Tax-exemption is the muzzle the State uses to coerce Churches into silence. The Catholic Church in America, in particular, has fallen prey to this trap. Ditch the muzzle and preach the Truth and trust the Lord. Bishops unwilling to do this have only themselves to blame for the result. Their sympathy credit has run out.
their excuse is they need the money to do the good works needed for the poor.
Course the Catholic church is RICH.