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Quote by: Jack  It has. In my opinion it decided incorrectly, unreasonably. |
Then until you do something about it stop using the poor as reasoning as to why churches shouldn't be tax exempt. Regardless secular buildings that serve the poor share the same status.
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Far easier and more practical to simply apply the rules evenly and fairly across the board. If you own property, you pay property taxes.
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So salvation army thrift shops? Objective non religious aid kitchens? Homeless shelters? Etc... All should be taxed as well?
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They already do. I do not consider the use of public property as an endorsement of a religion by the government. But when any group uses a public park, etc., they need to understand they're sharing it with others. As long as they aren't disruptive and don't try to deny access to others, I have no issue with that. Still, what's the problem with meeting in their homes, on property they own and pay taxes on? |
Well one: Some of these churches (Like mine St James) have large numbers. A sunday worship or a holiday could easily gather several thousand people at a time. A tad hard to manage outdoors or in anyones private home.
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Tithes and donations are income. You and I have to pay taxes on bonuses and monetary gifts, why shouldn't the church?
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Do secular aid organizations pay taxes? If I donate 100,000 to the red cross does it have to pay a tax on the gift?
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So a local Muslim group without their own meeting hall can rent St. Matthew's hall for their meetings? There is no atheist society, groups of atheists meet in homes or coffee shops, just like the religious could.
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The Muslims can use their own place or worship. There are plenty, we have two here in Manchester.
I'm guessing your off the "equal for the sake of equality" crowd? Do you feel the boy scouts are sexist?
Obviously if one group wants to use a facility they can use one of their faith or build a new building and enjoy the benefits of the tax status. A big plus of the tax status is it allows people to more easily congregate and make a meeting location.