Senate Approves Bill Requiring Religious Organizations To Disclose Finances

BOSTON - Religious organizations would be required to disclose their finances like other nonprofit groups under a bill overwhelmingly approved by the state Senate.
Supporters of the bill, which has met with opposition from the religious denominations, say there's no reason to exempt religious groups.

The House has yet to take up the bill, but plans to do so, according to a spokeswoman for the House speaker.

Other religious leaders said the bill could put financial strains small, struggling congregations by requiring every congregation, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and others, to pay for financial audits and fees to report their finances to the Attorney General.