We are local clergy writing in response to the front-page article of Saturday, July 25, entitled “Politics at the Pulpit.”
(IN THE NEWS: Chattanooga church pushes Republican candidates, possibly violating tax law)
In addition to this being a violation of the church’s nonprofit status, promoting any one political party is a violation of the sacred trust we hold to make sure all are welcomed to a church or congregation. Every Christian church acknowledges that its head is Jesus Christ – not the pastor, not the leadership board and certainly not a political party. Defying the law pertaining to nonprofits, separating the purposes of church and state, opens the door for any nonprofit to declare its beliefs and actions “a divine mandate.”
If being affiliated with any one political party is a divine mandate, then God becomes aligned with its political leader. Our biblical texts make clear the dangers and consequences of worshipping false gods, whether they be human or of our own making. As Christians, we are called to align with the gospel of Jesus Christ which is rooted in love of God and neighbor.
Is running for local office “a mission field”? Chattanooga can indeed be seen as a mission field. But the field is not just about the issues on the minds of one political party. Some who feel called to lead in our country and our community choose not to see the continued harassment of our LGBTQ+ siblings, our African American and immigrant neighbors, the limiting of rights for women with unsupported pregnancies, and all our marginalized brothers and sisters. The issues are many and complex and all those struggling in the field need to be heard.
Being a Christian is not defined by any political persuasion. Being a Christian does indeed have political implications: We are commanded to love and care for the vulnerable, the stranger, the oppressed. We are commanded to seek justice, do kindness and walk humbly with God.
Being a Christian is a far deeper calling than being a member of a political party. It is far more involved than any one social issue. It is a lifelong commitment that no political party could capture for everyone. Faithful persons of all religions bristle at those who would reduce our call and our sacrificial service to any one particular ideology.
We appreciate the Times Free Press and staff writer Ruby Rayner for sharing this timely story. And we respectfully oppose Calvary Chapel’s use of its pulpit and worship life to persuade members that Christians ought to vote one particular way. We denounce any effort to disenfranchise or intimidate legal voters. At this time in our nation, as did our predecessors for 250 years, we need to preserve the freedom to believe as we choose, and to make sure that all are included, all have access, all can follow the leading of their faith.
The Interfaith Clergy of Chattanooga represent local clergy from across faith traditions.