Weighing in on Prop. 8

Politics at local pulpits becoming a hot issue

Religious leaders are taking a firmer stand than they ever have on political issues this year, from the presidential election down to state ballot measures.

In Lodi, some evangelical pastors are asking their congregation to vote for Proposition 8, which would limit marriage in California to a man and a woman. In 2007, pastors spoke out against a cardroom opening on Cherokee Lane in Lodi, and in previous years they actively spoke out against sex-related businesses.

And for several years, Christian Community Concerns has issued a "voter's guide" in which local candidates give their views on moral issues like homosexuality and abortion.

Churches risk losing their tax-exempt status if they endorse specific candidates, but they are legally permitted to speak up on ballot measures such as Proposition 8.

Christian Community Concerns is leading the effort to spread the word about Proposition 8, urging pastors to promote the measure that would toss out the California Supreme Court's ruling in May that overturned a law banning gay marriage.

Violating federal law by endorsing candidates from the pulpit could be costly because churches rely on their nonprofit status to solicit contributions from their congregation.

Law professor John Sims, of McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, says the law is quite reasonable.

"The government provides churches a large subsidy in tax-exempt status," Sims said. "If I give $1,000 to my church and I'm in the 20 percent tax bracket, it only costs me $800, and the government pays $200."

However, Sims doesn't see any problem with ballot measures such as Proposition 8 because churches already discuss moral issues like the death penalty, nuclear war, nuclear disarmament and poverty.

Lodi-area religious leaders' opinions vary on churches' roles in politics, aside from a general statement that people should go out and vote. Here is a sample:

Sister Terry Davis, Stockton Catholic Diocese: Advertisements supporting Proposition 8 are included in church bulletins, and the diocese has given priests ideas for homilies to support the measure. The diocese has also taken positions supporting Proposition 4 (parental notification of minor's abortion) and opposing Proposition 6 (law enforcement funding, criminal penalties).

David Hill, Grace Presbyterian Church: When it comes to a ballot measure like Proposition 8, he would most likely not address it at the pulpit, but if he did, both sides of the issue would be covered. If the congregation wants to talk about an issue, the church could discuss it in Sunday school or a separate forum so that there can be full dialogue. Speaking from the pulpit is a monologue, not a dialogue, so he prefers not to speak from the pulpit.

Frank Nolton, New Hope Community Church: Has addressed Proposition 8 in his newsletter. On Sundays, he preaches the Bible verse-by-verse, book-by-book, so every conceivable topic will be discussed. He talked about homosexuality while preaching the Books of Genesis and Romans.

Bill Cummins, Bear Creek Community Church: Says it's not a pastor's role to tell people which political party or candidate to support. However, the church needs to take a stand on issues that have Biblical applications, like Proposition 8.

Basil Matthews, interim rector, St. John's Episcopal Church: Says he has never used the pulpit to canvass the policies of any one political party or to suggest how members of his congregation should vote. It is the San Joaquin Diocese's policy to be inclusive of all residents in matters of state or national legislation.

Nick Qayyum, board member, Lodi Muslim Mosque: No political statements have been made since Imam Ahmed Hashimi took over. One time, a candidate asked to speak at the mosque. Mosque leaders said "yes," as long as the other candidate comes.

Rabbi Jason Gwasdoff, Temple Israel, Stockton: Not only is it illegal for religious leaders to endorse candidates, it's an abuse of the pulpit. However, it is appropriate for clergy to preach about political issues when there is a moral component involved because they are real-life issues. Says clergy shouldn't assume that they know God's will and that their positions are the only correct ones.

John Kah, St. Peter Lutheran Church: Believes churches have a moral obligation to discuss morality. He will discuss Proposition 8 during adult Bible study on Oct. 12. Says churches are different from politically motivated organizations because churches address what God says. Agrees that pastors should endorse candidates.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.