Praying for Bush may be bad for tax status

The IRS warned clergy Thursday that if they ask God to grant President Bush four more years as president during their services, they’re risking their tax-exempt status.

The Christian Defense Coalition, a Washington-based group that opposes abortion, had asked the agency to clarify that question.

The Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, the coalition’s director, said the IRS ruling was tantamount to censorship.

“Churches should be allowed to pray according to the teachings of Scripture and the dictates of their conscience,” Mahoney said, “without government intimidation or harassment and regardless if that prayer is offered for President Bush, Senator Kerry or any other candidate.”

Another group, Catholics for a Free Choice, has asked the IRS to rule on whether Roman Catholic groups that oppose abortion can keep their tax-exempt status if they urge voters to oppose Kerry. The IRS hasn’t yet responded to that query.