I think that the only tax breaks 'churches' should get are when they are actually engaged in humanitarian charitable works. The legal definition of 'charity' in this country needs to be changed such that it no longer includes the promotion of religion per se.

Obviously, businesses that compete directly with others in the marketplace - such as the SDA Sanitarium enterprise, or the Brethren's Phillip Island Adventure Resort, should be taxed in exactly the same way as their competitors. In the case of churches that receive income and bequests from members that is applied to their primary propaganda purpose, this should attract the same kind of tax as say, advertising or real estate development companies, since this is pretty much what their activities boil down to.

While we're at it, religious schools should be deprived of taxpayer funding, which should be redirected into the ailing public system, where it belongs. I'd concede an argument whereby churches could assert that their educational activities are humanitarian in nature, and could therefore be tax-exempt beyond paying for public amenities that they use.

C.J Morgan and his green mates are so blinded they can't see that it is not funding that has led to the 'ailing public system' but the failed philosophies behind the secular system. More money than ever before has been poured into State schools and yet many still just remain crowd control centres. CJ's hatred of seeing the failure of his own philosophies being highlighted by the success of private schools must really leave a bitter taste.

I've just borrowed the book 'The Purple Economy' by Max Wallace, which makes for some interesting reading on this subject and sheds some much needed light in some very dark corners.

Churches don't pay council rates on any of their land or buildings including the minister's residence. They don't pay for their water usage either.

"Currently, federal exemptions apply to income tax, fringe benefits tax and the GST. State government exemptions cover land tax, payroll tax, stamp duties and car registration fees. Local government bodies give exemptions from municipal rates."

The Melbourne City Council estimates that these concessions are ten per cent of revenue, which in effect amounts to a ten per cent surcharge on all other rateable properties.

We all pay, in order for religious groups and sects to enjoy this privileged status, irrespective of the fact that a large percentage of us have no interest in religion and believe firmly in a secular society.

Thank God runner turned up. The discussion was rapidly descending into polite, reasonable, evidence-based debate.

Can we get on with the abuse, now?

Sancho, it helps if you imagine runner to be just like Kreacher from the Harry Potter films. It makes his/her posts so much easier to read and brings a smile to my face every time.

Filthy mudbloods.

Places like Hillsong that DO make a profit should pay tax.

It should be based on their incomes as to whether they're taxed, not WHAT they are.

You're BEGGING for system rort if you allow that.

Define a church.