I’m in total agreement with R.A. Earl (Comment #28170). The constitutionally granted freedom of religion has proliferated beyond what our founding fathers could ever have imagined. Many (most?) churches, evangelists, and other purveyors of “the faith”, have stepped over the boundary purposely designed to separate themselves from the “state”—or more accurately, designed to protect them, and their religious practices, from interference from government intrusion. But, it’s a two-way street. The government (i.e., conceivably, “The People” - in a perfect world) has been unduly influenced by the power of organized zealotry. There should be a price for crossing that line.

Religious organizations are nothing more than PRIVATE CLUBS, at least to everyone but their exclusive members. You only get to join when you believe what they believe and act according to their rules and regulations, and pay your “dues.”

In return for these “dues,” the “organizations” arrange to massage your guilt which, for the most part, they’ve induced by their assorted/distorted philosophies in the first place.

If any “club” can PROVE the money it collects and earns, by any means, is actually paid out in charitable works, then fine, extend a tax exempt status on those sums.

But since many “houses of worship” are GRAND EDIFICES costing millions, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY THESE ARE BUSINESSES MAKING HUGE PROFITS.

The real estate holdings and other “business” dealings of religious organizations should be taxed as any other commercial venture. These clubhouses enjoy all the services and protections in a community… police, fire, utilities, garbage collection, snow removal, etc. etc. Why should I be paying so they can get a free ride?