• Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 75 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Darwin Day
    • Humanist Disaster Recovery
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Chapter
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
January 7, 2011 Press Releases

Grassley Report Highlights Need to Remove Church Exemption from IRS Reporting

Facebook Twitter Email Share
January 7, 2011 Press Releases

Washington, DC, January 07, 2011

The American Humanist Association (AHA) responded today to Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) report on the financial practices of mega-churches, pressing for greater accountability for churches.

“Grassley’s investigation exposed numerous high expenditures for purchases that were clearly not in the public interest,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “When institutions of any kind aren’t held accountable there will be abuses. And when there’s no oversight of church finances we’re going to see lavish spending by some preachers.”  

The six mega-churches that were investigated preach versions of the “prosperity gospel,” an evangelist teaching which adheres to the belief that God blesses his followers financially. The purchase of mansions, lakeside properties, private aircrafts, and related operating expenses were all accounted for under the churches’ tax exempt status, and thus indirectly supported by taxpayers.

While secular nonprofits and churches are both 501(c3) organizations under IRS tax code, churches have a purpose designation enabling them to receive special treatment: they don’t have to file annual IRS 990 financial disclosure forms, they get advance notice when the IRS plans an audit of their finances, they don’t have to report the identities of their major donors, and ministers receive the benefit of the Parsonage Allowance–allowing them to write off the value of their housing.

“The time for special rights for churches is over,” said Speckhardt. “Let’s change the rules and end the church exemption from having to report their income and expenses to the IRS. If it’s good enough for the rest of America, why not the churches? How much longer will taxpayer money be spent in the pursuit of ministers ‘personal prosperity’?”

According to a Senate Finance Committee memo, “After the letters went out to the six churches, constituents from across the country wrote requesting congressional investigations of other churches and religious organizations.”

“Religious organizations have been given a free pass for far too long,” continued Speckhardt. “We must lift the veil that’s obscuring corruption and hold churches accountable to the public.”

The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org ) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.

###

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Announcement: Secular Communities Survey Launches Today

Joseph Blankholm, Juhem Navarro-Rivera, and Dusty Hoesly

Representation Matters: Spotlight on State Senator Meghan Hunt

Sarah Levin

Honoring Black History in Policy

Rachel Deitch

Mubarak Bala: The 300 Day Campaign

Andrew Hulett

Centering Youth Engagement: A Conversation with a Young Teen Changemaker

Isabelle Oldfield
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2021 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaGuideStarCharity NavigatorGuidestar 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency