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Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientology

strativarius

Inveterate gnashnab & snoutband
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

I was talking about communism, of the flavor that Russia and China have since abandoned. The kind where the people may be "equal", but it's equality of poverty, while the Party elites live like the old aristocracy.

And Europe has never had laissez-faire capitalism, either before or after Thatcher. The EU states have varying degrees of welfare-state socialism. The US is not that much better. We can talk more about it after the EU tries to absorb a few million unemployable Muslims.

Lol. And this is why I said I should've kept my mouth shut. You will always come back with a new wrinkle whatever anybody says. I'll refute your bolded statement here:

In Europe, the laissez-faire movement was first widely promoted by the physiocrats, a movement that originated with Vincent de Gournay, a successful merchant. Gournay adopted the concept, which is the translation of Chinese philosoph ywu weii, from Francois Quesnay's writings on China. Gournay held that the government should allow the laws of nature to govern economic activity, with the state only intervening to protect life, liberty, and property.

His ideas were taken up by Francois Quesnay and Turgot, Baron de l'Aulne. Quesnay had the ear of the King of France, Louis VX, and in 1754 persuaded him to give laissez-faire a try. On September 17, the King abolished all tolls and restraints on the sale and transport of grain, and for more than a decade the experiment was a success. But then, in 1768, there was a poor harvest, and the cost of bread rose so high that there was widespread starvation, while merchants exported grain in order to obtain the best profit. In 1770, the edict allowing free trade was revoked.

Source

And I'll leave it at that mate. Life's too short. :)
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

Lets remember, this thread is NOT about Mile Stone Two or whatever Lana's group is called. Lets try to keep this thread focused ion the topic, which is about a new entity called Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League which apparently has nothing to do directly with Lana's project and ideas. There are all sorts of flavors of Scientology in the field these days.. Lana's is the extreme of the most extreme.
Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League setting up as a protestant Church of Scientology is an interesting legal concept.

Based upon his post in this thread, I think Veda may believe that Merrill Vannier is involved in this.
Two clarifications.

First, the name of the organization is "Religious Liberty League." The primary ESMB thread about it with all of the relevant information I am aware of (including its 501(c)(3) non-profit status) is: Tax Exempt Independent Scientology: Religious Liberty League . I usually refer to it as Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League to make it clear that it is an Independent Scientology organization, or a branch, or offshoot of Independent Scientology, and not sponsored by the corporate, trademarked, "official," Church of Scientology.

Second, as reflected in the Tax Exempt Independent Scientology: Religious Liberty League thread, Merrill Vannier is definitely involved in, and indeed one of the main persons (if not the main person) behind the Religious Liberty League. Only for example, see:

http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/


Entity Name:RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAGUE
Entity Number:C3765275
Date Filed:03/10/2015
Status:ACTIVE
Jurisdiction:CALIFORNIA
Entity Address:2446 OLIVE AVENUE
Entity City, State, Zip:LA CRESCENTA CA 91214
Agent for Service of Process:MERRELL VANNIER
Agent Address:2446 OLIVE AVENUE
Agent City, State, Zip:LA CRESCENTA CA 91214


*********************************************************

Religious Liberty League - About Us

http://religiouslibertyleague.org/about-us/

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

Religious Liberty League is a California nonprofit corporation with federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. It is the first truly independent (of the church) Scientology civil rights organization. Founded by Merrell Vannier, Religious Liberty League defends the religion of Scientology and rights of Scientologists to freely practice the religion without defamation or discrimination.

* * * * * END QUOTATION * * * * *
 

AnonyMary

Formerly Fooled - Finally Free
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

Religious Liberty League is a California nonprofit corporation with federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. It is the first truly independent (of the church) Scientology civil rights organization. Founded by Merrell Vannier, Religious Liberty League defends the religion of Scientology and rights of Scientologists to freely practice the religion without defamation or discrimination.

Being a tax exempt "civil rights organization" does not make a tax exempt church. So it did not file for tax exempt status as an independent church of Scientology....

OK, I misunderstood.

And thanks for the link and the doc on Merrill and the corp.
 

Veda

Sponsor
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

When I saw that this was Vannier's baby, I smelt racket. I hope not too many will be talked into handing over money to him for the "cause."
 

Anonycat

Crusader
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientology.

Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientology

http://religiouslibertyleague.org/the-free-practice-of-scientology/


* * * * * BEGIN EXCERPT * * * * *

ReligiousFreedomV2.jpg


The Free Practice of Scientology

Posted On: 26 Dec 2015

By: admin

The best way to practice Scientology is to do so openly… as a religion.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution recognizes the inalienable right to freely practice one’s religion and prohibits the government from establishing (or favoring) one religion over another.

The scriptures for the Scientology religion are the writings and lectures of L. Ron Hubbard on the subject. Because Scientology by definition is a highly skilled applied technology comprised of precisely worded counseling processes, use of these materials (Scientology’s “scripture”) is vital to the practice of the religion. Any writings and lectures other than those of L. Ron Hubbard, or variations and alterations by others, are not Scientology.

The use of source materials in a religious setting likely will be legally sanctioned, at least in the United States, so long as it is clear to the general public that you are not affiliated with or sanctioned by Church of Scientology International (CSI). David Miscavige cannot dictate by arbitrary decree who can and who cannot practice the religion; he can only control membership in his church. For the courts to uphold his edicts would be tantamount to the government limiting the right to practice Scientology to those approved by Miscavige.

The Religious Liberty League has multiple law firms on retainer for the express purpose of protecting the free practice of Scientology. We encourage practitioners to notify us if you receive a cease and desist letter or other legal threat from Religious Technology Center (RTC, the holder of Scientology trademarks and trade secrets) or Church of Spiritual Technology (CST, the owner of LRH copyrights).


The legal issues involved are complex, but the battle to break the Scientology monopoly can be won – and must be, in order to preserve the technology that has been altered inside the church, producing tech failures by the score and, significantly, are not producing real OTs.[1] (How can one who has ceased to look and think for himself possibly achieve such a high state of spiritual awareness?)

The church no longer offers the original OT levels, which attracted tens if not hundreds of thousands of people into Scientology in the late 1960s, and the church hasn’t offered them since the late 1970s, giving them a fleeting existence. Could their introduction explain the heavy counter-intelligence campaign waged against the church? The Guardians Office – the management counter balance to the Sea Organization – was heavily infiltrated by government intelligence agencies, weakened and made vulnerable to a takeover by David Miscavige. The culture of criminality inside the G.O. was “rolled back” by an internal investigation to two major figures (neither of whom were indicted) and then the matter was dropped. All this is described in the book, Arrows in the Dark. Did the government install “their man”? Will the original OT levels rise again? In a big way, we mean, with a strong movement behind them.

We’re sure we speak for many Scientologists practicing the religion outside the church when we say that users of copyrighted and trademarked materials (i.e., scripture) are willing to provide legal consideration for their use. In legal terms, many users are willing to enter into license agreements – provided sufficient protections for independence are assured. (We have a framework in mind that has a chance for success, but it is premature to discuss.)

The simple fact is that no person or agency less than God can dictate who can practice this or any other religion. History has proven this fundamental truth. It now repeats itself.

At some point, however, the window for reconciliation will close and the church of Scientology, like the Roman Catholic Church before it, will splinter into a thousand pieces.

And history will record that it occurred on the watch of David Miscavige and the special directors of CST who enabled him and breached their fiduciary duties in the process: Sherman Lenske, Stephen Lenske, Lawrence Heller, and Monique Yingling (successor to one of the latter two.)
________________________

END NOTE:
[1] OT stands for Operating Thetan. In Scientology thetan means spirit or soul in other religions. In Scientology you are the soul. You don’t have one. The state of Operating Thetan refers to a state of awareness of his spiritual self and the ability to operate free of the body, the body’s limited senses (e.g., sight through eyes, etc.) and ability (e.g., physical mobility, etc.)


* * * * * * END EXCERPT * * * * *

ISRLL:

Yes, you can practice a religion, and ironically, we see that you have noticed it is not a religion everywhere. There is another big difference when calling it a religion. Copyrights. Trademarks. You cannot use their cross, classwork, or even the word Scientology. Spend $50,000 on retainers, it won't change the fact that these materials are protected, and that it operates with religious cloaking in the US, does not improve your legal access to it. If you want to practice Scientology, open a Mission. Or take a class. And by the way, David Miscavige does have the authority to change anything he wants to.
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

Being a tax exempt "civil rights organization" does not make a tax exempt church. So it did not file for tax exempt status as an independent church of Scientology....
Maybe not as a "church," as such, but note:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/inde...9#.Vh9TpOx3nIU

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

EIN 47-3370339

Name in IRS Master File RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAGUE

Street Address 2446 OLIVE AVE

City, State, Zip LA CRESCENTA, CA 91214-2210

NTEE Code X01

NTEE Classification Alliance/Advocacy Organizations

NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development

Classification Charitable Organization

Subsection 501(c)(3) (View the list of codes)

Activities

Foundation Status Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes. 509(a)(2)

Deductibility Contributions are deductible

Affiliation Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations).

Group Name [Not Applicable]

Ruling Date May, 2015

Asset Amount $0

Income Amount $0

Form 990 Revenue Amount $0

Latest Form 990 Return

Filing Requirement 990 - Required to file Form 990-N - Income less than $50,000 per year

Fiscal Year End December

The data displayed in this profile is provided by the IRS for free in the form of Publication 78 and the Business Master File (BMF).

* * * * * END QUOTATION * * * * *

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that:

https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non...poses-Internal-Revenue-Code-Section-501(c)(3)

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals.

* * * * * END QUOTATION * * * * *

According to the Internal Revenue Service:

NTEE = National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities

NTEE Code X01 = Religion Related, Spiritual Development: Alliance/Advocacy Organizations

ON THE ONE HAND:

Given, as quoted above, the Religious Liberty League has the "NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development," it appears the IRS recognized that the 501(c)(3) purpose of the Religious Liberty League was "religious," -- with that religion being Scientology, or more likely what we know as Independent Scientology.

Notice also that the IRS recognized the Religious Liberty League as: " Affiliation Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations)," and thus not related to the corporate Church of Scientology.

In conclusion, while the IRS did not recognize the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Independent Scientology "church," it appears the IRS recognized the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt purpose of promoting religion -- with that religion being Scientology or, more specifically, Independent Scientology.

ON THE OTHER HAND:

The counter-argument is that the RLL told the IRS that its purpose was promoting religion, or religious liberty, generally, without mentioning Scientology at all. I don't know if that would qualify as: " NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development."
 

Anonycat

Crusader
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

In conclusion, while the IRS did not recognize the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Independent Scientology "church," it appears the IRS recognized the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt purpose of promoting religion -- with that religion being Scientology or, more specifically, Independent Scientology.

That really sucks.
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

In conclusion, while the IRS did not recognize the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Independent Scientology "church," it appears the IRS recognized the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt purpose of promoting religion -- with that religion being Scientology or, more specifically, Independent Scientology.
That really sucks.
Please note I recognize the counter-argument:
ON THE OTHER HAND:

The counter-argument is that the RLL told the IRS that its purpose was promoting religion, or religious liberty, generally, without mentioning Scientology at all. I don't know if that would qualify as: " NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development."
 

Anonycat

Crusader
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

Please note I recognize the counter-argument:

National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) Codes

The National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) code is a four digit code used to classify an exempt IRC 501(C)(3) organization (the selection by NTEE code is based upon the first three digits). The first digit is a letter listed in the table below which defines the general category. The second and third digits define the general type of organization with in the category as listed on the table beginning on the next page. The fourth digit further divides the type of organization and is not presented here.


CODE


A) Art, Culture, and Humanities
B) Education Institutions and Related Activities
C) Environmental Quality Protection and Beautification
D) Animal Related
E) Health General and Rehabilitative
F) Mental Health Crisis Intervention
G) Disease Disorders Medical Disciplines
H) Medical Research
I) Crime Legal Related
J) Employment Job Related
K) Food Agriculture and Nutrition
L) Housing Shelter
M) Public Safety Disaster Preparedness and Relief
N) Recreation Sports Leisure Athletics
O) Youth Development
P) Human Services Multipurpose and other
Q) International Foreign Affairs and National Security
R) Civil Rights Social Action Advocacy
S) Community Improvement Capacity Building
T) Philanthropy Voluntarism and Grant making Foundations
U) Science and Technology Research Institutes Services
V) Social Science Research Institutes
W) Public Society Benefit Multipurpose
X) Religion Related Spiritual Development
Y) Mutual, Membership Benefit Organizations, Other
Z) Internal Use



https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/p4838.pdf
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) Codes

The National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) code is a four digit code used to classify an exempt IRC 501(C)(3) organization (the selection by NTEE code is based upon the first three digits). The first digit is a letter listed in the table below which defines the general category. The second and third digits define the general type of organization with in the category as listed on the table beginning on the next page. The fourth digit further divides the type of organization and is not presented here.


CODE

[SNIP]

X) Religion Related Spiritual Development
Y) Mutual, Membership Benefit Organizations, Other
Z) Internal Use



https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/p4838.pdf
Yes, I noted that is my comment above, though I linked to an IRS instruction form. The issue is whether "Religion Related Spiritual Development" requires that the applicant identify a particular religion (e.g., Scientology, or Independent Scientology), or whether saying religion generally will suffice. I suspect the former, but can't find anything yet that decides the issue.
 

Anonycat

Crusader
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

Yes, I noted that is my comment above, though I linked to an IRS instruction form. The issue is whether "Religion Related Spiritual Development" requires that the applicant identify a particular religion (e.g., Scientology, or Independent Scientology), or whether saying religion generally will suffice. I suspect the former, but can't find anything yet that decides the issue.

I see. You were looking at the X01 and I was looking at the C in this graphic:

http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthre...-Scientology&p=1081344&viewfull=1#post1081344
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

I see. You were looking at the X01 and I was looking at the C in this graphic:

http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthre...-Scientology&p=1081344&viewfull=1#post1081344
http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?41090-Independent-Scientology-Religious-Liberty-League-The-Free-Practice-of-Scientology&p=1081344&viewfull=1#post1081344

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/


Entity Name:RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAGUE
Entity Number:C3765275
Date Filed:03/10/2015
Status:ACTIVE
Jurisdiction:CALIFORNIA
Entity Address:2446 OLIVE AVENUE
Entity City, State, Zip:LA CRESCENTA CA 91214
Agent for Service of Process:MERRELL VANNIER
Agent Address:2446 OLIVE AVENUE
Agent City, State, Zip:LA CRESCENTA CA 91214

* * * * * END QUOTATION * * * * *

The above reflects the registration with the State of California. The Entity Number is C3765275. This has nothing to do with the IRS, the IRS tax exempt status, or the Religious Liberty League's classification with the IRS.
 

dchoiceisalwaysrs

Gold Meritorious Patron
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

I just don't understand why some CONfidence men get involved with scientology. Don't they know it does not look good on their resume and surely must make some of their intended 'marks' become wide awake and alert to what is transpiring. :duh:

Maybe they are so steeped in the surreptitious sociopathic mindset that they are liable to Conning themselves. Probably the only good thing they do. :yes:

When I saw that this was Vannier's baby, I smelt racket. I hope not too many will be talked into handing over money to him for the "cause."
 

dchoiceisalwaysrs

Gold Meritorious Patron
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

I thought I would help out the IRS, (yeah I know... God help me..Lol) in making/modifying its 'exemption removal regulations' . I know there are such items as I have seen one, but don't remember exactly where. Ah yes, it is a quote of an IRS regulation provided by the IRS in case documents that essentially says that ANY ? Proven? criminal activity by any {otherwise} ? exempt organization is sufficient to remove the exemption for that organization

[ ETA] this is not from the document which I refered to above but it supports my statment.

[ "2. IRC 501(c)(3) and IRC 501(c)(4) Organizations

A. Charity Law

Exemption recognized under IRC 501(c)(3) is unique in that, unlike exemption under other paragraphs of IRC 501(c), it is grounded in charity law, so that denial of exemption under IRC 501(c)(3) may be based on charity law.

(1) Substantiality Test

Violation of constitutionally valid laws is inconsistent with exemption under IRC 501(c)(3). As a matter of trust law, one of the main sources of the general law of charity, planned activities that violate laws are not in furtherance of a charitable purpose. "A trust cannot be created for a purpose which is illegal. The purpose is illegal … if the trust tends to induce the commission of crime or if the accomplishment of the purpose is otherwise against public policy…. Where a policy is articulated in a statute making certain conduct a criminal offense, then …, a trust is illegal if its performance involves such criminal conduct, or if it tends to encourage such conduct." IV Scott on Trusts Section 377 (3d ed. 1967). Thus, all charitable trusts (and by implication all charitable organizations, regardless of their form) are subject to the requirement that their purpose may not be illegal or contrary to public policy. Rev. Rul. 71-447, 1971-2 C.B. 230; Restatement (Second) of Trusts, Section 377, Comment c (1959). Moreover by conducting criminal activities, an organization increases the burden of government and thus thwarts a well recognized charitable goal, i.e., relief of the burdens of government.

Reg. 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(1) states that an organization will not be regarded as operated "exclusively" for IRC 501(c)(3) purposes if more than an insubstantial part of its activities is not in furtherance of an exempt purpose. The presence of a single non-charitable purpose, if substantial in nature, will destroy the exemption regardless of the number or importance of truly charitable purposes. Better Business Bureau v. United States, 326 U.S. 279 (1945). Therefore, if an organization engages in illegal acts that are a substantial part of its activities, it does not qualify for exemption under IRC 501(c)(3) ]

Practicing and promulgating certain sedition and ruinous aspects of scientology which, by scientology dogma are essential to be included in said ideology, are still under the criminal code as far as I understand it.

Oh well, at least the tide and sea level exposure of facts is rising and will essentially submerge the bolt from the blue volcano where it can stew in its own lava until it is extinguished.

Z) Internal Use (including scientology moles), I) Crime Legal Related ( misuse of the legal system to commit fraud), Y) Mutual, Membership Benefit of (criminal ) Organizations, Other

National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) Codes

The National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) code is a four digit code used to classify an exempt IRC 501(C)(3) organization (the selection by NTEE code is based upon the first three digits). The first digit is a letter listed in the table below which defines the general category. The second and third digits define the general type of organization with in the category as listed on the table beginning on the next page. The fourth digit further divides the type of organization and is not presented here.


CODE


A) Art, Culture, and Humanities
B) Education Institutions and Related Activities
C) Environmental Quality Protection and Beautification
D) Animal Related
E) Health General and Rehabilitative
F) Mental Health Crisis Intervention
G) Disease Disorders Medical Disciplines
H) Medical Research
I) Crime Legal Related
J) Employment Job Related
K) Food Agriculture and Nutrition
L) Housing Shelter
M) Public Safety Disaster Preparedness and Relief
N) Recreation Sports Leisure Athletics
O) Youth Development
P) Human Services Multipurpose and other
Q) International Foreign Affairs and National Security
R) Civil Rights Social Action Advocacy
S) Community Improvement Capacity Building
T) Philanthropy Voluntarism and Grant making Foundations
U) Science and Technology Research Institutes Services
V) Social Science Research Institutes
W) Public Society Benefit Multipurpose
X) Religion Related Spiritual Development
Y) Mutual, Membership Benefit Organizations, Other
Z) Internal Use



https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/p4838.pdf
 
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AnonyMary

Formerly Fooled - Finally Free
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

They are not deemed a church because they do not meet the criteria as one.

"Churches" Defined

The term church is found, but not specifically defined, in the Internal Revenue Code. With the exception of the special rules for church audits, the use of the term church also includes conventions and associations of churches as well as integrated auxiliaries of a church.

Certain characteristics are generally attributed to churches. These attributes of a church have been developed by the IRS and by court decisions. They include:

Distinct legal existence
Recognized creed and form of worship
Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government
Formal code of doctrine and discipline
Distinct religious history
Membership not associated with any other church or denomination
Organization of ordained ministers
Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study
Literature of its own
Established places of worship
Regular congregations
Regular religious services
Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young
Schools for the preparation of its members

The IRS generally uses a combination of these characteristics, together with other facts and circumstances, to determine whether an organization is considered a church for federal tax purposes.

Source: Publication 1828, Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 15-Dec-2015
https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Churches-&-Religious-Organizations/Churches--Defined

If they start creating a history of their own, having regular congregations, religious and Sunday services.. and so on, then they can apply
 

AnonyMary

Formerly Fooled - Finally Free
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

501(c)3 is just a broad category for charitable non profits, including churches and all other non profits. The difference then gets further broken down into other IRS categories... churches being separate and not required to file tax returns, while others are.

That this new group has to file 990's basically makes it not a religion nor a church.

WISE Int and Social Betterment Development Properties Int, for example, are integrated auxiliary organizations of CoS and they do not have to file. Yet they are businesses in many ways. Certainly not churches.

FYI

NTEE Core Codes (NTEE-CC) Overview

The National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) system is used by the IRS and NCCS to classify nonprofit organizations. It is also used by the Foundation Center to classify both grants and grant recipients (typically nonprofits or governments). NCCS and the IRS use the NTEE-CC system, described below, while the Foundation Center uses a slightly different version with more codes, as well as "population/beneficiary" codes to indicate the type of population served and "auspice" codes to indicate religious or governmental affiliation.
http://nccs.urban.org/classification/NTEE.cfm
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

They are not deemed a church because they do not meet the criteria as one.


https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Churches-&-Religious-Organizations/Churches--Defined

If they start creating a history of their own, having regular congregations, religious and Sunday services.. and so on, then they can apply
I concede that above.

But as I also note above, the IRS has assigned the Religious Liberty League the NTEE Code "X Religion Related Spiritual Development" "O1 Alliance/Advocacy Organizations."

Thus, the interesting question is whether the "Religion" referred to is Scientology (or independent Scientology), or just religion generally.

The interesting thing to me is that the IRS clearly recognizes that the Religious Liberty League has a religious purpose. To restate the issue, the question is whether that IRS recognized purpose is promoting Scientology, or promoting religion or religious liberty generally.

I have a bit of concern that the RLL may have obtained some IRS stealth recognition that Independent Scientology is a religion per the above and my prior comment. After all, assuming for the sake of argument that advocacy of religion generally would not qualify (a big assumption), and that the RLL qualified because of its advocacy of the religion of Independent Scientology, that would necessarily (if redundantly) imply that the IRS believes Independent Scientology is a religion.
 
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CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

Maybe not as a "church," as such, but note:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/inde...9#.Vh9TpOx3nIU

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

EIN 47-3370339

Name in IRS Master File RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAGUE

Street Address 2446 OLIVE AVE

City, State, Zip LA CRESCENTA, CA 91214-2210

NTEE Code X01

NTEE Classification Alliance/Advocacy Organizations

NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development

Classification Charitable Organization

Subsection 501(c)(3) (View the list of codes)

Activities

Foundation Status Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes. 509(a)(2)

Deductibility Contributions are deductible

Affiliation Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations).

Group Name [Not Applicable]

Ruling Date May, 2015

Asset Amount $0

Income Amount $0

Form 990 Revenue Amount $0

Latest Form 990 Return

Filing Requirement 990 - Required to file Form 990-N - Income less than $50,000 per year

Fiscal Year End December

The data displayed in this profile is provided by the IRS for free in the form of Publication 78 and the Business Master File (BMF).

* * * * * END QUOTATION * * * * *

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that:

https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non...poses-Internal-Revenue-Code-Section-501(c)(3)

* * * * * BEGIN QUOTATION * * * * *

The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals.

* * * * * END QUOTATION * * * * *

According to the Internal Revenue Service:

NTEE = National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities

NTEE Code X01 = Religion Related, Spiritual Development: Alliance/Advocacy Organizations

ON THE ONE HAND:

Given, as quoted above, the Religious Liberty League has the "NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development," it appears the IRS recognized that the 501(c)(3) purpose of the Religious Liberty League was "religious," -- with that religion being Scientology, or more likely what we know as Independent Scientology.

Notice also that the IRS recognized the Religious Liberty League as: " Affiliation Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations)," and thus not related to the corporate Church of Scientology.

In conclusion, while the IRS did not recognize the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Independent Scientology "church," it appears the IRS recognized the Religious Liberty League as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt purpose of promoting religion -- with that religion being Scientology or, more specifically, Independent Scientology.

ON THE OTHER HAND:

The counter-argument is that the RLL told the IRS that its purpose was promoting religion, or religious liberty, generally, without mentioning Scientology at all. I don't know if that would qualify as: " NTEE Type Religion-Related, Spiritual Development."
I'm going to reply to my own comment and end my obsession with this... at least for tonight. :)

The National Center for Charitable Statistics defines the NTEE code "X01" as:

http://nccsweb.urban.org/PubApps/nteeSearch.php?returnElement=&popup=0&code=X&codeType=NTEE

* * * * * BEGIN EXCERPT * * * * *

X - Religion-Related

X01 - Alliances & Advocacy

Organizations whose activities focus on influencing public policy within the Religion Related, Spiritual Development major group area. Includes a variety of activities from public education and influencing public opinion to lobbying national and state legislatures.

* * * * * END EXCERPT * * * * *
 

Freeminds

Bitter defrocked apostate
Re: Scientology has partial success telling a lie

. . .
I simply noted that it is difficult to see how LRH "failed" to "pull off that deception" -- i.e., that Scientology is a religion -- when the U.S., now Great Britain, and the other countries listed in the Wikipedia article recognize Scientology as a religion.
. . .

Is this some kind of half-hearted attempt at a postulate?

In the real world, Great Britain does not recognise the Scientology UFO Cult as a religion. I refer you to the Charities Commission judgment of 1999. They ruled that Hubbardism doesn't constitute a religion because it does not exist for public benefit.

Of course, your own UFO cult mileage may vary... but sucking on Hubbard's withered, deceitful teat more that a quarter of a century after the vile fucker developed dementia and died seems kind of dumb to me.
 

prosecco

Patron Meritorious
Re: Independent Scientology Religious Liberty League: The Free Practice of Scientolog

I concede that above.

But as I also note above, the IRS has assigned the Religious Liberty League the NTEE Code "X Religion Related Spiritual Development" "O1 Alliance/Advocacy Organizations."

Thus, the interesting question is whether the "Religion" referred to is Scientology (or independent Scientology), or just religion generally.

The interesting thing to me is that the IRS clearly recognizes that the Religious Liberty League has a religious purpose. To restate the issue, the question is whether that IRS recognized purpose is promoting Scientology, or promoting religion or religious liberty generally.

I have a bit of concern that the RLL may have obtained some IRS stealth recognition that Independent Scientology is a religion per the above and my prior comment. After all, assuming for the sake of argument that advocacy of religion generally would not qualify (a big assumption), and that the RLL qualified because of its advocacy of the religion of Independent Scientology, that would necessarily (if redundantly) imply that the IRS believes Independent Scientology is a religion.

What is so unbelievable is that for all intents and purposes, the IRS gets to decide which organisation qualifies as a religion. Side stepping the issue of church and State, there is no independent organisation which investigates, along the lines of a congressional hearing with wide ranging powers and makes recommendations.

It seems to me that the issue of religion gets confused with, 'charitable' status.' Clearly, most religions do satisfy this element by helping the poor, disaster relief, etc. My view is that religions shouldn't automatically have tax exempt status, but any organisation should have to demonstrate on a yearly basis how the, 'public benefit' criteria was fulfilled.
 
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