IRS Investigating Florida Church That Hosted Kerry

The Miami Herald (3/21, Robinson) reported the IRS has "notified a Liberty City church that it is under investigation for possibly engaging in political activity -- putting its tax-exempt status into question." The probe is "related to an appearance last October by Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry and several black leaders, including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami, the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson." An IRS official said in a 10-page letter that the "reason for the investigation" is "a reasonable belief exists that Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has engaged in political activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status as a church." The Frontrunner March 22, 2005 Tuesday Copyright 2005 Bulletin News Network, Inc.