All Saints, IRS on collision course
Church officials hint they may defy summons
By Fred Ortega Staff Writer
PASADENA - The congregation of All Saints Episcopal Church cheered defiantly Sunday when it was suggested that the church might not comply with an Internal Revenue Service summons, foreshadowing what could turn into a legal battle between All Saints and the federal government.
Church officials received the summons Friday. It requests a number of church documents relating to a guest sermon by former rector George Regas, given two days before the November 2004 presidential election, in which Regas was critical of President George W. Bush's policies on the Iraq war, abortion and poverty. But Regas stopped short of endorsing either presidential candidate in his sermon.
The IRS is asking for all documents detailing church policy on political campaigning, guest sermons and responses to the IRS summons itself to be turned over by Sept. 29, and that the current rector, the Rev. Ed Bacon, testify before an IRS agent on Oct. 11. At stake is the church's tax-exempt status as a religious organization.
In his sermon Sunday, Bacon characterized the summons as an attack on the church's constitutional rights of freedom of religion and expression.
"This church cannot be silent or indifferent in the face of dehumanizing or destructive public policies," said Bacon, adding that church leaders have been conferring with their lawyers and will decide whether to comply with the summons this week.
He suggested that ignoring the IRS request would give the church the chance to make its case in a court of law, a prospect which drew applause and a standing ovation from the congregation, which filled nearly every pew in the church.
"I think I get your drift," Bacon told churchgoers after the applause died down.
He suggested that if the IRS was successful in its efforts against All Saints, it would inhibit religious groups across the country from commenting on issues as varied as the "unjust war in Iraq, violations
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of the Geneva Convention, bigotry based on sexual orientation, genocide in Darfur" and other politically charged topics.
Church members participating in a homecoming celebration after the sermon said they were behind Bacon and other church leaders.
"I totally support what the church is doing," said Robin Perry of Glendale, who has been a member of All Saints since 1990. She compared the IRS inquiry to the persecution of dissident churches under autocratic regimes.
"In a totalitarian government, anyone who speaks against the government is targeted," Perry said. "This church is known for being outspoken about the truth, and that is exactly what is happening here."
Fifteen-year church member Marita Pinkel of Arcadia said she was proud of Bacon and his fellow clergy for standing up to the government.
"I feel this is a moment in history, a chance for us to make a huge difference," she said. "I feel the American people need a catalyst, and it likely will come from many sources, but we will be an important one by standing up for what we truly stand for."
But the church's senior warden said there was still a chance All Saints would comply with the IRS request.
"I've been through the documents and I think it fully supports our position that we have not been in violation of the IRS regulations," Robert Long said.
Wire reports contributed to this story.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_4355216
Church officials hint they may defy summons
By Fred Ortega Staff Writer
PASADENA - The congregation of All Saints Episcopal Church cheered defiantly Sunday when it was suggested that the church might not comply with an Internal Revenue Service summons, foreshadowing what could turn into a legal battle between All Saints and the federal government.
Church officials received the summons Friday. It requests a number of church documents relating to a guest sermon by former rector George Regas, given two days before the November 2004 presidential election, in which Regas was critical of President George W. Bush's policies on the Iraq war, abortion and poverty. But Regas stopped short of endorsing either presidential candidate in his sermon.
The IRS is asking for all documents detailing church policy on political campaigning, guest sermons and responses to the IRS summons itself to be turned over by Sept. 29, and that the current rector, the Rev. Ed Bacon, testify before an IRS agent on Oct. 11. At stake is the church's tax-exempt status as a religious organization.
In his sermon Sunday, Bacon characterized the summons as an attack on the church's constitutional rights of freedom of religion and expression.
"This church cannot be silent or indifferent in the face of dehumanizing or destructive public policies," said Bacon, adding that church leaders have been conferring with their lawyers and will decide whether to comply with the summons this week.
He suggested that ignoring the IRS request would give the church the chance to make its case in a court of law, a prospect which drew applause and a standing ovation from the congregation, which filled nearly every pew in the church.
"I think I get your drift," Bacon told churchgoers after the applause died down.
He suggested that if the IRS was successful in its efforts against All Saints, it would inhibit religious groups across the country from commenting on issues as varied as the "unjust war in Iraq, violations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertisement
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of the Geneva Convention, bigotry based on sexual orientation, genocide in Darfur" and other politically charged topics.
Church members participating in a homecoming celebration after the sermon said they were behind Bacon and other church leaders.
"I totally support what the church is doing," said Robin Perry of Glendale, who has been a member of All Saints since 1990. She compared the IRS inquiry to the persecution of dissident churches under autocratic regimes.
"In a totalitarian government, anyone who speaks against the government is targeted," Perry said. "This church is known for being outspoken about the truth, and that is exactly what is happening here."
Fifteen-year church member Marita Pinkel of Arcadia said she was proud of Bacon and his fellow clergy for standing up to the government.
"I feel this is a moment in history, a chance for us to make a huge difference," she said. "I feel the American people need a catalyst, and it likely will come from many sources, but we will be an important one by standing up for what we truly stand for."
But the church's senior warden said there was still a chance All Saints would comply with the IRS request.
"I've been through the documents and I think it fully supports our position that we have not been in violation of the IRS regulations," Robert Long said.
Wire reports contributed to this story.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_4355216
Well how come Katherine Harris was able to use churches as campaign stops, then?
