General Discussion

progree

(13,061 posts)

105. Churches are allowed to preach & advocate on the issues. But not for or against a specific candidate

Sun Sep 16, 2012, 02:07 PM

Sep 2012

So a church may speak out for civil rights (e.g. black churches) or for or against gay marriage or socialism or deficit spending or free birth control pills or any other generic issue. But not for or against any candidate or political party.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/09/13/good-question-are-churches-allowed-to-say-vote-yes-or-vote-no/

That said, the church bulletin was so obviously advocating against Obama, even if it didn't say "Obama", that yes, you should send it to the IRS. And Americans United For Separation for Church and State -- au.org. I am a member of the latter and love their "Church and State" magazine which is all online. They seem to have a ton of resources, they get involved in almost everything relative to church-state separation.

On Edit: added a space in the title to separate 2 words run together.

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Just came home from church and we are furious! [View all] spartan61 Sep 2012 OP

Thank you for taking positive action Frances Sep 2012 #1

gen.disc. kardonb Sep 2012 #73

It seems a little odd that... Ned_Devine Sep 2012 #175

It makes me wonder if the priest even knows about it. TexasBushwhacker Sep 2012 #195

The priest knows it now. pittipat Sep 2012 #255

I would wonder about the identity of the author. xmas74 Sep 2012 #219

Save the bulletin, and send it to the IRS. progressivebydesign Sep 2012 #2

Bingo! Send that thing in. That Church should pay taxes ProfessionalLeftist Sep 2012 #22

Bingo & Propaganda $$$=Taxes Astazia Sep 2012 #225

I second that emotion! nt raccoon Sep 2012 #29

ProPublica "IRS Whistle Blower" saidsimplesimon Sep 2012 #52

Welcome to the DU! icymist Sep 2012 #228

Yes indeed. Report, report, report. xxqqqzme Sep 2012 #69

I haven't attended church for about 6 years. dotymed Sep 2012 #240

That was exactly what I was going to say. avebury Sep 2012 #123

Yes! they can also mzteris Sep 2012 #140

Report the to the IRS and send them a copy of the letter. nt nanabugg Sep 2012 #161

OK, this is a bad thing but... ryan_cats Sep 2012 #200

I don't think this is the place to discuss theology. KitSileya Sep 2012 #226

I second that one tavalon Sep 2012 #211

Remember the Episcopal Church in Pasadena? SleeplessinSoCal Sep 2012 #224

Send that bulletin to the IRS. They're not allowed MineralMan Sep 2012 #3

Very good idea riverbendviewgal Sep 2012 #5

And let the church know that you're doing it! arcane1 Sep 2012 #104

Beat me to it. And I hope they follow your advise. 20score Sep 2012 #115

That's exactly what I would do!! B Calm Sep 2012 #199

Seems over the line to me. earthside Sep 2012 #4

yes a copy 2pooped2pop Sep 2012 #71

Or pick up another copy JHB Sep 2012 #101

You are right to take action. Thank you! nt Tennessee Gal Sep 2012 #6

Yes they are. ForgoTheConsequence Sep 2012 #7

I think it should be turned in anyway. They are immune if we don't sop them. The Wielding Truth Sep 2012 #72

Good For You. gholtron Sep 2012 #8

Fuck writing to the priest (pardon my french); write to the IRS instead. MADem Sep 2012 #9

Write the IRS, cc the priest Mponti Sep 2012 #93

And a letter to the editor PatSeg Sep 2012 #97

Agreed Sherman A1 Sep 2012 #107

Yes....and picture the priest pooping his pants when he opens the letter! nt MADem Sep 2012 #178

I read this thread, mailed it to a friend... piddled a bit and when I recced it a few minutes 2on2u Sep 2012 #10

You're not alone. rug Sep 2012 #11

edited comment Duppers Sep 2012 #146

Political pulpiteering drives me up the wall. Radio fundies run propaganda from ministers, IRS won't UTUSN Sep 2012 #12

hell heaven05 Sep 2012 #26

The IRS probably won't do anything about it, but Kalidurga Sep 2012 #13

I agree! Send the bulletin to the IRS! citizen blues Sep 2012 #30

Sometimes you just gotta get mad! lunatica Sep 2012 #14

The Catholic Church operates as a socialist institution on the clerical level. Cleita Sep 2012 #15

Thank you for posting... SoapBox Sep 2012 #16

The church is the best example of "socialism". Grey Sep 2012 #17

second that motion to send it to IRS and the state dept of Revenue pasto76 Sep 2012 #18

And tell them you won't be donating to them because CJCRANE Sep 2012 #19

One time I was sitting way too up front near the altar and the priest went on and on about birth monmouth Sep 2012 #20

I left the church in 1969 because of birth control. A priest told me to take valium to virgogal Sep 2012 #143

If action was taken on regular basis, this would stop. Thinkingabout Sep 2012 #21

Supposed to be separation of church and state in this country, so PLEASE LibGranny Sep 2012 #23

Some Catholics told me similar stories around here in 2004. patrice Sep 2012 #24

The Church was none to happy with Kerry's stance on birth control and pro choice. unapatriciated Sep 2012 #133

Sigh . . . the politically naive get so USED!! & FAIL on so much else besides their own narrow patrice Sep 2012 #152

Oddly enough, the Church never seemed to care that Giuliani and eridani Sep 2012 #157

When they decided to go political, they went straight, without a blink, into the gutter. Disgusting. freshwest Sep 2012 #25

Great post. Thank you! classof56 Sep 2012 #66

I would send the bulletin to the media... CoffeeCat Sep 2012 #27

Beware.. That one can backfire. defacto7 Sep 2012 #53

Could you give us the name of the church and the city? MineralMan Sep 2012 #28

If you Google spartan61 Sep 2012 #57

Thank you! MineralMan Sep 2012 #61

Good it's a pdf so that it can be saved on various computers for posterity. n/t progressivebydesign Sep 2012 #68

OK. Got it. This is a Email that is being circulated by an MineralMan Sep 2012 #76

Including it into the bulletin, though, may be an issue. progressivebydesign Sep 2012 #86

It might, but probably not. MineralMan Sep 2012 #96

Maybe the church can be asked if they knew what they were publishing CitizenPatriot Sep 2012 #151

I suspect the church member will have to take it up with the MineralMan Sep 2012 #154

Other sightings m.a.h. Sep 2012 #149

Gray-Haired Brigade- Provided as a free service by Tom Hoefling - tomhoefling@gmail.com SelfGover crunch60 Sep 2012 #172

You can even save it as a pdf file which might be handy if avebury Sep 2012 #130

Thanks for the info.....this is disgusting.... fadedrose Sep 2012 #190

Ah, we are practically neighbors. I am just north of Ocala. KathieG Sep 2012 #192

Rick Santorum catholicism rsweets Sep 2012 #31

People should raise their hand and ask questions in church. pwb Sep 2012 #32

Contact Americans United For Separation Of Church and State Turk 182 Sep 2012 #33

Thank you for this suggestion. spartan61 Sep 2012 #60

you're welcome nt Turk 182 Sep 2012 #80

Socialism redwhiteblue Sep 2012 #34

They Don't Care About What Jesus Taught StevePaulson Sep 2012 #35

Republican = Opposite of Christian paulwarnerwarrior Sep 2012 #83

naw, not glenn beck newspeak Sep 2012 #218

Write to the IRS and provide the proof that they need their tax exempt status revoked. nt Bernardo de La Paz Sep 2012 #36

Scan the bulliten and post it on the net itsrobert Sep 2012 #37

+1 Vinnie From Indy Sep 2012 #40

Most churches publish their bulletin in PDF format MineralMan Sep 2012 #54

Is this some kind of RW meme? antiquie Sep 2012 #38

That is the same article!! spartan61 Sep 2012 #51

This must be sent to the IRS and copy riverbendviewgal Sep 2012 #70

Plagiarism. That needs to be pointed out to his parishioners. alfredo Sep 2012 #79

On Monday - be sure to mention plagiarism ThoughtCriminal Sep 2012 #87

This tells me they are getting some of their bulletin reports from a central source. Cleita Sep 2012 #99

More likely, this was sent to this parish church MineralMan Sep 2012 #111

Yup. It's circulating, and will peak right around election time. MineralMan Sep 2012 #100

When I google a line from that article, I get 73,000 results. drm604 Sep 2012 #103

Yup. It's circulating widely. It's a planned viral distribution MineralMan Sep 2012 #112

Is that the same Eugene Bernascone who wrote this? JohnnyRingo Sep 2012 #216

That is just so sick antiquie Sep 2012 #237

I believe it's just hilariously clumsy sentence structure. JohnnyRingo Sep 2012 #242

Of course. Discriminatory patriarchal monarchies always speak out against equality and fairness. geckosfeet Sep 2012 #39

Yeah and I'd add that if people are pro-life they need to be even more against treestar Sep 2012 #41

Europe Planning to Tax the Vatican dynasaw Sep 2012 #42

Good. I would love to see a separate thread about this if you have some smirkymonkey Sep 2012 #56

For historical fun, make your complaint in the form of 95 theses... backscatter712 Sep 2012 #43

Good for you for taking action mountain grammy Sep 2012 #44

Does the Catholic Church still fund the Catholic Charities program? justiceischeap Sep 2012 #45

That I don't know; but the Catholic church does get faith-based gov. funds, like socialism. freshwest Sep 2012 #198

Demand the hypocrites collar. nt Snotcicles Sep 2012 #46

Whatever happened to "The Catholic Worker" and Dorothy Day? Chorophyll Sep 2012 #47

Turn them into the IRS. Baitball Blogger Sep 2012 #48

Make lots of copies of that bulletin! PearliePoo2 Sep 2012 #49

Send the writer of that bulletin some fact checking of Lyan's speeches and ask him why those do not Overseas Sep 2012 #50

We're joining a Franciscan Church that is attacking the R/R budget mmonk Sep 2012 #55

Thanks for posting this. indivisibleman Sep 2012 #58

remember the Bishop Sheridan who wanted to excommunicate Obama voters in 08'.. that's my guy... trailmonkee Sep 2012 #59

Was he the same one that refused to let Kerry have communion in 2004?? progressivebydesign Sep 2012 #84

i think so trailmonkee Sep 2012 #138

sorry you had to lose your church marions ghost Sep 2012 #166

I am right with you clydefrand Sep 2012 #62

I haven't been back to Church or sent in a donation Roselma Sep 2012 #63

Save the bulletin. Proof that their church should lose their tax exemption.. Auntie Bush Sep 2012 #64

Everyone tithes and pays together for the parish's expenses so why isn't he against that? Lex Sep 2012 #65

This is why I'm 150% against religion and politics mixing. Initech Sep 2012 #67

You need to send this to the IRS-The only way we have to combat the political messaging in Churches jillan Sep 2012 #74

The Catholic bishops need to read this thread jsr Sep 2012 #75

Excellent action. Religious people in other countries can't do that without becoming a target of jody Sep 2012 #77

Just read it on their site and saved the pdf. "the LIKES of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi" progressivebydesign Sep 2012 #78

How about that socialist, Jesus, eh? What a season! MrMickeysMom Sep 2012 #81

Another parish did that and I think their diocese made them issue a retraction. Tigress DEM Sep 2012 #82

Last time I went to a Catholic Church the priest called me a heretic. classof56 Sep 2012 #85

I would consider that a compliment Major Nikon Sep 2012 #177

Now that you put it that way, yeah...I'll take it as a compliment, given the church's history. classof56 Sep 2012 #193

This message was self-deleted by its author bupkus Sep 2012 #88

Here's what else you can do... begin_within Sep 2012 #89

If the Church wants to intervene in the The Wizard Sep 2012 #90

I know what you mean. It's the same reason I cannot go to the Baptist congregation at the end davidwparker Sep 2012 #91

My great-grandfather was Catholic, and also a huge supporter of FDR. NYC Liberal Sep 2012 #92

How does it work Mariana Sep 2012 #169

An extra Benjamin directly in the priest's pocket, maybe? NYC Liberal Sep 2012 #174

What a family Cha Sep 2012 #171

Send a copy of it to the local paper. HopeHoops Sep 2012 #94

Be sure to mention.... AlbertCat Sep 2012 #95

Here is a link. pangaia Sep 2012 #98

I.E.--Violation of Church and State Clause of the U.S. Constitution... LovingA2andMI Sep 2012 #102

Churches are allowed to preach & advocate on the issues. But not for or against a specific candidate progree Sep 2012 #105

Your donation is not as big as the GOP's donation. Festivito Sep 2012 #106

I left the Catholic Church many years ago titaniumsalute Sep 2012 #108

link to irs rules for tax exempt d_r Sep 2012 #109

Understand your anger but in context it�s caused by a portion of the program attributed to the Gray jody Sep 2012 #110

I just emailed that ignorant church pangaia Sep 2012 #113

Remember to include jonthebru Sep 2012 #114

My wife and I sympathize... rwsanders Sep 2012 #116

Whatever happened to Charity and Mercy? Spitfire of ATJ Sep 2012 #117

Religious indignation REK72 Sep 2012 #118

Condolences..... Hulk Sep 2012 #119

Thank you for this beautiful post. spartan61 Sep 2012 #164

Action. I love it. I have done the same thing in the past. Lint Head Sep 2012 #120

I should hope that you also send a copy of the bulletin to the IRS. cstanleytech Sep 2012 #121

Excellent point: They need to lose their tax exemption n/t radhika Sep 2012 #221

Welcome to the world. panzerfaust Sep 2012 #122

Isn't it odd that an agency that is supposed to care about social issues Live and Learn Sep 2012 #124

Scan the sermon, post it here, and we'll all send it to the IRS, so they can't miss it. (nt) Indpndnt Sep 2012 #125

I've had several in-person discussions with a few ministers and priests whom just1voice Sep 2012 #126

What Florida Parish. We had same experience in Florida. pittipat Sep 2012 #127

That was my mom's parish and we had her funeral there.... WCGreen Sep 2012 #144

Good show. Action needs to be taken against that church....................nft plethoro Sep 2012 #128

It would be interesting sulphurdunn Sep 2012 #129

If you could get a list of every church involved, you could take a huge GOP network down MessiahRp Sep 2012 #217

Turn them in to the government. Alduin Sep 2012 #131

I agree with the above, send it to the IRS Warpy Sep 2012 #132

You should also forward a copy to Americans United for Separation of Church & State.... lastlib Sep 2012 #134

no disrespect intended blueknight Sep 2012 #135

This does not surprise me at all. eom tawadi Sep 2012 #136

They think they are empowered because of "relgious tolerance" HockeyMom Sep 2012 #137

Don't forget to let your bishop know vlyons Sep 2012 #139

I Fully Agree! AnnieBW Sep 2012 #141

When Roberts sided for the health care recently go west young man Sep 2012 #142

Its simple.... busterbrown Sep 2012 #145

Using govt. tax dollars to subsidize the church penndragon69 Sep 2012 #147

I'd also copy the piece and send it to the local Newspaper! FirstLight Sep 2012 #148

+1google! - Any and all of them & post it everywhere on the internet with appropriate cites. patrice Sep 2012 #153

Not only are they playing politics, but they're LYING to their parishioners. SunSeeker Sep 2012 #150

You need to write first to the media and then your elected respresentatives and THEN VPStoltz Sep 2012 #155

K&R and kudos to you!!! Rhiannon12866 Sep 2012 #156

Don't let them chase you out! Christ was the original bleeding heart liberal! BarackTheVote Sep 2012 #158

Ask your priest if the war with Iran that Romney Cynicus Emeritus Sep 2012 #159

Good for you!! The Catholic Church has long ago forgotten about separation of crunch60 Sep 2012 #160

Not only should you resign... 99Forever Sep 2012 #162

That's what you get for going to church. naaman fletcher Sep 2012 #163

Amen The Old Creak Sep 2012 #191

!!! femrap Sep 2012 #165

Sorry you had to leave your church marions ghost Sep 2012 #167

Will you be telling your church you will no longer be attending or giving them moeny? Marrah_G Sep 2012 #168

Why do you need some institution to tell you how to think? BlueStreak Sep 2012 #170

+1,000,000,000 Zorra Sep 2012 #238

Been reading the posts.. Cha Sep 2012 #173

Report the church to the IRS liberal N proud Sep 2012 #176

Call the Archbishop and explain that Dyedinthewoolliberal Sep 2012 #179

I also stopped going to church (Methodist) because of all the hate and lies "in the name of Jesus" emsimon33 Sep 2012 #180

Your reaction is a Christian one! Thanks for sharing!! hue Sep 2012 #181

Best yet! pittipat Sep 2012 #182

I left the Catholic church several months ago... 47of74 Sep 2012 #183

Good for you. A change can be just what you need. Ilsa Sep 2012 #184

Good for you for leaving the church. Zoeisright Sep 2012 #185

Don't stop there...... DeSwiss Sep 2012 #186

Exactly why I don't attend church. grr8wine Sep 2012 #187

yup yup.... it's all a mess of politics and greed tomm2thumbs Sep 2012 #253

Do you think the priest would like some mail? fadedrose Sep 2012 #188

I feel your pain but as a Mormon BSUbluNorange Sep 2012 #189

It's time for the catholic church to lose its tax exempt status Doctor_J Sep 2012 #194

Can you scan that and post it on here? eom yawnmaster Sep 2012 #196

Someone else found it and posted it upthread in #38 riderinthestorm Sep 2012 #202

I used to belong to the Catholic church.. cheriemedium59 Sep 2012 #197

Many of us have parted ways with the church, so many churches have become a very negative RKP5637 Sep 2012 #201

Also need to complain to the IRS regarding tax exempt status stature being violated. rasputinkhlyst Sep 2012 #203

Leaving or seeking another parish? demosincebirth Sep 2012 #204

You wouldn't be furious coming home from church...if you didn't go to begin with.... RagAss Sep 2012 #205

Pope John Paul was a socialist Kingofalldems Sep 2012 #206

I left my church over thirty years ago tavernier Sep 2012 #207

And they all said Brainstormy Sep 2012 #208

You should sue him for using your tithings for political partisanship which is clearly Lionessa Sep 2012 #209

I left my parish in 2004 when they told us how to vote on gay marriage. joanbarnes Sep 2012 #210

Welcome to awake. We've missed you. lindysalsagal Sep 2012 #212

Not only that, but Jesus was a socialist dpbrown Sep 2012 #213

It'd be hard to trust anything the local priest says from here on. JohnnyRingo Sep 2012 #214

Take that bulletin STRAIGHT to the IRS RoccoR5955 Sep 2012 #215

Contact the parish priest first and find out if he even knows that this is in the bulletin. xmas74 Sep 2012 #220

If more people react this way, Jack Sprat Sep 2012 #222

"All politics is local" King_Klonopin Sep 2012 #223

I read a good many... GTurck Sep 2012 #227

Leaving the Church... Mapletonian Sep 2012 #229

I just read the bulletin. DippyDem Sep 2012 #230

Don't write the church Hubert Flottz Sep 2012 #231

One of the reasons I left the church. davidthegnome Sep 2012 #232

Tax the churches. TheCowsCameHome Sep 2012 #233

Turn this priest into the Diocese samplegirl Sep 2012 #234

I feel like a good friend has died jrjan1 Sep 2012 #235

I'm sorry that you're hurting. annabanana Sep 2012 #248

Write a letter to your newspaper mgardener Sep 2012 #236

Report it to the archdiocese. I'm serious. Tommy_Carcetti Sep 2012 #239

quite frankly, that church needs a challenge to their tax exemption SemperEadem Sep 2012 #241

Churches in politics articles & press releases from Americans United 4 Separation of Church & State progree Sep 2012 #243

I alerted Americans United For Separation of Church & State to this thread progree Sep 2012 #244

Thank you. spartan61 Sep 2012 #254

Remind your priest that Jesus was a socialist! George II Sep 2012 #245

If I were in your shoes Twofoolsarguing Sep 2012 #246

if the church is against socialism they should stop passing the basket too tk2kewl Sep 2012 #247

Shit in a box and mail it to them. AngryAmish Sep 2012 #249

One parish does not the Catholic Church make BlueInPhilly Sep 2012 #250

I attended a Community Church ... 1StrongBlackMan Sep 2012 #251

Jesus the Christ; The most famous Socialist in history. Egalitarian Thug Sep 2012 #252