As I said earlier, I believe we still have freedom of speech in this country and if a member of the clergy wishes to speak; I may not agree with their position on a particular issue but I will be the first one to defend them of their right.
Now if you have a problem with that; then you should move to China where they don't allow Catholic priests to speak!
2) I have a problem with any protected institution being directly active in politics, this applies to a tax protected church as well as to a tax funded school system, to the officials of that church and to the officials of a teacher's union.
3/a) I would have a problem if the government sought to close down the catholic church, but I doubt if either you or I would feel particular agonies if Santeria were deemed illegal for cruelty to animals. (?/!)
3/b) What's your defense for Voodoo?
4) Pedophile priests being protected by the RC also might claim freedom of association or expression if they were out where someone could get them ... you OK with that one as well?
5) Just remember that Sharpton and Jackson are also 'men of God' - it does not follow that all men of cloth are saints.