Back to the Future with the new Know Nothing Party

A country without churches

By Dominic Bouck September 18

Dominic Bouck, O.P., is a Dominican brother of the Province of St. Joseph.

That the WaPo is even hosting an extended discussion of the question of tax exemption for churches is an indication that the church exemption's days are numbered - at least for denominations that don't toe the line.

"After the Obergefell decision, Time magazine writer Mark Oppenheimer was quick to declare that the state should “abolish, or greatly diminish” property tax exemptions for churches that “dissent from settled public policy on matters of race or sexuality.”

"Punishing “dissent” seems a strange new role for the American government. In the mid-twentieth century, the Catholic church was a leading advocate against anti-miscegenation laws. The church was able to take a stand contrary to the state on marriage and not be penalized for it, a position now almost unquestionably supported by Americans. And despite the confidence of those like Oppenheimer, the dissenters aren’t even a minority in the more recent marriage controversy. Most Americans favor religious liberty, and a plurality oppose Obergefell."

Even that relatively meek and respectful opposition is unacceptable to Oppenheimer and the new Know Nothings who cannot have any power outside of their control.

"By prohibiting faith-based conscientious objection, institutions will be limited in their ability to speak independently without fear of punishment, and some of the largest charities in America will be shuttered."

Again, the loss of the charitable contributions of church-based organizations, like Catholic Charities and Catholic non-profit hospitals and Catholic schools in poor neighborhoods, isn't as important to Oppenheimer and his ilk as silencing any voices of conscientious objection to the Progressive project and the all powerful state that will enforce its diktat.