It appears that a rogue Circuit Court in Texas is challenging the constitutionality of the "parsonage allowance." They have asked representive lawyers to file 10,000 word briefs on the subject. Evidently....this court has way overstepped their bounds....in that....you are not allowed to ask for briefs until you first determine the ramifications of a decision either way. However, they have found some back door to do it. Somehow....Rick Warren is involved in the case. From the Law show I listened to last night...it appears there is a real good chance it will make it to the Supreme Court and who knows what that wishy washy crew is going to do.

Anyhow...the basis of the opposing argument is....that the parsonage allowance is the equivalent of the govt. giving subsidies to religion which, in their mind, violates the "separation" clause.

Imagine the ramifications of turning over this law. Probably the largest institution to be hurt by it....will be the black churches that currently serve as the only solid organization of many black communities.

Even in my case....I would need a significant salary increase in order to offset the tax burden on my pocketbook. I'm sure this will be the case many, many times over.

The result of that will be....churches doing less.

Unbelievable, in my mind, that in this day in which you would think our country would be appreciative of the emotional and spiritual support of churches after 9/11.....this is the thanks we get.....a solid stab in the back.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that it was always the intention of our founding fathers that religion play a major role in the life of America.....and thus....the tax break...via the parsonage allowance.

So folks.....something to keep your eyes on. Their coming after your housing allowance.

God bless America?!?!?

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002