[Koblenz]

Cypress's city fathers aren't bigots; they simply insist that Cottonwood's 17.9 acres are too valuable as potential tax revenue to be allowed to remain in the hands of a tax-exempt church. But the whole point of property rights is that bureaucrats don't get to pick and choose who owns what. Ditto for businesses such as Costco, which should buy their land in the open market instead of relying on local governments to seize a juicy location at below-market prices.

Fine, but as long as we want the open market to exist, we should have property taxes administered fairly, which means that churches should also pay property taxes. Because every other business has to in effect subsidize churches as churches don't pay property taxes.

[hobbes1]

Because every other business has to in effect subsidize churches as churches don't pay property taxes.

Could you be a little more bass-ackwards ?????

Every other business in reality, not in effect, as well as every other property owner SUBSIDIZES GOVERNMENT, AND IT'S INSTITUTIONS....

[Ulysses]

Fine, but as long as we want the open market to exist, we should have property taxes administered fairly, which means that churches should also pay property taxes. Because every other business has to in effect subsidize churches as churches don't pay property taxes.

Kind of on both sides of this one, as a pastor. On the one hand, I can see the benefits to the church from tax-exemption. On the other hand, if we paid property taxes like every other business, then no one could stifle us when we speak out on issues of the day. Just a thought...fire away!

[arete]

Fine, but as long as we want the open market to exist, we should have property taxes administered fairly, which means that churches should also pay property taxes. Because every other business has to in effect subsidize churches as churches don't pay property taxes.

Bingo! The dirty secret that no one wants to admit to is that churches are businesses. They sell religion and a bunch of other stuff. Tax them like everyone else. The state should not be promoting religious organizations by giving them a free ride on taxes.

Richard W.