Pope Francis Wants To End Tax Exemptions For Churches That Don’t Practice Charity
Many people think religious institutions should pay taxes and if they have entered the hospitality sector and are exploiting a legal loophole, says Pope Francis, then absolutely they should pay taxes!
by Amanda Froelich
Should churches be tax exempt? There’s no easy – or clear – answer to this question, as not all religious institutions (or the people behind them), are the same.
Pope Francis’ opinion on the matter, however, might surprise you.
Right before his trip to America, Pope Francis spoke with a Portuguese Catholic broadcaster and discussed the need for Christians to fight the temptation of the ‘God of Money’.
According to the Catholic leader, too many institutions have opted to enter into the hospitality industry while exploiting a legal loophole in order to keep from paying taxes while they do “God’s work.”
He said:
“Some religious orders say ‘No, now that the convent is empty we are going to make a hotel and we can have guests, and support ourselves that way, or make money.’ Well, if that is what you want to do, then pay taxes! A religious school is tax-exempt because it is religious, but if it is functioning as a hotel, then it should pay taxes just like its neighbor. Otherwise it is not fair business.”
According to Crux, it’s quite common for religious orders in Europe to rent space to assist with operating expenses. For example, a pensione operated by an order of nuns in Rome offers a room, breakfast, and Mass at 7 a.m. each day for $90 a night. Their rooftop can also be rented to CBS during major paypal events.
Francis’ message applies to orders such as the one described above.
In the interview, the Pope then went on to reiterate the message that the Church must set an example and help reform what he deems a “bad and unjust economic system” which continues to maximize profits at the expense of the masses.
He also complained of corruption among public officials “at all levels,” saying he’s noticed frustration among a new generation of young politicians.
“People are disappointed, partly because of corruption, partly because of inefficiency,” he said.
Not all of the religious leader’s messages have been received kindly by Catholics around the world, and this, too, will undoubtedly spark controversy.
What are your thoughts? Should churches not practicing charity be taxed? Should all religious institutions be taxed? What about ‘mega-churches’ like the ones John Oliver talks about in the segment below?
What do you think? Should churches be forced to pay taxes? Let us know in the comments section.
Source: TrueActivist.com
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The original exemption, as I understand it, was predicated in the assumption that churches were charities. And I can understand, even appreciate that premise. But I am also offended by the blatant abuse of the privilege. I’d suggest that exemption be based upon the charitable works. Offerings in the plate are one thing, commercial profits something else. I say allow them to exempt from their profits their demonstrable charitable donations the same as the rest of us do. If 100% of their profits from commercial ventures (anything other than non politicalized, regularly scheduled religious services)go to operate their charitable works like homeless shelters and food banks, even indigent care in their hospitals, then they would not be taxed, the same as we citizens are not taxed on moneys we can document went to worthy causes. But for every profit dollar above that, tax them! If their real estate is strictly a non-politicized worship place, or documentable charitable operation, fine. But if they rent out their hall, or rooms, or roof; if they accept compensation for broadcast rights, or post one political sign – including their “graveyards of aborted fetuses”, then tax the real estate the same as any other commercial operation!
Separation of church and state has to be reciprocal, if they want the benefit they have to keep their church separate from secular issues!
Boy that would be a kick in the pants. Good idea.
No way should churches be exempt, especially the nutty ones like Scientology, Mormonism and etc. Certainly not for the mega-churches.
I agree Rachael, 100%.