Separation of Decent Values and State
Jack Kemp
In Newt Gingrich's book "To Save America: Stopping Obama's Secular Socialist Machine," there is a discussion of some of the practical aspects of the secular states war on churches (and other religious institutions).
On pages 279-280, Newt gives us some modern history:
"In 1954, when then-Senator Lyndon Johnson wanted to silence opposition from some non-profit groups, he attached an amendment to a bill that prohibited non-profits from engaging in political activities. The bill passed.
Since then, the secularists have used that law to convince churches and their leaders that they cannot be involved in politics. So for over four decades, many churches have been silent and uninvolved.
SECTION OMITTED
Pastors for most of America's history were the thought and opinion leaders of the nation. But today, too many have confined themselves and their cultural influence within the walls of their churches. That must end.
SECTION OMITTED
Churches are uniquely deemed non-profit by definition. Every election year, the secular advocacy grup People United for the Separation of Church and State sends letters to pastors warning them their not-for-profit status could be revoked if they talk about political issues or get involved in elections. But that letter is pure intimidation that stands on thin legal precedent. No church in America has ever lost its non-profit status. Not one."
END OF QUOTE
Near the end of this discussion, on page 282, Newt includes some legal clarification:
"A couple of precautions: under current law, churches cannot endorse candidates but pastors can, if done correctly.
Politicians can speak to the congregation but they cannot ask people to vote for them. To find out what churches can and cannot do legally, contact either Liberty Council (www.lc.org) or the Alliance Defense Fund (www.alliancedefensefund.org). If a church is threatened, these groups can provide the legal defense, usually pro bono."
END OF QUOTE
Newt also urges churches and synagogues to conduct voter registration drives, pass out forms on Sunday, collect them and take them to the local registrar's office. He then urges churches to address current issues from a faith based perspective in sermons. www.unitedinpurpose.org and http://restoreamerica.net/resources/pastors-pulpits-politics/ have more information on this. He also urges churches to make voter guides available dealing with the issues that effect the congregation. www.Wallbuilders.com produces them.
After George Washington added "So Help Me God" to the Presidential Oath while being sworn in for the first time, he walked over to St. Paul's Chapel on lower Broadway in Manhattan to pray. You can still see the George Washington Pew today in person and here: http://www.nydailynews.com/gal-1776-4-jpg-1.46766
Bringing the world of faith more to politics is a type of diversity the left never dreamed about. It's time to add more diversity of thought to our secular political society. We should no longer be shamed into silence by "sophisticated intelligencia" who hypocritically see nothing wrong with sermons that support political hatred of America. We do not have to endure a Seperation of Decent Values and State.
In Newt Gingrich's book "To Save America: Stopping Obama's Secular Socialist Machine," there is a discussion of some of the practical aspects of the secular states war on churches (and other religious institutions).
On pages 279-280, Newt gives us some modern history:
"In 1954, when then-Senator Lyndon Johnson wanted to silence opposition from some non-profit groups, he attached an amendment to a bill that prohibited non-profits from engaging in political activities. The bill passed.
Since then, the secularists have used that law to convince churches and their leaders that they cannot be involved in politics. So for over four decades, many churches have been silent and uninvolved.
SECTION OMITTED
Pastors for most of America's history were the thought and opinion leaders of the nation. But today, too many have confined themselves and their cultural influence within the walls of their churches. That must end.
SECTION OMITTED
Churches are uniquely deemed non-profit by definition. Every election year, the secular advocacy grup People United for the Separation of Church and State sends letters to pastors warning them their not-for-profit status could be revoked if they talk about political issues or get involved in elections. But that letter is pure intimidation that stands on thin legal precedent. No church in America has ever lost its non-profit status. Not one."
END OF QUOTE
Near the end of this discussion, on page 282, Newt includes some legal clarification:
"A couple of precautions: under current law, churches cannot endorse candidates but pastors can, if done correctly.
Politicians can speak to the congregation but they cannot ask people to vote for them. To find out what churches can and cannot do legally, contact either Liberty Council (www.lc.org) or the Alliance Defense Fund (www.alliancedefensefund.org). If a church is threatened, these groups can provide the legal defense, usually pro bono."
END OF QUOTE
Newt also urges churches and synagogues to conduct voter registration drives, pass out forms on Sunday, collect them and take them to the local registrar's office. He then urges churches to address current issues from a faith based perspective in sermons. www.unitedinpurpose.org and http://restoreamerica.net/resources/pastors-pulpits-politics/ have more information on this. He also urges churches to make voter guides available dealing with the issues that effect the congregation. www.Wallbuilders.com produces them.
After George Washington added "So Help Me God" to the Presidential Oath while being sworn in for the first time, he walked over to St. Paul's Chapel on lower Broadway in Manhattan to pray. You can still see the George Washington Pew today in person and here: http://www.nydailynews.com/gal-1776-4-jpg-1.46766
Bringing the world of faith more to politics is a type of diversity the left never dreamed about. It's time to add more diversity of thought to our secular political society. We should no longer be shamed into silence by "sophisticated intelligencia" who hypocritically see nothing wrong with sermons that support political hatred of America. We do not have to endure a Seperation of Decent Values and State.
posted by Timothy Birdnow | 9:57 AM
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