The author of a Wednesday letter titled "End tax exempt status for churches" argues that churches that lobby on public policy, in this case health care reform, somehow abuse their tax-exempt status. They do not.

Federal law makes a clear distinction between advocacy for or against policies, and campaign activity for or against candidates seeking public office. Advocacy by churches is permitted; electioneering is not.

Advocacy on health care legislation, like advocacy in opposition to the death penalty or in support of programs that help the needy, is an acceptable example of faith-based involvement in civic affairs.

Churches have entered the village square to challenge their fellow citizens, including political leaders, to be mindful of the moral dimensions of public policy since the early days of our republic. Our village square is the richer for it.

- John Huebscher, executive director, Wisconsin Catholic Conference

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