http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/apr/16/opinions-differ-flds-classification/
"Neither the FLDS nor the YFZ Ranch — scene of suspected child sexual and physical abuse — has filed for status as a nonprofit organization with the IRS, an IRS spokesman said. In Schleicher County, records reflect the YFZ Ranch near Eldorado, Texas, has not requested an exemption from property taxes as a religious organization, an option for qualifying property.
The YFZ Ranch’s property tax tab adds up to $1 million from 2004 when the sect first began paying property taxes through 2007, according to the Schleicher County Appraisal District. The tax bill raises the question of how the compound is being funded.
“It’s nothing more than a cult,” said Benjamin Bistline, who spent years as a devoted FLDS member in Short Creek, Ariz. “A cult is controlled by one person. What he says goes or you get booted.”
After 40 years in the group, Bistline left in 1987 because leaders of the religious community, formerly “Priesthood Group,” refused to give him a second wife.
“The women and kids aren’t criminals,” Bistline said. “But the men, they need to suffer.”
But neither the FLDS nor the YFZ Ranch — scene of suspected child sexual and physical abuse — has filed for status as a nonprofit organization with the IRS, an IRS spokesman said.
The YFZ Ranch’s property tax tab adds up to $1 million from 2004 when the sect first began paying property taxes through 2007, according to the Schleicher County Appraisal District.
The tax bill raises the question of how the compound is being funded. So far, answers are scant.
Whatever the taxman’s viewpoint, an expert on Mormon splinter groups considers FLDS a church.
To meet the definition, a church needs only a small group of people meeting to share religion and some sort of chain of command, said Steven Shields.
Thanks, as always, molly for all of your excellent links.
I have two questions about the above, in addition to the FLDS finances, which is a huge concern. First, do I read that correctly; that the FLDS at Short Creek used to call itself The Priesthood Group?
And second, if the FLDS never filed for tax-exempt status, are they even on file as a church at all? Maybe they are in fact simply a pedophile cult with no claim to religious rights?
The chain of command requirement to become a church is something I just found to be quite strange... although somewhat explanatory when looking at the history of religions.