[Epoch Times] An IRS official denied tax-exempt status to a Texas group that encourages church members to pray for state and national leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, because it benefits "the private interests of the [Republican] Party.""You do not qualify as an organization described in IRS Section 501(c)(3). You engage in prohibited political campaign intervention," wrote Stephen A. Martin, director of the IRS Office of Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements, in a May 18 letter (pdf) to Christians Engaged, the Garland, Texas-based prayer group recognized by Texas officials as tax-exempt.
"The Bible teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party and candidates. This disqualifies you from exemption under IRS Section 501(c)(3)."
Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds said in a statement issued by the First Liberty Institute: "We just want to encourage more people to vote and participate in the political process. How can anyone be against that?"
First Liberty Institute is appealing Martin’s decision on behalf of Christians Engaged.
"The IRS states in an official letter that Biblical values are exclusively Republican. That might be news to President Joe Biden, who is often described as basing his political ideology on his religious beliefs," First Liberty Institute counsel Lea Patterson said in the statement.
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