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"IRS rules prohibit[ing] 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofits from engaging in partisan campaigns"

Partisan is the crux of the matter. It is partisan for religious institutions to endorse or support a political party or candidate, BUT they can support political policies. A policy doesn't become partisan because the majority of its supporters are of one party. Therefore, religious institutions can advocate (such as lobbying and placing ads that advance policies-- but not parties or candidates) and support policies in the political realm.

I am thankful The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worked to eliminate racism and the polices that kept it in place, and did so by using non-violent civil disobedience. He used the teachings of his religion to justify both his anti-racist stance and his strategy of non-violent civil disobedience. If he had said vote for a certain candidate or political party that would have been wrong. To stop the horrendous abuse by churches and other non-profits of their tax-exempt status, the current laws should be enforced. Lax enforcement encourages violation of laws.

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Judy

You bring up an excellent counter to Mr Hartman... very good point.

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