Taxing Churches and Their Influence on Politics in America

There is a myth perpetuated by some that taxing churches would somehow open the doors for them to involve themselves more deeply in political matters. This argument is fundamentally flawed. Churches have already been deeply ingrained in politics for quite some time, often imposing their beliefs on individuals who may have no desire to conform. Withholding taxes from these groups compromises the principle of representation and equality. It is high time churches are taxed, just like any other profitable corporations.

Churches Need to Be Taxed

The need to tax churches is clear and compelling. Under current tax structures, many churches that spend a large portion of their funds on non-charitable activities are given a tax exemption simply because of their religious status. This is a form of taxation without representation. When churches claim to spend donations on charities but instead use them for investments and improvements, or when they classify purchasing Bibles as a marketing expense, they are nothing more than deceptive organizations. The government must demand honesty from these institutions and enforce penalties for violations.

The Reality of Church Involvement in Politics

Many religious organizations, and particularly churches, have historically and continue to be indirect players in the political arena. They promote agendas that often go against the values of the wider community. For instance, the Mormon church's contribution to the anti-marriage-equality campaign is a prime example of their political influence. While churches have the right to express their opinions and endorse political candidates, this freedom should not extend to tax-exempt status. If the right to tax churches is not upheld, it will lead to a situation where churches can endorse candidates without constraints, leaving politicians obligated to their religious backing.

The Law and Future Changes

The 1954 tax reform law explicitly bans churches with tax-exempt status from endorsing political candidates. This is not a constitutional principle but a law that should be adhered to. However, recent reports suggest that President Donald Trump is considering an end to this rule, which would allow churches to endorse candidates even if they maintain their tax-exempt status. This move, if enacted, would open the floodgates for churches to wield even more influence over political processes. The NCREgistry article details these developments and the potential impacts.

In summary, it is crucial to tax churches to ensure transparency and accountability. The idea that this would somehow allow churches to become more politically involved is a misunderstanding. Churches have long been involved in politics, and it is time they are held to the same standards as other corporations to avoid imbalanced representation and deceit.