The preacher as political junkie

By Bob Cornwall

Two topics are forbidden in polite company: religion and politics. But preachers will talk religion. It’s their job; they’re expected to talk about religion as long as they don’t become obnoxious about it. Politics, on the other hand, is still a forbidden subject. Some say that it’s OK for preachers to talk about the issues, as long as preachers don’t become partisan. But talking “just the issues” can get you in trouble too.

Staying out of politics may be the wisest choice—not the least because the IRS frowns upon us engaging in partisan politics. But staying out isn’t easy, especially if you’re a political junkie like me.

I was baptized in the Episcopal Church before I was old enough to walk or talk. I was probably baptized into politics about the same time. Born into a politically active GOP family, I’ve been talking and arguing politics for as long as I can remember. As a 14-year-old in 1972, I went around the neighborhood canvassing my neighbors—asking them who they planned to vote for and encouraging them to join me (or at least my parents) in re-electing the incumbent president.

I’ve switched parties since then and I don’t canvas the neighbors any more, but I remain strongly political. I avoid bringing partisan politics into the pulpit and I watch what I say around church members, but it’s difficult. I want to declare my political allegiance far and wide and I do—but on my blog, where I’m careful to state that the views expressed there don’t necessarily reflect the views of my church, my denomination or even of my family.

Is this “an issue” for other pastors?

Bob Cornwall is pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lompoc, California, a blogger, and editor of Sharing the Practice (Academy of Parish Clergy).

Comments

[Suzy]

It's a huge issue for me, because my weekday job is inherently and publicly political (although not partisan). In this very conservative community, a moderate gets the reputation of being well to the left of Karl Marx, and I'm aware that there are a few people eagerly waiting for the female pastor to stumble.

It is very difficult to serve God in a way that pacifies the IRS, and I find myself even coaching lay worship leaders with that in mind. One asked me a few weeks ago, "Is it ok to pray for the wisdom to make better political decisions than have been made lately?"

I often wonder what the tax implications really would be if small congregations were run and taxed as businesses. There's certainly not any financial profit, and few of my congregants benefit from itemizing their deductions. Still, every dollar that went to the government would be a dollar out of the deacons' fund or the mission money, because that's where all the "extra" money goes. For that reason, I guard my words carefully, even though I know my heart is in the right place.

[Bob Cornwall]

Suzy,

I think for many small congregations, especially in urban areas, the issue would be on property taxes. If assessed on value, the property taxes could be unwieldy. But its a good question.

[Suzy]

I'm laughing, Bob, because of how very far that is from being true for some small non-urban congregations. That's a problem of affluence. ;)

Seriously, though, do we ever really perform the cost-benefit analysis?

[Jeff Allen]

It's major issue for pastors, particular those in situations such as Appalachia and other places, rural and urban, where injustice has a direct impact upon those in the community, who may not be a part of the church. Pastors are engaged with families in some of the most important parts of their lives: birth, marriage, and death. Because of this intimate connection, speaking out on issues can be very distressing for families in the congregation. Yet, it is vital and necessary for the church to speak out on local, national, and world issues, lest the church become a silent partner in the evil this world faces.

When I have spoken out, I know that those who would not consider themselves part of the church, find a connection, even if it is temporary, with the church.

[Casey Taylor]

A professor of mine who also pastors a large church says we should never get pegged as "liberal" or "conservative." Willingly walking into those labels makes it easy for people to pigeon-hole the pastor and tune out.

For the most part, I agree with that advice. As I wade through the morass of my own political inclinations, I'm not at home on either side of the aisle. That makes for very interesting but also very difficult conversation and preaching.

Finally, it makes a BIG deal as to who you are in your ministry setting, i.e. whether you are the senior pastor or an associate. I'm not the head honcho so I carefully gauge what I say, whether in conversation, my blog, or even Facebook. My political opinions could potentially undermine my leader.

Do other associates feel that way?

[rick brand]

I was an associate minister in a large downtown church where the Senior minister was a friend of a very conservative senator. The Senior Minister shared the views of this senator. I had much more moderate or liberal views. I did not attempt to hide my light. Of course, I was in the middle of my career. I had been a pastor and associate pastor before. But I found the congregation respected and enjoyed our exchanges. It signaled that we could be together in Christ and different in politics. This was in the 1980's so the climate may be different but what kind of intergity of ministry can you have if you will not say how you see the gospel. It seems to me you may say that the issue is so complex and so involved that you are worried about this aspect of the problem.For example, yes, I agree there ought not to be unwanted pregancies. Chasity is best, but now what do we do where that does not happen, and who gets to decide? What kind of care do we give all those unwanted children, when welfare is opposed, and so the discussion goes.
The Senior minister was a much beloved man and many of the congregation differed with him on politics but loved him anyway.

[Jim Peck]

Before ministry as a second career, I worked for an elected official, a governor, on his policy staff. I cannot and do not think I should pretend that I have no interest in public policy or in who is elected to serve in public office.

Most times, when I speak on a public policy matter, I leave the pulpit and come down to the floor at the same level where the congregation is seated. I usually preface my comments by saying, "I am going to express my views on a public policy matter. I have come down here because my views are no more valuable than your views." My congregation has told me that they appreciate this gesture. The only time I did not step out of the pulpit was when I preached pointedly about the Abu Graib torture incident.

What I do not do is speak in favor or against any particular candidate. I even try to avoid sharp criticism of any currently serving official. I may say "I disagree with the mayor's perspective on affordable housing," but will not condemn the mayor personally. It takes courage to run for and serve in public office and I respect that.

It is not a violation of IRS tax regulations for us to speak about public policy issues, and it is certainly not a violation to pray that our leaders exercise wisdom and compassion in their decision-making.

On the Sunday before election day, I will say this or something like it:

"I will never tell you how to vote. But I will tell you that you must vote. And I will remind you that we are electing a person, a human being, to be President. We are electing a person who is both gifted and flawed just as every other person is. We are not electing a Savior. God has already sent us a Savior."

Saying that, which I believe deeply, helps keep things in perspective.

[Andy]

I too love politics, but I keep things very seperate. I did caucus recently, and the media videod me there and it made the local news, so I know that a lot of people know my political leanings (which are quite different from theirs) but that hasn't been a problem.

Jesus was strong on values, but I can't recall him ever saying "King Herod has to go" or something. There is a difference between the political implications of the gospel and using the power of our office to promote a certain brand of politics (except in extreme times).

[cve]

Just a few thoughts: Is not the kingdom (commonwealth) of God politcal? When we pray "your kingdom come, on earth as in heaven" are we not making politcal statements and pleas?
When politicians stop "making mischief" with the name of God, and playing idolatry with "God bless America" in the name of nationalism, then, and only then, should the church should remain apolitical.
I guess we'd better not quote the prophets -- that might offend all parties.

[Andy]

cve, I think you are missing the point. Like I said above, there is a clear difference between the political implications of the Gospel and political endorsement. A preacher could say, "According to the Bible, God wants us to pay a 10% flat tax" but can't say "Therefore vote for this conservative Republican candidate who will lower and simplify the tax code." Its up to the minister to preach the Gospel, up to the voter to figure out which candidate best exemplifies those values. Otherwise, churches will become back-door PACs, and we don't want that.

[cve]

Andy, your point is correct, I am not looking for endorsements of candidates. But the church better not be silent as to how a nation, particularly the "rich man dressed in purple and fine linen," spends our tax dollars -- beginning with the "least of these."

[Andy]

cve -- Absolutely!