Thursday, February 14, 2008

Rendering Unto Caesar

An attorney for clergyman Wiley S. Drake confirmed Wednesday that the Internal Revenue Service was investigating the pastor's endorsement of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's presidential bid, written on church letterhead and announced during a church-affiliated Internet radio show.

Thanks to Joe in Memphis for bringing this to my attention, and who correctly points out that no such scrutiny is reserved for our old pal Snuffy Pfleger.

I've actually met Wiley Drake--the man is unafraid to take on the powers that be for what he believes in, which in many cases is taking in those that the rest of society will not. As a result, they try to marginalize and dismiss him.

An interesting guy--I don't always agree with him, case in point, Mike Huckabee, but no one can question the man's courage or commitment. We need more like him.

This does illustrate the problem when you make your church a legally recognized not-for-profit corporation. Invite that devil in, and he'll be pleased take you up on it. The flip side is, if you don't, donations dry up, and the good works along with them.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Actually, there is no compelling reason for a church to become 501(c)3. Prior to LBJ there was no IRS code for 501(c)3 churches. Churches are still exempt from that if the church chooses and one's tithes and offerings are still tax deductible.

Yet another lie swallowed hook, line and sinker.