Evangelical churches protest proposed taxation on churches

[Dolores]

The Christian Dialogue and Representation Table (La Mesa de Diálogo y Representación Cristiana) has vehemently opposed a proposed fiscal modernization plan that seeks to impose taxes on evangelical churches.

Bishop Reynaldo Franco Aquino, the entity’s president, argues that this attempt not only disregards the crucial role churches play in the country’s social and community fabric but also undermines their essential work beyond religion: social accompaniment and formative action.

The bishop emphasized that churches maintain a vast network of community social work, operating over 500 evangelical schools that provide accessible and quality education to thousands of students nationwide.

Franco Aquino stated that the proposed modification of Article 50 of Law 122-05, which has guaranteed a series of essential tax exemptions for the operation of...

Continue reading...

 

[AlterEgo]

Is this proposal only for evangelical churches? What about Catholic Churches? Are there any temples/mosques in DR?

 

[La Profe_1]

I am not personally aware of any mosques in the DR, but there are definitely groups of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses along with Episcopal churches. Obviously, there are some Jewish groups with synagogues too.

The question about the Catholic Church is more complicated. The Concordat of 1954 between Trujillo and the Holy See gave, and continues to give, special rights and treatment to the Church. One of the items of special treatment is exemption from taxes.

As recently as 2009 there was a challenge to the constitutional status of the Concordat. The justices upheld the Concordat.

I think that the government might not be able to tax the Catholic Church.

Edited to add: the above is a reply to AlterEgo's post.

 

[CristoRey]

WTF?
He's even planning on taxing the church?

 

[windeguy]

Religion is just another business. Tax the hell out of them, so to speak.

 

[NanSanPedro]

Religion is just another business. Tax the hell out of them, so to speak.

So wrong on so many levels. But I know you're trying, so there's that.

 

[keepcoming]

I thought the Catholic church is always tax-exempt (as La Profe posted) but maybe it will change in the DR. Hate to say it but I kind of agree with Winde (I know surprising...lol). The church (which ever religion) brings in a lot of money, well many of them. I know looking at it as a "business" seems wrong to some, but if you look at the financial structure of the church(s) it kind of is.

 

[NanSanPedro]

I thought the Catholic church is always tax-exempt (as La Profe posted) but maybe it will change in the DR. Hate to say it but I kind of agree with Winde (I know surprising...lol). The church (which ever religion) brings in a lot of money, well many of them. I know looking at it as a "business" seems wrong to some, but if you look at the financial structure of the church(s) it kind of is.

There's nothing wrong with bring in $. It's how it's spent that's the issue.

 

[Joseph NY2STI]

I'm fine with tax exempt status for churches, but I wish the R.C. church was not the "official" religion of any country. And yes, I know the history of the church and D.R., but still I cringe when I see a crucifix hanging in a government office, or officials feeling compelled to participate in a religious service.
I say this as a practicing Catholic who loves Mother Church.

 

[Northern Coast Diver]

There's nothing wrong with bring in $. It's how it's spent that's the issue.

Why is it that, the fanciest jeepeta in front of each Evangelical church, belongs to the pastor?

 

[chico bill]

WTF?
He's even planning on taxing the church?

How about dog licenses and a breathing tax?
Why not annual luxury taxes.
Abinader is looking desperate. Wonder what he sees he's not telling

 

[NanSanPedro]

Why is it that, the fanciest jeepeta in front of each Evangelical church, belongs to the pastor?

That's the first hint that you don't want to be in that alleged church. I would never go to that one. A church's job is to serve, not be served.

 

[NALs]

I am not personally aware of any mosques in the DR, but there are definitely groups of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses along with Episcopal churches. Obviously, there are some Jewish groups with synagogues too.

The question about the Catholic Church is more complicated. The Concordat of 1954 between Trujillo and the Holy See gave, and continues to give, special rights and treatment to the Church. One of the items of special treatment is exemption from taxes.

As recently as 2009 there was a challenge to the constitutional status of the Concordat. The justices upheld the Concordat.

I think that the government might not be able to tax the Catholic Church.

Edited to add: the above is a reply to AlterEgo's post.

There is a very tiny one in SD. I think that’s it. lol

 

[NALs]

I am not personally aware of any mosques in the DR, but there are definitely groups of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses along with Episcopal churches. Obviously, there are some Jewish groups with synagogues too.

The question about the Catholic Church is more complicated. The Concordat of 1954 between Trujillo and the Holy See gave, and continues to give, special rights and treatment to the Church. One of the items of special treatment is exemption from taxes.

As recently as 2009 there was a challenge to the constitutional status of the Concordat. The justices upheld the Concordat.

I think that the government might not be able to tax the Catholic Church.

Edited to add: the above is a reply to AlterEgo's post.

It isn’t only that. If you see the Manifestation of Dominican independence which was written well before the 1844 independence it coearly says things like the new country will be named Dominican Republic, it will have freedom of religion but the state’s religion will be the Catholic Church. As the state’s religion, special privileges goes along with that. The Concordat simply puts on paper what already existed since the country was founded. Heck, the DR even had leaders of the Catholic Church as president well before Trujillo became president for the first time. There are several provinces named after Catholic Church leaders, the Virgin, etc.

 

[JD Jones]

Why is it that, the fanciest jeepeta in front of each Evangelical church, belongs to the pastor?

I think it's wrong for anyone leading a church to be able to live in multi-million dollar mansions, fly in private jets, have car collections, etc.

 

[NanSanPedro]

From the article:

Franco Aquino stated that the proposed modification of Article 50 of Law 122-05, which has guaranteed a series of essential tax exemptions for the operation of churches and non-profit organizations, would severely affect their work.

The current proposal not only eliminates these exemptions but also mandates that evangelical churches pay taxes such as ITBIS and IPI, imposing levies on funds exceeding 5 million pesos. Additionally, it would impose taxes on funds deposited in banks, regardless of whether they originate from donations for temple construction or support for social programs benefiting vulnerable communities. According to the bishop, this is a direct attack on the savings and resources dedicated to their social and spiritual work, which are committed to transforming society.

So 5 million DOP is about $83k USA. Except for a building fund, I'm not sure why a church would have that much $ here. Again, a church is to serve the community, Christians and non-Christians. I even bristle at a building fund, as a church should be spending the donations on others and not themselves.

The ITBIS/VAT thing I can't see at all, assuming that the funds are being spent on the community. This is just govt greed.

 

[LindseyKaufman]

Are there wealthy churches here? I don’t know. But I do know- generally speaking- Dominicans are not givers. They are takers.
I am friends with several priests here. The ones I know receive a monthly salary of between 5,000 and 10,000. Pesos, that is. The parish priest receives a truck, but one friend who is not a parish priest and who has a salary from the church of 5,000 must drive to campos to celebrate masses in his own truck. Of course, the church is paying his meager accommodations and gas for travels, but when the truck needs maintenance, the church makes him pay half.

Knowing Dominicans, I am sure there are priests who take care of themselves first, but they are parish priests in wealthy communities because as I mentioned, Dominicans are not typically generous with their money when it comes to giving.

Actually I do not understand what is behind taxing churches because I have not seen mega churches here like I do in my home country. The whole thing confuses me.

 

[bob saunders]

Tax all or tax none.

 

[Aguaita29]

What is it about evangelical churches?I know someone who took out a loan at a credit union just to give it to her pastor. Her relatives are concerned because, although her resources are limited, whatever she can get is for her church, even before addressing her own needs. My sister had an "evangelical phase" and she'd also give cash and stuff to the pastors. She once gave them a washing machine. There´s also people who proudly admit giving 10 percent of what they earn to their church. I don´t see people acting like this with other churches.

 

[Aguaita29]

Are there wealthy churches here? I don’t know. But I do know- generally speaking- Dominicans are not givers. They are takers.
I am friends with several priests here. The ones I know receive a monthly salary of between 5,000 and 10,000. Pesos, that is. The parish priest receives a truck, but one friend who is not a parish priest and who has a salary from the church of 5,000 must drive to campos to celebrate masses in his own truck. Of course, the church is paying his meager accommodations and gas for travels, but when the truck needs maintenance, the church makes him pay half.

Knowing Dominicans, I am sure there are priests who take care of themselves first, but they are parish priests in wealthy communities because as I mentioned, Dominicans are not typically generous with their money when it comes to giving.

Actually I do not understand what is behind taxing churches because I have not seen mega churches here like I do in my home country. The whole thing confuses me.

We all have less fortunate relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances that we help out. Even poor people have poorer people they help out..