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Today Is 3rd Annual Pulpit Sunday Challenging IRS Restrictions On Church Political Activity

By Howard M. Friedman

Today is Alliance Defense Fund's 3rd annual Pulpit Sunday in which pastors around the country will defy IRS limitations on partisan political activity by non-profit groups, including churches.  An ADF news release issued Thursday says the group expects 100 pastors to participate by preaching sermons today setting out Biblical perspectives on the positions of electoral candidates or current government officials. ADF attorney Erik Stanley said: "The IRS should not be used as a political tool to advance the agenda of radical groups bent on silencing the voice of the Church and inhibiting religious freedom." Americans United for Separation of Church and State argues, however, that: "Federal tax law doesn?t hinder anyone?s 'free speech.' It merely requires that all organizations that receive a 501(c)(3) tax exemption operate as religious, educational or charitable entities, not political action committees." AU plans to report to the IRS any violations it learns of.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on September 26, 2010 (boomark / email).