Opinions from around the country

What does the separation of church and state mean? In 1954, Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, D-Texas, pushed an amendment through both houses of Congress that stated “all groups with a nonprofit, tax-exempt status are prohibited from endorsing or opposing candidates.” This amendment was to include churches and other places of worship. Because churches obey this law, they receive a tax break.

This seems like a good deal. Not only do these churches remain removed from political matters, but they also receive tax-exempt status. Nevertheless, several people are pushing to amend this law. Many others who are in support of this change say it is not the job of the IRS to be the “speech police”; allowing these worship centers to speak their mind is only a matter of free speech. This is not a matter a free speech. This is a matter of politics, which is completely different.

Those in favor of allowing political campaigning inside the church are those in politics, not those who have nothing to lose if the law remains the same. In actuality, are those running for office really losing or gaining much by having the church rally behind them? No. All they are gaining is an insignificant number of votes. In return for a church leader supporting a candidate, do these churches want to give up their tax-exempt status?

robably not. The church and other worship centers cannot have it both ways. If the church wanted to support a candidate, it would have to give up its tax-exempt status.
Rev. Ed Young has said, “The religious entities of America need to keep their prophetic voice, and you lose that if you send money to politicians or openly support them during an election.” There is a reason that people attend church — to hear the word of their god and to worship, not to be taught that Candidate X is whom you should vote for. This law is saying that they are not allowed to endorse a candidate inside the church if they want to receive a tax break.

Barry Lynn, the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, makes another valid point: “If we change it, we’re going to see politicians running around seeking support of churches and hoping that they can curry favor with those churches promising them money and favors.” There is a time and place for politics. The church is not one of them.

This editorial comes from The Daily Iowan. This column was distributed by U-Wire.

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TCU Daily Skiff © 2002