Constitutional separation of church and press
Copyright 2004 Ben S. Pollock
Monday, July 26, 2004: I want to toss an endorsement to the defense of the First Baptist Church of Springdale and its senior pastor, Ronnie Floyd. An self-proclaimed do-gooder group is trying to sic the IRS against them, citing church-state separation, because Floyd in a sermon subtly endorsed the re-election of George II.
I did not know about these tax rules before. I now can see a need for some form of them so that political groups do not hide under the skirts of religious freedom (and tax exemption) in the United States of America, and understand there must always have been some form of regulation like this.
But, come on. Any minister of any faith should have complete freedom of speech, from the pulpit or electronically or street corner. Houses of religion don’t do enough to encourage political and social participation among citizens. Floyd and the megachurch he runs — with which I proudly have little in common — must have the freedom to be a full part of this country.
My childhood memories of reading the old Arkansas Gazette as well as Time, Life etc. include reading about stunning speeches from the pulpit against the Vietnam War and supporting civil rights, Sloane Coffin, Berrigan, M.L. King. …
We need more of that now.
Why didn’t Dr. Floyd just clearly endorse Bush instead of showing his photo on a big screen? If you’re going to get busted, man, light all the fireworks.
Jesse Jackson did. Heck, so did Gerald L.K. Smith. Use the pulpit fully, that is. -30-
