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Old January 31st, 2011 #120
Rick Ronsavelle
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Even some religious leaders agree that the property tax exemptions are problematic. Eugene Carson Blake, a former head of the National Council of Churches, complained once that tax exemptions ended up putting a greater tax burden on the poor who could least afford it. He feared that one day, the people might turn against their wealthy churches and demand restitution.

The idea that wealthy churches have abandoned their true mission also bothered James Pike, a former Episcopal bishop in San Francisco. According to him, some churches have become much too involved with money and other worldly matters, blinding them to the spiritual calling which should be their focus.

Some groups, like the American Jewish Congress, have made donations to local governments in place of the taxes which they do not have to pay. This shows that they truly are concerned with the entire local community, not simply their own members or congregation, and that they are interested in supporting the government services which they use.

http://atheism.about.com/od/churches...hexemption.htm

The "tax exemption" became an issue due to taxes being confiscatory. If we had a "night watchman" government taxes would be very low. No income tax, perhaps a low sales tax.
No property tax. User fees for fire department, or private fire departments. I remember when California had no income tax, and a sales tax of three percent. 'Twas a Golden State.

The agreement- the PTB must not be challenged from the pulpit.
Suck Washington cock, and you can keep your money.