Church's tax exemption called into question after lawn signage
MISSOULA, Mont. — Crosspoint Church in Missoula is raising eyebrows for the second time after posting political signage on its lawn. In 2018, they put signs for the candidates, but now the single sign reads "vote for only pro-life candidates."
Pastor Bruce Speer said in a 2018 interview with KGVO radio it is because the "issue of pro-life" was so important to the church that "it is not about being Republican or Democrat."
He also mentioned that they have received divided feedback, with some people agreeing with the sign and others flagging it.
"People have said that they are going to call and report us and we're going to lose our 501(c)(3)," said Speer. "Our response to that is so be it. We have authority that's above the government and above the IRS."
Donald W. Lange lives near the church. "Those who have tax-exempt status forfeit the right to take a political stand on their tax-exempt property," said Lange. "Every election year they have done this and continue to post political signs on the churches property. They are not above the law."
Lange is not the only one to oppose. Paul Ryan is the owner and attorney at Paul Ryan Law in Missoula. He says the church is not operating under proper tax-exempt procedures.
"It's very clear what they're doing, and they're taking a stance politically on something that they can't -- on a voting matter," said Ryan. "So it certainly violates any tax regulations they're taking a position politically, which they just can't do."
However, an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in May of 2017 might protect the church. It notes that the "Department of the Treasury does not take any adverse action against ... a house of worship or other religious organization on the basis that such ... organization speaks or has spoken about moral or political issues from a religious perspective."
It is unclear if signage qualifies under the order, but the signs were not taken down last year, and people are not sure if this sign will be taken down now.
NBC Montana was unable to reach Crosspoint Church for a statement.
