In the United States, churches are given the benefit of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for being religious institutions.  However, the IRS guidance on 501(c)(3) says that the organization must not be involved in criminal activity.

In light of the recent revelations of the wide-spread criminal activity and cover up by the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, it is clear they are not meeting the requirements specified under 501(c)(3).  The Catholic Church has engaged in this criminal activity for years.  They have promised reform and self-policing, but they have failed to do so.  Members of the church have repeatedly engaged in coordinated criminal predatory behavior.  The predators are ruining the lives of the children and families they prey upon.

When faced with these allegations, the church leadership routinely shames the victims, doesn't engage with law enforcement, and ignores these allegations.  They allow the predators to continue their abuse with impunity, moving them from one location to another.  The church still is not cooperating with law enforcement, and is more concerned with protecting their own than helping the victims.

While churches are expected to have positive community impact, these actions show otherwise.  They do not deserve to have tax exempt status if they will not follow common sense laws designed to protect our children.  If they can't be motivated by doing what is morally right, perhaps the loss of money will motivate them.

Thank you for your support.