by raymond frantz 37 Replies latest watchtower scandals
The Daily Mail are a bit behind in reporting this.
The decision dates back to July and the rejection of the appeal to the beginning of this month.
The PB are preparing to appeal to the ECHR so I suspect it could be a long time before JW's are affected. In fact the system for collecting tax refunds is being simplified so it can be claimed on ALL donations to the congregation up to a set figure. (I think this will be £5000 pa so most congregation donations will be covered.)
George
Prepare for significant growth in the UK...
That's how it normally happens
I have wondered for some time how watchtower how been able to get away with their charitable status. Perhaps things will change. This report from the UK and others appear to indicate that the winds of change are arriving. Yesterday someone sent me this link regarding the Italian government and the vatican's tax exempt status.
http://www.euronews.com/2012/02/17/italy-government-ends-vatic aan-tax-exemptions/
Just one point: stop describing those who want religions to pay what they are supposed to and not be given tax-payers money as 'Christian Hating'
Yes, I want the WTS to pay the tax that they should compared to any other printing business. Just as I think Apple and Startbucks et al should pay their proper taxes. It does not make me an Apple hater (although to be honest, I do find them similar to the WTS but that's another discussion!)
there is an underground attack on Christianity in Britain that can be found on many levels of society and goverment today :
1. Homosexual interests are promoted and supported hidden behind equality rights
2. Laws are passed that allow for higher scrutiny of religious groups that hide behind charitable status
3.Free Speech is threatened by new Censorship Laws
Erm ... none of those things are an underground attack on Christianity.
1. Equality by definition means promoting the interests of those who don't currently have it.
2. Doesn't the bible say that you should welcome scrutiny and offer a defence to anyone who demands it? If you don't want scrutiny then pay the taxes.
3. How is free speech threatened exactly?
SIMON : I'm not taking sides, the papers and public forums describe these Secularists ,christian haters ,I don't .
Freedom of Speech ,that includes your freedom to insult other people's faith or take a radical stance on homosexuality ,is under attack from the new censorship laws .There is currently a pettition for a change in this law from a group of mp's and others with Rowan Atkinson at the front, these people can see behind the law and are concerned for the future of our democracy in Britain
European countries with strong religious background such as Italy and Greece are looking for ways to tax religion that has enjoyed tax exemptions for hundrends of years .Te following is a post for the Orthodox Church in Greece and how people feel about it's exemption from taxes:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/07/16/uk-greece-church-idUKTRE76E38220110716
society costs money and if the church's want to exist within a civil society, they should pay their fair share.
what charitable works?
I asked years ago why the jw do not run free meals or give housing help the answer was justblather.
For those of you our apostate brethrens who live in the UK, or Europe, please take a proactive stance by contacting charity commission and presenting our views on why the Watchtower should pay taxes. Using the media is one thing but actually meeting those in authority is another one.
Scott77
