Source: Americans United for Separation of Church and State
On April 13, 2004 Americans United for Separation of Church and State reported that "the Internal Revenue Service should investigate a Boston church whose pastor endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry from the pulpit, according to Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Several newspapers and wire services reported today that Kerry attended worship services at Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church April 4 and that the Rev. Gregory G. Groover issued an endorsement of him during the service.... In a letter to the Internal Revenue Service today, Americans United Executive Director Barry W. Lynn asked federal tax officials to look into the matter. Lynn noted that Section 501(c)(3) of federal tax law prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from intervening in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office. 'Houses of worship are free to address moral, social and political issues,' said Lynn, 'but, like other tax-exempt groups, they are not permitted to endorse or oppose candidates for public office.'"