Catholic Answers sues IRS, alleging ‘intimidation’ on political issues

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El Cajon, Calif., Jun 6, 2009 / 07:58 am (CNA).- The apologetics organization Catholic Answers has filed suit against the Internal Revenue Service claiming the federal tax collection agency has “intimidated” churches and non-profit groups into silence on politically controversial moral issues.

In an announcement posted at the organization’s web site, Catholic Answers president Karl Keating explained that the IRS fined the group for a 2004 e-letter it wrote saying that Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry should not be allowed to receive Holy Communion.

Keating charged that Francis Kissling, then-leader of the pro-abortion front group “Catholics for a Free Choice,” had instigated the IRS action with a complaint.

He said Kissling “hated” Catholic Answers’ “Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics,” which aimed to educate Catholics on issues such as abortion. However, the guide did not mention any candidates or political parties and was cleared of any violations by the IRS.

According to Keating, the IRS did rule that the e-letter’s remark about Sen. Kerry was “intervening” in the election, a charge Keating called “preposterous.”

He said the IRS has been using “very vague criteria” to “intimidate” churches, non-profits and ministries into “silence” on controversial moral issues.

“The intimidation has become so bad that nowadays, most churches and non-profits in America are scared to death even to talk about moral issues that are deemed ‘political' (such as abortion).”

“If you’re wondering why you don’t hear more about abortion in your parish, especially during election time, this is why. It’s IRS intimidation,” Keating wrote.

“All of this tail-between-the-legs cowering comes from the IRS’ ability to intimidate churches and non-profits into silence on political issues.

“And it’s simply wrong.

“For the IRS to claim that a non-profit organization cannot even so much as talk about a political candidate or ballot issue is something that must be strenuously opposed.”

Keating announced that Catholic Answers officially began its legal action against the IRS on April 3. Its lawsuit alleges that the IRS violates First Amendment Rights and intimidates non-profit organizations into silence.

The suit, he said, would serve not just Catholic Answers but the Catholic Church as a whole and all religious organizations. He said a victorious lawsuit would set a legal precedent holding that the IRS cannot prohibit speech on religious or moral issues.

CNA contacted Catholic Answers for further comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

Comments: 43

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Ryan
Boston 06/14/2009 10:19 PM EST

God bless the Catholic Answers!

Published by: Remy
CT, USA 06/11/2009 07:01 AM EST

If the IRS considered Catholic Answers to have been "intervening", then what does the IRS consider ACORN and its affiliates to have been doing? Oh right, they're PC, so that's OK.

Published by: Margie Tiritilli
Montebello, Ca, USA 06/10/2009 10:26 PM EST

The IRS is subsidized by U.S. citizens and wouldn't exist without taxpayers. It's time to stop their jack-booted tactics of intimidation. Roman Catholics need to support Catholic Answers and stop the IRS' harassment. They are welcome in our Church as fellow parishioners, but never as destroyers of the Church Jesus Christ gave to St. Peter over 2000 years ago. The IRS needs to remember that when they attack the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church - they are directly confronting God and damning their Souls for Eternity.

Published by: Vince Perry
Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 06/10/2009 05:47 PM EST

For years I've been telling every serious Catholic I meet that my greatest and most treasured new-found freedom is the ability to share my Catholic faith with anyone. With God's grace I can boldy and charitably reach out to ignorant Catholics, ex-Catholics, anti-catholics and even Protestant ministers. With the support of all the priests of our island, I've given away thousands of Catholic Answers tracts and booklets in a booth at our county fair. It's a huge success! Needless to say, my heros and favorite saints work at Catholic Answers. I give Karl and company most of the credit. They deserve our prayers AND financial support. God bless them all...in Jesus' name. Amen!

Published by: Al
The Villages, Fl USA 06/10/2009 04:24 PM EST

Good for Catholic Answers. The religious community should not allow itself to be suppressed. Perhaps a month dedicated to moral teachings across the nation would allow many to speak - challenge the IRS to put thousands of churches in jeopardy. The catholic in name groups and pro abortion groups should recognize that muffling those they disagree with only means that they will be next in a progressive government.

Published by: Karen
Akron, OH 06/10/2009 01:16 PM EST

I will keep Karl Keating and Catholic Answers in my prayers that Satan will be rendered powerless in his attempts to harm them or their efforts in this regard. May God's holy will be done, and may the angels pave the way for a great victory. Thank you Karl for your courage and sacrifice! May it yield great blessings!

Published by: Chessie
Maryland 06/10/2009 12:21 PM EST

He cannot win if he does not have our support. Pray, pray, pray. I think he is also asking for monetary help. It's like David vs. Goliath... luckily David had God on his side!

Published by: christine
USA 06/10/2009 10:52 AM EST

It's high time to SHAKE things up !!!
Wake up America and pray for this one nation under God...
God bless us, everyone !

Published by: Prisca
USA 06/10/2009 10:11 AM EST

Its time to give bigger donations to Catholic Answers. They need our support!

Published by: Anita
Florida,USA 06/10/2009 10:03 AM EST

Thank God, that Catholic Answers has starting the "ball rolling" on these issues. Someone always needs to step out of their comfort zone and soon others will surely follow.

Published by: Donna M Mann
Mason 06/10/2009 09:46 AM EST

I am proud of catholic Answers for what they are doing. It needs to be done. However, I wonder also, is the tax exemption more important than our duty to speak up on moral issues.

Published by: CRB
Batavia, IL 06/10/2009 09:41 AM EST

If you agree with what Karl Keating and Catholic Answers are doing, then you need to support them financially. Lawyers don't work for free and lawsuits take many years to wind their way through the courts, especially when the U.S. gov't is the defendant.

Published by: Mary Unrein
Fleming,Colorado 06/10/2009 09:35 AM EST

How about Karl Keating for President. A shinning star lighting the way.

Published by: Anne
NY USA 06/10/2009 09:21 AM EST

FIRST AMENDMENT TO the U.S. CONSTITUTION -
'Congress shall make
no law respecting the establishment of religion or PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE THEREOF'

This is why public funds shouldn't be
used for abortion, or embryonic stem cell exploitation and destruction. It is against our faith.

Published by: Regina
Ottawa-Ohio-USA 06/10/2009 09:15 AM EST

GOD BLESS YOU, KARL.

Published by: Templar
Bedford/Texas/USA 06/10/2009 09:13 AM EST

Nothing evil can stand the light of day. Hoo-ah to Catholic Answers for standing up to the dragon and shedding light on a dark and festering wound to anyone of conscience. Stand for something or fall for anything. NON NOBIS, DOMINE, NON NOBIS SED NOMINI TUO DA GLORIAM!

Published by: Michael J
Michigan 06/10/2009 08:55 AM EST

Thank you Catholic Answers and Karl Keating for standing up for the Truth. We know Jesus's wins this war, and thank you for leading with your Light on the hilltop.

Published by: Sean
New Hampshire 06/10/2009 07:16 AM EST

Our bishops cower in the shadows. Most of them, anyway.
How about we just pay the GD taxes and be done with this poor excuse for cowardice?
Hmmmm.

Published by: LG
PA 06/10/2009 07:00 AM EST

Here's the problem with the 2004 Voter's Guide - not what it said (that was fine), but the fact that the Republican National Committee was asking faithful Catholics to distribute it in their churches. I got a call from the RNC and complained to my local diocese about it. The Church should be influencing minds, hearts, and votes, but it should not subordinate its mission to either political party. I think Keating crosses that line.

Published by: Jason
Canada 06/09/2009 06:28 PM EST

Excellent work Catholics answers, may the Lord be with you!

Published by: gus
santa clara ca usa 06/08/2009 07:33 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

I just hope that more catholics follow the lead of Karl and catholic answers. We need to support our priests and bishops by urging them to speak up on moral issues and stand by them when they're attacked for speaking these truths. Let's pray for Karl and our Church leaders.

Published by: a usmiani
trenton, nj USA 06/08/2009 03:14 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

I remember standing on a street in Warsaw with my cousin Jerzy. I asked him what I thought was an innocuous question. He looked at me, surveyed those listening, and motioned me to be quiet until we were back in his apartment. I still can remember the look of fear on his face. He the brave survivor of Aushswitz. This time in America is becoming too similar to the Communist repression. Any dissent by conservatives, Catholics, pro life, or pro marriage citizens is suspect. We are put on terror lists, called intolerant and bigots for exercising our First Amendment rights. Who knows what else will follow?
Americans need to wake up.....we are in for hard times!!!!!!!!!

Published by: E.D.
Fort Wayne, IN, USA 06/08/2009 01:37 PM EST

This country will become a better country when our first ammendment rights are not muzzled. Those who are pro-abortion seek to hide the truth, since the truth shows the the viciousness of their position. They like to use the coercion of power, a totalitarian power that does not respect the human person. Thus pro-lifers find themselves with their civl rights threatened whether it be the freedom of conscience, the freedom to protect or save a person in danger of violent agression (such as a woman with child being dragged to the abortion clinic) at the aborion mill), or their right to speak the truth without harassment. Please pray and fast for the conversion of our country before it becomes something more ugly than Rome under Nero.

Published by: Victor R. Claveau, MJ
Angels Camp, CA, USA 06/08/2009 12:58 PM EST

Bravo to Karl Keating. It is about time someone had the backbone to challenge the IRS on this matter.
The IRS thought police have become more emboldened each day. If they are not stopped, the day will come when a priest or minister will have a very short list of topics, devoid of moral issues, on which they will be allowed to speak.
Keating is a lawyer and would not have entered this fray unless he thinks he can win.
The suit will probably be costly and protracted, but well worth it. I hope people will support this effort with financial help as well as offering their prayers for the success of this endeavor.

Published by: jane
thomasville,ga,usa 06/08/2009 12:24 PM EST

YOU GO, Catholic Answers. Lead the way, others will follow.

Published by: Patrick
Newport Beach, CA 06/08/2009 12:17 PM EST

It's about time. Catholic Answers comes through when others cower.

Published by: CECILIA
ORION, MICHIGAN 06/08/2009 12:15 PM EST

I will pray EVERY day that Catholic Answers WINS their lawsuit against the IRS. It's about time Catholic organizations do everything in their power to stop the travesty of governmental abuses against people of faith.

Published by: rita
Houston/Texas/USA 06/08/2009 12:12 PM EST

This helps explain why our clergy appears reticent in speaking on moral issues. I pray Catholic Answers will prevail in this important free speech topic. I hope all people of good will--Catholic or not-- support this fine organization with prayer and resources if possible.

Published by: Bob P.
Rock Springs, WI, USA 06/08/2009 10:54 AM EST

Go get 'em, Karl!

Published by: Eileen
Philadelphia 06/08/2009 08:06 AM EST

This suit is long overdue. Way to go, Karl Keating & Catholic Answers!

Published by: sal bonavita
elmont ny 06/08/2009 06:39 AM EST

THANK YOU CATHOLIC ANSWERS..A victory here will allow churches to speak out without fear of repraisals. This is as it should be.

Published by: Joe
Texas, USA 06/08/2009 06:00 AM EST

We have been persecuted for quite some time. Not threatened with death, but with these kinds of intimidation. It will continue, and it will get worse. Let us not fail to do our duty over fear of losing an IRS non-profit status. If they want to take it away, they will find a way. If we cower in fear and compromise the faith, we will lose both the faith and the non-profit status.

Published by: Dale Lund
Branson, MO, USA 06/07/2009 11:17 PM EST

Wonderful! It's about time someone stands up for our right of free speech! We can HEAR the SILENCE of our Churches!

Published by: Phil Ferguson
Boise, ID, USA (late) 06/07/2009 07:05 PM EST

I had emailed Bishop Michael Driscoll of Boise, ID several months ago.

I had urged him to address the sins of abortion, homosexual activities, and the seriousness of sin (mortal and venial), not only via the "Idaho Catholic Register," the official journal of our diocese, but also directing (does he have the backbone?) that all parishes have sermons on those subjects.

Unsurprisingly, he did not respond.

Phil Ferguson,
father of 7 children and grandfather of 12,
Boise, ID

Published by: Mary Ann
Moulton 06/07/2009 11:05 AM EST

I'll have to contribute to the cause for Karl. He's a brave man, and we need more like him.

May God bless Karl, Catholic Answers, and their lawyers.

Published by: dAVID LARSEN
scituate Mass 06/07/2009 03:10 AM EST

This whole issue deals with religious freedom. Maybe morals can't be even taught by clergy from the pulpit anymore but sinners like myself can write responses to CNA and that is free speech. I know my sins,I can't speak of the sins of others but I can let you know what is a sin for me. The Constitution of the United States has been raped and now has relative meaning and only in a secular way.
I can't speak for John Kerry or anyone else but I couldn't be pro-abortion and in good conscience receive communion. I could not be an abortion providing doctor and live with myself. Sin is my constant degradation as a human being I must to the best of my ability confess them to a Catholic Priest. I admit that I do this poorly but I let Holy Communion do the miracle of conversion. This world deceives itself if it thinks there is no God and that is illusion! Sin is real they are destructive to oneself and all society and are a result of poor morals. Maybe respondents must teach each other morals in responses to these CNA articles. The clergy can rate our responses.

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 06/06/2009 07:45 PM EST

This is just another example of what can happen under a president and an administration that values a secular world more than a faith based world! And another attempt to remove God from our Nation!

Published by: Louie Verrecchio
Hampstead 06/06/2009 03:02 PM EST

Keating speaks of the IRS itimidating "churches" in the plural, but let's be honest; there are proteted classes in this coountry, and it just so happens that faithful Catholics who are willing to call abortion murder aren't among them.

Minsters of urban black congregations, who ironically have seen more of their own exterminated via abortion than any other group, have stumped for democrats for years without any apparent fear of IRS reprisal.

In the last presidential campaign, AP reported that 130 black ministers from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
flat out endorsed Barack Obama. No tail-between-the-legs cowering here, and for good reason; they know darn well that they reside on the wink-and-a-nod side of the double standard.

I give Keating much credit for standing up to the bully. No doubt a less fearless man would back down without so much as a whimper. He deserves our support. Catholic Answers should form a legal defense fund and take this case as far as necessary to set the desired legal precedent.

Published by: Fr. Peter Richards
Albertville, MN, USA 06/06/2009 12:45 PM EST

Thank you Catholic Answers. I appreciate you putting your resources forward to push back the IRS's legal and psychological encroachment into freedom of religion and public debate.
Amen!

Published by: ginny humling
twisp /wa /usa 06/06/2009 10:36 AM EST

So glad that this is happening. Even mentioning opposing viewpoints on abortion or gay marriage can be uncomfortable nowadays. Many people are of the opinion that any "religious" opinion shouldn't be voiced. It is disappointing to thin that only the correct groups have freedom of speech!

Published by: Max Effort
St. Clair Shores/MI/USA 06/06/2009 10:04 AM EST

I am pleased to see the lawsuit filed to challenge the intimidating tactics of the IRS.
However, I often wonder which is more important to those who are being intimidated -- the money saved with their IRS exemption or the need to speak out on moral issues.
Didn't Jesus admonish us to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's.
Intimidation only occurs if we allow it to happen. What the IRS is doing is wrong but the IRS can't stop our speech if we simply abandon the exemption.

Published by: JLS
Riverside, CA, USA 06/06/2009 08:48 AM EST

Good for Catholic Answers! Now let's have the names of the IRS officials who are perpetrating these criminal actions.

Published by: Steven
CA 06/06/2009 08:30 AM EST

Karl Keating for Govenor!!

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