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Jobar
16 Aug 2010, 10:39 PM
A loss of tax-exempt status, let us hope.

http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=12983523

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A national organization wants the IRS to investigate a religious group in Oklahoma, claiming they violated a federal law that states such groups cannot endorse a political candidate.

The leader of Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ Pastor Paul Blair said even though the group sent out an e-mail titled "RALLY FOR SALLY" for Republican Sally Kern, it was no way an endorsement and even if it was, Blair said constitutionally he would be well within his rights.

Pastor Paul Blair has quickly become one of the state's most controversial pastors, most notably for giving a sermon in 2008 where Blair said he would be voting for John McCain.

Federal law clearly states tax exempt organizations like Blair's Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond are "absolutely prohibited" from endorsing a candidate.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State said Blair violated federal law again when his organization endorsed Rep. Sally Kern by sending out the "RALLY FOR SALLY" e-mail.

BIG thumbs up for AU, here. I hope they manage to make an example of this guy.

Garnet
16 Aug 2010, 10:56 PM
If the feds actually started enforcing this a LOT of churches would lose their tax exempt status. Politics from the pulpit is almost routine now in conservative churches.

diana
16 Aug 2010, 11:40 PM
Exactly, Garnet.

But I suspect that that'll change only when we the people raise enough hell to change it.

d

Garnet
16 Aug 2010, 11:44 PM
Yabbut, that would mean we'd have to go to church. UGH!

diana
17 Aug 2010, 01:09 AM
Not at all. Don't we have reports by people in the pews to act on them?

d