Church's Political Activity Raises Questions


District 2 County Commissioner David Bishop's recent expenditure of $195 in campaign funds to Fairhope Baptist Church "youth workers" for "advertising" could possibly put the church's tax-exempt status in jeopardy.

According to his biography on the County website, Bishop is a member of the church's Board of Trustees and Commissioner of its Board of Deacons.

IRS publications indicate non-profits organizations (501(c)3) such as churches are prohibited from favoring one candidate over another during political campaigns: " . . . all 501(c)3 organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of . . . any candidate for political office . . . . Violation of this prohibition may result in the denial of tax exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes."

Incumbent Bishop was ultimately defeated in last August's Republican primary election by challenger Bob James.




Comments

Anonymous said…
Didn't you know, Baptists get to make up their own rules around here! :)
Anonymous said…
Interesting since he just rejoined the church a month ago.
Anonymous said…
"Commissioner Bishop is a current member of Faith Baptist Church of Fairhope, Alabama, where he serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees and as Commissioner of the Board of Deacons; further, Commissioner Bishop is a former Sunday School Director, for twenty-five years, and a former Member of the Board of Deacons of First Baptist Church of Fairhope, Alabama."

Did you actually read his bio????
Anonymous said…
That's funny. Do you really expect this person to do any legitimate research? Obviously, not.
Anonymous said…
Bio or not, the question still stands did the political contribution violate the stipulations of a 501(c)3? I sincerely hope the money can be returned and all will be well in camelot, as I don't think this was done in a malicious manner. The law is the law.