I say to Hell with tax exemption. Localities need the property tax revenue, and the States and Feds need the income tax revenue. [url=http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/26/americas-biggest-megachurches-business-megachurches.html}Related[/url]

/screwed that up good I did.link

What a racket. All it takes is a little charisma, a bad haircut and no scruples , and you can clean pockets all day long.
I have to admit I envy the sense of community people get from belonging to a church, that obligation to look out for one another and ease the way through the rough patches. I imagine that’s why these places are so successful. I can’t really think of a comparable modern secular setup.

The modern secular setup is the most successful government run program in the US in American history: Social Security. Added bonus: no bake sales nor need to believe in some spirit in the sky.

Plus retirement income, lower payment plans (most churches “suggest” you should hand over at least 10% of your gross income, and by preference something more in the 15 - 25% range), unemployment insurance, healthcare services for eldsters, vets, and crips), and turns over a nice profit for the government as well.

Taxing religion would resolve at a stroke all of our budget problems. Of course, no-one would ever propose it.