[pnh102]

While I do agree with this law, the fact that it has only been enforced against conservative Christians and not others, particularly certain black anti-USA pastors and certain priests who knowingly harbor illegals, it should be declared unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment.

Oh wait, we've been waiting for hate crime laws to be nullified under that amendment too. I guess that amendment is irrelevant too.

[GourmetDan]

"While I do agree with this law..."

You shouldn't.

Restrictions on of freedom of speech and religion guarantees of the 1st Amendment is an unintended consequence of the 16th Amendment. The power to tax is the power to destroy. Witness the exhorbitant taxes on drugs. Just another tool to increase criminal penalities. Threats of being subject to taxation is enough to stifle churches from freedom of speech.

Have you ever considered why freedom of speech and freedom of religion are *both* in the 1st Amendment *together*! Because political speech from the pulpit was normal behavior at the founding of our nation. How else to societal issues get aired? A controlled media? That's a joke. No, churches with freedom to speak politically are the only defense against a federal govt gone wild.

Repeal the 16th Amendment and let people have the freedom of speech and religion that the Bill of Rights guarantees.

[tbw2]

If this rule was truly in effect, both Clinton in 1992-2000 and Obama in 2008 wouldn’t have been allowed to stand at the pulpit of black churches and espouse their propaganda.

[Arthur McGowan]

This law came into being in 1956, when LBJ sought to silence 501(c)3 organizations. Before that, there was NO IRS surveillance of sermons for political content. This silencing of preachers flies in the face of the First Amendment. Of course, John McCain can be depended on to defend the First Amendment!!!

[phillyfanatic]

Perhaps if a Democrat were to lead the battle, the IRS would drop dead over shock that a liberal church , churches, have been doing this since Martin Luther King’s days. There never have been any consequences. But, a Dem leading the charge, who would have thunk it? During our Revolution, pastors talked politics all the time.

[savedbygrace]

While I do agree with this law,

Why? Please defend your position on this issue.

[LiteKeeper]

Where does it say that a tax-exempt status trumps free speech? Historically, an entire community would gather at the courthouse on election day. The local preachers would preach on the various issues to be decided on, and then everyone would go to the polling places and vote.

In an effort to silence political opposition, Lyndon Johnson was able to attach an amendment to a bill that put an end to that.

Isn't it interesting that only "religious" 501(c)3 organizations are silenced. All others are able to say whatever they want. And isn't it interesting that only white churches are investigated...particularly those of the conservative, or republican persuasion. Black churches, and those associated with dimoRATS have free reign to say what they want.

[RochesterFan]

As a 'conservative evangelical', I believe it is a misuse of the pulpit to endorse any candidate. The focus of the message from the pulpit should be the exposition of the Word of God, emphasizing the the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That said, the Scriptures do teach that we should pray for all our leaders and to "render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." I submit that one can legitimately proclaim from pulpit that a conscientious believer would examine the positions of the available candidates, comparing them to what is taught in the Scriptures. One should then cast one's ballot accordingly.