How far should the church go in involving itself in politics?

"As one would say, I fear not priests and pastors as the religion I practice is in the heart not in a building."

Well you are a true Christian Saucy. Unfortunately while many people like to wear that label on their sleeve, it just doesn't seem to fit. I am so disgusted by this article, the Mormon's fight against Prop 8, and that bitter woman that wouldn't give kids Halloween treats because their parents were voting for Obama, I can't even begin to think of the words.

The church has NO business in politics. It's quite simple really. Do they have a right to their teachings? Yes. But lobbying is lobbying.

Fine, but then they lose their tax exemptions. Period. Either your in the business of helping and healing people or your in politics. This is exactly why our forefathers came to America to begin with. No wonder droves of people turn away from organized religion.

I saw that one too...I got a real good laugh out of this part "A man who has attended St. Mary's for 18 years said he welcomed Newman's message and anticipated it would inspire further discussion at the church."

"I don't understand anyone who would call themselves a Christian, let alone a Catholic, and could vote for someone who's a pro-abortion candidate," said Ted Kelly, 64, who volunteers his time as lector for the church. "You're talking about the murder of innocent beings."

It immediately made me wonder when they will start denying communion to war supporters...but then I realized this stuff comes out of the mouths of hypocrites and tried to forget about it. :-)

You should remember that also then you would have an answer to your question : "Are we really a society so divided that a social issue would prevent someone from choosing progress over possible disaster?"

basically I have to tell you the same thing I just told someone else---when it comes up to church, I would look at them and really try to see what they are about--considering how many catholic priests and other priests have admitted to child molestation. A minister or priest who denies a member of the congregation communion is not fit to be counsel for the congregation because even if God said loud and clear that he didn't want us to vote for Obama did God also give us the ability to make our own choices--therefore, whoever chooses to disobey God's command chooses to live in his/her own eternal misery---God did not say that we should make choices for others and that we should punish them if they didn't do a choice accordingly. Therefore, church has no business in politics---there is a place for worship which is church, and there is a place for our government which is capitol Hill---and I would prefer to keep it that way....no one, not even the Pope has the right to make a choice for you---only you have the right, given by God to make your own choice--either to obey him and live accordingly with the promise of a better life, or to disobey him and live in eternal misery....so again, no. There is a place for worship and there is a place for politics, and you cannot put them together: if you do you got a theocracy, which is outright dangerous......

In all fairness, the priest did not deny communion, he just said anyone voting for Obama should refrain from taking communion.

I don't agree with the priest, but we all know Catholic priests have done far worse. The priest had every right to voice his opinion, and the clergy had every right to ignore him and take communion anyways; hopefully their faith is stronger than the words of one man.

The church has no place in politics, just as politics has no place in the church. But if you look at the Catholic religion and history, they refuse to give communion to anyone who supports abortion. They feel that abortion is murder and against God's will. Since Obama is in favor of abortion, if you supported Obama then they felt you supported abortion. Hence, no communion. It was not about Obama, it was about abortion.

Replacing Congress is that far enough for you. The church is made up of citizens and as much as the left dislikes it. Citizens are FREE to discuss politics when and how they choose. have a nice day

I like all Barack supporters complaining about church intervention in politics I think they need to get a clue Obama's church was all over the news doing it. But lets blame everyone else and draw attention away from that..

If the church wants to get involved in politics then give up the tax free status and become just another political action committee.

I don't believe that religion has any place in politics.

Bill Greene - Black churches?...The biggest problems have come from the Evangelicals - Falwell, Robertson, etc... These people are dangerous in many ways.

When the church can act in a way to promote one candidate over another and attempt to enforce that lack of choice - they should be stripped of their tax exemption.

Furthermore, they damage the reputation of candidates of their religion, who could be accused of placing their church ahead of the laws and the electorate.

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