“Court Says Tax Code’s Parsonage Allowance Is Unconstitutional” Religion Clause reports here on Gaylor v. Mnuchin, (W.D. Wis., Oct. 6, 2017). Freedom From Religion Foundation has a press release here. Here’s an excerpt from the court’s decision:
any reasonable observer would conclude that the purpose and effect of § 107(2) is to provide financial assistance to one group of religious employees without any consideration to the secular employees who are similarly situated to ministers. Under current law, that type of provision violates the establishment clause.
More coverage
- Christianity Today: “Atheists Again Get Pastors’ Best Benefit Ruled Unconstitutional: Freedom From Religion Foundation wins first round of rematch over $800 million clergy housing allowance” by Jeremy Weber
- ManagingYourChurch: “Wisconsin Federal Judge: Housing Allowance Violates Establishment Clause: What a recent ruling might mean for pastors” by Emily Lund
- ManagingYourChurch: “5 Takeaways from the Clergy Housing Allowance Ruling: What a federal judge’s opinion does—and doesn’t—mean at this point.” by Richard R. Hammar
- Clergy Financial Resources: “Federal Judge Strikes Down Tax-Free Housing for Clergy“
- Forbes: “Clergy Housing Tax Break Ruled Unconstitutional—Again” by Peter J. Reilly
- By Common Consent: “Pastors’ Housing Revisited (Again)” by Sam Brunson