FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2000
Contact: Joseph Conn or Rob Boston
202-466-3234
202-466-2587 fax
www.au.org
IRS SHOULD INVESTIGATE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH FOR ENDORSING GEORGE BUSH AT GOP
CONVENTION, SAYS AMERICANS UNITED
A Philadelphia pastor may have violated federal tax law by endorsing George
W. Bush from the pulpit of his church during the Republican National
Convention last night, says Americans United for Separation of Church and
State.
During the convention, the Rev. Herbert Lusk of Greater Exodus Baptist Church
was brought into the convention hall via satellite hookup. Lusk, speaking
from his church in North Philadelphia, addressed the cheering delegates and
said, "We are supporting Gov. Bush, and we are supporting him because we know
that he understands that we must give faith a chance."
Later Lusk added, "Mr. Bush, we are praying for you. Keep the faith. We love
you. And we love you because we know that you have a testimony."
In a letter to Charles O. Rossotti, commissioner of the Internal Revenue
Service, Americans United Executive Director Barry W. Lynn requested an
investigation into the matter.
"It appears that Rev. Lusk has violated federal tax law by announcing that
'we' - meaning his church - are supporting candidate Bush," Lynn wrote. "This
seems to be a blatant violation of IRS regulations banning intervention in
partisan politics by non-profit groups. Accordingly, I urge you to conduct an
investigation into the statements of Rev. Lusk at Greater Exodus Baptist and
take whatever steps you deem necessary to make certain that this church obeys
the law."
Federal tax law states that churches and other non-profit groups holding a
501(c)(3) status may not endorse or oppose candidates for public office.
Groups that violate the standard can lose their tax-exempt status.
"Rev. Lusk is free to endorse any candidate he wants as a private citizen,"
Lynn said. "But in his official role as pastor of a church he must refrain
from engaging in partisan politicking. I hope the IRS takes swift action to
correct this outrageous abuse."
Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington,
D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization represents 60,000 members and allied
houses of worship.
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