It is illegal: “in 1954, Congress amended the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the speech of non-profit organizations.” [red] Response: We agree that it is illegal. I grant his point that it has not been tested and not been reviewed by the SCOTUS. Nevertheless it is illegal. That alone should give one pause
It’s unnecessary:
Pastors are clearly free to address moral issues. It has happened and continues to happen from pulpits in America. Issues such as same sex marriage, the evils of abortion etc are clearly permitted and has not been challenged
People are smart enough to connect the dots: Abortion is murder, candidate A supports choice, I am accountable for my vote, a vote for candidate A is to support abortion rights, etc.
Political activism is unedifying. People are bombarded with political speech (TV ads, media, mailings, etc) daily and especially in the lead up to election day. The great truths of the Bible and the message of our glorious Savior are much more edifying than political speech!
It”s not really a free speech issue. Outside of the pulpit the Pastor is free to speak as much as he wants about politics. He can blog about it (personal blog), put a bumper sticker on his car, put signs in his yard, personally support or campaign for any cause or candidate, etc.
It’s a 501(c)(3) issue. The government provides some pretty amazing benefits to churches: no income tax, no property tax, a major portion of ordained Pastors’ salary is exempt from income tax, freedom from sales tax, tax deductibility of donations, etc. If a church wants to enjoy those benefits, follow the rules for 501(c)(3). If a church elects to reject those restrictions, forfeit the 501(c)(3) protections.
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