Obama's Denomination Investigated by IRS over Obama Speech

The United Church of Christ, the demonination which houses Sen. Barack Obama's Trinity UCC, is being investigated by the IRS.

In an indication of just how far the wingnuts will go to derail Obama's campaign, the IRS is investigating the UCC over a speech speech Obama gave at their convention in June of 2007.

More beneath the fold....

According to a copy of an IRS letter that the church received Monday, the IRS is launching the inquiry "because reasonable belief exists that the United Church of Christ has engaged in political activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status."

Under federal law, churches are barred from becoming directly or indirectly involved in campaigns of political candidates.

The investigation alleges that certain statements made by Obama during his speech at the denomination's convention constituted political activites.

Obama was invited to speak at the convention before he announced his candidacy for POTUS.

In his speech, Obama made reference to health care legislation and his opposition to the Iraq war.

First the wingnuts try to convince people he is of the Muslim faith.  Then they investigate his denomination.  It is nauseating to me the depths to which people's hatred and fear of Senator Obama runs.

This investigation is absolutely ridiculous.  Will they also investigate the Baptist church?  What about Obama's speech at Ebenezer?  How many pastors speak out about themes which could be construed as political from their pulpits every Sunday?  Do any of the wingnutty fundy churches ever do that?  How many campaign events have taken place in churches so far this primary season?  Have any GOP events taken place in houses of god?

I find this targeting of Senator Obama's denomination to be absolutely intolerable.  And I'm an atheist.

Something should be done.  What?  Open for any and all suggestions.