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Evasive IRS Doesn't Have a Prayer
Anthony Picarello
The IRS is trying to avoid the absurd implications of its policy on the election-year activities of houses of worship: they can pray about anything at all except who should win or lose the election.
In a recent letter to the IRS, a traveling preacher asked if the IRS would fine churches he visited if he led the church in prayer for the re-election of George Bush. In response, the IRS wrote that a church could face penalties “when a candidate’s representative or someone endorsing a candidate is invited to speak.” Undaunted, the church called and wrote back, asking once again for an answer to their specific question about prayers for a candidate’s election.
Is it any wonder that the IRS is dodging the question? Imagine the public outcry if the IRS admitted that, under its interpretation of the code, churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples – which are in the prayer and values business – face fines if they pray for the success of people who espouse their values.