While religious and moral values play an important role in voters' decisions, the law prohibits church leaders from endorsing political candidates.-
said Pastor Lynn Miller of Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Mill St.
Associate Pastor Steve Knape, also of Christ Lutheran, said, I am free to endorse whoever for president in my free time but I am also a representative of the church and represent the congregation who may not be all of the same opinion.
One religious organization on campus has regulations written in its policy about this topic.
Staff members are asked to not participate in campaigning or representing political parties or nominees in public elections as a function of their position with our ministry
said Brian McCollister, director of staff for Ohio University's Campus Crusade for Christ. As a practice
we completely avoid discussing candidates or their positions in our meetings and ministry functions.
For other religious groups on campus, politics has little importance in their organizations.
The Islamic Center is a place for students to come and pray. We are more focused on religion
said Shani Salifu, president of the Muslim Students Association at OU.
When you are a leader of a diverse group of people
imposing your views on other people might cause internal strife and might have them stop coming to the facility
Shani said.
A representative from Hillel at OU did not return phone calls.
Some groups across the nation are in direct opposition to the code, including members of the Alliance Defense Fund, which supported Pulpit Freedom Sunday on Sept. 28.
According to a news release from the fund, 31 pastors participated and could now be subject to legal action from the federal government. The organization says that this code limits pastors' freedom of speech.
In contrast, Knape added, Nothing is free. We would lose a certain privilege under law if we were to endorse a candidate. If the stakes are as great as (the Alliance Defense Fund) think they are
they should be open to losing their tax exemption status.
Currently, House Bill H.R. 2275 could repeal this section of the Internal Revenue Code. Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) introduced the bill to the House on May 10, 2007, but it has not progressed since that time.
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