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PASADENA: Former Episcopalian Says IRS should pull Tax Exempt status of All Saints
by Philip Pettus
The body of evidence
The issue of the IRS asking for documents, e-mails and records of All Saints Episcopal Church makes it fairly obvious that a single sermon given by a leftist priest in 2004 isn't the only evidence of political activism the IRS may be considering.
I recall that several years ago President Bush's State of the Union speech was answered by a political rally at All Saints on the same night.
Speakers blasted the president. That event was covered by both the Star-News and local television media.
As for the Star-News editorial that came to All Saints defense, perhaps you folks should read your own news clippings about All Saints over the past six years.
As a former Episcopalian, I believe All Saints has been using the ministry of Jesus Christ for years as a cover for leftist political activity.
They pushed the candidacy of Los Angeles Bishop Jon Bruno to the diocese in the same fashion of a political campaign and they have backed the Episcopal Church's ventures into politics since Bruno's installation.
That some chickens have come home to roost from the IRS is probably due to All Saints members taking offense and giving the IRS assistance about the misuse of their tithes and offerings.
All Saints, under the U.S. Constitution, is entitled to do anything and say anything. They are simply not entitled to have a tax exemption as a religious institution if they venture into recommending some candidates and opposing other candidates.
I respect Rep. Adam Schiff as a man of honor and purpose. But in this case his knowledge is lacking and his reasoning is wrong in defense of All Saints. The IRS has a duty to investigate, unless we all agree the tax laws apply only to conservative churches and not to liberal, Green Party Christians, like those at All Saints Episcopal Church of Pasadena.
--This letter first appeared in the Pasadena Star News http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/yourview/ci_4413847
Philip Pettus
San Gabriel, CA
