Schadenfreude ahoy!

by Feòrag

United States: Roman Catholic Bishop Michael Sheridan recently wrote that Catholics should not receive communion if they vote for politicians who disagree with the church by backing abortion rights and other topics. Now Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has petitioned the IRS to strip his Colorado Springs diocese of its tax-exempt status as Sheridan might have crossed the line into unlawful partisan politicking.

Looked at in context, I believe it is clear that this letter has a partisan political intent,"wrote AU's Lynn to IRS officials. It is designed to endorse Republican candidates who oppose legal abortion, stem-cell research and other 'life' issues. At the same time, it threatens sanctions against any church members who support Democratic candidates who disagree with the church on any of these issues.

AU says the partisan intent of the Sheridan missive is clear when viewed in light of the current political situation both nationally and in Colorado. President George W. Bush and Democratic Sen. John F. Kerry hold opposing views on legal abortion. In addition, a Colorado senate race this year will pit a pro-choice Democrat against an anti-choice Republican.

AU told the IRS that Sheridan's letter appears to run afoul of election-year guidelines issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

There is a precedent for the requested action:

In 1995, the IRS revoked the tax-exempt status of a New York church that ran ads before the 1992 election telling people that voting for Bill Clinton was a sin because of his views on abortion, gay rights and other social issues. The church sued to get the exemption back but lost in court.

IRS Should Investigate Electioneering By Colorado Springs Catholic Diocese, Says Americans United—Americans United for the Separation of Church and State press release, 27th May 2004.