Taxation & Estate Planning

Pastor may be Investigated for Violating Tax Law

By Darrin Mish

Pastor may be Investigated for Violating Tax Law

The watchdog group Americans United for Separation of Church and State has filed an official request with the IRS urging the agency to investigate Pastor Charles Worley for making alleged remarks that violate the tax law of non-partisanship in politics. Americans United for Separation of Church and State Executive Director, Rev. Barry Lynn wrote a letter to the IRS Director of the Exempt Organizations Division, Lois G. Lerner objecting to Pastor Worley?s remarks and requesting a full IRS investigation.

Churches and other religious groups are classed as organizations under Section 501(a) of the Inland Revenue Code that give them tax-exempt status. But this provision of the law in 501(c)(3) also states that such organizations are not to endorse or oppose any group or individual in or running for public office.

In his recent sermon on May 13, Pastor Charles Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden, North Carolina was alleged to make remarks opposing President Obama?s support of gay marriages. In part of his sermon Pastor Worley was alleged to have preached that gays and lesbians should be quarantined and left to die. At the same time, the remarks made by Pastor Worley also allegedly referred to President Obama?s bid for reelection in November?s Presidential election.

Pastor Worley was allegedly quoted as having said, ?our president getting up and saying that it was all right for two women to marry or two men to marry? and adding, ?I was disappointed bad.? According to Rev. Lynn?s letter, ?He (Pastor Worley) then went on to say, ?Someone said, ?Who ya gonna vote for?? I ain?t gonna vote for a baby killer and a homosexual lover. You said, ?Did you mean to say that?? You better believe I did.?

In light of these remarks, the Americans United for Separation of Church and State strongly believe that Pastor Worley has violated section 501(c)(3) of the Inland Revenue code in implying that his parishioners not to vote for President Obama in November and has asked the IRS to investigate.

The Providence Road Baptist church has removed its website and the sermon from the Internet. But excerpts of the sermon is still widely available in YouTube.

Pastor may be Investigated for Violating Tax Law is a post from: IRS Tax Problem Solver Blog - IRS Help

Full post as published by IRS Problem Solver Blog on May 30, 2012 (boomark / email).