If they carried out their threat, some 1400 pastors today endorsed political candidates in violation of tax law, challenging IRS to do something about it. Churches and other non-profit organizations are given tax exemptions with the requirement that they not engage in politics. These ministers say they want to be able to endorse and oppose candidates and participate fully in political affairs.
Ministers have the same rights as any citizen. They can vote and if they desire they can participate in political discussions at the coffee shop. From the pulpit they can condemn gambling, drinking, snuff dipping, or any other so-determined vice. They can endorse same-sex marriage or oppose it, but there is a line they are not permitted to cross. If they endorse or oppose a candidate based on his stand on same-sex marriage or any other issue, the church they pastor is to lose its tax exemptions.
All rights carry with them responsibilities. Freedom of religion is a precious right that is rare in this world and is always in danger. Keep in mind that the power to tax is the power to destroy. The IRS will most likely ignore the actions of these misguided ministers, but this may not be true always.
As for me, if I am in a congregation where the pastor uses the pulpit to support or oppose a candidate, I will get up and leave, never to return as long as that minister is the pastor. (Not that I am expecting that to happen.)
Ministers have the same rights as any citizen. They can vote and if they desire they can participate in political discussions at the coffee shop. From the pulpit they can condemn gambling, drinking, snuff dipping, or any other so-determined vice. They can endorse same-sex marriage or oppose it, but there is a line they are not permitted to cross. If they endorse or oppose a candidate based on his stand on same-sex marriage or any other issue, the church they pastor is to lose its tax exemptions.
All rights carry with them responsibilities. Freedom of religion is a precious right that is rare in this world and is always in danger. Keep in mind that the power to tax is the power to destroy. The IRS will most likely ignore the actions of these misguided ministers, but this may not be true always.
As for me, if I am in a congregation where the pastor uses the pulpit to support or oppose a candidate, I will get up and leave, never to return as long as that minister is the pastor. (Not that I am expecting that to happen.)
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