We ask all to please pray over this issue.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, whom I refer to as The Restriction Of Your Right To Your Freedom Of Religion Foundation, is at it again!
Clergy across America could soon be facing personal financial pain after Federal Judge Barbara Crabb in Madison, Wisconsin ruled that a tax-free housing allowance currently enjoyed by clergy under the protection of a nearly 60-year-old law is “unconstitutional.” The ruling was made recently in a lawsuit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and named U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and acting IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel as defendants. The ruling now paves the way for a legal challenge to the law that permits the tax-free pastoral housing allowances which is estimated to as much as $1 billion annually.
While there are a few in the clergy in today’s mega-churches who live extravagantly, the large majority in the clergy today work rather sacrificially and this would severely hamper their work. I have to wonder if our even bigger concern is that this is the beginning of the taxation of the church itself if this stands. If this ruling stands, I can not begin to comprehend the devastating effect it will have on our clergy and our right to practice our religion!!!
To read more concerning the decision, click here: bit.ly/191Oz0p