BishopAccountability.org
	Possible Bill Would Strip Church of Tax-Exempt Status WMUR April 6, 2011 http://www.wmur.com/r/27453045/detail.html [with video] CONCORD, N.H. -- A state representative is questioning whether Bishop John McCormack violated tax codes by speaking out against the budget passed by the House last week. McCormack was one of several members of the clergy at a rally of those opposed to some of the cuts in the budget bill, and he was among the most vocal, saying that the bill hurts some of the neediest citizens of New Hampshire. In light of those remarks, freshman Rep. Andrew Manuse, R-Derry, said he believes the bishop may have violated IRS tax codes. "Which prohibits religious leaders and organizations from participating in the legislative process if they have a tax exempt status," Manuse said. According to the IRS, a violation occurs when a tax-exempt organization "advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation." But such organizations "may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying." Rep. Peter Bolster, R-Alton, a former Baptist minister, said the bishop may have stumbled into a gray area. "I think I would have had my assistant come out to make that speech, to be very honest, but he had the right to do that, and he didn't go over the line," Bolster said. Manuse is backing off initial thoughts he had to file legislation to address the matter. "I did say that I was considering it, but I put it out there for a point of discussion and no more than that," he said. "I never had any intention of following up with it." Even so, state Republican Party Chairman Jack Kimball called it another distraction within the Republican-held Legislature. "It's a distraction for all of us," he said. "It's a distraction here at the state party, and we want to put that to bed. I think it's very important that we take a look at the big picture, and the big picture is not being looked at." Following Manuse's comments, the Manchester Diocese released a statement saying: "The Catholic church has the right and obligation to advocate for the poor and the needy. That is what Bishop McCormack was talking about at the Statehouse last week."
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