Kim, were you invited?

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Registered: 03-24-2003
Kim, were you invited?
16
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 6:08pm
Falwell Holds Gay Marriage Summit

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff


Posted: October 4, 2004 11:01 am ET

(Lynchburg, Virginia) Evangelical Christian ministers crowded into the Rev. Jerry Falwell's new law school for a pep talk on how to preach conservative politics without running afoul of the law.

Bristling with frustration, several raised their hands when asked if they had received letters from Americans United for Separation of Church and State warning that giving biased information about political candidates could jeopardize their tax-exempt status as nonprofit organizations.

"The Constitution doesn't say anything about the separation of church and state, so how can the government deny us our right to practice our freedom of expression?" asked Don Cherry, senior pastor of a nondenominational church in Hedgesville, W.Va.

Jerry Falwell Jr., Falwell's son and a lawyer for the ministry, said that despite the letters, churches were actually allowed to hand out candidate biographies and voter-registration packets.

What they should not do, he said, was endorse a candidate in church. The tax code forbids it, though he hopes the Supreme Court will eventually change the law.

"That's why this election is so important," he said. "Three or four justices are going to be appointed in the next four years."

Another ministry lawyer, Mathew Staver, who is involved in law suits across the country opposing same-sex marriage, said churches could also legally spend 5 percent of their time lobbying for or against various legislation. That is a lot of time, he said, considering the number of hours pastors and staff spend each year just keeping the church going.

"If you wanted to, you could essentially turn the church into a political machine on Sunday," said Staver who is the president and general counsel of the Liberty Counsel.

With five weeks until the presidential election, the elder Falwell said he is trying to muster conservative evangelical ministers to support the Republican ticket. He is planning similar workshops in Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin and other battleground states.

"We intend this year to put an end to the intimidation," Falwell said in an interview. Ministers "think they're going to be put in jail if they speak out."

Falwell, a favorite target of Americans United, was himself accused of breaking the law this summer when he wrote a letter urging followers to re-elect President Bush. (story)

"Jerry Falwell is, I think, the worst possible person to give advice about the tax code," said Barry Lynn, a Christian minister who runs Americans United.

He said the letters were meant to clarify the law for church leaders.

Falwell's "Old Time Gospel Hour" television ministry in 1993 paid $50,000 in back taxes for improper political activity in 1986 and 1987.

A four-year IRS probe determined that the weekly broadcast ministry of Falwell's Thomas Road Baptist Church raised money for political purposes. Falwell agreed to pay the penalty as a condition of getting his religious tax exemption restored.

Lynn agrees that ministers can engage in political activity - as long as they do not endorse anyone in particular. They cannot even distribute candidate biographies if they are written in a way that makes one look more righteous than another.

"Your intent does matter," Lynn said. "And I think that when Jerry Falwell both tells people to vote for Bush and then helps them find a way to donate money, that is willful and intentional endorsement of a candidate."

The workshops yesterday were part of a three-day "Super Conference" that Falwell holds each year for Christian ministers. An estimated 2,000 came from around the country to learn strategies for expanding church membership and how to better communicate with their congregations.

But in an election year, pastors said it has been impossible to discuss abortion, gay marriage and other moral issues without talking politics.

"There is a lot of confusion about what we can say," said Brian Moss, senior pastor of Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Salisbury, Md. "We've been browbeaten by this notion of separation of church and state."

http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/10/100404falwell.htm

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2003
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 8:22am

(((((((((((((((((Raye))))))))))))))))))))


I hope you and daughter can get things sorted out quickly, I know this has to be quite painful. Congrats on the new job - I'm sure your dream job is just around the corner, but meanwhile at least you have something.


Big hugs!


~C

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2004
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 6:17pm

(((((( Raye ellen ))))))


Congrats on the job !!! Even though it isn't what you wanted, it's something and a start. All my best to you & all :o)


Hugs,

Robin

 **Please remember to sign your organ donor card...it can save someone's life**   

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2003
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 10:50pm
Thanks, nony... and think and hope you are right. I've had all kinds of dreams related to this. The first night after it happened, was dreaming I was wailing and of waking to see my ex next to me in bed, that startled me awake. I've had dreams about both daughters. Best course for me is to simply let time roll by, take care of the stuff I can take care of, and see where it goes. I cannot overcome by direct competition another parent who is with one in her home and another at work. Taking care of things is the only way I can make a difference.

Kowski... she made me smiel. Their daughter makes me smiel... looks like mom, has the reddish hair showing, and the same grin.

Thanks again... it means much.

*hugs* and hello's to loubie!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2003
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 11:37pm
>>I think its only right that we show up at his house and apologize for not making it. We can explain that our invitations got lost in the mail. I'd hate for him to think us rude for just not showing up, or even calling.

>snicker< <<

I'm sure he would love to have you over!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2003
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 11:42pm
Thanks!

This will do for now. Work and return to school... that will lead me where I wish to go...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-24-2003
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 11:43pm
Thanks, Robin! Hope all is well with you...

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