Brava!
Now I understand better why so many Catholic U.S. Bishops are overstepping into our constitution of Separation of Church and State, now more than, maybe, ever before.
The writing is on the future wall..
Catholic church to lose historic property tax exemption in Italy
Italy’s Catholic Church will be forced to pay taxes starting in 2013 after the EU pressured the country’s government to pass a controversial law stripping the Church of its historic property tax exemption.
The Catholic Church in Italy is excluded from paying taxes on its land if at least a part of a Church property is used non-commercially – for instance, a chapel in a bed-and-breakfast.
"The regulatory framework will be definite by January 1, 2013 – the start of the fiscal year – and will fully respect the [European] Community law," Italian premier Mario Monti's government said in a statement on Tuesday.
The move could net Italy revenues of 500 million to 2 billion euros annually across the country, municipal government associations said. The extra income from previously exempt properties in Rome alone – including hotels, restaurants and sports centers – could reach 25.5 million euros a year, La Repubblica daily newspaper reported.
I think that after decades, (centuries) of corruption, pedophilia and greed, taxing this institution is long over due.
Fair is Fair. IMHO.
I can't wait to hear Faux News Spin on this news from across the pond..
Not being a money-minded person, my understanding of Austerity and all those other economic political philosophies that seem to be running amuck these days, I do understaind that Fairness and Justice have been Long Out of the Loop.
I have, however, read lots about the Catholic Church's history and it ain't pretty, kind or nice.
Too many once grand Institutions of yesteryear crossed into the Realm of 'glorified' Greedy Liars, Cheaters and Thieves and Karma's Will, will be done..
AMEN!