Buddhism recognized in Belgium

[Khemarato.bhikkhu]

@Snowbird

people paid money to the government that was then distributed to churches. Is that how it works in Belgium? Growing up in the states that always seemed crazy to me.

I think it’s worth pointing out that churches in the US have long been exempt from paying taxes, which amounts to a de-facto $71B/yr subsidy, and that recent economic relief laws have gone even further, actively granting federal money to churches, much of which gets plowed directly (and illegally) into (conservative) political lobbying.

[Snowbird]

@Khemarato.bhikkhu

I think it’s worth pointing out that churches in the US have long been exempt from paying taxes

Just to clarify, churches in the US (and Canada?) don’t pay taxes on the donations they receive related to noncommercial activities. And of course it’s not just churches but all religious organizations, and all charities for that matter, including Buddhist ones. I’d be really surprised to hear that religious organizations would be taxed in any country.

Any way, back to Belgium!

[GRACE]

It is also recognized in Spain. It was recognized as “religion de notorio arraigo” in 2007.