Should Religious Organizations Open their Books to Public Scrutiny?

[mannyamador]

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The Catholic Church and other religious organizations are private organizations, like other charitable organizations, so they do NOT have to open their books even if they are tax-exempt. Other private organizstions do not have to open their books to the public either (just to the BIR or to investors).

The separation of Church and state can only be effective if the government is not allowed to tax the Church. Taxation is a form of control and historically this has been used by the state to try to control religion. It is important to remember, however, that the separation of Church and state is designed to keep the government out of religious affairs (and NOT keep religion out of politics since politics has a moral dimension). That is why religious organizations are tax-exempt: to preserve separation of Church and state.

[MoD]

..... the Philippine Constitution is very clear about the " Separation of Church and State "
the gov't. should not stick their nose on the churches..the same way churches should not
pronounce political affiliation..... if one gives money to the church... it is for one reason only..
and that is because you love the Lord.... if you can't stand minding how the church is spending
your money.... then check yourself..... your heart.... your faith.... and many other things.

but the church man ang cge samok sa politics... hehe.. even in zamboanga.. ang pari ni dagan pagka mayor.. tsk tsk.. may nalng napilde..

[vipvip68]

it would be good if the Church willingly open their books for public scrutiny....however, they have the right to keep that information for themselves...can you go to a business establishment and demand to check their books? i think not.... can you say to Gawad Kalinga Foundation to check whether your 2Tpeso donation is rightfully appropriated? i think not... That discretion should be left with the Church....

Aren't non-profit organizations like Gawad Kalinga required to open their books?

No one is telling them how to spend the money. We just want to know how they are spending it...

[AmorsoloX]

di nila ipakita ang ila books, kay makita man ang katag.. moingon sila nga wa sila kwarta for certain projects but the truth is nagbaha diay jud to.. besides.. its easier to beg kung murag wala jud kwarta dba?...

and also.. di pud na sila gusto makita jud sa ila members aha ila kwarta padulong..

religion is a very good business

[hush232002]

No, says the Catholic Church. You should not question the holy as they way that you do not question their faith.

is your claim factual or based only on your opinion? they have the right to or not to publisized their accounting. but why bother?for what? to prove that the RCC is rich enough that they should have done something to help solve poverty,adopt homeless children, feed the poor and all?

[peewee_toot]

thread topic

sir, kadaghan na jd ko nka basa ani ai. unsa imong pasabot ana?

[vipvip68]

A. Tax Exemptions

The income tax law provides an exemption for a variety of organizations, including:

* non-stock corporations and associations organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, athletic or cultural purposes, or for the rehabilitation of veterans, provided that no part of the organization’s net income or assets shall belong to or inure to the benefit of any member, organizer, officer or any specific person (Section 30 (e), Tax Code);

Mao ni siya tax law... by this alone, We can see nga daghan nang religions naay violations as their leaders live lavish lives, own mansions and lots of benefits to their members, organizers, officers

Dapat gyud siguro naay transparency ning mga religions... if they have nothing to hide and are doing good... theres no reason for them to refuse opening their books... if people see that their money is being put to good use, mas naay incentive to donate to these religious groups.

[vipvip68]

The Catholic Church and other religious organizations are private organizations, like other charitable organizations, so they do NOT have to open their books even if they are tax-exempt. Other private organizstions do not have to open their books to the public either (just to the BIR or to investors).

Issue here isn't about legality.. but transparency.

Speaking of morality, one would argue that the church is morally responsible for letting the people how it is spending the people's contributions.

I believe the people who donate have the right to know how their hard earned money is used by their religious group. Don't you think that's fair?

The separation of Church and state can only be effective if the government is not allowed to tax the Church. Taxation is a form of control and historically this has been used by the state to try to control religion. It is important to remember, however, that the separation of Church and state is designed to keep the government out of religious affairs (and NOT keep religion out of politics since politics has a moral dimension). That is why religious organizations are tax-exempt: to preserve separation of Church and state.

Firstly, the topic does not say anything about taxing these religious groups.

Second, If you argue based on moral dimensions, each religion has its moral dimension which may differ from one to another. Morality when it comes to religion is RELATIVE and is subject to interpretation.

Also, the state should not favor one religion or another.

Simple ra man akong point... all that is asked is just a little transparency from these religious groups... If these religious groups really do what they say then I don't see why they would mind showing the public how the donations are being spent.

If you have done nothing wrong then you have nothing to hide....

There's a saying that "Sunlight is the best disinfectant"... I believe that with transparency, mawala na nang corruption and abuses of these people who are giving their religious groups a bad name? Don't you think so?

[calibre]

they should

[hush232002]

nice thread but few interactions....