Crossing The Church-State Line

This week Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), chair of the powerful Ways and Means committee, reintroduced a bill that would open the door to more extensive partisan involvement by churches, synagogues and mosques.

Now called the Safe Harbor for Churches act, the measure — a modified version of a bill soundly defeated in 2002 — was attached to a major tax bill without any fanfare, catching opponents by surprise.

In its new form, the measure would ease restrictions on religious institutions making endorsements and engaging in other kinds of partisan activities.

Specifically, the measure would allow church leaders to “unintentionally” endorse or oppose candidates up to three times a year without risking their tax exemption. (source)