IRS Heeds Demands of Atheists, Set to Investigate Churches for Politicking

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Aug 06, 2014

IRS Heeds Demands of Atheists, Set to Investigate Churches for Politicking

The IRS is set to begin investigating churches for politicking reports Charisma News. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a group of atheists and agnostics, has accused 99 churches of illegal electioneering; the IRS is now heeding the demands of the group and will begin investigations. 

The FFRF is fighting such campaigning as an ad from Billy Graham’s ministry to “Vote Biblical” reports IJReview. The group has accused multiple small congregations of illegal politicking as well. 

Mat Staver, chairman of the Liberty Counsel says the churches have done nothing wrong. "Churches and pastors may speak on biblical and moral issues. Pastors can educate about the candidates' viewpoints. Pastors can encourage people to vote and can assist them in getting to the polls.” 

Justice Department attorney J. Christian Adams believes that the FFRF’s actions are simply trying to harm those who have different beliefs. 

“They want them to convert theology to political. They want them to convert them to politics and say, ‘hey that’s not theology that’s political and you shouldn’t be talking like that.’ And they want to use the IRS as a weapon against christianity, against faith,” Adams said. 

Publication date: August 6, 2014



IRS Heeds Demands of Atheists, Set to Investigate Churches for Politicking