Tag: tax
Federal Court Makes Ruling Affecting Every Pastor in America
Posted on November 20, 2014 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
Pastors can breathe a sigh of relief today as the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a lower court decision to strike down the minister’s housing allowance as unconstitutional.
Previously, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) had argue that the housing allowance given to pastors was unconstitutional because it provided an unfair tax benefit to pastors, creating preferential treatment for religious messages. It was argued that the housing allowance violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and the equal protection provision of the Fourteenth Amendment. The lower court, with Judge Barbara Crabb ruling, agreed with the FFRF and ruled the housing allowance unconstitutional.
Though the ruling only affected pastors in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, pastors across the country watched the case with serious interest knowing if the ruling was upheld it would soon spread.
The 7th Circuit determined that since the FFRF was never denied tax-exemption under the housing allowance tax code they had no standing concerning the issue:
What Two “Pastors” Said About Abortion is Appalling
Posted on October 6, 2014 in Uncategorized by Nathan Cherry
I’ve heard a lot of arguments for abortion that have bothered me. Many of them are selfish and take no account for the human life being destroyed. And some of those arguments have come from Christians or others seeking to gain the support of the religious community. When I hear attempts to justify abortion by distorting Scripture I cringe.
But what two “pastors” said in an attempt to justify abortion, encourage religious people to support it, and demand Christians pay for it is simply beyond the pale.
An article at LifeNews carries the comments from the Washington Post by pro-abortion Reverends, Dr. Alethea Smith-Withers and Harry Knox in their attempt to encourage Christians to support and subsidize abortion. They write:
So You Want to Tax Churches? Have You Considered…
Posted on April 22, 2014 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
See if you can answer this question: why are churches tax exempt?
That is a hot button topic in the news, around lawmakers, and on the blogosphere these days. Many don’t know why churches are tax exempt and others simply don’t think they should be. They say that churches are corporations earning money like everyone else and should pay taxes. But is paying taxes really the primary goal of those advocating for the taxing of churches? First, let’s talk about why churches are tax exempt.
Alliance Defending Freedom senior legal counsel Erik Stanley explains that churches have always been tax-exempt since the IRS tax code was first established. And in every version of the code ever since, churches are tax exempt. But, as Stanley explains, many simply don’t know why.
Planned Parenthood Has A Message for Your Kids You Probably Won’t Like
Posted on March 7, 2014 in Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
Forget sex education, Planned Parenthood is teaching kids about BDSM and sadomasochism. The extremist abortion group desires to “educate” kids in every public school as young as Kindergarten with their brand of immoral, sexually deviant behavior. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is no exception with their latest episode of “A Naked Notion.” According to a recent article the latest video features host Laci Green stating that “BDSM is based on trust.” She goes on to say:
“People sometimes think that those who practice BDSM are emotionally scarred or were once abused—not true, it’s a total myth. BDSM relies upon and creates trust.”
The article then reveals details of other videos in the series intended for school age children:
“Other videos posted on ‘A Naked Notion’ include one exploring abortion options, and touting abortion as a ‘safe, legal medical procedure.’ In another, she talks about how she lost her virginity at 16, how she doesn’t ‘regret it.’ It’s not about age, she says, it’s whether ‘you want to’ or not.”
Focus on the Family is, as many others are, disgusted by the thought of such content being presented to children in schools without parental consent or knowledge:
“This is a growing trend, the push to normalize — and even celebrate — deviant sexual behavior. Planned Parenthood should be held accountable for sexualizing and exploiting teenagers and children through the promotion of any and every type of sexual behavior. They’ve fed for too long at the government trough, and should be stripped of any taxpayer monies.”
I couldn’t agree more, which is why I’m urging you to take action and tell Congress to end taxpayer funding for the “non-profit” abortion group. Focus on the Family has provided additional information on this story as well as contact information so you can let Congress know how you feel. Even though President Obama has given Planned Parenthood more money than any other president, we can urge our lawmakers in Congress to end that money stream.
Take Action to Defund Planned Parenthood
Please urge the U.S. House of Representatives to stop using our tax dollars to fund a group that encourages teens to participate in unhealthy, dangerous sexual activities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about “A Naked Notion”on PPNNE’s website.
(Caution: Mature subject matter: Not appropriate for children and teens.)
Watch the episode: “Getting Kinky—BDSM 101.”
Read “Quick Guide: God’s Design for Sexuality; Sexual Brokenness and Restoration.”
H.R. 7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
Posted on January 27, 2014 in Life, Public Policy by Nathan Cherry
Autumn Christensen with the Congressional Pro Life Caucus reminded pro-life defenders that H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, will be coming up in the House of Representatives very soon, perhaps this week. This very important piece of legislation would ensure that no tax dollars are spent to fund abortion.
Unfortunately, not only is abortion funded through our tax dollars at the federal level but, in some states, such as my home state of West Virginia, taxes are used to fund abortion at the state level. So this legislation would help protect the conscience rights of people opposed to abortion. A memo from the Congressional Pro Life Caucus says:
Explaining the Federal Court Ruling Striking Down the Housing Allowance for Pastors
Posted on December 3, 2013 in Public Policy by Nathan Cherry
One of the most deceptive attacks on religious freedom has taken place and you might not have even heard about it.
I briefly touched on this subject last week just a couple of days after it happened, but I want to spend a little more time unpacking how a recent decision by a federal judge could significantly impact religious freedom across the nation.
On Friday, November, 22, 2013, federal district court judge Barbara Crabb issued an order declaring the minister’s housing allowance in the IRS Code unconstitutional. Siding with the Freedom From Religion Foundation, judge Crabb agreed that the housing allowance exemption violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.
Breaking: Federal Judge Declares Pastors Housing Allowance Unconstitutional
Posted on November 26, 2013 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
It’s important to note that the federal judge issued a stay of her ruling until the appeals process plays out. So for now nothing will change and no pastor or church will be affected. However, the efforts to strip this protection for pastors and churches has continued with this latest ruling. Here’s why it’s important: