All Saints Church Receives IRS Admonition, No Penalty
Shortly before the 2004 presidential election, a sermon preached at All Saints Church in Pasadena, CA raised church-state concerns and an IRS investigation. It also highlighted a fundamental question in the tax-exempt rules governing churches and electioneering: where is the line between campaigning and preaching on the issues of the day? (You can read about the controversy in prior posts here and BJC statement here).
The church has now received a letter concluding IRS investigations, indicating that the sermon was in fact improper "intervention" into the campaign, but that no sanction is necessary.
Based on the existing record, the Church's actions lead us to the conclusion that the Church intervened in the 2004 Presidential election campaign. We note that this appears to be a one-time occurrence add that you have policies in place to ensure that the Church complies with the prohibition against intervention in campaigns for public office. We advise you to inform guest speakers of your policy and to be mindful of that policy when posting information that makes reference to specific candidates on your website during future election campaigns.Thanks to Religion Clause for the link, and pointing out the news of further action the Church intends in response.