LTRJ Note: The following is posted for informational and research purposes. For many years, Lighthouse Trails has been concerned that the 501 (c) 3 “non profit” status that most churches and Christian organizations hold would eventually restrict the free dissemination of truth and biblical values. The article below is a strong indicator that we are on the brink of this happening to a greater capacity.
By Mark Tapscott
The Epoch Times
An IRS official denied tax-exempt status to a Texas group that encourages church members to pray for state and national leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, because it benefits “the private interests of the [Republican] Party.”
“You do not qualify as an organization described in IRS Section 501(c)(3). You engage in prohibited political campaign intervention,” wrote Stephen A. Martin, director of the IRS Office of Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements, in a May 18 letter (pdf) to Christians Engaged, the Garland, Texas-based prayer group recognized by Texas officials as tax-exempt. . . .
“The IRS states in an official letter that Biblical values are exclusively Republican. That might be news to President Joe Biden, who is often described as basing his political ideology on his religious beliefs,” First Liberty Institute counsel Lea Patterson said in the statement. Click here to continue reading.
Related Information:
Related video at The Epoch Times
Why Lighthouse Trails is Not a 501 (c) 3 Non Profit Organization
Dear Mike L.
We have read over the IRS document you have sent (which was also provided in The Epoch Times article), and we believe that the article we posted fairly reported on this situation. We also believe that the concerns the article expressed are valid. We posted this because we wanted our readers to know about this situation and the potential implications it could cause. In essence, we are not convinced that the IRS acted fairly or legally. If they did act legally, then this should be a warning to other non profits that a structure is in place in the law that could discriminate against organizations with biblical values should it so choose to. Time will tell. Please know we are grateful that you did write and voice your concerns.
Though this news is somewhat sad. It is not surprising. Being a 501-c-3 corporation means that you are a “government corporation,” that runs under the auspices of the United States.
One bright side is that a church, if it is called a “church,” “chapel,”or “assembly,” is recognized as being non-profit, if the church, assembly, or chapel, meets together for the purpose of “religious” education.
There is no need to register as a government corporation.
We’ve been talking to pastors and other Christians about **not** being 501c3 for a l-o-n-g time. One does not even have to go past the defining-of-terms section of this law to see that the state is designated as the sovereign.
I feel your “click bait”– “IRS Denies Tax Exemption to Texas Religious Group Because Prayer, Bible Reading Boost the Republican Party” is off the mark. I read the article and then read the actual letter.. If one reads the actual letter, you will see there are a whole multitude of reasons they were denied the 501c3 status and the comment that is made regarding Christians value most typically aligning with the Republican Party is in fact accurate. Something we should be proud of is the fact the IRS acknowledges Christian values are held in high regard by at least half of our government. This group clearly does not meet the definition of a 501c3 as a church or group like Lighthouse Trails does. As a 501c3 group yourself [we informed this reader that Lighthouse Trails is not a 501(c)3] you should be happy to see the law is being applied equally and they are not letting anyone who preaches the word to gain this status. Lord only knows what would happen if all of our false teachers and misguided organizations had an easy road to this status.
LTRP Response to Mike L: We have read over the IRS document you have sent (which was also provided in The Epoch Times article), and we believe that the article we posted fairly reported on this situation. We also believe that the concerns the article expressed are valid. We posted this because we wanted our readers to know about this situation and the potential implications it could cause. In essence, we are not convinced that the IRS acted fairly or legally. If they did act legally, then this should be a warning to other non profits that a structure is in place in the law that could discriminate against organizations with biblical values should it so choose to. Time will tell. Please know we are grateful that you did write and voice your concerns.
Those churches and ministries that took the PPP loans during the last year only adds to the leverage of the 501(3c) over ministry. Does a bribe work any differently?
“Whose bread I eat… his song I sing.” ~ German Proverb