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Article: Church Leaders Express Concern Over Scrutiny of Political Activity; IRS, Watchdog Groups Looking for Signs of Partisan Campaigning
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- May 19, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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American churches have waded into politics ever since
colonial ministers exhorted their flocks to revolt against King
George III. But these days, they're feeling the IRS breathing down
their necks.
With churches increasingly stepping into the political fray --
especially in this presidential election season -- a few recent
cases, including one in which a New York church was stripped of its
tax-exempt status by the IRS, are creating real concern among church
leaders.
"I would say that about 25 percent of churches in America are
scared to be activated. They just don't want to be hassled by the
IRS," said the Rev. Lou Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values
Coalition, a ...