Church Members Urge Resistance to IRS

Congregants of a Pasadena, Calif., church have urged church officials not to comply with an IRS investigation into alleged illegal campaigning.

The liberal church came under investigation after questions were raised over whether an anti-war guest sermon by the Rev. George Regas two days before the 2004 election constituted campaigning, The Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Federal law prohibits non-profit organizations from campaigning in partisan elections.

These people are offended, the Rev. Ed Bacon, rector of the church, told the Times. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion have been assaulted by this act of the IRS and I think my people want to be heard in court.

Bacon said a majority of the parishioners he has spoken with have urged him not to comply with an IRS summons for copies of newsletters, e-mail and other records. However, he said he would consult with lawyers and church officials before making a decision, the Times reported.