(IRS) Probe clears church, its lawyer says (after Kerry visit)

[DoYouEverWonder]

Jan. 02, 2006

A Liberty City church investigated by the Internal Revenue Service for alleged political activity -- which would have put its nonprofit, tax-exempt status in jeopardy -- has been cleared, according to the church's attorney.

''They indicated last week that they would be closing the case and that it would be resolved favorably for the church,'' said Guy Lewis, a former U.S. attorney for South Florida, who represented Friendship Missionary Baptist Church pro bono.

The probe began after a Washington-based political action committee complained to the IRS about an October 2004 visit to the church in Miami by then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry and several black leaders, including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. The group called the visit a ``rally.''

Federal law prohibits tax-exempt organizations such as churches from participating or intervening in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Violations may result in the loss of tax-exempt status and other penalties.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/13531521.htm?source=yahoodist&content=mia_news


Don't you just love frivilous law suits? Now why doesn't anyone go after Pat Robertson or the Christian Coalition for this sort of thing?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. Good to hear.

[blm]

2. I suppose the pac that complained was funded by RevMoon and RevFalwell?

.

[depakid]

3. "why doesn't anyone go after Pat Robertson"

Maybe that question ought to be directed toward Bill Clinton... his administration had its chance to enforce the law. Why didn't they?