Donald Sensing, writing in One Hand Clapping, notes that prominent Democrat Congressman Harold Ford, now running for the Senate seat being vacated by Bill Frist, has filmed a television in a church.

Now the first thing that might come to many minds is that the church violated the regulations governing its tax—exempt status. The IRS grants churches tax exemption in exchange for the church's agreement not to engage, as the church, in partisan politics. The General Commission on Finance and Administration of the UMC, for example, published guidance for churches:

IRS rules forbid tax—exempt churches from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. This includes the publishing or distribution of campaign literature, even if their pastor or a church member is running for office.

Churches may not: 1) allow any declared political candidate to use their building for any purpose other than a non—partisan candidates' forum to which all candidates are invited.

Actually, the first thing that came to my mind was where is the ACLU? And Bill Maher, whose anti—religion views apparently were too much for even Katie Couric.

Hat tip: Larwyn

Thomas Lifson   9 18 06