NOTE: The city of Houston has issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity or comments related to Annise Parker, the city’s first openly lesbian mayor. Those pastors who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court.The subpoenas are the latest twist in an ongoing saga over Houston’s new non-discrimination ordinance. The law, approved by the city council in June, would among other things, allow men to use the ladies room and vice versa.
After opponents of the bathroom bill filed a lawsuit, the city’s attorneys responded by issuing the subpoenas against the pastors.
The pastors themselves were not part of the lawsuit. However, they were part of a coalition of some 400 Houston-area churches that opposed the ordinance. They represent faith groups from Southern Baptist to non-denominational.
An ADF (Alliance Defending Freedom) attorney suspects the mayor wants to publicly shame the pastors. Among those slapped with a subpoena is Steve Riggle, lead pastor of Grace Community Church. He was ordered to produce all speeches and sermons related to Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality and gender identity. The mega-church pastor was also ordered to hand over “all communications with members of your congregation” regarding the non-discrimination law.
Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, called the actions by Houston’s mayor “obscene” and said they “should not be tolerated.”
*****
It has been repeatedly predicted that the government would one day try to silence American pastors -- that under the guise of “tolerance and diversity” elected officials would attempt to deconstruct religious liberty. That day seems to have arrived sooner than we expected.
Should we remain silent on this? One day the government might come for your pastor - and then for you.
And be blessed.
11 comments:
EVERY Pastor of every denomination from every pulpit should preach on EXACTLY what the Bible says about this subject on the same Sunday all across America. We've stood silent when they removed prayer from our schools, cowered to threatened lawsuits and removed our City Nativity's etc. When will Christians decide it's enough?
I think it's very brave to discuss such a topic.. we as believers cannot and should not be silent. Is it scary to take on such a profound subject, sure, but our job is to share the truth. Right now in Sparta Wisconsin (yep wisconsin) school board members have passed a bill to allow transgender teens to use which ever bathroom they feel they associate with. Another bill like this has also been passed in Janesville I believe. When will we stand up? I just read in Thessalonians 3:4. They told the church they would be persecuted, but the chuch stayed faithful and loved. I pray Christians understand that situations such as this, abortuon and other matters are still very relevant today. Discriminate people absolutely not, Inform people absolutely. Praying for strength for these Pastors, and our Pastors to keep speaking truth and the courage and wisdom to lead the congregations.
I have several questions and opinions on this. First off, I am in favor of marriage equality...just to be forthright. However, I am very much opposed to those questioning their gender identity sharing a restroom with the opposite sex. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that and, definitely, not in any type of school setting, as others have suggested.
It is mind-boggling that our society can bash Christians to the extent that it does. All the while, calling for tolerance for other groups (and I know this will be controversial) such as Muslims and, even, Atheists. Given the millions of believers throughout world, it is incredible how much opposition there is to Biblical principles.
Ok, so here's the question:
From what I read, it seems that there were pastors who were preaching from the pulpit and soliciting signatures to oppose the ordinance.
It is against IRS regulations for a tax-exempt church to engage in partisan politics. I know JC, basically, steers clear of promoting one party or candidate, but other pastors do not shy away. (John Hagee comes to mind) It does seem that Houston is making an example of these pastors, though. Bit by bit, modern society is chipping away at Christian beliefs.
The question is: Do you think that the church should promote or organize for a particular political position or candidate? If so, should they lose their tax-exempt status? How far does separation of church and state go?
I'm looking at it from both sides, although I side with the church. I will say this, though. I would deeply resent my church trying to tell me who to vote for. For me, that would be a deal-breaker.
I can't help but wonder...where does PK, the private citizen (with the right to vote for the candidate they support and have personal opinions)and PK, the pastor meet? Is it acceptable to share your point of view if it's not from the church pulpit? It must be hard to censor yourself. When is someone a friend...or a congregant? One more reason I am glad I am not a 'public figure.'
ANON #1: I think it's a discipline, if not a struggle, to avoid compartmentalizing when it comes to our principles. In your case, respectfully, you are for marriage equality but against those questioning gender from cross-toileting. :) I'm not sure why. There isn't a standard you're using to qualify or value judge those things other than your own personal standard. I just think that's a bit of a problem.
Religious groups have the right to speak out on political and social issues. Federal law, however, prohibits most tax-exempt bodies, including houses of worship, from intervening in elections by endorsing or opposing candidates for public office.
The Alliance Defending Freedom insists that pastors have a right to preach “biblical Truth about candidates and elections from their pulpits. They argue that the IRS policy is an infringement on religious liberty, and that churches are being discriminated against regarding free speech.
As for me, I am not goaded in to supporting individuals from the stage, though many would like me to. I do not refrain due to fear, but am committed to what God tells me to speak about, not men. That said, the principles of the Bible can guide us in these matters, if we listen closely enough.
ANON #2: That 'meeting line' is known only to moi. :) Suffice to say, I DO have strong opinions, but you probably already knew that. Blessings.
Lol...Anon 1 and 2...are the same. :) Hmmmm, I know your 'strong opinion' on marriage equality. Well, here it is...not very scientific or compelling, though. I am all in favor of people in a democracy having equal rights, period. The other part, just to be deep-down honest, I'm not gay, so I don't really want to deal with it in a more personal way. I just don't want a guy in my bathroom. Ummm, sorry...that is my gut level reaction.
As far as IRS guidelines, I do understand that pastors can certainly give sermons on issues and morality. That's what the church is. I was referring to taking a stand on an ordinance or the politician. That was what I got from the articles I read.
I admit, I have a real problem with pastors endorsing any particular candidate. Too many people would be swayed and not use their own critical thinking skills to make an informed decision. Of course, to argue against myself, I suppose that is what political ads are all about. :/ Plenty of people make decisions based on a snapshot of a candidate. Or who is the most likeable.
Lol...instead of 'corporations are people, too',(Citizens United) then 'churches are people, too.' I don't know about that. I know the church members are a flock, but there are too many sheep. Pastors wield too much power. Case in point...I have asked you dozens of times for your advice. I value your help. Do I think you could run our country? No...sorry. Then why should a pastor of a mega-church be able to dictate votes? Oh well...that's just me.
Lastly, yep...I know you have strong opinions! I've heard them every time I asked for your guidance. Not much wiggle-room there...lol.
Oh boy, PK...you have piqued my interest in the matter, being the inquisitive type. I have been reading some of the posts from people on both sides. It is pretty heated. Seriously, I truly do not think that the church has a leg to stand on. If the church wants to take a stand on political issues and candidates, then it should not be tax-exempt. It is a PAC. Before we know it, the church will be contributing to campaigns and lobbying for various candidates. I am not against the church, in any way, shape or form. I just believe that you cannot have it both ways. If 'you' want to lobby on a issue or candidate then 'pay up', like the rest do. Lol...unless you find a loophole or two.
I mean this in all honesty, preach on morality and issues, but leave the politics to the ones who pay taxes. The way I see it, the church cannot have it both ways.
I wonder what your take is, from the other side. I imagine there are plenty of pastors that would see things differently.
PS...I'm not trying to 'beat a dead horse', but you haven't posted anything else...SO....
I'm sorry, PK. I'm not trying to take over your blog. It's just that I ran across a point from the other side that made me really think. It is:
"They are using fear, and question for you, why is ok to go after these churches for preaching what is shown in the Bible, BUT when the Reverend Wright attacked America in his sermons(attended by Obama) we were supposed to blow them off. Churches organize all the time, this a blatant attempt by the mayor of Houston to attack the churches."
That is a very good point. I can't really speak to this...do churches organize all of the time? I have not seen that from JC.
Oh well...this post had some interest for me. I love these meaty subjects of yours.
ANON:
I don't believe the church 'expressing a Biblical thought and opinion' is the same thing as lobbying. The Bible speaks - and we try to say what the Bible says - that doesn't, in my view, put us in the category of violating our tax - exempt status. Morality and 'issues' are Biblical, and they overflow to regular life, even politics. That is kind of my ongoing point about the Gospel and life with Christ. It is not compartmentalized. Believers have opinions on politics because it deeply affects and intersects our lives with Christ. We cannot separate the two.
RE: Reverend Wright -- I don't believe we SHOULD have blown off his attacks against America. I wish people would have risen up more regarding them. Too late, in my view.
This is the statement you made that I think would be an over-reach politically:
"The Alliance Defending Freedom insists that pastors have a right to preach “biblical Truth about candidates and elections from their pulpits."
I think that to support any candidate in particular would be a violation. Of course, we already know that Christians often vote Republican and are, more or less, encouraged to do so. But to explicitly favor a candidate from the pulpit to bodies of believers is lobbying to me.
I agree with you...politics do affect all of our lives...whether we realize that or not. Of course believers have opinions and they should. I just think it is different for pastors with their congregations. Issues and morality, yes...of course. Backing a certain candidate is a whole different category.
I would love to exchange opinions and thoughts on this and politics, in general, but I'm not sure you would.
I will make another point, though. Conservative Christians, overwhelmingly, vote for the Republican Party. The most important issues seem to be abortion and marriage equality. I get that. And I am pro-life, as well. The thing is, Conservatives fight for the right to life for babies, but then, when they are born, work hard to cut any programs to benefit children and families. Also, they fight for life, but then flock to go to war. And Jesus cared for the poor, but Conservative Republicans don't much.
Ok....those are some of my thoughts, but how do pastors decide WHICH issues to preach about? Abortion and marriage equality are givens, but what about ALL of the other things that Jesus cared about? If He were here, would he be a Republican? Many Republican politicians speak of Christian values, but they are no closer to being a devout Christian than I am, with all of my flaws and sins. It is a platform to get elected.
Anyway, those are my opinions. I'm afraid that it isn't completely fair that you may not be as free to discuss it all. Although, I wish you could.
Post a Comment