• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Politics / Govt / Politicking from the pulpit?

Politicking from the pulpit?

September 30, 2008 By WRN Contributor

Pastor Luke Emrich of New Life Church in West Bend told his congregation Sunday that he was voting for John McCain for the pro-life reasons. He claims the segment about McCain lasted "two or three minutes at most." He claims he advised his parishioners to pray on their voting decision and choose a candidate for themselves.

A group called Americans United for Separation of Church and State says Emrich crossed the line. AU's Executive Director Barry Lynn says although preachers have 1st amendment rights a "pulpit endorsement" leads to an assumption by the congregation that the pastor is using the church to back a certain candidate.

Pastor Emrich says his church also encompasses one-on-one and small groups in which current issues, beyond the election, are discussed.

Lynn says AU has never complained about religious leaders tackling moral issues but say they've "stepped off the cliff" when opposing or supporting a specific candidate. American's United is calling on the IRS to take action on what they calling a violation of the law under churches' tax exempt status.

Lynn adds Emrich followed an effort backed the Alliance Defense Fund who encouraged churches to politick from the pulpit. Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund, say in a statement, they are prepared to defend the First Amendment rights of pastors who participated in their "Pulpit Freedom Sunday."

AUDIO: Brian Moon repports (MP3 :92)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Politics / Govt



Featured Stories

House passed gun purchase background check bills last year with no support from Wisconsin Republicans

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC