Wilson: Christ Church plans appeal

MOSCOW -- Christ Church Pastor Doug Wilson said Monday church elders have decided to appeal on principle the recent revocation of tax-exempt status on two properties in Moscow.

Wilson also called the situation the latest example of "slam-dunk harassment" wielded by a group of about 50 local secularists convinced the church and New St. Andrews College officials are bent on making political inroads.

"What we're doing will have a political impact," Wilson said of the church and college's activities in town, "but what we're doing is not political."

Rose Huskey, one of two people who brought the tax exempt challenge before the Latah County Commission, dismissed Wilson's assertion that he, his church and the college has been singled out.

"He's flattering himself if he thinks that's the case," said Huskey. "It's not about religion. It's about paying taxes."

Saundra Lund, the other person who brought the challenge, echoes Huskey's sentiments. "We didn't single them out. They singled themselves out."

Both women also took exception to being called secularists, saying they practice the Christian faith. "That whole secular thing is a red herring," said Lund.

Commissioners Jack Nelson and Tom Stroschein, acting as the county Board of Equalization, decided last week that Anslem House and the portion of New St. Andrews College, which contains a commercial bakery were not being used exclusively for religious or educational purposes. Commissioner Paul Kimmell recused himself from the decision because he's a member of Christ Church.

According to Latah County Assessor Steve Fiscus, more than $12,000 will be collected on Anslem House alone.

Regardless of whether the appeal is won or lost, said Wilson, the city will get its money. If the church loses the appeal before the Idaho Board of Tax Appeals, Wilson said the church would pay the total taxes owed. If it wins, it will still "donate a comparable amount of money" to the city.

Huskey and Lund also confirmed Monday that they plan to appeal a third tax exempt challenge denied by the commissioners. That challenge concerns the use of the south half of the college located adjacent to Friendship Square in Moscow.

Wilson said the merits of the church's appeal are sound, especially in light of due process issues surrounding the matter. He said the commissioners acted hastily and didn't afford the church's attorney, Greg Dickison, an opportunity to fully review the allegations against them. Dickison could not be reached for comment. Wilson likened the commissioners' actions to a "Mad Hatter tea party" geared to meeting a midnight deadline before state tax officials last week.

"I'm delighted that (Wilson's) exercising his constitutional rights, just as we have and will continue to do," said Huskey. "Paying taxes is a citizen's duty. Naturally we would encourage all businesses in Moscow to pay their taxes."

Wilson, however, questioned whether Huskey, Lund or any of the people who continue to challenge Christ Church would question other tax-exempt properties. He said the tax issue is little more than the latest stick being swung against the church and college.

"One of the problems with the folks who are hyperventilating is that they won't stop believing that there's a grand conspiracy," Wilson said. "We're a fairly big church in a fairly small town. Where's the panic about the Mormons?"

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Johnson may be contacted at deveryone@potlatch.com