The Internal Revenue Service says the United Church of Christ did not violate rules when it hosted Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at its convention in Hartford last year. The IRS says Obama's appearance at the UCC's national meeting in June 2007 did not violate federal rules governing the appearance of politicians at religious events.
US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) sits on a stool while waiting to be introduced during a town hall meeting in Kissimmee, Florida May 21, 2008. REUTERS/Scott Audette (UNITED STATES) US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN 2008 (USA)
Earlier this year, the IRS had said there were questions that the speech violated restrictions on political activity for tax-exempt organizations. The denomination has denied any wrongdoing. But in a letter to the national church, the tax agency says it found the UCC had taken the necessary steps to avoid any appearance that Obama's appearance was of a political nature. |