NEW CASTLE —
Editor, The News:
In response to Bonnie Erbe’s column Saturday about tax exemptions for religious institutions, enough is enough.
She states that churches that speak on politics and are “divisive” should lose their tax-exempt status. Those churches that feed the poor and do good deeds but are silent on politics should be able to keep their status.
She includes in the “divisive” category Billy Graham’s organization that posted ads and such that Christians should vote for life and the sanctity of marriage.
Yes, Jesus told us to feed the poor, clothe the naked and visit the prisoners and the church needs to do more of it. However, that doesn’t mean that is all we are to do.
If preachers do not tell the world to stand for life, who will? Who should? I don’t believe anyone, especially someone who has authority and influence behind the pulpit, should tell people who to vote for, but I firmly believe that we not only have the constitutional right but the obligation to tell Christians to vote Biblical standards.
Planned parenthood actually receives funds from the government, but I can’t tell people to vote life without a threat? The government feels they can tell religious organizations they have to go against their beliefs and provide contraception but I can’t tell parishioners they should vote and vote their beliefs without a threat? Hypocrisy in the highest order.
During the primaries, we said all the same things.
Let me be abundantly clear, we are not taking a stand against any party or candidate; we are standing for life. If we have been endowed by our Creator with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, then I think it’s OK to politically vote for our Creator’s standards.
The Rev. Darren Abraham
Forest Avenue
New Castle
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