Time for a short rant. Once again there were two candidates for president that were speaking from church pulpits yesterday. To me, this is an egregious violation of the tax-free status of the church and an ethical violation by the candidates. Now these two candidates just happen to be Democrats, but I can guarantee you that there will be Republicans pulling the same stunt. The way I see it, as soon as a candidate steps behind the pulpit or anyone in that church speaks one word for a candidate, the church's non-profit status should be pulled. I have no problem with candidates visiting churches and meeting the people, but the minute you stump for a candidate, you change the church from a house of prayer to a den of robbers.

Time for a short rant. Once again there were two candidates for president that were speaking from church pulpits yesterday. To me, this is an egregious violation of the tax-free status of the church and an ethical violation by the candidates. Now these two candidates just happen to be Democrats, but I can guarantee you that there will be Republicans pulling the same stunt. The way I see it, as soon as a candidate steps behind the pulpit or anyone in that church speaks one word for a candidate, the church's non-profit status should be pulled. I have no problem with candidates visiting churches and meeting the people, but the minute you stump for a candidate, you change the church from a house of prayer to a den of robbers.

Why?

 

Christians are not allowed to be involved in the political process?

 

I don't understand the mindset of certain groups not being allowed to stump for a candidate.

 

For example, I would assume that the NEA is a not-for-profit organization. But they DEFINITELY stump for a candidate.

Why?

 

Christians are not allowed to be involved in the political process?

 

I don't understand the mindset of certain groups not being allowed to stump for a candidate.

 

For example, I would assume that the NEA is a not-for-profit organization. But they DEFINITELY stump for a candidate.

 

 

Amen!:thumb:

Why?

 

Christians are not allowed to be involved in the political process?

 

I don't understand the mindset of certain groups not being allowed to stump for a candidate.

 

For example, I would assume that the NEA is a not-for-profit organization. But they DEFINITELY stump for a candidate.

The Internal Revenue Code explicitly prohibits ANY non-profit organization from endorsing or opposing any candidate. So, do you want free speech or no taxes? You can't have it both ways. If you want the law changed, then get it changed.

 

And what does a candidate speaking from the pulpit have to do with worship? It's nothing but vote stumping. And that is shameful for a church to allow. I believe Jesus through others out of his house for doing "business" in it.

The Internal Revenue Code explicitly prohibits ANY non-profit organization from endorsing or opposing any candidate. So, do you want free speech or no taxes? You can't have it both ways. If you want the law changed, then get it changed.

 

And what does a candidate speaking from the pulpit have to do with worship? It's nothing but vote stumping. And that is shameful for a church to allow. I believe Jesus through others out of his house for doing "business" in it.

In the first paragraph, why is that the law? I am not arguing but would like to know the basis that this is the position the government took. I understand it is the law presently, just don't understand WHY it is the law.

 

Did it say that this occurred during worship services on Sunday morning?

 

Why should the church not be allowed to take positions on issues, for example, abortion, that stands in contrast to their beliefs?

 

The ones he threw out were making profits.

In the first paragraph, why is that the law? I am not arguing but would like to know the basis that this is the position the government took. I understand it is the law presently, just don't understand WHY it is the law.

Sponsored by LBJ in 1954 because he was ticked off about being opposed by a non-profit group.

 

Did it say that this occurred during worship services on Sunday morning?

Yes it occured as part of the service.

 

Why should the church not be allowed to take positions on issues, for example, abortion, that stands in contrast to their beliefs?

A church can take a stand on issues, but not on candidates.

 

The ones he threw out were making profits.

Politicians don't profit personally from speaking behind the pulpit during a church service?

Sponsored by LBJ in 1954 because he was ticked off about being opposed by a non-profit group.

 

Yes it occured as part of the service.

 

A church can take a stand on issues, but not on candidates.

 

Politicians don't profit personally from speaking behind the pulpit during a church service?

First, well that is not a good reason and sounds like time for a change.

 

Second, did not realize that but services are not unusual where Christians who are not paid members of the church staff are part of the services. THey can give testimonies.

 

Not much difference between issues and candidates but semantics. And how is that different from a Planned Parenthood or NEA endorsing candidates?

 

They hope to, don't know if they do.

Not much difference between issues and candidates but semantics. And how is that different from a Planned Parenthood or NEA endorsing candidates?

 

They hope to, don't know if they do.

I don't have an answer for that either. But the rule should apply to all nonprofits. My gripe is with the churches allowing the house of God to become a platform for "whitewashed tombstones."

I don't have an answer for that either. But the rule should apply to all nonprofits. My gripe is with the churches allowing the house of God to become a platform for "whitewashed tombstones."

I am not sure where I stand on the issue.

 

I can understand Christians trying to influence their society through governmental means.

 

By NO MEANS is that the best or should be the only method, but I don't see where it is wrong to use ALL means that are good and viable to influece society.

 

But I agree that church should not in any form or fashion become primarily a political place. It is so much more than that. And the mission of the church is MORE IMPORTANT than any government mission.

I don't have an answer for that either. But the rule should apply to all nonprofits. My gripe is with the churches allowing the house of God to become a platform for "whitewashed tombstones."

 

 

WHHHEEEEEWWWWWWWWW, I have to agree with you on this one. I believe that the only time that churches should be used to speak out on government or politics is when there is an injustice occuring in the community, state, or nation. But I agree a church should not endorse a political candidate, maybe have all 3 parties use the church on an off church day but to do in a worship service is wrong. Read Romans 13:1-7. The church is to abide by the laws of the Land, and Non Profits are not supposed to endorse candidates plain and simple law.

I see why politicians would want to go to a church, but I don't see why Christians would want them to come to their church.

"Poli" means Many

"Tics" means Boold Suckers

 

I see your point.

I do not have much issue with candidates speaking during a worship service but I do call the lack of intelligence of anyone who would blindly follow the edits of its church leadership on political issues and not think for themselves. A word like cult comes to mind. Lack of own self worth is another. And shame on the church leadership who would empower their beliefs over those who are looking to be lead in the spirit of faith and doing so in the name of faith.

 

I can think of a few very high profile church leaders who crossed the line of moral authority status over political issues and preaching such during a sermon or service.

 

Or opposite, the Diocese of Covington telling Northern KY Right to Life and Bob Ceturllo to pound salt due to their rude and crude actions.

Also, it would be helpful to some of you to understand organizations do not endorse, but they can create a PAC organization in their name to endorse. Pretty transparent but that is the law, thanks Senator McConnell.

 

Religious organizations can and do the same thing. Churches need to quit being cheap about it and do it the legal way, if for no other reason it is the law.

Also, it would be helpful to some of you to understand organizations do not endorse, but they can create a PAC organization in their name to endorse. Pretty transparent but that is the law, thanks Senator McConnell.

 

Religious organizations can and do the same thing. Churches need to quit being cheap about it and do it the legal way, if for no other reason it is the law.

Good point. Donations to nonprofit organizations that are used for political purposes are non-deductible. Also, the donations themselves may be taxable to the receiving organization as unrelated business income. I'm not sure about that last part, but I'll probably find out soon.