MILWAUKEE — A group of Milwaukee faith leaders is demanding the city put a moratorium on the taxation of churches, and end the threat of foreclosure if they don't pay.

Local faith leaders call it “Tax and Take” while the city assessor's office said they want to align with churches and that any organization that deserves an exemption should get one.

A visit from Rev. Jesse Jackson Tuesday was welcomed support for Pastor Steven Tipton of the El-Bethel Church of God in Christ.

“We're here because the form is in the form of harassment,” Tipton said. “Every two years, you have to prove that you are a church.”

Pastor Steven Tipton of Milwaukee hugs Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Churches, like other nonprofits, have to apply for property tax exemption from the state.

The city said once an exemption is granted, it exists until there is a change in ownership or use of a property.

However, exempt property owners do have to file a form with the city clerk every two years to let Milwaukee know if there has been a change of use.

Faith leaders hold signs during Tuesday rally at Milwaukee City Hall.

Tipton believes that process is being used to put churches that don't comply on the tax roll.

“Most people when I share this with them, they're like 'This doesn't make sense,' but the city has been taxing churches,” Tipton said. “The reason why I'm here is because not only did they tax my church, but they also foreclosed on the church during the pandemic.”

Faith leaders and supporters gather in the rotunda of Milwaukee City Hall.

According to Milwaukee Assessment Commissioner Steve Miner, two “church properties” were foreclosed on in 2020, and both former owners now have their properties back.

One was sold back to the church, and the other foreclosure was vacated like it never happened.

“This isn't about water bills,” Rev. Greg Lewis of St. Gabriel Church of God in Christ said. “This isn't about paperwork. This is Milwaukee that is predicted to file bankruptcy within the next five years.”

More than $4.5 billion of real estate in the City of Milwaukee is tax-exempt. That amounts to more than 9,800 parcels or between 17% and 22% of the city's total real estate value.

After the rally, those who attended attempted to deliver letters to the mayor and members of the Milwaukee Common Council.

Dozens of local faith leaders joined Rev. Jackson Tuesday in the rotunda of City Hall with the hope their voices would be heard.

“It's a sin, it's a sin to tax the house of God,” Rev. Jackson said. “Those who serve the poorest the most, are the first attacked.”

For Tipton, the plea is a simple one.

“Hands off God's property,” Tipton said. “Let us do what we're called to do, and let's work together.”

Those who attended Tuesday's rally delivered letters to the mayor and common council members with the hopes of reaching some solution.