Ponder this (posted by IDEA1013 on Huffington Post article on Rep. Patrick Kennedy being denied communion by RC bishop):
"To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates."
I feel bad for Kennedy. Seems Tobin is grandstanding. I wish the Pope would step in and smack him one.
ReplyDeleteRemember "render unto Caesar..." Seems the Bishop wants to be secular as well as religious administrator.
Cat
unfortunately, Tobin probably hopes the pope will give him a great big gold star on his chart. such total nonsense. who do they think they are??
ReplyDeleteSeparation of Church and State was written for just this kind of church meddling. First it's abortion, then it's gay marriage, then it's whatever the Church deems important.
ReplyDeleteHow can they maintain their tax exempt status and blatantly interfere with politics? It boggles the mind.
And I hear Chris Matthews really challenged Tobin last night on MSNBC. Waiting for other Catholics with high public visibility to ask questions about separation church/state.
ReplyDeleteAnd, M.E., did you hint on another posting that you're making a geographical move?