Ryan Cragun, University of Tampa The hashtag #TaxTheChurches began trending on Twitter in mid-July. The spark was allegations about the wealth of celebrity pastor Joel Osteen. But it wasn’t the first time that “tax the churches” has circulated. In fact it is slogan that long predates social media – Frank Zappa was singing it back in 1981 and Mark Twain expressed similar … [Read more...] about Amid Calls to #Taxthechurches – What and How Much Do Us Religious Organizations Not Pay the Taxman?
Church
Assemblies of God Growing With Pentecostal Persistence
(Christianity Today) At most denominational conferences these days, leaders have to recognize and reckon with the challenge of continued declines in membership. But for the US Assemblies of God (AG), which drew 18,000 registered attendees to its General Council meeting in Orlando last week, it’s a different story. The largest Pentecostal denomination, the Assemblies of God … [Read more...] about Assemblies of God Growing With Pentecostal Persistence
Pastor Greg Locke Calls Joe Biden ‘The Real Virus In This Country’
(Newsweek) Conservative Tennessee pastor Greg Locke has called U.S. President Joe Biden the "real virus in this country" and a "Fake President", in his latest fiery diatribe on Twitter. "The real virus in this country is Fake President Joe Biden," the outspoken pastor tweeted late Monday. Earlier, Locke, 45, accused White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci of … [Read more...] about Pastor Greg Locke Calls Joe Biden ‘The Real Virus In This Country’
Churches Deemed Essential in Future States of Emergency
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Churches and other houses of worship will be considered providers of essential services during future states of emergency in New Hampshire. Gov. Chris Sununu on Tuesday signed a bill that allows such religious organizations to operate to the same degree as essential businesses during a state of emergency. Supporters argued that it wasn't fair to shut … [Read more...] about Churches Deemed Essential in Future States of Emergency
Brian Houston Preaches About How Nothing Will Kill His Zeal, Week After Charges Over Concealing Father’s Abuse
(Premier Christian News) The founder of Hillsong, who has recently been charged with allegedly concealing his father’s abuse of other children, has been preaching in America about how the Devil tries to kill church unity and destroy people’s zeal for the gospel. Preaching at James River Church in Missouri, Brian Houston spoke about how Satan "steals, kills and destroys" … [Read more...] about Brian Houston Preaches About How Nothing Will Kill His Zeal, Week After Charges Over Concealing Father’s Abuse