The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments this week in Gaylor v. Peecher, a case that challenges the constitutionality of tax-exempt housing for clergy. Under 25 U.S.C. § 107(2), a pastor may receive a payment separate from taxable salary to pay for housing-related expenses including rent, mortgages and utility services.
Church and State
Turning Back the Clock: The Plot to Dismantle the Establishment Clause
Over the last few decades, a religious movement has gained widespread political power with the stated intent of turning back the clock by dismantling the Establishment Clause, which requires separation of church and state.
November Election a “Referendum on Your Religion” Trump warns Evangelical leaders
The President’s threat that the November election will be a “referendum on your religion” is troubling because it assumes that the success of Christianity is dependent on the result of a political vote. The fact that some very influential Christian leaders are buying into this argument is even more disturbing.
The Romans 13 Crisis- A pastor looks at the authoritarian use of Scripture
To be fair, perhaps Jeff Sessions did not mean to act against years of religious liberty and separation of church and state. Perhaps, they felt cornered, or even pressed by the media, or as Christians serving in higher office to defend their own faith because of what people were saying about their current immigration policy[20], but as gracious as I can be about the motivations of their actions, I cannot excuse the great danger in which they have placed all of America.
Weaponized Intercession: The Dangers of Using Prayer to Win at Politics
All this fight over prayer should give Christians pause for thought. Have we misused prayer in our zeal to bring America back to God? Whether intended or not, many have viewed the forceful efforts of Christians to preserve public prayer as motivated by the desire to exploit it for purposes of proselytizing, promoting Christianity, or disparaging other religions.
Proposed New York guidelines could permit public school districts to regulate private schools
The state of New York is considering guidelines that could dramatically change the relationship between public and private schools.
Tax-exemption of clergy housing violates Establishment Clause rules Federal judge
Last Friday a federal judge in Wisconsin issued a ruling that a federal statute that exempts housing for members of the clergy from taxation violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Federal Judge rules Pennsylvania county seal violates Establishment Clause
A Federal judge has ruled that a Pennsylvania county seal and flag that prominently feature a cross violates the Establishment Clause.
US House votes to defund IRS investigations of church political endorsements
esterday, by a margin of 211 to 198, the U.S. House of Representatives quietly voted to defund IRS investigations of church political endorsements as part of a massive spending bill. On the bottom of page 21 of the text of the 2018 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill, the drafters included the following language: SEC. […]
Trump judicial nominee Barrett faces religious tests from left and right
At the committee hearing, Democrat Sen. Feinstein questioned her Catholic beliefs on abortion and Republican Sen. Cruz questioned her on the death penalty.