Posted on 10/20/2012 5:10:23 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
LEAKEY, Texas -- A controversy regarding a political sign prominently displayed outside a church is playing out in a small town west of San Antonio.
Is it protected speech or political hate? And does it have a place on a church marquee?
The sign reads, "Vote for the Mormon, not the Muslim! The capitalist, not the communist!"
That marquee standing outside a non-denominational church has become the talk of the town in Leakey — about 90 miles northwest of San Antonio.
The Church in the Valley is run by Pastor Ray Miller. Miller declined an interview but did say the sign was solely his idea. He said he changes the sign weekly and this isn't the first bold statement to be displayed.
The pastor said he feels strongly about the upcoming presidential election and feels the message on the marquee speaks for itself.
Since it is a church, it is classified as a non-profit organization. That means, by law, it can not endorse a political candidate.
While it is a heated campaign season, some residents and visitors admit that seeing the message outside a church is an eye opener.
“I can see why there’s some controversy, because the separation of church, and maybe they shouldn’t get involved in it,” said tourist Blake Fischer. "But I don’t see no problem with them trying to send a message."
Several residents not affiliated with the church said the sign doesn't really bother them since it’s not their place of worship.
“It’s their prerogative, it’s their opinion, it’s their church,” said Pamela Rice, of Leakey.
While the very small and quiet town of Leakey is now in the spotlight, some business owners are embracing the attention.
“I love it. Even if it’s bad attention, bring it on. Come to town, see what it’s about,” Damon White said. “Not everyone hates Obama, not everyone loves him; not everyone hates Romney, or loves Romney. Come see for yourself.”
God bless Pastor Ray Miller!!
I might add, I LOVE TEXAS!
And the people said...AMEN!!
Lol, I just saw that piece on my local news. From what I have heard, pastors all over the country are taking the risk and speaking up this time around. Mine sure is.
Since it is a church, it is classified as a non-profit organization. That means, by law, it can not endorse a political candidate.
A law LBJ pushed through. By the way, not all churches hold tax exempt status.
Sure, like Rev Wright could not play favorites!!
I didn't know that. Thanks!
And of course, the Democrats can go into any Black church when they want to do their campaigning.
“I might add, I LOVE TEXAS!”
We’re kind of ornery down here. (Definition of ORNERY: having an irritable disposition.)
Don’t mess with us and you can visit any part of this huge territory. Mess with us and they will never find your body.
LOVE it!
Right! It’s not that can but do!
LOL. I’m the daughter of a native, born, bred, raised, died and buried in Elgin. I’ve visited Texas all my life. I ain’t worried. ((((Marcella))))
It’s not that THEY can but do.
It doesn’t name any particular candidate.
When I saw your comment, I thought you were from TX! Now I found out you were!
LOL. Yeah, sort of.
The left and the muslims would love to turn opinion into hate speech....If you agree with them OK if not your talking hate speech....I have seen pictures of the concentration camps the nazi’s had.....that is hate...
Right.
I don’t see any problem with it.
The law from LBJ may be on the books, but it should be challenged and overturned.
From what I understand the law is VERY FUZZY. The IRS has yet to prosecute a case and quietly all dimissed all cases before they go to trial. Pastors are now TRYING to be prosecuted so it can go before the Supreme Court.
Like ALL mosques do, along with their madrassas, and still push Obama.
Great little church. visited a couple of weeks ago and the sign was up. Heard a great sermon too! recommend anyone stop by when they are in the area. Service times are on the sign. :-)
What does a "non-profit" mean ?
If it means that the church is a 501(c)(3) organization, then the statement is unsubstantiated with reference to this particular church.
As a general statement, it is untrue, because :
1. Not all churches are 501(c)(3) 2. There is no law requiring any church to have 501(c)(3) status. 3. Under the First Amendment, Congress can make NO law requiring churches to either be incorporated or have 501(c)(3) status, or any other status with any federal bureaucracy. 4. There is no law requiring a church to be "non-profit" in the eyes of government, if "non-profit" means something other than (501(c)(3).
Many churches here got political statements — the only pro obama message was on a gay church.
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