Pulpit Freedom Sunday
ABC News reports that almost 100 pastors in the United States planned to take part in the so-called Pulpit Freedom Sunday on September 26. Participating pastors intentionally violated federal tax law by using their pulpits to support specific politicians. The offending pastors realize that their actions risk their church’s tax-exempt status, but felt compelled to take these actions in an effort to reform the law. In accordance with the Alliance Defense Fund, which has organized the event this year and in prior years, the participants will send videotapes of their sermons to the IRS.
So What?
As neither a legal scholar nor a lawyer, I am not in a position to offer an expert opinion as to whether there is any foundation to the claim that the law itself is unconstitutional. As a Christian and as a pastor, I am concerned by the behavior of these sisters and brothers in Christ. Each of the offending entities has chosen to seek and accept tax-exempt status and could voluntarily surrender it at any time if they felt it’s requirements in some way limited their ability to fulfill their mission. Since I have found no reports suggesting these churches want to lose their tax exempt status, I must conclude most if not all wish to retain it. If this is the case, I believe their best way forward in seeking reform is something other than participating in law-breaking activities.
Do you believe the tax law that prohibits pastors from using their pulpits to support specific political candidates is appropriate? Why or why not?
Regardless of your own stance on the issue, what advice would you offer to a church or group of churches who felt the law was unconstitutional or overreaching and who wanted to reform it?