Why are churches exempt from taxes while they play politics?

Some thoughts from Robin Marty on care2.com:

“Within the last few years, the “evangelical vote” has been a major driving force behind elections, and the United States Council of Catholic Bishops has actively become a political force, sending missives to their priests telling them to preach to the congregation about the evils of the Affordable Care Act, or convincing the Komen Race for the Cure Foundation to drop Planned Parenthood as a group they donate to — a move that would free up more funding to go to Catholic charities and hospitals to provide mammograms.

The churches are following the letter of the law, but not the intent.  Religious institutions now get all of the benefits of tax exempt status, but have become one of the most politically active groups in the nation.

Should churches continue to keep their tax exempt status while become key players in elections?”

Some thoughts from me:

I don’t think so. Their take amounts to about $100 billion per year not to mention their real estate holdings.  If they want to play politics then they should pay taxes like the rest of us.