Churches and their pastors should be able to freely speak - from a Scriptural basis - on political matters without improper regulation by the government. However, since 1954, the government has been
improperly regulating our nation's churches.
In 1954, the U.S. Congress amended IRS Code 501(c)3 without debate or analysis to restrict the speech of non-profit, tax-exempt entities, including churches. So, for the last 54 years, out of fear of losing their tax-exempt status, our nation's pastors and priests have largely remained silent. Rather than risk confrontation, pastors have often self-censored their speech, ignoring blatant immorality in government. Those pastors who have longed to be relevant to society, to preach the Gospel in a way that has meaning in modern America, have studiously avoided discussion of much that has gone on in every tumultuous election season lest they draw wrath from the IRS.
So, who decides what a church can talk about? Right now, according to this IRS regulation, the government does. But if we let our government mark "political issues" as off-limits today, then tomorrow the forbidden subjects will be "politically-correct" topics like homosexual behavior and abortion. This Initiative is simply about overturning an unconstitutional regulation.
John and Gwen Mecklenburg are among the now thousands of people who have heard about the Pulpit Initiative. Long time supporters of ADF, the San Diego, California, couple says they are thrilled to see this ministry do something proactive about this problem.
"Leadership is about doing what you think is right, making an effective plan and executing it," said John Mecklenburg. "I commend these attorneys, because they're doing something different. If they're getting some heat for it, I understand."
Some have questioned the motives behind this Initiative, and we welcome those questions. They have simple answers.
Our goal is simply to restore a right pastors have always had since the birth of our country, one that was ripped away only in the last few decades. Our goal is
not to make churches political or encourage pastors to advocate one particular point of view. Many church members don't want their pastors talking about those issues, either. That is fair, but most Christians can agree that this decision should be made by the pastor and the church... not the IRS.
"It's increasingly been on my heart that our pastors need to be much bolder than they have been in the past," said Gwen Mecklenburg. "We've allowed ourselves to be painted into this little corner—this nice little Christian bubble—and we don't want to go outside and step on anyone's toes. Hello! Our corner's getting smaller and smaller and pretty soon, it's going away. So, it is time to do something on the offensive. We need to reclaim our territory!"
That is exactly what participating pastors from across the country plan to do this Sunday, September 28. From their pulpits, they will advise their congregation what Scripture says about today's issues and apply those issues to the candidates vying for your vote, just like their predecessors. For 166 years, pastors spoke freely from the pulpit, applying Biblical truth to all facets of American life, including even the moral qualifications of candidates for office.
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Politics affects our lives, whether you want to admit it or not," said John. "It affects our lives tremendously. I think a pastor should be able to speak freely from the pulpit. I think he should be able to endorse a candidate, based on the Biblical perspective of where that candidate stands on the issues facing society."
What we are saying – all we're saying – is that what a pastor does and does not talk about is an issue to be worked out between himself and his congregation. Pastors should have the freedom to teach the entire counsel of God's Word without government intrusion. This insistence goes to the very heart of the First Amendment.
Many Americans' attitudes and actions toward slavery, child labor, civil rights, and even the American Revolution itself started in the pews of our nation's churches. As pastors preached and taught Biblical principles related to those issues and evaluated the politicians who promoted or decried them, their parishioners could decide their own stance in light of Scripture.
"I trust the attorneys at ADF," adds Gwen. "I am confident that the decision was bathed in prayer and discussed thoroughly with every possible permutation and ramification explored. If they feel it's a prudent move and a winnable battle, then I totally support them in it."
We are not entering into this battle haphazardly. The Pulpit Initiative was launched after much research, discussion, and prayer. This
is the right thing to do. We will fight this battle because it is the right thing to do. Our pastors and priests should be able to use their knowledge of Scripture to advise us in all areas of life, even in politics.
"My pastor should have the right to speak about any particular issue that he deems is appropriate based upon it being an issue he can derive from the Bible," said John. "Which is pretty much
every issue that exists out there."
By God's grace, we will win this battle, but we cannot do it alone. We need your prayers, your support, and the Lord's blessing and protection.
Have more questions about the Pulpit Initiative? Please visit
http://www.telladf.org/church for more information or to send a note in support of the pastors participating in Pulpit Freedom Sunday.