Cts Civic Education Session Webvtt
The session, identified as the second module on Civics Education for Faith Leaders, was presented by Reverend Dr. Janette Wilson, co-led by attorney Rodney Howard. The session reviewed the structure of government, covering federal, state, county, and city/township levels, contrasting them with Cook County, Illinois, as a model. Key discussion points included the legislative process (Congress, state legislatures, reapportionment after the census), the separation and intersection between church and state, and the constitutional protection of religious freedom. A significant portion detailed the responsibilities of county government, such as taxation, public safety, public health, and managing county property and court systems. The discussion also addressed how governmental units impact religious organizations, particularly concerning tax exemptions, zoning, and the legal definition of a church for tax purposes (e.g., IRS 501c3 status), including characteristics like having written doctrine, regular meetings, and a fixed place of worship.