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.