My church small group discovered that I am very opposed to their political beliefs. This strangly has become well known to everyone and I keep getting confronted by people about it. The preacher came to my house today and said he was disappointed and that I may not be welcomed at his church. I have been a member for over 12 years. I'm elderly and wheel chair bound. Many members of the church help with house chores. Without them I don't think I could manage. The preacher said that there services will no longer be availble. Is this illegal?
2007-10-31 11:27:31 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No... it is not illegal any more than it is illegal for politicians to campaign. The whole point of a campaign is to pressure you to vote a certain way based on your system of beliefs. The reason why it doesn't seem legal is because it doesn't seem right... and you'd be correct. As to what to do about it, I guess it depends on your priorities. If it were me, I'd get "faith healed," kick your preacher between the legs, and find a church that lives it's teachings.
As for the other comments about them losing their tax exemption, that is really not applicable in this case because your church is not promoting this publicly... it was a one on one case in a private interview in your home. I stick by what I said previous... re-evaluate your situation within this congregation. Not necessarily your church...
2007-10-31 11:44:54 · answer #1 · answered by Pecos 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not illegal but it is immoral and disgusting. That shouldn't
be happening in the twenty-first century. If they actually kick you out I suggest you make it as public as possible. By that
I mean go to the media. Write letters to the newspapers and local TV stations. They tend to be concerned about things like
rights and freedoms,and if your church receives some bad
publicity it may discourage them from performing such
totalitarian acts in the future.
It sounds more like a cult than a church. The preacher is a disgrace to his profession.
2007-10-31 18:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by Alion 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think I would be talking to pastors of different churches in the area, and also check out some of the government programs for people in your situation. I think I would tell the preacher exactly where he was going while I was at it!
2007-11-01 02:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by sbyldy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it's illegal, especially since it sounds like they were volunteering their services. But it IS highly unethical. You should make a big stink about it - write letters, make phone calls, and let everyone know what is going on. Fortunately for you, there are many caregiver services available for elderly persons, such as people to do grocery shopping, personal care, etc. ViCAP is one. You could always try Googling the services in your area. Good luck to you, and I'm sorry about what has happened.
2007-10-31 18:35:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
If your church is not careful, it could fall foul of the Internal Revenue Code. Private persuasion is one thing. If they publicly try to get you to change your voting habits, they could very easily lose their tax exemption. That is a lot of money in most churches.
Of course, that does not help your personal situation. There is little comfort to offer right now, but reflect upon your beliefs and ask yourself what the ringleaders in this sorry tale will have to answer for in the next life (Good Samaritan anyone?)
2007-10-31 18:40:12 · answer #5 · answered by skip 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well, you can't call the police, but you can call the IRS.
Churches are not allowed to promote political positions. If they do, they can lose their tax exemption.
But you cannot force them into continuing to care for you. If the members who help you now will be unwilling to stand up to the preacher's pressure, you need to start looking for other ways to have your needs met. Contact the community services department in your county or town for more information.
2007-10-31 18:44:34 · answer #6 · answered by raichasays 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's most likely not illegal. Church's are non-profit so they dont have to abide by the same laws and the people helping you most likely volunteered. But its amazing to be that they would do this based on POLITICAL and NOT RELIGIOUS beliefs. I'm not religious and this doesn't surprise me at all. Church's are like cults and if you dont see things their way you are a OUTCAST.
2007-10-31 18:38:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Skip is right. Churches may provide moral advice on electoral issues but may not become involved in campaigns. It is not illegal, but it can result in loss of income tax exemption which would make donations non-deductible.
2007-10-31 18:47:14 · answer #8 · answered by mattapan26 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The state has a mandate to support no church (nothing more no matter what the moron atheist patrol tells you). The church has no such mandate. Removal from the church while irresponsible and sad is their prerogative.
2007-10-31 18:35:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
illegal? churches telling people how to vote is the cornerstone of the american political system.
2007-10-31 18:31:45 · answer #10 · answered by whales*R*gay 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋