In theory/Bevery Craig

CNN reported on Sunday, Sept. 28, that roughly 30 pastors across the United Sates would be “preaching politics” from the pulpit, a clear violation of tax laws prohibiting churches and other tax exempt entities from participating in political campaigns on behalf of candidates. Is it right for pastors to preach politics from the pulpit? And by endorsing a particular candidate over another, do pastors risk creating rifts within their congregations, when their goal should be to promote unity in their churches? Have you preached politics from the pulpit during any of your sermons?

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the United States Bill of Rights that expressly prohibits the United States Congress from making laws “respecting an establishment of religion” or that prohibit the free exercise of religion, laws that infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, limit the right to peaceably assemble, or limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Campaign seasons bring allegations that members of the clergy have crossed a line set out in a 1954 amendment to the tax code — a document separate from the First Amendment — that says nonprofit, tax-exempt entities may not “participate in, or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.”

In Proverbs 29:11, we find “A fool uttereth all his mind, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” In other words — and in my humble opinion — a pastor’s responsibility is to encourage members of his/her congregation to keep their own counsel and to not be persuaded by anyone else’s opinion.

Our faith tradition (United Centers for Spiritual Living) discourages political statements from the pulpit. Federal Law does prohibit church campaigning on behalf of a candidate; however, the law does not prohibit clergy from speaking out on social issues. Still, depending upon an individual’s political affiliation and personal belief system, even social issues can be controversial.

Members of our congregation range from liberal left to conservative right. Speaking from the pulpit on any political issue is something I just won’t even consider. Our quest is to help individuals evolve spiritually — period. Their political convictions are their own personal business.

BEVERLY G. CRAIG is pastor of La Crescenta Center for Spiritual Living.