Blogging Against Senator Sam Brownback Since March 2005
It is no secret that Senator Sam Brownback wants churches to be able to endorse candidates. However, currently that is against the law. The law has not stopped Ohio Pastor Rod Parsley and his World Harvest Church from brazenly supporting Kenneth Blackwell for governor. On October 15th 2005, Senator Brownback was a guest at a “Reformation Ohio” rally that may be subject to an investigation by the IRS. The New York Times is reporting a group of concerned clergy are asking the IRS to investigate this event and several others that appear to have violated tax law for non profits:
In their complaint, the clergy members contend that the two Columbus-area churches, Fairfield Christian Church and the World Harvest Church, which were widely credited with getting out the Ohio vote for President Bush in 2004, have allowed their facilities to be used by Republican organizations, promoted the candidate, J. Kenneth Blackwell, among their members and otherwise violated prohibitions on political activity by tax-exempt groups.
Mr. Parsley has been careful not to endorse anyone from his pulpit, which would clearly violate I.R.S. rules, but he has expressed his support for candidates in other locations. There have been widespread reports of the contributions he and his mother made to Mr. Blackwell’s campaign, and shortly before the 2004 presidential election, he said in an interview with ABC News that he supported President Bush.
His church has also invited conservative Republicans like Ann Coulter and John Ashcroft to speak, and they have voiced support for Mr. Blackwell. In August, former Senator Zell Miller, a Democrat who has aligned himself with the conservative Christian movement, stood in World Harvest’s pulpit at a Reformation Ohio meeting and told Mr. Blackwell, who was seated in the front pew, “You are the kind of leader this state - any state - needs.”
Does Senator Brownback support Churches breaking the law? Will he attend future events affiliated with the World Harvest church of Reformation Ohio? Was he aware at the time that the Churches may have been violating the law? All questions that need answers.
I want to be clear that I support everyone’s right to free political speech. I just believe that if you are going to be political you forfeit your tax exempt status. I would have no problem with Reformation Ohio if they were a tax paying entity.
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Blogging Against Senator Sam Brownback Since March 2005
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January 16th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
C’mon Nate!
No one has shown that any law here has been broken. A bit hasty in asking the good senator his opinion here.
And remember, President Clinton and Senator Kerry appeared at NUMEROUS churches during their campaigns for president. One pastor even introduced Sen Kerry as the next president of the United States. Maybe the question to ask is whether Sen Brownback was okay with those appearances.
Sure, Sen Brownback is supportive of Rep Walter Jones’ proposed legislation to relax restrictions on political speech in churches. So are many senators and congressmen and voters. I would think that what happened in Ohio is what happens eleswhere and that the IRS will find no wrongdoing.
January 16th, 2006 at 7:16 pm
You are absolutely right that no one has yet been found guilty. I am merely pointing out Brownback’s connection to this possible investigation.
I would contend that what is happening in Ohio is not happening in other area of the country. They are specifically advocating for a candidate.
I happen to think (as does the law) that they should pay taxes if they are going to be making political endorsements.
January 17th, 2006 at 4:50 am
It is happening eleswhere Nate. But your focus is on Sen Brownback, so you ignore the fact that it is commonly occuring with other churches and candidates so to highlight Sen Brownback. I understand that. This blog is more like a vacuum, with no mention of outside realities and I was just trying to bring some reality.
January 19th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Hmmm. Do you pay income tax on the revenue you generate from the advertisements on the side banners of this website? Since this website is political, I would assume you’re paying the appropriate taxes. (Unless, of course, the generated revenue is less than the minimum required to file.)
January 19th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Haha. Telling you exactly how much I make from the advertisements to the right would be a violation of adsense terms of service. Lets just say over the last 3 months I have made less than the cost a plate of Phad Thai at Zen Zero. Much, Much, Much less than is necessary to file. Much less than my hosting costs too… This is a labor of love to be sure.
Not that it is your right to know that sort of information, but I found it funny.