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California Episcopal church defies IRS: Takes stand to defend freedom of pulpits

After consultation with the congregation, clergy and legal counsel, the governing board of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, on September 21 voted unanimously (26-0) “to challenge legally, and in a court of law,” the right of the Internal Revenue Service to proceed with either of two summonses served on the church by the IRS on September 15. The summonses conveyed demands for documents pertaining to an antiwar sermon delivered at the church during the presidential election campaign of 2004.

All Saints Church locks horns with IRS: Sermon on Iraq war puts tax-exempt status at risk

A large, liberal Episcopal church in southern California is close to deciding that it will resist an inquiry by the Internal Revenue Service regarding political activity, possibly forcing a court test on First Amendment rights. The IRS has asked All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena to provide extensive answers to questions about an antiwar, preelection sermon in 2004,

“Freedom of speech and freedom of religion have been assaulted by this act of the IRS, and I think my people want to be heard in court,” said Ed Bacon, rector of All Saints, to a packed church on September 17.