Financially troubled parts of Europe consider taxing church properties

Our take: The recession is hitting all aspects of society, from families to the government and now churched. In this article by The Washington Post, Ariana Eunjung Cha discusses the impacts of the global recession on churches and attempts by governments to find more funds by taxing properties normally un-taxed.

Alcala de Henares, Spain Cash-strapped officials in Europe are looking for a way to ease their financial burden by upending centuries of tradition and seeking to tap one of the last untouched sources of wealth: the Catholic Church.

Thousands of public officials who have seen the financial crisis hit their budgets are chipping away at the various tax breaks and privileges the church has enjoyed for centuries.

But the church is facing its own money troubles. Offerings from parishioners have nosedived, and it has been accused of using shady bank accounts and hiding suspect transactions.

Read more about Spain's financial crisis on The Washington Post.