Dear editor:
Ever wonder why sermons have changed when compared to 10 or 15 years ago? When you are at church, the sermon that used to be given was full of talk about government dealings seems to be a little dulled down.
When a church receives tax exempt status 501(c)(3) it comes with restrictions on activities‚ that must be observed by the church in order to comply.
One restriction states that “intervention in political campaigns or the endorsement/anti-endorsement of candidates for public office is strictly prohibited” and “lobbying, propaganda or other legislative activity must be kept relatively insubstantial”. If the pastors agree to keep silent on political issues, the churches are allowed to keep their congregation’s donations sheltered from federal taxes.
Oh, how do we serve both masters? You can't.
James Livings
Moultrie
