The Freedom From Religion Foundation commends Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., and Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., for reissuing their call to the IRS to review the tax-exempt status of organizations that claim to be churches while engaging in political advocacy.
This renewed appeal is particularly significant in light of reports about the Family Research Council obtaining church status while continuing its extensive political activities. A prominent Christian nationalist advocacy group, the organization has somehow been granted church status by the IRS. This designation allows the Family Research Council to withhold details about its financial activities and donors, raising concerns about transparency and the potential misuse of the church status for political purposes. The group has been known for its active role in influencing public policy and elections, blurring the line between religious and political activities.
Huffman and DelBene’s renewed request asks the IRS to shine a light on how this process happened.
Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of FFRF, expressed her gratitude for the efforts of these members of Congress: “We applaud Reps. Huffman and DelBene for their courageous stand in defending the separation of church and state. This letter is a critical oversight check to make sure our tax laws are not exploited. FFRF deeply appreciates their leadership and commitment to upholding constitutional principles.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has consistently advocated for maintaining a clear distinction between religious institutions and political entities, emphasizing the importance of a secular government. This initiative by Huffman and DelBene aligns with FFRF’s mission to promote nontheism and defend the constitutional principle of separation between state and church.
FFRF is hopeful that this review will lead to greater clarity of existing regulations and provide much-needed transparency at the IRS.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national state/church watchdog organization that has 40,000 members nationwide. Its purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
