The UCC, IRS and Barack Obama

Last July Barack Obama, an active member of the United Church of Christ, spoke at the denomination's General Synod. Because he was already then a presidential candidate (although he was reportedly invited to speak well before his candidacy was announced) and apparently also because there were some tables set up outside promoting his campaign, the Internal Revenue Service of the United States is questioning the tax exempt status of the denomination.

It has bothered me for a long time that churches are legally required to give up their right (guaranteed in the United States according to the Constitution) to free speech in return for tax exempt status. I know this isn't popular, as no one likes paying taxes, but I really think the only solution is for churches to opt for paying taxes rather than accept being gagged. I don't see how the church can do what Jesus and the Spirit called it to do without being able to speak to the powers of the world.

Here's the news article.

Here's the letter from the IRS.

Here's an excerpt from Obama's speech last July to the UCC General Synod.