United States District Court Declares Tax Exclusion For Clergy Housing Payments Unconstitutional

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/judge-strikes-down-law-that-give…

On its website, GuideStone, a Christian financial services provider based in Dallas, calls the housing allowance “the most important tax benefit available to ministers.”

The Gospel Coalition: Federal Judge Declares Clergy Housing Exemption To Be Unconstitutional

Religious News Service

SBC: The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and GuideStone Financial Resources stand together in opposition to the ruling

Important point (3rd article):

At this point, the housing allowances of pastors remain unaffected, because the ruling has been stayed by the judge until the appeals are exhausted, pastors and church organizations will not be affected.

Thanks Jim for the very helpful articles.

I would encourage those who disagree with the very concept of the minister’s housing allowance to read the Gospel Coalition article Jim linked to above. It may not change your mind, but you will better understand the history and reasoning behind it.

In 2013, we think of parsonages as an RCC institution. However, my maternal grandmother was born and raised in the parsonages of Methodist-Episcopal churches in Iowa and Kansas. In the 60s, the pastor of my United Presbyterian church lived un a manse.

[Greg Long]

I would encourage those who disagree with the very concept of the minister’s housing allowance to read the Gospel Coalition article Jim linked to above. It may not change your mind, but you will better understand the history and reasoning behind it.

patheos: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2013/11/court-throws-out-pastors-housing-allowance-tax-break/

EFCA: Federal District Court Rules Clergy Housing Exclusion Unconstitutional

A solid analysis – shows pretty good logic as to why this court ruling shouldn’t be allowed to stand.

http://churchlawgroup.com/blog/tax-exempt/a-clg-brief-analysis-on-the-f…