However, the Church respectfully disagrees with Senator Grassley’s position that churches are no different from any other tax-exempt organization. Any government inquiry into the affairs of a church raises serious constitutional issues that must be carefully balanced against the government’s need to evaluate the effectiveness of the laws of the land. To ensure its constitutional rights are not unnecessarily infringed upon, the Church firmly believes that it must be given the protections from disclosure afforded by the federal tax laws and the benefit of the processes and procedures that apply to inquires of churches made by the IRS.When I have taught tax exempt law concepts in seminars and conferences, I have found that some in the secular charitable world find the unofficial distinctions and preferences often afforded to religious entities as unfair and unjust. I'm not sure I totally agree with that (there are a host of reasons why churches and religious institutions should be held to different standards than groups like Nature Conservency or even small community charities). I think it's an interesting discussion however - what do you think? Should churches and religious institutions be treated differently by the IRS and tax law?
Update... today's Des Moines Register... did Sen. Grassley lose his delegate spot at the GOP convention because he's pursuing churches?
4 comments:
I think that this is another way that the government is pushing its limits and its way into our lives. Copeland has ground to stand on here, and he should continue to fight this fight. The possible future implications are something to be feared.
hinds, I agree with you. The government is pushing and pushing and will be next to us on our couches before we realize it. The outcome of this investigation affects all of us. I think Copeland should continue to fight Grassley. There is no reason why Grassley can't get the information through a proper IRS investigation which Copeland has invited.
The thing that puzzles me and leaves me wondering about Grassley's motives is the fact that had he gone the typical IRS route the information would have been required to be kept confidential. But he still could have obtained the information he is requesting...
I think that it is past time for this to come to a conclusion. They have dragged this out more than long enough. Grassley's recent nepotism attack is proving that he is still grasping for evidence. Get back to more pressing issues Congressman!
Post a Comment