MILWAUKEE — Nearly seven months after defying a prohibition on endorsing candidates from the pulpit, 33 churches across the country are still waiting to learn whether the Internal Revenue Service will take action.
The goal of "Pulpit Freedom Sunday” was to trigger a legal fight and overturn regulations that prevent places of worship from supporting or opposing candidates for office. But a conservative legal group that organized the effort says the IRS has yet to notify the churches of any investigation.
Legal experts suggest many possibilities: The IRS has nothing to gain from a costly and symbolic battle; it has limited resources; or it could still be deciding how to respond.
On Sept. 28, participating pastors urged worshippers to vote according to conservative views on abortion and gay marriage. Several endorsed GOP presidential candidate John McCain.
Under the IRS code, places of worship can distribute voter guides, run nonpartisan voter-registration drives and hold forums on issues, but they cannot endorse a candidate.
Churches that violate the rule can lose their tax-exempt status.
The goal of "Pulpit Freedom Sunday” was to trigger a legal fight and overturn regulations that prevent places of worship from supporting or opposing candidates for office. But a conservative legal group that organized the effort says the IRS has yet to notify the churches of any investigation.
Legal experts suggest many possibilities: The IRS has nothing to gain from a costly and symbolic battle; it has limited resources; or it could still be deciding how to respond.
On Sept. 28, participating pastors urged worshippers to vote according to conservative views on abortion and gay marriage. Several endorsed GOP presidential candidate John McCain.
Under the IRS code, places of worship can distribute voter guides, run nonpartisan voter-registration drives and hold forums on issues, but they cannot endorse a candidate.
Churches that violate the rule can lose their tax-exempt status.
by the associated press
