Virginia's attorney general Thursday urged pastors and other church leaders to speak out politically, telling them that failure to do so concedes the battle over Christian values to "the other side."
"You can speak to any issue in America from the pulpit, full-throated, ears pinned back," Ken Cuccinelli told about 250 clergy at a "Christian Citizenship and Godly Government" breakfast.
The event was sponsored by the Virginia Christian Alliance. Donald Blake, chairman of the Richmond-based conservative organization, said Cuccinelli was invited to speak because church leaders are looking for assurance that they can talk about political issues without risking their tax-exempt status.
7 comments:
Then pull their tax exemption.
Churches should not be involved in political matters. If you want your church to be, then push them to get rid of their tax exempt status. You can't have it both ways, politicking from the pulpit and tax exempt.
The more different churches get involved the more we will move toward sharia law. Keep all religions out of politics.
Amen!!! Pastors should have a right to speak out AND be exempt! They should also pray for our leaders in office whether we agree with their politics or not, according to the holy scriptures. BUT, they should be allowed their right of free speech even in their pulpits too. It isn't only a one way street where the separation theory can silence the ministers! AMEN!!
I thought Jesus told Bush to start the Iraq war...
shame the clergy wouldn't be more outspoken on some other things as well.....
I have no problem with clergy preaching about what they want from their pulpit... AT ALL. This is their right to do so.
If they begin to endorse/support candidates/parties... then they negate their claim to tax exempt status... and should have the moral where with all to relinquish it with a clear conscience.
Mixing religious and political ideas/motives is a dangerous brew.
As long as our government defends and supports religious freedom... then we all enjoy liberty... as long as it is kept separate from government... the government can ensure that this liberty is provided to all without prejudice or influence.
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