I'd take it a step further (while allowing religious organizations to remain tax exempt still and even do politics if that's what they are into).
The rule I'd like to see is this: A religious organization's total assets may not exceed some reasonable amount for operating costs (private jets and mansions and multi billion dollar real estate and security holdings are out). Books are audited annually and publicly posted. Work out formula that say (for example) ministers pay may not exceed some multiple of average US salary, improvements to church facilities my not exceed some amount per congregant per decade etc. It could actually be very generous and allow nice churches and plenty of charitable work and well compensated ministry without the free for all grifting we have going on right now.
You can be a business, or you can be a religion and you have to chose.
I think this may actually improve churches many of which now are simply big scammy untaxed businesses selling not much of any use.
The rule I'd like to see is this: A religious organization's total assets may not exceed some reasonable amount for operating costs (private jets and mansions and multi billion dollar real estate and security holdings are out). Books are audited annually and publicly posted. Work out formula that say (for example) ministers pay may not exceed some multiple of average US salary, improvements to church facilities my not exceed some amount per congregant per decade etc. It could actually be very generous and allow nice churches and plenty of charitable work and well compensated ministry without the free for all grifting we have going on right now.
You can be a business, or you can be a religion and you have to chose.
I think this may actually improve churches many of which now are simply big scammy untaxed businesses selling not much of any use.