Reply #9: Separation of church and state is complex. [View All]

[dtexdem]

Taxing churches COULD interfere with religious freedom. Complete freedom from taxation could lead to abuses. The compromise is to allow them tax exemption provided that they comply with certain limitations, largely those applied to nonprofits -- principally on the condition that they refrain from partisan politicking. The problem is not in those rules, rather in the widespread failure to enforce those rules.

One area that DOES need attention is the hiding of for-profit enterprises behind the church tax-free umbrella. Strict rules are needed to prevent such scams, and such rules would need to be actively enforced.

In general, however, there is no reason to disallow churches the same benefits as other non-political nonprofit organizations.