Jess Cornaggia, Thesis Supervisor Brian Spangler Davis, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Catholic 501(c)(3) Tax Tax-Exempt Religion God Opression
Abstract:
This thesis explores the various financial effects that would occur if the Catholic Church—the single largest and wealthiest religious institution in the world—hypothetically lost its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status form the Internal Revenue Service. Through an in-depth study on the Catholic diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the results contained offer a glimpse into the various ways that such a revocation would monetarily impact the Church, faithful Catholics, and the United States Government. The steps taken throughout this analysis also serve as a guide for anyone wishing to discover the financial effects such a decision from the United States Government would have on their own diocese or other religious institution. Lastly, this report also includes several recommendations that the Church could adopt in order to lessen the burdens of such a drastic change.
