Freepreach.org - Protecting the Free Expression of All Religious Traditions
IRS Orders All Saints to Yield Documents on '04 Political Races
On Saturday, September 16, the LA Times reported that the IRS has ordered All Saints Episcopal Church and its rector, Rev. Ed Bacon, to yield all documents and e-mails produced during the 2004 election that make reference to political candidates.
“The IRS investigation was triggered by an antiwar sermon delivered by its former rector, the Rev. George F. Regas, at the church two days before the 2004 presidential election. The summons even requests utility bills to establish costs associated with hosting Regas' speech. Bacon was ordered to testify before IRS officials Oct. 11…
“‘There is a lot at stake here,’ Bacon said in an interview. ‘If the IRS prevails, it will have a chilling effect on the practice of religion in America.’”
The current tax code bars churches from endorsing or campaigning against candidates in an election. Read the full article here.