Tax-exemption of churches protects religious freedom

By forbidding taxation of churches, the law protects these religious institutions from suffering from government restrictions. For example, a church's failure to pay their taxes could lead to government closure. Some argue that government taxation of churches could lead to more restrictive policies. The government could demand that they approve all of a church's financial decisions. The United States Constitution's First Amendment guarantees religious freedom,^[1] as does the Ninth Article of the UK Human Rights Act.^[2] In light of this, many argue that the church tax exemption protects religious freedom and prevents conflicts between the church and government.

[P1] Churches not paying taxes removes the possibility of the government being able to interfere with their internal affairs. [P2] Therefore, it means that religious freedom is protected.