Interesting--but all of these links reference information that is quite old--especially in legal terms. Does anyone know how the Sklar case worked out? Obviously, the tax-exempt status is still in place, so either the case hasn't been resolved, or was resolved in favor of the "secret" arrangement referenced.

Again, the purpose here isn't to "bash" on the CoS--there are other forums for that, if you're so inclined--but rather to determine the validity and appropriateness of religion and legal contracts. For the purposes of this discussion, we will take the IRS and the CoS's word at face value and treat them just like any other worldwide religion.