Other Columns by Paul M. Weyrich
Paul M. Weyrich Bio

Printer-Friendly Version

Page 2 of 2

I know of many churches throughout the nation which were involved in the marriage issue on State ballots during the 2004 and 2005 elections. Black support for President Bush was highest in Ohio because one presidential candidate supported the proposed Ohio marriage amendment while the other candidate opposed it. The difference between the two candidates was announced in the Ohio churches. No preacher of whom I am aware told his congregation how to vote in light of support for or opposition to a marriage amendment.

Many Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches discussed on the Sunday before the election the difference on abortion between the presidential candidates. Both candidates said they personally opposed abortion. President Bush was regarded as pro-life and Senator Kerry was in the abortion camp and had voted that way for 20 years.

Again, I am unaware of any priest telling his congregation to vote for President Bush because he is pro-life. I also am unaware of parish priests suggesting that "Catholics have an obligation to learn the position of the candidates on the right to life and to vote accordingly." Will that now be regarded as intervening in elections and as endangering a church's tax-exempt status? Tax attorneys I know have maintained that churches cannot explicitly endorse candidates but that it is permissible for churches to announce the candidates' positions. Some attorneys say it is appropriate for a preacher to announce to his congregation the candidate for whom he is voting.

The late, great Black minister, the Reverend E.V. Hill, would say, "I don't tell my people how to vote. But I do tell them how I intend to vote. And I am their leader."

There is nothing to cheer about in this latest IRS intervention. It came about, by the way, because of a newspaper account of the sermon. We all know, of course, that newspaper accounts always are completely accurate. (Pause here to laugh uncontrollably.) It is questionable that the IRS is investigating All Saints in the first place. All Saints has received support from many other churches protesting the IRS investigation. Some call it unconstitutional. Still the IRS investigation continues.

All Saints deserves the support of all denominations. If IRS can challenge All Saints it could happen to your church or synagogue. I know that among Orthodox Jews the positions candidates express on moral issues are imperative. I suspect this also may be the case among Reformed Jews. The politics may be very different but the desire to examine such matters is the same.

Most churches and synagogues preach based upon the Scriptures. Most also help the poor. Many visit the sick. Some minister to the imprisoned. If the churches and synagogues do these good works week in and week out but feel compelled to discuss certain issues in election years they should be exempt from government intervention.

What is happening at All Saints is dangerous. If in reading this you agree, your senators and congressmen should hear from you, as should All Saints. I suspect I would not have liked what the priest preached that Sunday in October of 2004 had I been there. So what? I could choose a different church. But were the IRS to restrict the content of religious sermons about moral issues then what made America what she is today would be, like Christmas, politically incorrect. May God help us.

-----------

Paul M. Weyrich is the Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Foundation.

--------------------

Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

>> Back -- Page 1 2