This needs to happen.

They do, just like every other non-profit. The government always finds loopholes to make their money.

if the church is actually following the teachings of the Bible, then it's already helping the less fortunate.

And what makes you think the government would use those tax dollars to help the less fortunate?

Exactly, the government would just spend it on fuel for Air Force One! :-D

As long as churches are not selling or profiting off of goods or services, and are actually taking donations to run missions and hospitals etc, why should they be taxed like a business? The government MIGHT spend some of the money on 'helping people', but much of it will go to pad politicians and their cronies' personal endeavors..... Maybe we should tax the government?

if you tried to make government pay tax youd be in hospital

... and then you'd get taxed for being in the hospital....