Minnesota Independent

Members of punk ministry You Can Run claiming tax break for clergy housing

By Andy Birkey | 12.09.09 | 3:00 pm

For a Christian ministry to have ordained leaders is not surprising, but You Can Run But You Cannot Hide has six — and some of them are employed in a punk band that brings its Christian message to public schools. The members’ status raises questions about their activities in public schools as well as whether they are qualified to take advantage of tax breaks normally afforded to pastors and priests, including $54,532 in allowances for clergy housing.

Bachmann, 43 others seek dismissal of lawsuit dubbed atheist ‘crusade’

By Paul Schmelzer | 11.16.09 | 12:41 pm

Last July, the Freedom from Religion Foundation filed suit to prevent the words “In God We Trust” and “one nation under God” from being engraved on a wall in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. Today, 41 U.S.…

‘You Can Run’ may be running afoul of the Constitution

By Andy Birkey | 10.08.09 | 2:49 pm

Civil liberties groups say that You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International — a ministry/punk band that brings its Christian message to public school kids — is causing schools to run afoul of the constitutional principle of separation of state and church. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who says such a separation is a “myth,” will be headlining a fundraiser for the group in November.