Priests, as citizens of the US, have the legal right of freedom of speech. Thus there it is not a violation of the policy of 'Seperation of Church and State'. This term was made popular by the Rev. Isaac Backus in 1773 and is not actually spelt out in the US Constitution. However the 1st amendment does state the US Government cannot make laws 'respecting an establishment of religion' and that the US government cannot prohibit the free expresion of religion.
The US Supreme Government, however, does consistantly rule in favor of a seperation of church and state. So the government cannot get involved in religion but religious leaders can get involved in politics.
2007-11-14 09:04:17
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answer #1
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answered by Downriver Dave 5
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No, it's not a violation. Any church or religious organization -- or any person, for that matter --can tell other people how they think people should vote. There's nothing illegal or even weird about that.
The Catholic priests a) do not have any power beyond Catholics, and some of them don't even listen to them when it comes to voting, and b) are not bound by laws enforcing the separation of church and state. The few laws on the books that even relate to that prohibit the government from favoring a certain faith or church, they don't prevent a faith or church from favoring a politician or a governmental body.
2007-11-14 11:34:44
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answer #2
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answered by Hillary 6
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No it would not The tax exempt status is a central authority waiver which must be petitioned because of the fact of this each and every company is in theory taxable, which does no longer deny the existence or operation of the corporate in question, ergo the liberty to envision an company/faith is actual and alive That the government makes a tax exemption and gadgets policies, is that is govt prerogative, which does no longer violate the separation of church and state you are able to't p.c. this as a discrimination the two. evaluate you have 10 ppl that are in debt with you (TAX) and you place a level with the aid of which you will come to a call to pardon the debt (tax exemption) in case you come again to a call to waiver 8 out of 10, it is your corporation, you're actually not obliged to (i'm no longer likely into the reality that politics can/will impact the alternative in awarding tax exempt status, yet it is not on the middle of the "separation" question) Btw i do no longer stay interior the U. S., only an ex regulation student Peace Edit I forgot to show that "the separation of state & church", is only a theory that may variety a great deal from state to state or country to country do no longer fool yourselves, the two have been super fanatics interior the previous, and the two attempt to rule your lives, the church might have been "formally" banned from workplace, yet continues to be crucial political occasion. The information is, in all that the Atheists are bitching approximately right here on YA 24/7,they had be satisfied if all ties have been severed Peace
2016-10-16 13:02:25
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answer #3
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answered by ? 4
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While it does not violate the constitution it is a VERY BAD IDEA. The first amendment provides that Catholic priests (just like everyone else) have freedom of speech. The limitations in the first amendment are placed on the government not the church.
I think that the church for it's own preservation should avoid politics. "Keep your religion out of my government and I'll keep my government out of your religion" - Me. If they act like political action groups they should be treated as such under the law. Adding the label "church" to a political action group should not create a shield.
2007-11-14 09:00:11
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answer #4
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answered by davidmi711 7
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No, it doesn't violate the Constitution.
Partisan politics, however, may violate the tax code. Churches receive an exemption form most taxes - but if they engage in party politics they can lose that.
Richard
2007-11-14 09:03:46
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answer #5
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answered by rickinnocal 7
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The real legal issue surrounds their tax exempt status.
What I saw on few blogs today was that a tax exempt org can discuss posistions on issues, but not endorse candidates.
this is a really fuzzy area of law, and hinges on the semantics of what is said and the organizational structure I am sure.
2007-11-14 12:06:54
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answer #6
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answered by Barry C 7
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I agree. Thats why I am glad voting booths have curtains. They want to tell you how to vote and other political "correct policies" but don't want to pay taxes. This is why they say not to argue over politics or religion. There will be no winner, just opinions.
2007-11-14 08:57:11
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answer #7
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answered by sensible_man 7
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No, you got that SO reversed. Its that the government can't get into the church. The church can do whatever it wants to. The whole freedom thing applies to them as well.
2007-11-14 08:59:29
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Show me where it says that in the Constituion.
2007-11-14 08:54:01
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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