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From LAMPa (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania) ACTIONET Advocates: As Lutheran Christians, we should speak out on this legislation. The measure would change the Internal Revenue Code to remove the tax exempt penalty for houses of worship that use personnel and resources to endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Currently this kind of activity is forbidden by any tax exempt faith based organization. In the Lutheran tradition, we have asserted that it is appropriate for church leaders to speak out on timely, urgent issues on which the prophetic word of the gospel must be heard. We have chosen to advocate for justice and mercy, for human rights, to love the neighbor, to contribute to the common good in public life, and to seek peace where there is conflict. We do not diminish the message of the gospel to accommodate the ways of the world, including political platforms and endorsement of specific candidates. While there is a place within the church for important education on issues of justice, it is totally inappropriate for houses of worship to engage in partisan politics of any kind. Please read the attached ACTION ALERT from Americans United for Separation of Church and State and then contact your member of Congress by following the directions in the alert. Although this bill is in the House, it would be useful to express your opinions to Sen. Arlen Specter via his website at specter.senate.gov, and Sen. Rick Santorum at santorum.senate.gov. For more information, contact Joseph Conn, Rob Boston, or Steve Benen at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, 202-466-3234 telephone; 202-466-2587 fax; or www.au.org. Kathleen Daugherty and Craig Staller |
