If the church was smart, and not hypocritical...

[FarLeftFist]

It would choose to NOT accept federal subsidies. Churches revenue is made up of 62% tax-free federal subsidies from the Govt. Think about that, 62% of their revenue is paid by the Govt TAX-FREE. I'm not even saying we should tax the church, but if we didn't hand over billions each year in subsidies it may actually help them, here's why:

It's no mystery that church participation has plummeted and with their current attendees probably couldn't meet their goals to stay afloat, but if the Govt stayed out of it and the church put out a call for help from their followers it would benefit them because of higher turnout and participation. People who donate would feel more obligated to participate because they are more involved in the well-being of the church, hence higher turnout, more participation, and ability to spread their message to the masses.

It seems hypocritical that the church is run the same way a state is run, yet when state budgets can't be met public employees are laid off. When church budgets aren't met they are subsidized by the Govt. On top of being subsidized by the Govt they feel as though they are above the law of governance by the state or federal Govt. They reap HUGE benefits without having to play by the same rules as everyone else, plus they get to be a political arm and play lobbyist.

No subsidies means more active participation from its congregation. Unless they don't really care about participation after all.

[hedgehog]

1. Entities that used to operate from charitable donations

of both money and labor (Thank you, Sisters!) have long switched to depending on fees and government aid. The bishops haven't figured this out yet.

[WingDinger]

2. Church legitimizes the state. That is why they are subsidized.

Also, as Nietzsche said, I prefer the help is christian, as the silver will stay put.

As in foreign aid, aint no free lunch.

[michaz]

3. I am not aware that churches get gov't subsidies. What do they get? n/t

[FarLeftFist]

5. Tax free taxpayer $$$$$$

[michaz]

6. Where do you get 62%? n/t

[jwirr]

8. Please explain that answer? I am Lutheran and I don't think my local church gets any government

money but when it comes to charity we are in the lead. One way our regional branch does get government money is by acting as the legal guardian for persons with developmental disabilities. They can charge up to $100 a month for their services. Our state requires someone other than social services to do this as it is a conflict of interest if the state does it. So it is either Lutheran Social Services or some lawyer. Most persons who have someone in the family who will do it do it that way. This is not exactly a subsidy - they take responsibility for the persons wellbeing. It is pay for work.

I also know that LSS does the beginning workups for people who want to file for bankruptcy and financial counceling for the poor. When they have done their job it then goes to Legal Aids.

I am not sure this is what you are talking about.

[Drale]

4. Heres the thing

The Catholic Church is in denial, they still believe that they rule the world and that everyone listens to everything they say.

[gratuitous]

7. Thank you for your concern

As I've detailed elsewhere, the "government subsidy" you claim our congregation receives is returned several fold to our community in various forms, including hot meals (17 today, 17 tomorrow, and 17 every day for the year), space allocated to homeless families, warming centers during cold weather, meeting areas for transgendered youth and their families, office space for agencies that serve the above, community garden space for 18 more families, the produce from two community garden plots farmed and harvested for the benefit of hungry families in our area.

But since you're so obsessed with the cost of everything, and so ignorant of the value provided, perhaps you and your friends could get together and do all this on your own nickel without a "government subsidy." In addition to the money, it also takes a lot of time, every day, every week, every month. And for your thanks? I promise to make uninformed criticism of your efforts and not lift a finger to help.

Have a nice day.

[michaz]

9. I have been the secretary/bookkeeper at one of our Catholic Churches here.

I sure would know about subsidies! What amount we save on taxes when we purchase items is absolutely nothing compared to what we give, not even close. We give out food and non-food items to those who need it. We give out food cards for local supermarkets for those that need extras such as milk, bread, etc. We give people things that are needed for their children. We pay for hotel rooms if someone is stranded or living on the street. We give out clothing. We work the free lunches and dinners. We provide food baskets for the shut-ins and the needy for Christmas and Thanksgiving...and on and on. When I say "we" I mean priests, nuns, employees and parishioners. What, by the way, do you do?