Church of Scientology & Tax Exempt Status

[WednesdayAddams]

Originally Posted by Jaade

People like Tom Cruise and John Travolta are reportedly giving this "church" hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, right? As a "non-profit" and tax-exempt "church", aren't they expected to be able to show how they are putting that money to use? I cannot really claim a wealth of knowledge in this area, but it seems to me that would be a requirement. Where do they claim it is going?

I honestly have no idea. I was hoping to garner more information by starting the thread. All I know about the CoS is that they have unsavory business practices and outright own the town of Clearwater, Florida. I spent some time on the website Operation Clambake but not nearly enough to unwind all the twisty legalities behind their "church" and how they still manage to claim the exemption.

Originally Posted by Illuminati Primus

I agree that the CSI (the actual acronym for the Church of Scientology International) is a disgusting organisation built on greed that is also quite happy to harass people as well as use the law to bully others, but I don't see why it should be singled out any more than, say, the Catholic church when it comes to tax exempt status. Either religion deserves a tax break or it doesn't, don't base this decision on whether you like the religion.

Here are my issues with that.

1. We have it from the Church's founder that it's a spurious religion he invented specifically for the purpose of making money. Yes I am an atheist and it is my consideration that they are all made up to one extent or another but IIRC all those other religions were not set up to perpetrate fraud.

2. If we allow religious organizations and churches to pay taxes does that not give them the opening to claim a say in government?

3. Does the CoS actually have any ongoing charitable concerns that derive funds other than those required by their members?