Gay marriage and 501c3 churches — Page 2

I'm glad touchmeinthemorning brought up the Bob Jones University case, because it focuses on the relevant issue: eligibility for 501(c)(3) status (which is distinct from receipt of federal money). I'm pretty sure a private individual can't sue an entity to revoke that status; rather, that decision is up to the IRS. In the case of Bob Jones University, the IRS revoked the University's 501(c)(3) status and then the University sued to get it back. So isn't the question: how likely would the IRS be to try to revoke the 501(c)(3) status of a church because it refuses to perform gay marriage? I would think that would be highly unlikely in the near future.

All Saints is a fansatic church. Good for them! I don't understand why they continue to have state ties through the 501c3 status. Why not be a free church?

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Actually, the IRS states that churches (like any other organization) need to APPLY for 501 status. Churches are "automatically tax-exempt and tax-deductible," but not 501c3 -- which is a specific legal standing.

Hmmm...I'd never heard the free church as culpible argument before. Perhaps that explains why so many people incorporate.

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