PULPIT FREEDOM 

May 2008

 According to the May 17 Oklahoman, "A Christian legal group has launched an initiative for pastors to challenge IRS rules that prevent them from discussing political candidates from the pulpit. The Alliance Defense Fund said that its "Pulpit Freedom Sunday" set for Sept. 28 will challenge use of IRS allegations to "intimidate" pastors from speaking about political candidates."  The articles goes to quote Erik Stanley, a sr legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, who says, “Pastors have a right to speak about biblical values from the pulpit without fear of punishment.”  The article also mentions that Americans for Separation of Church & State will oppose this. 

When I was a young pastor, I worked for a type A pastor who said he no longer spoke about political things from the pulpit because it divided the congregation. He recommended encouraging people to vote & to pray for those elected. That seemed wise, & so I adopted that as my policy during an election season.  I do preach on controversial things sometimes. But during an election season, I do not endorse my candidate from the pulpit.  I recall during one presidential election, at a pastors meeting one pastor passed out a brochure entitled, "A vote for _____ ______ is a vote for the devil." He claimed he knew how God wanted people to vote, & it just so happened that God's candidate was his personal choice as well! :) 

As a pastor, I want to serve & care for Democrats, Republicans, & Independents in our congregation.  Recommending my favorite candidate will endear me to those who agree with me & push away those with differing views. I do preach on issues that have a Biblical basis, & try to present both sides of an issue.  I tell people to vote because I see that as a civic duty. But when I prepare a sermon, I have to base it on Scripture, & keep my personal opinions, including politics, to myself.  Biblical based sermons build up believers more than preachers' political opinions. 

I am leery of government telling religious leaders what to say or not say. But I am also leery of religious leaders who slip their personal political opinions into public sermons.  I believe we pastors should preach Biblical values to our congregations, & let the voters vote their conscience. 

What do you say?  Should preachers give political opinions & endorse specific candidates from the pulpit?  Should pastors have complete "pulpit freedom?"  Call me or email me at jrschreurs@juno.com.

Pastor Randy