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Is it wrong to incorporate churches and file tax exempt applications with government agencies because it creates “state” run churches?

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Is it wrong to incorporate churches and file tax exempt applications with government agencies because it creates “state” run churches?

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I respect and appreciate Christian leaders who hold these beliefs because it’s important to encourage thought, discussion, and healthy skepticism about any form of state requirement or intervention into the lives of churches. State regulation or domination of churches is absolutely something we should remain vigilant against and be prepared to oppose. The main reason this is a hot topic of discussion is that churches requesting IRS recognition of their tax exempt status are required to relinquish their constitutional right to support or oppose a candidate for public office from the pulpit, or as part of church teaching. Nor can they engage in substantial fundraising for their favorite political candidates or causes. The idea that a government agency, federal or otherwise, would require that churches forego certain constitutional rights is incendiary to many church leaders, and I agree. In a perfect world, churches would be tax exempt as a matter of Constitutional right, and also be all

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