Does anyone know if the WTS is a 501(c)(3)? Every church I know of is. By incorporating, they become a creation of the State. It is their way of avoiding taxes, along with promising to act in a way acceptable to their master, the State. Possibly, their tax exempt status could be challenged, if it hasn?t been already. However, given that the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio has ruled that JWs can lie in court, there is probably no chance of forcing the State to treat them as any other corporation.
In case someone is interested, here are some of the rules for a 501(c) (3):
A corporation is the creation of government, and subject to any and all decrees which it's creator ordains.
corporation
An artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of a state. An association of persons created by statute as a legal entity.
Blacks Law Dictionary, 6th Ed.When a church incorporates it submits a charter to the State, which the State has the power to approve or deny. The corporate church becomes subject to the State and the State now assumes authority to review the actions of the church and all corporate officers. Does your church designate the pastor as the president of the corporation? Is there a Board of Directors? Do you hold Business Meetings to discuss corporate finances?
Since the State is the creator of your corporate church, to whom are these corporate officers legally responsible?
The officers of a charitable organization are accountable to the court and subject to removal by the court, or by the State board of charities. They are bound by the ordinary strict rules concerning the authority of a fiduciary; and persons dealing with them must at their peril, take notice of the powers granted the corporation by it's articles of incorporation. [11 C.J. Charities s103]
Increasingly the properties of corporate churches are being seized by government agents, and the officers of corporate churches are being prosecuted, simply because they have taken politically incorrect (but biblically consistent) stands.
Government Restrictions on the Corporate Church
TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE CODE Sec. 501.
Exemption from tax on corporations, certain trusts, etc.
(c)
List of exempt organizations
(3)
Corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)), and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
By law, the 501c3 church may not:
preach politically incorrect sermons (propaganda)
influence legislation
participate in political action
endorse candidates
oppose candidates
publish or distribute political positions
Just a thought, given that a few people were asking about law suits.
Your friend from the swamp,
Swamp Thing
