Let me start by saying, for the record, that I support any and all religious beliefs as long as they are not using their God as a tool to justify hurting other people. As you know, historically some churches of all religious denominations have started wars or terrorist attacks in the name of their God.

I also support all churches as long as they focus on preaching their religious beliefs and don’t use the pulpit for any political party or candidate. The law states that churches won’t be taxed, but they can’t use their God to promote any politician or political agenda.

Lately, more and more of these tax-free entities are ignoring that law knowing that no politi-cian or law enforcement entity has the guts to do anything about it.

The Flatwater Free Press recently did an extensive article on the Lord of Hosts Church in Millard. That church’s leader Hank Kunneman has been using his church to say that God has anointed Donald Trump to be our president. Reverend Kunneman also claims the 2020 elec-tion was stolen, and he is lobbying to make Nebraska a winner-take-all state for presidential elections just to name a few of his political views.

Lord of Hosts Church off 139th and Q started as a small storefront church about 25 years ago or so and has now grown to take over the Millard Plaza. According to records obtained by the Flatwater Free Press, Lord of Hosts World Outreach Inc. spent $1.8 million dollars to buy their section of the Millard Plaza.

Not only that, but another LLC associated with Lord of Hosts spent an additional $13 million dollars buying up more of the Plaza and a nearby office building.

The 1.8 million dollars they spent in January 2023 pales in comparison to their future plans. Lord of Hosts World Outreach Inc. has plans for expansion that could grow to more than $30 million dollars total in Millard Plaza Real Estate.

That land is exempt from paying property taxes. They don’t pay income taxes either.

And while it’s obvious that under the Trump administration the IRS probably won’t be going after Lord of Hosts for using their platform to promote Trump or other right-wing candidates, that doesn’t make what they are doing right.

Lord of Hosts isn’t the only church violating these laws, by any means. I mention them be-cause they appear to be the biggest and most vocal offenders in the area. Both liberal and conservative churches on a smaller scale ignore the law as well.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that Hank Kunneman shouldn’t be allowed to express his views.

What I’m saying is that all churches should pay property and income taxes and then be allowed to say whatever the hell they want. Don’t use God as a loophole to dodge the same responsibilities that secular businesses must pay. Make no mistake, religion is big business.

Last time I checked God wasn’t registered as a Republican or Democrat. I believe he or she is an independent that would be happier if these churches spent more money on feeding the poor rather than lavish stages to entertain their congregations or buy luxury cars for their ministers.

Our tax laws benefit the rich and the politically connected. The ministers of these mega churches are politically connected and many of them are rich. I’m not a fan of more taxes but I am a fan of a more fair and equitable tax code.

With rights come responsibilities, and the rights these churches have to preach their beliefs shouldn’t absolve them from their responsibility to pay their fair share.

The Federal Government and the State of Nebraska are both facing fiscal deficits. By letting churches skate on paying taxes, we are leaving money on the table.

I’m not just calling out Lord of Hosts or the Evangelical and Pentecostal churches. I was raised Catholic, and the Catholic Church certainly has its share of massive cathedrals and wealthy priests. I’m calling out all churches of all faiths that rake in millions of dollars in tax-free revenue.

I know taxing churches isn’t popular and it’s not going to happen in my lifetime. But I hope we can at least get the conversation started.

I thank God that I live in a country where I can still express my political beliefs, even if they’re unpopular. But then again, I pay taxes.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.