×

Stop the freeloading by churches off taxpayers

A May 21 letter argued that pastors should be free to endorse political candidates. “Get government out of our churches,” exclaimed the headline. The IRS should not have the power to tax churches that endorse candidates. The letter writer should rethink this idea.

Today, churches are completely exempt from Christ’s admonition to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s. The pastor is supported (paid) but that income is not taxed at all. The church gives out advice on how to proceed in life and collects money for the effort. That income is not taxed at all. The church owns vast swaths of property which are not taxed at all. The flock, on the other hand, you and I, have to pay tax on our income and property, even if we are paid for merely giving advice.

The IRS says this is all fine because the church limits itself to religious matters covered under the First Amendment.

If the author of the letter is ready to have churches and pastors stop freeloading and come into civil society, wielding their religious authority in political ways, instructing their flock as to WWJVF (who would Jesus vote for), then and only then should the churches be treated equally.

Perhaps the pastor should be asked, “Pastor, are you ready to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s?” Because we could all use the tax money. Imagine how much the property tax alone would be.

Rick Tolin

Kihei

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today