRS complaint process - Tax-Exempt Organizations | Internal Revenue Service

An article describing the process for communicating alleged exempt organization tax law violations to the IRS and how the IRS handles such information.

www.irs.gov

I found this information on reddit after a bit of digging around and used it a few days ago.

The church down the street has taken down their sign..

Excellent. Be sure to go to all the black churches stumping for Kamala and report them.

 

[MisterBeale]

If you want to allow it fine just ensure the church gives up its tax free status

I have no intention of supporting the repeal of the first, second, third amendments, etc.

The Bill of Rights made this nation what it is.

If you want to start that petition, go for it.

 

[MisterBeale]

Agudath Israel of America v. Cuomo - SCOTUSblog

Independent News and Analysis on the U.S. Supreme Court

www.scotusblog.com

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf

 

[DStar777]

If you want to allow it fine just ensure the church gives up its tax free status

Churches, as PRIVATE religious institutions, enjoy 1st Amendment protection from:
1) Taxation.. and
2) Restrictions or penalties imposed by the govt for expressing political views
Correct???

This isn't like PUBLIC schools where teachers employed by the GOVT are prohibited from teaching/preaching religious views to a generally captive audience.

 

[initforme]

Churches, as PRIVATE religious institutions, enjoy 1st Amendment protection from:
1) Taxation.. and
2) Restrictions or penalties imposed by the govt for expressing political views
Correct???

This isn't like PUBLIC schools where teachers employed by the GOVT are prohibited from teaching/preaching religious views to a generally captive audience.

I see your point. But I see it as dangerous for a church to enter the realm of politics. No matter how they side, half the congregation is angry. As a church council member I'd go after our clergy.

 

[DStar777]

But I see it as dangerous for a church to enter the realm of politics.

Dangerous in what sense? What is it you're trying to prevent that requires a political solution?

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

I guess it's typical to demonize the right for pandering to religious voters.. and then ignore the left when they do the same.

Your guess is wrong, as usual.

No one is ‘demonizing’ the right and this has nothing to do with pandering to religious voters.

Religious entities that engage in illegal electioneering jeopardize their tax-exempt status.