The IRS is stifling the free speech rights of religious leaders in a world where most Americans understand that the intersection of faith and politics is a well-recognized part of this nation's culture and heritage.
The problem: a 54-year-old federal tax law that prevents religious leaders from truly exercising their constitutionally-protected free speech rights when they act in their official capacity as a pastor or head of a religious, tax-exempt organization.
In 1954, then-Senator Lyndon Johnson introduced an amendment that became law that barred tax-exempt groups - including churches - from participating in political activity. Johnson sought political retribution against an opponent who was assisted in his campaign by two non-profit organizations.
Religious leaders are muzzled by the IRS law. While they can speak out for themselves in their "individual capacity", they are barred from either supporting or opposing a political candidate in their role as head of a tax-exempt organization.
(The above is part of a column written by JAY SEKULOW. If you like to read the whole column go
here
Below is a column written on the same issue but with a different take It is written by the Rev. Barry Lynn.)
Houses of worship exist to fill spiritual needs and bring people closer to God. But many offer much more: Their soup kitchens provide meals to impoverished families, they give counseling to couples and they sponsor youth groups, among other endeavors. But one thing churches should never do is act as political brokers. But simply, handing down a list of candidate endorsements is not the role of our faith communities. Clergy have no business acting like party bosses.
Recently, the Alliance Defense Fund, a legal organization formed by far-right television and radio preachers, announced that it is urging pastors to violate this law by endorsing candidates from the pulpit on Sunday, September 28.
Americans understand that people go to church to connect with God, not to take part in a political convention.
Houses of worship exist to save souls, not save some politician's campaign. The American people have not asked for, and do not want, their clergy to issue orders on how to behave in the voting booth.
(Read the rest of Rev. Lynn's column
right here.Now I believe spiritual leaders can and should address the moral issues of our times, however no Pastor or Rabbi should back or oppose anyone running for office. Instead preaches should address spiritual things like telling the
r flock to pray for our leaders and showing them what it means to follow King Jesus. Should there be a law which says they can't do that is another issue. When I go to church I don't want hear about who I should vote for but I want hear about my Savior and what the Bible says.)