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IRS Probes RI Bishop for Giuliani Comment

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A political watchdog group asked the Internal Revenue Service yesterday to investigate whether a Roman Catholic bishop in Rhode Island broke the law by writing a scathing column in a church newspaper condemning presidential contender Rudy Giuliani's abortion views.

Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin blasted Giuliani in the May edition of the Rhode Island Catholic, criticizing the Republican candidate for saying he personally opposes abortion but wouldn't support an outright ban if elected president.

In the column, Tobin called the former New York City mayor's position pathetic, confusing and hypocritical. He even drew a parallel to Pontius Pilate.

"I can just hear Pilate saying, 'You know, I'm personally opposed to crucifixion but I don't want to impose my belief on others,' " Tobin wrote.

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  Those comments broke federal laws banning tax-exempt religious groups such as the Diocese of Providence from endorsing or opposing political candidates, said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which filed the complaint.

"The bishop is not a political boss, and he shouldn't be telling his flock with church resources which candidate to oppose," Lynn said. "This letter is a completely over-the-top example of a politicization of the pulpit of the bishop." Tobin's spokesman said the complaint lacks merit.

The federal tax agency will not confirm an investigation until it makes a ruling in a case.

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