Why does U.S. treat churches differently?
Cult religions are unacceptable to the citizens of the USA if they involve polygamy or residential compounds.
However, if a religion has a pastor who spews hatred and racism, or preaches politics instead of religion, or promotes law-breaking by harboring, helping and hiring illegal immigrants, that church is "hands-off" to the government.
The church has its sanctuary privileges held intact. Why?
Why are political officials invited to speak and are permitted to speak in "accepted" churches, are allowed to politic in "accepted" churches and are even allowed to house fugitives from justice who have committed felonies, identity theft and other crimes without fear of reprisal or loss of tax exempt status?
Why are cults considered radical brainwashers and unacceptable when pastors like JeremiahWright and their cohorts are invited to the White House for breakfast?
Why is it OK for churches in New York to invite Hugo Chavez (and I believe that was a Methodist Church) to speak and spew hatred about our president and invite insurrection against our laws and our government while the religions considered "cult religions" are harassed and, as in the Branch Dividians of Waco, Texas, assassinated or forcibly removed from their homes and churches?
Why are Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, illegal immigrant support groups, and others permitted to provide money to people in these churches so they in turn can make private donations to candidates like Barack Obama, who promises to give illegal immigrants pathways to citizenship?
M. Hearn
Aurora