During the 1960 presidential election, John F. Kennedy traveled to Houston to assure Baptist ministers there that he was, in fact, committed to religious liberty and separation of church and state. The fear was that he, as a Roman Catholic, might not recognize those principles. He did. Turns out, the Houston ministers should’ve been less worried about the Vatican and more worried about, well, Houston.
Reports coming out of Houston today indicate that city attorneys have issued subpoenas to pastors who have been vocal in opposition to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), a measure which deals with gender identity and sexuality in public accommodations. The subpoenas, issued to several pastors, seek “all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to HERO, the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession.”
I am simply stunned by the sheer audacity of this.
The preaching of sermons in the pulpits of churches is of no concern to any government bureaucrat at all. This country settled, a long time ago, with a First Amendment that the government would not supervise, license, or bully religious institutions. That right wasn’t handed out by the government, as a kind of temporary restraining order. It was recognition of a self-evident truth.
The churches, and pastors, of Houston ought to respond to this sort of government order with the same kind of defiance the Apostle Paul showed the magistrates in Philippi. After an earthquake, sent by God, upturned the prison where Paul and Silas were held, Luke tells us that the officials sent the police to tell Paul and Silas they could go. Paul replied. “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned men who are Roman citizens and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly. No! Let them come themselves and take us out” (Acts 16:37).
A government has no business using subpoena power to intimidate or bully the preaching and instruction of any church, any synagogue, any mosque, or any other place of worship. The pastors of Houston should tell the government that they will not trample over consciences, over the First Amendment and over God-given natural rights.
The separation of church and state means that we will render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and we will. But the preaching of the church of God does not belong to Caesar, and we will not hand it over to him. Not now. Not ever.
John Kennedy taught us, rightly, to ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country. Our country deserves our allegiance. But no government can set itself up as our god.
Thanks for speaking out and helping to bring the nation’s attention to this trampling of religious rights.
A hearty amen. I hope this is a wake-up call to the progressive erosion of religious liberties we have seen in recent years, especially over this particular issue. People keep saying “It’s not that bad, it’s not that bad,” but step by step you reach a place you never would have thought possible. This is appalling and I appreciate your leadership on this.
You don’t have a constitution anymore… you have a Democrat Dictator… Duh…
I have a book coming out next month that may help shed light on what is happening. I believe that the request from Houston is due, at least in part, to Christianophobia or an unreasonable fear or hatred of Christians. I have done some research on this phenomenon. Here is a link to my forthcoming book – https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442224070 – I think that Christians need to carefully consider how to react to this growing phenomenon.
I may be mistaken, but it appears to me that you have ignored an important dimension of this particular situation. As a non-profit and tax-exempt organization, a church cannot engage in partisan speech. Churches have the freedom to preach whatever they want, but if they engage in partisan speech, their non-profit tax exempt status can be revoked.
I guess I fail to see how the city of Houston’s action is a violation of free exercise. Your post seems to be about protecting the privileged status churches have enjoyed, something you seem to have said elsewhere needs to change as we enter a post-Christian era.
Am I missing something?
congress shall make no law,… interpret as taxing a church is illegal.
Yes. You are referring to an IRS regulation pushed through during the Johnson administration because Johnson was tired of southern preachers preaching against him. The debate over that IRS regulation is now being directly opposed nationwide on constitutional grounds. This Houston case mirrors that, in that you have a single politician not liking what ministers are saying and trying to stifle their free speech rights.
Yes. You are missing something. Your statement of the law is not correct. You are misinformed. A non-profit is not allowed to endorse or support a candidate. I realize that this comes as a surprise to all of the churches that visibly and vocally supported Barack Obama for President (entirely without your objection, I feel sure) but that’s not the point. The point is that the rules regarding candidates for office do not, repeat do not, extend to advocacy on issues whether or not those issues are politicized. It is emphatically the province of a church to preach and teach against sin and moral degradation, even if you are totally cool with it. I am pleased to be able to explain your mistake to you and hope that it will keep you from embarrassing yourself in the future. (Probably not but at least I made an effort.)
Yes, Emerson. When certain free speech is censured as political and the ambit of “political” keeps expanding, all speech eventually can be banned as political. American churches have always been free to speak on issues of morality, without government regulation. The government has no authority — other than what it illegitimately arrogates to itself — to encroach into this territory. It is disingenuous for a government to suddenly brand traditionally protected speech as “political,” and threaten to yank tax exempt status, all because the leadership-of-the-moment disagrees with the substance. If we apply your logic, any organization can lose its tax exempt status for stating any position on any subject about which a political figure also happens to state an opinion.
When the state defines what God has ordained they have crossed the line, they crossed the line first and have no business getting into your pants.
Emerson,
I think you are missing the entire Constitution, but don’t let that stop you. Nowhere is it written that a pastor cannot preach or opine on public policy as it is practiced by politicians who have been elected by the very people who sit in the pews of the churches. Those people are citizens and if their pastor has an opinion, he can share it – constitutionally. If a pastor specifically endorses a candidate for an office, the church may loose its tax status, but the government cannot stop them from preaching, even if they are criticizing public policy.
Here in Illinois, specifically in Chicago, Democrat candidates for state and local offices, regularly appear in pulpits across Chicago. No one dares tell them that they cannot campaign because liberal Democrats in Chicago are the privileged class.
For all of those using the tax-exempt arguement, please realize that churches are only restrained from participating in elections and partisan actions. Any 501c3 organization can be involved in a certain amount of non-partisan lobbying when it pertains to legislation (not elections). This involves legislation, one specific piece of legislation. Article 501c3 does not give a specific “percentage” of time/funds/etc that can be spending on legistlative lobbying…it is very vague on that fact. So the tax-exempt arguement is a moot point and has nothing to do with the issue at hand.
I’m not sure where people are getting the notion that tax-exempt organizations can’t participate it legislative issues…but this notion is false. They need to limit their involvement, they don’t have to completely stay out of it (they are only required to completely stay out of elections, not legislation).
You are very much mistaken. 501(c)(3) organizations may not engage in campaign activity. In short, this means they may not endorse or oppose a candidate. They may, in fact, lobby against legislation and spend money for or against state referendums (or city, in this particular case). Churches may speak out about social and moral issues, the actions of government officials in office, and the positions of candidates on issues. As long as a church does not endorse or oppose a specific candidate for public office, it has broad freedom to praise or criticize officials and candidates.
Yes, you are missing something. You seem to fail to understand that this has nothing to do with partisan speech, no matter how much you would like it to be. The idea that you think the church’s view of this are a partisan-political issue is a joke. People like you have made topics like homosexuality into a political game, which they are not. Do you think it’s really okay for the mayor of a city to monitor and limit what the people in the city are saying about her, regarding any topic? Don’t you see how demented that is?!?
Pastors do not check their first amendment rights at the church doors, but beyond that, the subpoenas sent by the Houston City Council are so far-reaching, egregious and blatantly unconstitutional as to be laughable – except that it’s such a serious issue. This is nothing more than a brazen attempt to disenfranchise voters, suppress political dissent, and intimidate anyone who doesn’t fall in line with LGBT agendas. The attached brief by the Pastors’ legal counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom, is actually a pretty simple, fascinating read. It asks the Court to quash the City’s unconstitutional subpoenas, and rebuts the 17 wide reaching and harassing requests for information from five pastors who aren’t even involved in the lawsuit – a lawsuit which addresses illegal actions by the Mayor and City Attorney to throw out the legitimate petitions in direct defiance of the City Charter. For example, eliminating signatures that are printed instead of written in cursive, and eliminating signatures that are written in cursive because they are “illegible” – requirements which appear nowhere in the City Petition Ordinance. The broad and vague requests for information (give us any and all communications, in any form, you may have had with the 55,000 petition signers?) are unconstitutional and have nothing to do with the lawsuit.
The bigger question about churches not engaging in political speech stems from an amendment proposed by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson and added to the tax code in 1954. The amendment language is vague, but that hasn’t stopped the IRS from going overboard with their application and adding their own threats to use as a hammer against churches to keep them from exercising their first amendment rights. Since 2008 a coalition of pastors has participated in “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”, the first Sunday in October. They exercise their rights by preaching on political issues and Biblical values, and are challenging the IRS to come after them. So far they haven’t.
http://www.adfmedia.org/files/WoodfillQuashBrief.pdf
Do you really believe the Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Rev. Wright don’t promote partisan speech in their “sermons”? Why, then has our government tolerated them? This is Biblical principle, an important dimension of what Churches generally teach, not partisan politics.
Pastors are allowed to communicate anything they wish in regards to freedom of speech, even with partisan issues. The only thing a Pastor cannot do is say that the whole church as an organization is voting for a particular candidate, or that no one in the church can vote for a candidate. Basically he is communicating his opinion, but cannot ask that anyone in the congregation modify their voting practice because of it.
Emerson,
You are right about one thing: You are mistaken.
Emerson, you are half right and half wrong.
Church endorsements of candidates and statements of opposition to candidates are strictly forbidden.
Religious leaders may take stands on political issues such as abortion, gay rights, gun control, health care and many others. They may also support or oppose ballot referenda.
Where the IRS draws the line is when it comes to specific candidates.
Really? So you’re just concerned about the IRS status requirements. You actually believe anyone reading this is going to say to you, “Good point! This is not because the mayor is abusing her power and attacking a group of believers in God whom don’t agree with her. It’s because of an IRS regulation that she so honorably is defending.” What juvenile reasoning is next? Let’s just call it for what it is — Chicago style power abuse intimidation tactics with a thick layer of hypocrisy as a foundation. Parker attacked Houston Firefighters under a similar “honorable” guise of fiscal concern. But with plain honesty, she attacked them for voting against her. Please don’t insult our intelligence.
Isn’t it great that we have the freedom to disagree?
Emerson,
Thank you for asking the question, are you missing something? That shows you have interest in following the truth. I specialize in exempt law. Churches and other charities can, under current law, get involved in issue advocacy and can influence legislation. Churches and other secular charities are only prohibited from involvement in a political campaign by supporting or opposing a candidate in an election. Section 501c3 only prohibits getting involved as a charity, not an individual, in an election. The charity or church can argue, debate, and support or oppose legislation or be involved in issue advocacy. In truth, the First Amendment would arguably even allow political campaign involvement by a secular charity or church because charities and churches have been doing this for years (on both sides of the political spectrum) and the IRS knows if they enforce this, they will likely spend along time to merely leave it 9 Justices at the Supreme Court.
can we.say communist?????? oh my !!!
That Houston stuff won’t last long. SCOTUS is pretty strong on their 1st Amendment jurisprudence.
SemperFi Pastor
Dr. Moore:
I’m standing with the Pastors in Houston, Texas…and all Pastors for that matter!
But as organizations that get tax breaks, don’t churches have to refrain from political activity? Breaching that requirement is a serious offense that puts the church’s tax break at stake, so I think bureaucrats do have business here (in the sense of enforcement, which is one of the duties of government).
So it was wrong for churches and pastors to fight to end slavery, for racial civil rights, or to end war, or stop abortion? Each of those – and many others – are political issues. Getting a tax break doesn’t mean churches can’t act on their historic principles and values.
Pastors do pay personal taxes. Try to tell us we cannot participate in government.
Churches can support or oppose legislation and referendums. They can spend money, up to 15%, on lobbying.
Churches may speak out about social and moral issues, the actions of government officials in office, and the positions of candidates on issues. As long as a church does not endorse or oppose a specific candidate for public office, it has broad freedom to praise or criticize officials and candidates.
As a Baptist Preacher for over 25 years I can preach about any subject I feel the Lord is leading me to share. Politics are a secondary issue in the preaching of the gospel. The gospel is the top priority for any preacher. Even from the Old Testament the gospel can be preached. Most of you reading this would probably agree.
Now I can preach on a political subject such as America’s stance with Israel, human rights issues, abortion, or any other hot topic. I cannot endorse from the pulpit for my congregation to vote for ??? because I believe that candidate is right on a certain subject. I can have them come to my pulpit, but I cannot endorse him/her on any church stationary, or social media. That will cause a church to be in trouble with the IRS. What the mayor in Houston is doing or trying to do is totally wrong. How in the world did she even become the mayor of one of the top 5 largest cities in the good ole USofA. Preachers in Houston stand for the Gospel and as my late grandmother use to say when she got her toenail caught in the sheets, “just let it rip.” God bless you in Houston.
You can find the subpoena online here: http://www.adfmedia.org/files/WoodfillSubpoenaRequest.pdf
It uses the word sermon once (page 11, II.12). Basically, the subpoena is for any documents relating to the VERY PUBLIC petition these pastors sent out. One article I read said that the people spearheading the petition tried to get it brought to the city government, but the certification was denied. Now, the city government has issued a subpoena to review the petition and all related documents; what’s the problem, here?
Agreed–I don’t see the problem.
I don’t understand how one lesbian mayor can have this much influence over a board of city commissioners to get this ordinance passed. It seems to me there is some power other than hers at work here. Only God knows why but we must cling to the truth that “Greater is He that is in us that he that is in the world.” We must pray above all that God’s will be done in whatever is going on in our country today, what He is allowing and knowing He is always Supreme.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
If pastors want to comment on political issues, they can pay taxes, just like the law says they should.
congress shall make no law… interpret as congress can not tax religion.
Do you apply the same standard equally to black churches such as our President’s former church pastored by Jeremiah Wright?
Sigh. Pastors do pay taxes dear, just like everyone else.
Pastors do pay taxes. Churches may speak out about social and moral issues, the actions of government officials in office, and the positions of candidates on issues. As long as a church does not endorse or oppose a specific candidate for public office, it has broad freedom to praise or criticize officials and candidates. Churches may also support, endorse, or oppose legislation.
Pastors, acting as individuals and not as official church representatives, have the same rights as all other American citizens to involve themselves in political activity. Therefore, they have much greater latitude in this area than do churches. They may even endorse or oppose candidates so long as the endorsement is not on behalf of the church and is not made in a way that gives the appearance that the endorsement is made on behalf of the church.
I am a Pastor. I and All Pastors pay personal taxes as well as Self Employment taxes.
What that boils down to is, as a Citizen I pay taxes like everyone else.
On top of that, I pay tax on the church I pastor.
That amounts to the fact that the church IS taxed, just through the pastor.
I pay double the taxes, plus my own social security, none of which is matched by the church.
All those benefits, ie social security, health care etc, that is included for most workers in their pay checks, that comes out of your pastors salary, which in general is poor.
The most underpaid professionals in the community pay the most tax.
If your pastor has been or is being trained to be a pastor,
he assumes a number of years in school to do so, learning to master Greek and Hebrew as well as a number of other difficult classes. This is more than just “Bible School.”
And as for a previous commentators remark about our “post Christian” nation, Jesus is still on the throne. Nothing is post-Christian. One day, every knee shall bow and acknowledge Him as Lord.
AMEN- From Houston!
Well said. Hard to believe this holds up. Free exercise clause, freedom of speech jurisprudence, and laws against using discovery process as a fishing expedition or as de facto censorship all seem to be in agreement. If anything, the Streisand effect could make this a boon for those against HERO.
Elementary, yet brilliant. Well said! I pray that every pastor, in Houston and across this great country read this and heed its words. Praise God for our United States of America and the freedom to worship, and preach from the pulpit, as we see fit.
i cannot believe that the City of Houston is this BLIND!!! This is wrong on so many levels and fronts not the least of which is what the BIBLE says…I guess we’re learning that not requiring our children to know the history of our country and the role the God played in that whole process.
You are right that the church retains a right to free speech. And you are right that we are to give unto Caesar. But in this case, we haven’t given unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Churches are granted a tax exemption. Part of accepting that exemption means that a church promises to not act like a political organization, ie it can’t take a stand on any current political issues. If it does, then it loses its tax exemption and Caesar really will have to be given his due. If the church is willing to give up its tax exemption, then it will have the right to say whatever it pleases, in the pulpit or elsewhere.
Rebecca, pastors and churches already have the right to speak to matters of ethics and morality, essentially to be able to advocate for a biblical world view even in the political arena. Pastors and churches are allowed to advocate for or against an ordinance, referendum, or legislation speaking on how to vote with the backing of Scripture to support the view…even from the pulpit. No party can be advocated. No candidate can be campaigned for. That’s about all.
The power to tax is the power to destroy. Anyway the church does not have to be 501c3 to be exempt from taxes. It is not political speech that such non-profits are to refrain from but endorsing a specific candidate. And it Federal, not state and local. Maybe get this stuff right before you all spout off about non-profits.
First of all, the tax exemption you and others on here reference has to do with clearly endorsing political candidates and nothing to do with speaking on “political” issues. When it comes down to it, virtually everything of substance can be interpreted as political. Were the abolitionist churches or the civil rights churches engaged in political speech? Of course they were, and rightly so. Political or not, government has no right to pressure or influence churches in the manner Houston is attempting. I even have no problem with churches endorsing political candidates and believe that it would not be unconstitutional. In most cases, it would be outside of the mission of the church and an unwise thing to do, but it should have the right to do so. If government has the right to tax churches, it then has the power to influence its message, a power it should never have. A parting question. Would it have been better for Germany and the world if more German churches would have been “political” in the 30’s? I don’t ask that question believing the answer is easy or obvious, but it is something to think about. God bless.
Noone has the right to destroy our Right of Religon, free from any hand of man. We must obey God and not man. God grant us in the name of your Holy child Jesus that we may preach thy word with all boldness.
Are ye able,” said the Master,
“to be crucified with me?”
“Yes,” the sturdy dreamers answered,
“to the death we follow thee.”
Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine.
Remold them, make us, like thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be
a beacon to God, to love, and loyalty.
The courts have become political tools and justice has become a commodity being sold to the highest bidder. Defy these Nazi tactics and demand the removal of anyone not representing the majority of its citizens and what is just and right. No-one……I mean no one……is required to follow an unlawful order.
Hope we get updates. I want to know where this story goes.
This is the beginning of the Orwellian government we were warned about in 1984
Amen!
the question now is what are the Pastors with the biggest of the world wide platforms going to do? Us little churches will pray and stay in line with the word and say what needs to be and what rightfully be said. So are they going to buck up, man up and stand up? or will the fold like origami? All us little guys pose the question “Wheres your guts? You gonna fight back or what? and its all eyes on you. With the 5000, 10,000 and 15,000 seaters will you will stand in your pulpit and defy Nebuchadnezzar to serve God? We’ll see. We…….will……..see.
Washington we have a constitution. In Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar had a dream – his dream was that he would be cut down to size because he thought that he had built it all. He went crazy after the warning from Daniel one year later. This country is going crazy without God and His word, we have gone mad!
Reading this with no context I found myself appalled. I love the ideas of religious liberty and the separation of church and state. How could a city government subpoena sermons based solely on a pastor’s opposition to a particular policy? That is audacious indeed!
Then I started looking for context. It turns out that the city is defending itself against a lawsuit filed by a group wanting the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance suspended. Among the group that filed the lawsuit are a couple of pastors. Why would the pastors be against an ordinance that, ostensibly, expands government protection of minority groups in the public arena? I can’t seem to figure that one out. I’m trying to imagine Jesus opposing a Roman policy that set out protections for the lowest class citizens of the empire…and I just don’t’ see it.
In the Acts passage referenced above, Paul asked to be thrown out publicly. Now, the pastors who opposed the legislation in their pulpits are being asked to provide publicly their sermons that include any of that opposition in a trial that they filed. I’m not sure I understand why they have a problem with that. Are they hiding something? If they are preaching the Bible then, maybe it will do some good down at the courthouse to have the sermons made public. No?
Setting this up as a constitutional or religious liberty issue to be outraged about is quixotic in the fullest sense.
Here is a suggestion for an alternate name for this blog, should you ever tire of the current one: Moore to the Story.
Mark, they opposed that part of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance that stated the transgenders can use any restroom they please. I, for one, would not want a man to come into a public toilet with me marked for women only (especially if I had a child with me). No, I am not a homophobe just a Christian who believes in God’s word.
The second revolution has begun with government abuse at the root. At least now we have legal rights codified in our constituton. We must stand firm so that is right will prevail if we trust in God.
They are after The Church for comments in the pulpit preaching what GOD said, but wouldn’t DARE go into the Mosque in Oklahoma who is preaching radical Islam “how to behead women”!
Aren’t sermons public anyway. Maybe they should just hand them over and pray that they would be used to convert whoever reads them. (I do get the problem with what’s going on.)
While I certainly agree with you that the church should resist turning over private communications, the sermons are public discourse. The churches’ position should be an eager willingness to present the sermons in their entirety to any person that wants to read or hear them. Read the Gospel into the public record. The sword of the state is no match for the Word of God. We have the words of life, and we are charged to deliver them.
I certainly see the Constitutional issues at stake, and I take them seriously, but we have the superior weapon here.
It is as if they were asking a contractor to bring all of his asbestos and led based products down to the city council so that they can look through it. Ummmm…OK. But here they are asking us to bring the Word of God (which does not return void) into their ears. Who knows but that they might be saved. Don’t we believe that conversion comes through the preaching of the Word?
We didn’t overthrow the Roman Empire with crafty arguments, but with the stubborn insistence that God’s Word was true. We preach Christ, and him crucified. We continue to deliver the message in season and out of season, and trust to the promise of our resurrection to eternal life in facing any possible persecution.
If we do not stand up to this with fervor, they will see it as an opportunity to not only do this again but with more audacity.
Amen!
SILENCE .FATHER GOD THANK YOU FOR PRAYER — I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME AND WHAT IS ASKED IN YOUR NAME I KNOW WILL BE DONE .OUR LAND IS IN TROUBLE, WE NEED A RENEWING OF OUR MINDS — OUR HEARTS HAVE DECEIVED US INTO COVETING, LUST AND MATERIAL THINGS OF THIS WORLD — MANY NO LONGER PRAISE YOUR NAME AND OTHERS SPEAK EVIL AS GOOD .FATHER WE REPENT, GIVE OUR NATION A NEW HEART — THAT OUR WORDS ARE YOUR WORDS YOUR WAYS OUR WAYS – YOUR LAW OUR LAW .SEPTEMBER 11 TH WE CALLED YOUR NAME AND WAS UNITED ONCE AGAIN — A MIGHTY SLEEPING GIANT AROSE, UNITED WE STOOD. ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP AND OUR ENEMIES FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC ARE RISING UP AGAINST US — HISTORY HAS TAUGHT US, WE CAN NEVER SLEEP. AMERICA IS SPECIAL, HER MOTTO “IN GOD WE TRUST” .MUST REMAIN AT ALL COST — OUR CONSTITUTIONAL BENCH MARKS HAVE BEEN MOVED. .WE ASK OUR LEADERS TO TAKE AMERICA BACK TO “IN GOD WE TRUST” AND PLACE YOUR NAME ABOVE ALL THINGS — AMERICA IS NOTHING WITHOUT YOUR LOVE AND PROTECTION .PLEASE LORD DON’T TAKE IT AWAY — HAVE MERCY UPON AMERICA, YOU ARE OUR GOD — .AND YOUR BANNER WILL FOREVER FLY IN OUR LAND —— NO LONGER WILL WE REMAIN SILENT — I ‘ AM SO ASHAMED OF WHAT AMERICA HAS BECOME IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM —– TO REMOVE YOUR NAME IN EXCHANGE FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE — LORD THIS IS NOT THE FREEDOM I CHOOSE — THIS KIND OF FREEDOM WE ALL LOSE AND AMERICA WILL FALL —— OUR LEADERS SHOULD BEAR YOUR NAME AND BE GOVERNED BY YOUR LAWS —– GOD I ASK YOUR SPIRIT TO OPEN THE HEART OF THIS READER —– MAY TRUTH AND BROTHERLY LOVE PREVAIL ——— LORD WALK WITH AMERICA AND LEAD US OUT OF THIS VALLEY OF DEATH ——— IN JESUS NAME I PRAY —- cubeinternationalllc.com
Unbelievable–but not really–Prayer–Prayer–Prayer
As a Pastor I would not comply. It is the beginning of a police state and violation of my right to express an opinion. Who will they try to silence next.?
Like the Aposles, it is time to stand up to those who would try to silence the teaching of God’s Word. Be thankful you have the opportunity to and are worthy to suffer for His name sake. This about a greater issue than HERO. It is about the right preach God’s word freely.
The openly professing lesbian mayor of Houston is once again showing the true colors of the so called Tolerance crowd who has no tolerance for the Word of god and the People of God who live by His word. No surprise to those who know we are under attack increasingly in every strata of our godless society. We pray for those who hate our Lord Jesus and His narrow way to salvation and love them enough to tell them the truth!
I take a stand for one thing, only the Truth and for this I stand quietly yet firmly on with my life and agree that the term concept of separation of church and state in it’s correct context was purposed to keep the government from dictating how citizens could worship the True God, Christ Jesus. The Truth needs simply and humbly to be simply stated; never argued for the Truth withstands / endures scrutiny by reasonable men. It is when untruth fails and pain is revealed that we begin to search for Truth. So look around and you decide, is it working….?
Does this mean that you believe only Christians can worship in your America?
My question is did they subpoena the same thing from the Muslim, Hindi, and leaders of other religions or just the Christian pastors?
Yes, well, Mr. Obama did say he was going to transform this nation. I suppose it is bright of them to test out their intentions and theories in Texas, which has been quite conservative on any number of issues. I believe all Christians should support the Christian churches in Texas, and be aware that it’s headed our way shortly. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Dr. Moore,
Maybe preaching Matthew 14:1-12 should be preached by all pastors nationwide election Sunday as an encouragement to nit only Houston pastors, but zap stirs nationwide.
In Him,
Bro. Glenn
Probably most of the sermons are available online free. This soponea is so they can use them as evidence. What ignorant judge signed this?
Dr. Moore —
I agree with your statement: “The preaching of the church does not belong to Caesar, and we will not hand it over to him.” However I can’t agree with the following two statements: “Not now. Not ever.” It’s not that I don’t completely agree with the sentiment, but rather that we have already signed away our allegiance to our triune God by voluntarily giving it to the State by becoming a 501c3 entity. Before 1954, when Senatorial candidate LBJ invented this ungodly designation, churches were free to preach the full counsel of God. They could, for example, warn members about ungodly political candidates, and endorse Christians.
America was far from perfect up to the 1950s, but overall our cultural situation was a lot more peaceful and God-honoring than it is today when pastors are limited to the State’s ultimate approval of what is preached, than to God’s approval. Has the State prevented us from preaching that Jesus is “The way, the truth, and the life” because the PC crowd decides that such a statement hurts the feelings of the followers of other religions? The half-true answer is “No.” The whole truth answer is “Not yet.” It’s time the church got the “h” our of its behaviors and stopped whining about various cultural issues, and began taking God’s Word seriously by living it, instead of merely talking about how much we love it.
The Constitution was put in place to protect us from an intrusive FEDERAL government, not an intrusive local one. The Founders assumed that we were able to govern ourselves locally. It is a tragedy that the citizens of Houston did not speak up and squelch this when it was being considered as an ordinance. They still can and must do so before this gets too entrenched.
You have not considered the effect of the Fourteenth Amendment. Through it, just about all of the Bill of Rights has been applied to the states and their subdivisions (i.e., municipalities).
That said, this is not a First Amendment issue. Furthermore, the discovery is being had in a lawsuit commenced by the pastors. They started it and don’t like it any more.
I presume the city officials would be happy with pro-gay, anti-gospel messages.
See “Vicky Beeching and the Lesbian Gospel” at http://t.co/CpHQtj5sGN.
The first amendment was set up to limit the governments ability to rule the speech and conscience of the citizens. This is a blatant disregard of the freedom of religion and equally a blatant disregard of freedom of speech. This mayor needs to be removed from office just as any politician who would use his or her office as a political club for agenda aims. The first amendment was, in part, a result of the abuses of the British government in regulating speech criticizing governmental policy. It was written to specifically allow critical speech. This action by the Houston mayor is a direct violation of the Constitution, both in letter and spirit. People on all shades of the political spectrum should fear this precedent being established without challenge. This action sounds more like the CCCR or China, not the USA.
As Christians, we should all be appalled! As Americans we should all be appalled! As a former resident of Texas, I am appalled that this would happen there of all places. “Times they are a changin'” and it demonstrates that we must remain confident and steadfast in our beliefs. We cannot waiver, lean solely into Him who guides, and we will overcome and prosper. “He IS our rock and refuge.
Thank you for taking a moment to lend a voice to the struggle.
amen! All ministers everywhere must stand up now! If it gets through here, your town regardless of how large or small will be next!
Under the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution, THIS is an affront on Government abusing the power of Church and State. NO Government in the US can demand ANY sermons or tell a church WHAT to do…EVEN the vilest of churches ie Satanic ones. This is a violation
of Church and State and has NOTHING to do with civil rights. You have no rights to invade a church. I hope and pray you meet your match! http://aclj.org/get-legal-help/legal-documents/list
It is interesting to me that Houston didn’t take a different direction on this altogether. If a church takes a clearly political stance, for or against a party, it sets itself up to lose its tax-exempt status, if I understand that correctly. Instead, they choose to violate the 1st Amendment. As much as I disagree with the original initiative, for reasons of safety if nothing else, I am baffled as to why they would subpoena sermons instead of threatening the tax exempt status of churches. Don’t think this will work. Don’t think that would have worked either, but it’s at least marginally more constitutional isn’t it?
Amen brother God bless you
I does if the sermon has hate speach in it. Such as anti-gay speach, anti-women’s rights, etc.
“Our culture has accepted 2 huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. Second is (not germane to this conversation.) Both are nonsense. – Rick Warren
If the churches of Houston Texas gives in this will spread like wildfire across our land… I would preach louder and longer against homosexuality and let them know it is a abomination in the eyes of God!!! Stand firm don’t give in
Does anyone else find it odd that pastors fight to keep their sermons away from the unbelievers who demand to hear them?
Dr. Moore,
Thank you! I believe – that even without enumerated rights in the constitution – religious liberty is “self evident.” I’m sure many who disagree on this principle would probably ask where you draw the line. For example, if an Iman preached jihad, would that also be protected? Common sense says, no. However, what do we say to those who would argue that basic Christian doctrine is as dangerous as jihad? It seems like an easy answer if we’re speaking with “gentleness and respect” to our neighbor or coworker, but I can’t imagine being asked that with a microphone in my face and expected to give an answer in once short sound byte.
Can you offer a suggestion?
I’m not sure appealing to the constitution is the way to go here. Perhaps the wiser approach is to appeal to pastors to stay out of politics. That’s the real issue. Freedom of speech and religion will likely end when it begins to incite political action- that has been the general legal interpretation for some time. So, if pastors would remember that their hope rests in the return of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom, then they’ll be okay preaching that. However, if pastors get all scared and think that one political party must be defeated, then they’ll find themselves lost spiritually and in violation of law.
Stick to preaching the hope of Jesus and stop being so worried about politics. You don’t change the world with good and moral laws. You change the world through hearts that are indwlet by the Holy Spirit of God.
I have never agreed with you more. Very well put. I pray that not one of these ministers will turn over a single sermon manuscript or electronic recording.
Another man when faced with the spectre of tyranny spoke the words : Molon Labe
THANK YOU for standing firm in your resolve not to fold to a corrupt Government official initiating a mandate that is clearly Un-Constitutional. They ca not dictate, in any fashion, what you and other Pastors preach. Stand Firm! We are behind you sir! God Bless!!
Can’t think of any reason why I would comply with such a demand from any government.
“But no government can set itself up as our god.”
They’ve made themselves the arbiters of our children’s education and well being, our elderly’s health and welfare, provide food and healthcare for the poor and near poor, provide a safety net for the unemployed…
Pretty much everything that the church has abdicated its responsibilities on.
They are another god. People don’t go to the church for help… they go to the government.
All the church has to offer is Guilt based motivation to become more moral.
That’s not a winning strategy.
This article makes it look as if the evil lesbian mayor is maniacally trying to regulate all sermons in the city, and make all bathrooms unisex. That’s ridiculous and it deserves a few minutes to describe what’s going on.
What’s at issue is HERO, a Houston ordinance that prohibits employment discrimination or public accommodations on a wide range of factors, including age, disability, & sexual orientation. It does NOT mandate unisex bathrooms. It does NOT empower the mayor to demand all sermons from all religious institutions. In fact, on more than seven explicit occasions, it states that all religious institutions are absolutely exempted from this ordinance.
So where is this coming from? A lawsuit. But one where the City of Houston is the defendant, not the plaintiff. They were sued by a religious institution. So here are some facts that need to be corrected:
First of all, it isn’t to “a group of pastors”, it’s to one pastor and those directly listed in the suit. Second of all, it’s a lawsuit STARTED BY THE PASTORS against the City of Houston, not the other way around. Third, read the subpoena. It doesn’t just want all sermons or anything ridiculous, just to turn over all documents, correspondence, speeches, etc, related to the suit. It’s perfectly reasonable to request all documents related to the suit, and essentially one of the FIRST steps every lawyer does in every lawsuit. There was a subpoena sent to the city of Houston in almost the exact same language, asking for all speeches, correspondence, etc. Fourth, the lawsuit is pastors saying that the City of Houston is abridging their freedom of speech, but since HERO specifically exempts religious institutions, they have no standing in the court and the case will probably be dismissed regardless.
It’s a ridiculous and utter lie, but one that will, unfortunately, percolate in the cesspool that is conservative politics, with no regard to facts. They have lost the culture war and they cling desperately to these silly conspiracies in order to valid the wholly unfounded belief that gay people are out to “control” them.
It is time for the people of Houston to throw that lesbian bitch out!
I have been thinking about this, and believe that the only appropriate response, should I receive a similar subpoena, would be to send a copy of the 1st Amendment, the applicable section of my State constitution Bill of Rights, and Jesus words in Matthew 22:21.
If that is not satisfactory then I am more than willing to suffer the consequences. I hear that jail ministry is rather fulfilling. :)
I commend you on your righteous stand. I believe the precedence for this attack comes from an administration that was using The church’s tax exempt status against it, by using I.RS. Code to censure what was being said in a church. What was the reaction?, tepid at best. This is what their main goal is and the fight for The Constitution of America needs to begin now!
If a church has tax exempt status/non-profit, they cannot publicly, from the pulpit, speak about political issues. A church submits to the the government when they file for tax exemption or incorporates so that members can deduct their contributions and other eligible items for staff members. A church does not have to do this though, and then they are free to speak without threatening a tax exempt status they do not have, but then they don’t get all the good tax deductions. Unfortunately many churches have tied themselves to the state in order to NOT render unto Ceasars what is Ceasars, not realizing they are giving up their right to speak about ALL things political.
Dear Pam,
Part of what you are saying is correct and part is partly right. As a Baptist Preacher for over 25 years I can speak freely about any political issues, abortion, civil rights, human trafficking, our stance with Israel, or war. I cannot endorse publically from the pulpit any candidate that is running for office. I cannot post on social media from an official church document to endorse a candidate. Can I educate the congregation concerning certain stances from a group of candidates, Yes. How many Presidents, VP, Senators, or state and local politicians have spoken during a church worship service. I enjoyed reading your comments.
The whole story is disturbing, but I’m wondering. Is this an issue of the 501(c)(3) status that churches enjoy in being tax exempt? The IRS says, “501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct.” Do churches that take this status abrogate their freedom of speech on political or legislative matters? Clearly it’s a violation of the First Amendment, but I’m concerned about how much churches have volunteered for it to avoid paying taxes.
They can’t endorse a candidate. However, churches can spend money to oppose or help pass legislation and referendums. Churches may speak out about social and moral issues, the actions of government officials in office, and the positions of candidates on issues. As long as a church does not endorse or oppose a specific candidate for public office, it has broad freedom to praise or criticize officials and candidates.
No, it is not a violation of the First Amendment. No speech has been prevented. They just want copies of speeches already given. As to the 501(c)(3) status, a charitable organization must strictly remain a charitable organization if it is to enjoy the tax benefit. If it chooses to become a political advocacy group, then it pays taxes.
If churches want their constitutional rights to free speech to be completely unfettered, they should abandon their tax-exempt status. This would deprive the City of Houston the legal excuse to subpoena their sermons, and allow the churches to “speak truth to power,” as liberals like to say.
Well said! Take a stand, regardless of the temporal cost. I realize and fully believe that we are responsible to submit to the governing authorities. We are citizens of heaven first, and of this great land second. So, we need to obey God through obeying the civil authorities. However, when people within government use their power illegally in the process of governing, we need to practice civilized civil disobedience.
Proverbs says there three type of persons:
1. The wise(those who take instruction and learn)
2. The fool(those who do not believe in God)
3. The evil (those will will not take instruction, do not believe in God and who have known harmful intent.)
Looks like Houston in a combimation of two of these government there. These wise need to learn who the other two are.
And yet mosques in the USA don’t have to be looked at at all… in fact, they are commended when they show that they have proven terrorist tendencies.
If church folk don’t wake up and 1) pray, 2) vote, 3) live a reputable lifestyle, 4) become involved in their cities, then we are toast.
we should not be surprised at this attack. Please continue to stand strong against this. No weapon formed against us shall prosper.
I believe I can see as in Romans 8:28 that God can easily turn this unholy attack on the pastors in Houston for our (the Church) good by…..
Although this subpoena is unlawful ,if I were any of these pastors in Houston I would hand deliver my sermons wrapped in gift wrap paper and a beautiful bow and ribbons.
Folks this lesbian mayor is asking/demanding the pastors to give an account of their teaching of the Word of God and its final authority on homosexuality. You have read in our Bibles that we are to give an account to ANYONE who asks of our faith/beliefs.
Pastors here is your invitation to prove your God. Go for it. You have my prayers.
The 501C3 tax status is a federal religious license, so the concept of separation is a bit muddied.
Unless the religious leaders have cut a similar deal with the city government, however, the mayor is in error.
I agree with you Russell , we preach the Word of the Sovereign God ,they need to respect that ,they are not forced to attend Worship Services ,but we are commanded to preach the truth.
God please protect the greatest nation to ever exist from the pure evil we are seeing. Restore your glory and the liberty of our founding fathers and cause those to repent who are so filled with evil and hatred towards our nation. Cast out and rebuke the enemies in our midst in Jesus name. Give us a mighty restoration of our nation and constitution. Give American patriots the wisdom and courage to defeat those who are intent on destroying our freedom and liberty. This nation
Needs to be returned to the light on the hill for all nations. Shut the mouths of those who condemn our great nation for their own agendas. Give us victory. And exile all our enemies. As you did in the days of the bible you wiped out tribes and exiled evil, it is time Lord for a flood of biblical proportions to cleanse our country of this pure evil. Amen.
Thanks for such a well written piece. I’m encouraged that these pastors are refusing the order and letting the “chips fall where they may.” I truly believe that this incident is only the sirens before the tsunami.
Persecution of Christians in America is progressing, in this case at the hands of the activist homosexual agenda. This reeks of fascism, and is an ominous development. We must fight and resist these encroachments lest we are eventually stripped of all religious liberty. Take heed Chistians!
Is this not an opportunity to deliver sermons to unbelievers? Why not send them sermons? We are to be witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the earth.
It would be nice if we could use the Bible to justify our government’s behavior. But we cannot. It would be nice if we could use absolute morals in a debate in order to bring reason to their thinking, but we cannot. The present government represents the people of Today, and unfortunately this is the heart of the people in much of America, otherwise our present government would not have been elected to office. So when we see decisions like this coming from our elected government, we can reflect and know that in the end times it will be as in the time of Noah (it shouldn’t catch us by surprise). The prophets of the OT were slaughtered for preaching righteousness to a wicked people, who wanted only to hear what their itching ears chose to hear. It is not any different today. I believe that we should still stand for our faith, fight the good fight, preach the Good News, but also be ready to pay the cost that is required of anyone who will follow after our Savior. He is our Hope. And I do find peace in reading Psalms 37 and Psalms 73. We will not have to endure this forever…
Subpoena ≠ Censorship
A subpoena for documents does NOT mean the content of those documents is subject to censorship. It’s merely a legal process of collecting potential evidence. Following a standard legal protocol in the discovery phase of a law suit, lawyers ask for everything remotely related to the issue at hand. Sometimes it’s more of a scare tactic, than anything.
The attorney for the opponents of HERO (the ones filing the case against the city) should have expected this subpoena. It is standard procedure.
The author is implying more than ought.
With that said….. my advice to the opponents of HERO:
Municipal attorneys get paid for everything they can think up to add to their billable hours, so requesting everything but the kitchen sink is money in their pocket. They are being paid out of deep city coffers and have no direct accountability to the electorate. Add to that, their bosses (the city officials that chose the city attorney) often have much corruption to hide and agendas to grind, so they count on the city attorney to protect them. Therefore, be prepared for a L-O-N-G ordeal. Also, city attorneys often have considerable influence over local judges as they are big $$$$ contributors to powerful PAC funds (which hide their donations) supporting local judges’ re-election bids. Try to get the trial moved to a distant city beyond the city attorney’s reach. Keep in mind his firm’s partners’ roles as city attorney for neighboring cities.
Beware! Be prepared!
Some municipal attorneys know how to get away with the unimaginable!
I’ve been there, suffered that! Don’t underestimate them!
I will be happy to suffer and die for Christ. I will not preach what man wants to hear, but what God has proclaimed through His inspired word – the Bible.
We ought to remember that what may be legal may not be moral and will never be moral. The Bible does not change, the church should not change, and Christians should not change to social changes.
Amen!!!! Preach The Word!!!
I’m not holding my breath to find out how many mosques their Nazi-esque office sent letters to as well….
Is it ill advised to seek the halt of Moslem immigration and the disestablishment thru legislation of the American Mosque? Given that the formal doctrine of said religion is unconstitutional?
The fact that your a denomination, is a travesty, and id omit the fact the body of Christ has labels gives right to them who are opponents of the Gospel to attack yea. Throw your garbage brand church buildings you have put above the Spirit in you out.
I’m thinking the preachers’ proper response should be whatever is the polite, pastoral, respectful equivalent of “stick it sideways”, even if that ends up as a simple “No”.
If threatened with contempt of court, they should happily agree, saying “Charge me then, and I’ll see you in court! We’re greatly looking forward to the descovery process, and oh by the way, tell the mayor she’s on notice not to delete any emails. In the meantime, bite me, shove it, and you know… that sort of thing.”
Frankly, I’m stunned that you are stunned considering your position in the religious community. The Bible clearly tells us that this day IS coming. Over the past 20 or so years many laws have been passed to protect people from hate crimes. Unfortunately there is such a broad definition to the laws that any pastor on any given Sunday can be arrested for committing a hate crime simply for preaching the word of God.
I have no idea what will come of it, but I felt moved after reading this article and others related to this issue, to write a sincere letter to the mayor of Houston. I asked that she stop bullying the pastors of Houston by violating their first amendment rights. I trust that the lawyers representing the pastor will do the very best they can to stop the subpoenas. Please join me in praying for not only a favorable end to this situation, but also for the mayor of Houston, that God would change her heart.
Well spoken! As believers we should embrace ” seperation of church & state”..Our Constitution provides the means to pursue religious freedom. The ” State ” has no place in the pulpit. As Pastors, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit , we are well able to preach past this intolerance and still be true to the Word of God. These ” edicts ” are the wallowing cry of peversion… It will spread…we have to protect our children and teach them ….” As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of Man returns”……
Well spoken !
This “war” on Christianity we are currently seeing spread within our country must be stopped. We as Christians must take a stand for our freedoms and rights. May God bless us as we strive to serve Him in the days ahead!
My name is Rich… I want you to know that I am willing to come to Houston from Brooklyn and support you and your congregation against this tyrannical government overreach… I am a Conservative Catholic and will have your back 100%.. say the word Pastor and i am there… Sincerely Rich Desprey God Bless
The article makes no attempt at all to consider why the subpoenas
were issued. The reader is left to guess. Now, it would appear
from other reports that the pastors have actively been engaging
in political advocacy. If that is the case, then the 501(c)(3)
tax exemption for those churches should be revoked. They should
lose there city property tax exemptions, as well as their federal
and state income tax exemptions.
On another note, this is not a First Amendment situation. The
speeches were already made. There is no prior restraint. All
that is asked for is the record of each speech. Certainly, that
is relevant to the tax exempt status of these churches. Whether
it is relevant to an issue in the case – which by the way was
brought by the pastors and the ADF (a right-wing legal defense
organization), not by the city against the pastors – I cannot say.
There is too little information available.
Let the church stand up and be counted. If we, the pastor’s and the church, remain silent we will watch the era of Big Brother take over and have no one to blame but ourselves. I would like to request that an address or email contact for this city council be provided if at all possible.
Dr. Moore while I agree with much of what you say it’s not like our sermons are private or secret communications. Why not send them? Why not formally protest their actions, then comply? Along with anything I said about these subject matter in question, I would also send the gospel.
I do not live in Houston, but I do live in Texas. I would be glad to send them anything I have said on the matter. (Which is nothing today but will be something soon.) Many pastors post their sermons online, so I don’t see what the deal is. But, if any action is taken to curtail the free exercise of religion, then we have a real problem.
Until then I’m afraid we look cantankerous and self-righteous.
Every Minister in the country should copy and send every sermon they ever preached to the city of Houston. Let the volume of God’s work speak for its self.
The federal constitution does not apply here. However, the Texas constitution does. This action is clearly prohibited by the Texas constitution.
Why does commentary on a moral issue that is part of a public debate constitute political speech? If the church cannot speak to moral questions, who can?
Morally speaking it’s pure classic tyranny. But legally speaking Rebecca has stated the unfortunate truth. By accepting a tax exemption most churches have become slaves of the government. They have allowed greed to overcome integrity. A very few small and serious congregations have chosen not to take Caesar’s silver. I don’t know if any of these churches are in that group. Probably not. Tyrants are smart enough to check such things before taking action.
We, who stand for Christ need to speak up. Be bold as David against the Goliath we have coming… those who hate Jesus and his santity together they stand, so do we..
Just tell them your sermons were on Lois Learners hard drive. The church haters are to obvious in there posts. They really hate that part inside them that tells them they are not God. The church will not only survive but will become stronger with the attacks.
And satin asked his generals, how can we quite the ones that deliver the word? One said, lets start movements and organizations that oppose the message. satin answered, we are already doing that. Another said, lets rear a young generation confused by mass media and the degradation of the family to attack the pulpit. Satin answered, we are already doing that. Then, after a minute of silence, satin said what if we use the very laws of land, we can craft the words of tax-exempt status and hate speech to quite the pulpit. The vote was unanimous.
I don’t think liberals understand what partisan speech is. Just about anything can be turned political. Do they think that churches just talk about angels and rainbows? No! They try to make the lessons of the Bible relevant to today. That means they might preach about war, helping others,abortion, suffering, and, yes, moral values. They might talk about the local soup kitchen, local needs, and maybe a local ordinance that contradicts Biblical teaching. Being a Christian isn’t something you do for one hour on Sunday. It’s 24/7 and our pastors are there to guide us.
Churches and other 501c3 organizations can and should weigh in on political questions such as this one. They must not endorse or bias campaigns (e.g. voter registration drives), however: http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations
People tried to use their misunderstandings of this against churches in favor of NC ‘ s amendment one (though curiously none other the churches that were against it.)
“No government can set itself up as our God.” Exactly! Hopefully, as the Church rallies around pastors and churches in Houston, we will see a victory for religious liberty and the right to freely express our Christian beliefs. http://jsmarek.com/2014/10/15/the-culture-crisis-censorship-why-the-houston-subpoenas-matter/
Churches cannot have it both ways — choose religion or choose politics. Make them pay property taxes and maybe they won’t have the option of adding that new bowling alley.
This isn’t an either or choice. The church is called to speak out against moral evil. What the pastors are doing is upholding biblical principles in their community. Free speech applies to everyone. You cannot tax free speech, unless you are a communist nation.
This article doesn’t tell the whole story. Read the subpoena. Do some research and find the facts. Don’t rely on articles like this that tell half of the story. I expected more from you, Dr. Moore.
Actually the mayor and city attorney are now backing away because they know they’ve done wrong and they just didn’t expect the national outrage this power grab has caused.
Voters have two choices this fall:
1) You can vote FOR the party of CONTROL that seeks to regulate every aspect of your life, discounting the Bill of Rights and the Constitution in the process, and pushing every radical agenda; or
2) You can vote for the party of FREEDOM.
1 Corinthians 4:12-13 NKJV
[12] And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; [13] being defamed, we entreat…
An armed insurretion against the government is approaching. I have my weapons ready to join the insurrection.The constitution has become worthless document to Democrates and the left. You can push people only so far before they rebel. And rebel they will, and I will join them. Pastors have the right to speak and preach as they see fit. Who was it that said “I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it?”
It is people like this woman who are leading us to armed rebellion againt the government. First an insyurrection, then a civil war, and ultimately, the division of the country into several independent nations. The United States is dead. The radical left have seen to that. What they have not foreseen is insurrection and civil war. This time, the government cannot and will not win.