Religious groups feel the pinch of government shutdown

[rug]

Kevin Eckstrom, Cathy Lynn Grossman, Sarah Pulliam Bailey, David Gibson, Adelle M. Banks and Katherine Burgess | Oct 8, 2013

WASHINGTON (RNS) As the government shutdown enters its second week, some religious groups are starting to feel the pinch, and they’re also finding ways to reach out.

More than 90 Catholic, evangelical and Protestant leaders have signed a statement rebuking “pro-life” lawmakers for the shutdown, saying they are “appalled that elected officials are pursuing an extreme ideological agenda at the expense of the working poor and vulnerable families” who won’t receive government benefits.

Starting Wednesday, evangelical, Catholic and mainline Protestant leaders will hold a daily “Faithful Filibuster” on Capitol Hill with Bible verses on the poor “to remind Congress that its dysfunction hurts struggling families and low-income people.”

Here’s how the shutdown is impacting religious groups in ways large and small:

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/10/08/shutdown-fodder-process/

http://www.faithinpubliclife.org/newsroom/press/faith-leaders-challenge-pro-life-representatives-to-end-shutdown/

[cbayer]

1. Too bad the Catholic bishops aren't joining the groups protesting this, but

good for those that are.

[xfundy]

2. It's past time to tax the churches.

Though these folks sound like they're actually about helping others, far too many don't, and in fact preach against it.

Pat Robertson's is only one of the "ministries" that have raked in millions of taxpayer dollars since Bush the dumber pushed giving them cash.

[cbayer]

3. This article has absolutely nothing to do with church taxation.

[rug]

4. I'm glad you see these people are helping others.

Now, about te tax code, by far, most of their advocacy is for positions, not candidates. You may not like some of their positions (although I would be astonished if you didn't agree with most of them after you examined them), but if you change that regulation, almost all of the other non-profits, including the FFRF and the SCA, will lose theirs. There is a history behind non-profit tax exemption that makes sense. I suggest you look into it.