AU Asks IRS to Investigate Church Endorsement of Obama

Americans United has asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate whether the Las Vegas Pentecostal Church of God Christ violated tax laws by endorsing Barak Obama's candidacy for President. Here's a quote:

Obama spoke during services at the Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ in Las Vegas on Jan. 13 in what the Las Vegas Review-Journal described as a "surprise appearance." Before the Illinois senator arrived, Pastor Leon Smith told the congregation, "The more he (Obama) speaks, the more he wins my confidence, and ... if the polls were open today, I would cast my vote for this senator."

Smith added, "If you can't support your own, you’re never going to get anywhere.... I want to see this man in office."

Americans United said churches are tax-exempt and may not engage in partisan politics.

"The pastor clearly stated that Obama should be elected, and he did so from the pulpit during Sunday services," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "It's impossible to see this as anything but an endorsement."

Churches that want to hold political rallies and endorse political candidates are free to do so if they are willing to forfeit their tax exempt status. Tax exemption is a privilege. Churches that engage in politics must play by the same rules as every other organization that engages in politics. Contributions to political action committees are not tax exempt.