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Pagan Group Is Suing To Obtain Property Tax Exemption

By Howard M. Friedman

Today's Greene County (NY) Daily Mail reports on the long-running controversy between a Pagan sect and the town of Catskill over whether an historic inn owned by the sect is entitled to a tax exemption. The Maetreum of Cybele, Magna Mater, a 501(c)(3) religious organization, purchased the former Central House in 2002. It uses it as a convent to house priestesses, as well as hosting public events and providing temporary housing and other services to the needy. The Maetreum was granted a tax exemption in 2006, but it was taken away a year later because of a split in the group. Apparently the town now argues that the property should be classified as an inn or lodge, whie the Maetreum insists that it is a religious retreat center for pagans. The Maetreum filed suit in state court last year to regain its tax exemption, and an initial hearing was held last December. Currently discovery is ongoing.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on June 26, 2010 (boomark / email).