Posted on 03/23/2005 2:46:19 PM PST by Crackingham
Pastors or other church leaders could use their pulpits to endorse political candidates under a controversial bill backed by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.
Currently, if churches make endorsements they can jeopardize their tax-exempt status.
"This bill will finally lift the fear and anxiety from houses of worship that seek to speak out on issues that affect the local community and our nation," Brownback said during a recent Capitol Hill press conference.
The bill would allow pastors and ministers to endorse candidates, but churches still would be prohibited from spending money on a candidate's campaign if they want to retain their tax-exempt status.
Not yet introduced, the Senate bill is expected to mirror HR 235, the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C.
"Senator Brownback has been very supportive," said Jones' press secretary, Kristen Quigley. "His staff has been meeting with our staff to see what the next best step to take is -- that step has not been decided yet."
Quigley said three similar Jones-introduced bills have failed in the past.
"The congressman feels this is going to pass this year," she said. "The concerns that have come up in the past have been addressed. The language has been fine-tuned."
Good for Brownback.
This should be named the "ACLU Perpetual Litigation Act."
More than ever, Churches need to speak out on matters political.
With Terri's life hanging in the balance and millions of babies slaughtered every year, church leaders have a moral obligation to direct their flocks for and against candidates.
Well done, senator Brownback!
Why do we usually see the latest democratic candidate speaking from pulpits at black churches?
Get rid of the double standard and let Conservative Pastors speak.
Did Jesus say, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's" unless Congress provides a way of escape?
Any church that thinks it's being "silenced" by the tax laws is actually showing a lack of faith that the Lord can and will provide for its every need even after taxes are paid.
No reason he should do otherwise. Prior to LBJ churches could Preach without fear of losing their 501-C-3 status.
Know one or two Preachrs yet today who preach without fear or appology. And the Black AIM churches that were so popular with Clinton and Gore never seemed to have any
problem endorsing Democrats.why should it be one sided?
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