General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Have A Sick Mom That Can't Get To Church & Just Put On A Catholic Mass On Cable TV & I'm Now Furious [View all]spartan61
(2,091 posts)very political article in the church bulletin, even negative comments about President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid . I posted about it here on DU and was overwhelmed by the support by the family of DUers. I wrote to the priest explaining why we were leaving: Here is my letter:
September 16, 2012
Dear Father XXXXX,
As we left church this morning after a beautiful sermon and church music, we felt wonderful. Then
we read the church bulletin, specifically the article on page 9. We are not sure you are even aware of this article but it is totally inappropriate and SHOULD NOT have any place in church, whether from the pulpit or the bulletin. If the church, any church, wants to be political, no matter the political party, than it should give up its tax exempt status. The article rages about socialism. I find this unbelievable in a retirement community where the parishioners must use the socialist roads to get to Mass, whose grandchildren attend socialist public schools, who receive Social Security checks, and get their health care from Medicare. Perhaps the parish should not expect or depend on any money collected from the congregation. Smacks of Socialism!
After arriving home from church this morning, we did some research on this article. Apparently it has been published in many church bulletins around the country. Im wondering how this can be if the IRS is aware of the politicking of tax exempt churches. Were also wondering if Americans United for Separation of Church and State is aware of this much published article.
After lengthy conversations, we feel we have no choice but to leave St. Marks. We dont feel we can belong to a church that seeks dominion over a persons political beliefs. Render unto Caesar what is Caesars. Render unto God what is Gods. We try to keep the two separate---like it says in the Constitution.
Former parishioners
Since then we have been "church shopping." It's very enlightening to visit other churches. Today we went to a non-denominational church. It was so up-lifting and non political.