Is Mise, so you want a totalitarian society, where the Government is in control of all welfare. That means no volunteer work by charity as Governments would take over its control and have to pay workers. This would soon die as welfare agencies are not profitable organisations, that is why volunteers run them. We would live in a Government regulated society. Our democratic Government is for the people by the people: not control of the people by the Government. You want to kill the good will of the people to assist the needy, Rotary, Lions, Apex and dozens of other charities who give tax free to local needs. I say totalitarian socialism is a human tragedy.

Where churches can show that an activity serves a genuine charitable purpose they should get a tax exemption like any other charity. However, the way it is now contributions to a religious group get tax exemption whether or not it serves a charitable purpose. No tax exemption should be given merely for the spread of mumbojumbo!

Catholic church, Politicians, large businesses and those four big winners, the banks should all without question be paying tax. There is alot of taking and not much giving to be seen. As for non profit charities, like Rotary, Lions, CWA, Apex etc, who generously donate their time, energy and skills to their chosen area. Their reward is gratitude, appreciation and admiration. Funny how those who have so little can happily give so much. While those with the means who should be looking after their 'children', 'constituents' etc appear to thrive on building their own wealth and assets. I havent seen pics of the Vatican for a while but have heard its looking pretty spectacular.

david f,
The Church I attend has actually almost doubled in attendance in the last three years. So those attending actually believe they are receiving a worthwhile service.

Dear Josephus,

You have set up a straw man. That is to argue against something I never claimed. I never claimed that those who go to church don't feel they are getting a worthwhile service. Those who go to the cinema or a football match may also feel they are getting a worthwhile service. However, that is no reason for tax exemptions for cinema, football or church.

Josephus, points out that the business he is involved in is going gang busters with customer numbers up 100% in 3 years. A number of these business are indeed doing well, with an extremely good marketing plan in place. The perfect commodity, something you can't touch, taste, see or smell, something that takes up no room at all, and is easy to manufacturer. they have made thousands of them at no cost at all. Unlike cheese god never goes off, has no use by date, and if one no longer sells, just manufacture a new one. Its not hard the Hindu's have made thousands of them.
These corporate enterprises, pay no tax, and have no responsibility to any real share holders, except the few in the top hierarchy who are copping all the cream. Imagine if one of the most successful corporations of all times 'The Coce Cola Company' had been able to convince millions that if they didn't drink coke they would burn in hell for eternity, a pretty powerful marketing tool wouldn't you agree, and add to this no need to pay tax. The Catholic Church has been in business for over 2000 years, and has always been a top earner, so the god business is certainly worth getting into, just ask the likes of the Ron L Hubbard types and if they were honest they would tell you what a money spinner religion is.