Catholic Bishops Anit Obama Column

[purplepaint]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-10-22-irs-catholic-obama_N.htm

I would be interested to know if this same group also has the IRS checking into Rev. Wright's church for his anti American, anti Semitic, and hate filled racists comments he makes during his sermons.

 

[WDWMom]

I'm not even going to pretend I understand politcal laws, but what about freedom of speech for the Bishop?

I'm Catholic and our Priests or Bishops have never encouraged us to vote for a certain candidate. They have told us how the church feels about some of the proposals in MI and how we should vote for them as Catholics, but never arm twisting or guilt about it.

 

[clgwli]

I'm not even going to pretend I understand politcal laws, but what about freedom of speech for the Bishop?

I'm Catholic and our Priests or Bishops have never encouraged us to vote for a certain candidate. They have told us how the church feels about some of the proposals in MI and how we should vote for them as Catholics, but never arm twisting or guilt about it.

Freedom of speech is only good if you are not using your tax-free status as a speaking ground for politics.

I am glad they are looking into this. Politics have absolutely no place in a church. If that guy did all the article said he did then he should get in trouble. They are allowed to talk about propositions but not candidates. The moment they endorse a candidate they are breaking the law.

 

[purplepaint]

I'm not even going to pretend I understand politcal laws, but what about freedom of speech for the Bishop?

I'm Catholic and our Priests or Bishops have never encouraged us to vote for a certain candidate. They have told us how the church feels about some of the proposals in MI and how we should vote for them as Catholics, but never arm twisting or guilt about it.

I agree with you and was wondering the same thing. I do not feel that church is a place todiscuss politics. If my pastor used his sermon to promote a candidate or a party I would get up and leave and find somewhere else to worship.

 

[purplepaint]

Freedom of speech is only good if you are not using your tax-free status as a speaking ground for politics.

I am glad they are looking into this. Politics have absolutely no place in a church. If that guy did all the article said he did then he should get in trouble. They are allowed to talk about propositions but not candidates. The moment they endorse a candidate they are breaking the law.

So shouldn't Rev. Wright also be investigated becuase he to was clearly promoting his political ideas???

 

[rie'smom]

The Bishop was not speaking from the pulpit and he has the freedom to speak his mind. Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press
— First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
— First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

 

[Pigeon]

Freedom of speech is only good if you are not using your tax-free status as a speaking ground for politics.

I am glad they are looking into this. Politics have absolutely no place in a church. If that guy did all the article said he did then he should get in trouble. They are allowed to talk about propositions but not candidates. The moment they endorse a candidate they are breaking the law.

ITA. Stick to religion and leave the politics out of it. Or, feel free to talk politics, but pay taxes on your organization.

The man is certainly entitled to freedom of speech. No one is saying he cannot say what he wants to say. He just can't expect tax-exempt status.

 

[clgwli]

So shouldn't Rev. Wright also be investigated becuase he to was clearly promoting his political ideas???

I admit I was dealing with a family issue during that time. I do not know what went on but if he used his church to promote a person then yes he should be investigated.

Using a website for your church to spout beliefs is the same as preaching from the pulpit as you are using your church to endorse. Our church will not even allow the church meeting rooms that are rented out to others for anything political. That can even risk losing tax-free status.

If the bishop did it among friends in a manner that was not using his status as clergy or using his church it would be fine.

 

[okeydokey]

If a church wants to campaign for a certain person running for election, they should feel free after they have stopped classifying themselves a s tax free institution.

 

[marybet]

I'd like to see all churches pay taxes. Don't understand why they get to be tax exempt.

 

[bicker]

Churches can raise issues and even take stands on issues, with impunity. And the First Amendment means that they can even support specific candidates, but it does not protect their tax-free status if they do. Refraining from supporting specific candidates for office is a requirement of the benefits of tax-free status, a bonus afforded churches by statute in recognition of the public interest -- public interest that is compromised by supporting a specific candidate.