Religion Roundup
Tax Battle Brewing over Home Converted to Church
Associated Press
July 18, 2008
LAKE BLUFF, Ill. - A battle is brewing in the Chicago suburb of Lake Bluff over a banker's contention that his 3 million-dollar home is a church.
When George Michael converted his residence into the Armenian Church of Lake Bluff, it qualified him for a nearly $80,000 break on his annual property tax bill.
Village officials wonder how they'll make up the lost revenue.
Michael told state officials last month that he began his congregation more than a year ago after he got a pastor's degree from an online religious site.
While only a handful of close friends and family attend the church, his attorney said Michael made the move to spare his disabled wife the hardship of having to travel to practice her religion.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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