Just a point of information: churches are tax exempt without asking for tax exempt status. They can ask for it, but it is not required.
From IRS Publication 1828:
Quote:
Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status
Automatic Exemption for Churches
Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.
Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because such recognition assures church leaders, members, and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.
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http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf
If you don't request tax exempt status, you can still be tax exempt and contributors still can take deductions. But if your church decides to be political, the contributions no longer would be deductible.