Churches Flount Breaking the Law by Endorsing Candidates

Why is the news media so casually stating that the presidential candidates are campaigning in churches and that churches are endorsing candidates when it is AGAINST THE LAW for churches to endorse candidates without risking their tax exempt status? WHY aren't these reporters in the same breath stating that these churches are breaking the law? Folks, this is getting out of hand!!

All churches receive their tax exempt status under this code: Source-Internal Revenue Service

Exemption Requirements

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170. The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction. Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct. For a detailed discussion, see Political and Lobbying Activities. For more information about lobbying activities by charities, see the article Lobbying Issues; for more information about political activities of charities, see the FY-2002 CPE topic Election Year Issues. Clinton's endorsement list debatable Black ministers' support may not be quite so long as believed Pat Robertson Endorses McCain First Gay Bishop In Episcopal Church Endorses Obama Huckabee Gives Church Sermon; Expounds on Christmas Ad Woops, this one seems to have made an error: Prominent S.C. pastor endorses Mitt Romney, then regrets it This one needs some grammar lessons: Welcome Baptist! It is time that we as a denomination and the Christian religion put behind these old beliefs that we shouldn't get involved with State affairs. We as a religion has seen this Christian Nation fall from its moral foundation because of that old belief. It is time to support one of our own, Mike Huckabee! He is a Baptist preacher with great morals and dignity. So support a true Southern Baptist today by donating and casting your vote for the "Christian One" on election day. Just keep on googling and you'll find plenty more. And you'll here the reporters reporting it without one iota being stated that the law is being broken.