Dear Everyone,
This blog may not be about the times of the end prophesied in the bible, but in a way it is.
A federal U.S. district Court judge , Barbara Crabb, of Madison, Wisconsin, has very recently issued a decision which will have huge ramifications for pastors all over the United States.
The lawsuit brought up by a group based in Madison, Wisconsin, called FREEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION against the U. S. Treasury Secretary and against the acting Internal Revenue Commissioner, questioned the validity of a 1954 law. That law provided, in part, that:
“MINISTERS DO NOT PAY INCOME TAXES ON PROPERTY THAT IS DESIGNATED PART OF A HOUSING ALLOWANCE” and, in effect, ” ALLOWS PASTORS..TO USE UNTAXED INCOME TO PAY RENTAL-HOUSING COSTS OR THE COST OF HOME OWNERSHIP, INCLUDING MORTGAGE PAYMENTS AND PROPERTY TAXES.” ( The Seattle Times, Sunday, November 24. 2013).
The judge struck down that portion of the law stating that that EXEMPTION
” PROVIDES A BENEFIT TO RELIGIOUS PERSONS AND NO ONE ELSE, EVEN THOUGH DOING SO IS NOT NECESSARY TO ALLEVIATE A SPECIAL BURDEN ON RELIGIOUS EXERCISE.”
Some examples were shown to the effect that billions of dollars were saved in Wisconsin by such ministers from 2002 to 2007. That organization also claimed that such ministers engage in what is termed ‘DOUBLE DIPPING”, as they buy their homes with untaxed monies; and then deduct the payment of their mortgage interest and property taxes from their taxable income.
The judge said that although the large amount of income tax lost was a factor, the defendants also failed to establish that the ministers’ circumstances of paying for their housing was more burdensome than it is on other taxpayers who do pay taxes on income used for housing expenses.
The foundation further stated that pastors of mega churches with ‘HUGE MANSIONS”, can be paid huge sums in housing allowances; and that an appeal is expected to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
Now, let me show why this decision is good and bad. First of all, you have to see who brought up this lawsuit. Admittedly, an anti-religion organization . who would do anything to destroy the things of God.
Secondly, this is a great example of a judge acting as a LEGISLATOR. She has taken a portion of a law, with which we might or might not agree, and without public hearings, and without letting the representatives of the people decide this issues, has taken it upon herself to change that portion of the law. That is why is SO IMPORTANT to know who is being appointed to a judicial position in a court of federal importance.
Thirdly, although I agree with the result as it affects so MANY OF THE CURRENT CORRUPT TELEVANGELISTS and MEGA CHURCHES– who have abused the law in this regard and in so many other regards– I think it is terrible in the way it will affect the pure hearted pastors.
You have to understand, pastors, usually do not get the same salaries as people in private industry or even as those who work for the government, so this benefit was given them- to draw and encourage good people to the ministry. Yes, they do not pay taxes as other people do- but they also often work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week– in ministry, in prayer, in study, in helping their parishioners, virtually at any time of the day or night— and they are certainly NOT being compensated for all of their time. Most other people do not work that kind of a schedule.
That is why it is awful that an ANTI GOD ORGANIZATION should be successful in hurting TRULY GODLY PEOPLE– and I am telling to EXPECT TO SEE MORE OF THE SAME.
Everything is being done in our country now- to GET RID OF GOD AND HIS SERVANTS- and it is being done in every conceivable way possible, which, in part, includes terrible decisions by judges who should not sit on the bench.
Contact your legislators and let them know what you think of this decision.
Have a blessed THANKSGIVING – the day on which our FOUNDERS, and pilgrims, had set aside to thank God for bringing them to this country, where they could worship God freely.
We are sure seeing every attempt to destroy the purpose for which America had been founded- God help us all.
With Jesus’ great love,
Judge Eve