Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Religion & Law Blogs -> Religion Clause

Religion & Law

: Religion Clause

Pastors Convicted of Tax Evasion Despite "Love Offering" Defense

By Howard M. Friedman

In Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday, a federal jury convicted husband and wife co-pastors of the Greater Salem City of God Church on numerous counts of tax evasion and fraud. WCNC News reported yesterday on the convictions of Anthony and Harriet Jinwright, following their 4-week trial for failing to report some $1.8 million in income. In closing arguments, Anthony Jinwright's lawyers argued that the government was punishing Jinwright for following the traditional church practice of accepting gifts of "love offerings." Attorney Ed Hinson told the jurors: "The kingdom of God is not run on generally accepted accounting principles. Thank God. If it were, we'd all be in trouble." Prosecutors said the case did not involve an attack on the Jinwrights' religious practices.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on May 04, 2010 (boomark / email).