Church & State in Ohio

In an April 24, 2005 page A1 article for the Columbus Dispatch entitled "MIXING FAITH AND POLITICS CAN BACKFIRE WITH VOTERS" Mark Niquette and Joe Hallet make an interesting analysis on the close relationshiop between the church and state/individual politicians (via LexisNexis).

The key piece of analysis takes place about halfway through the article. The authors write

Some observers question whether the connections between conservative Christian groups and Blackwell have crossed the line meant to keep churches and tax-exempt groups out of partisan politics. The IRS allows such groups to conduct voter-registration drives and certain other nonpartisan political activity. But they cannot engage in partisan campaigning, including backing or opposing candidates.

The Ohio Restoration Project, a new coalition of conservative Christians, has organized several events or initiatives that feature Blackwell, according to the group's Web site: 1) "Ohio for Jesus" advertising with 30-second radio spots featuring Blackwell on "the stewardship of our citizenship." 2) An "Ohio for Jesus" rally in late February or early March, before the 2006 GOP primary, to honor Blackwell and religious leaders "for their contribution to the cause of Christ and their stand for Biblical marriage." 3) A gathering in mid-November of Patriot Pastors, a group of 2,000 pastors being recruited to engage the Christian community. Blackwell is invited.

"It's a good thing when people of faith organize to make their voices heard," said Weaver, Montgomery's adviser. "But this latest effort seems less focused on advancing the message of Jesus of Nazareth and more focused on advancing the message of Kenneth of Cincinnati.

I have no problem with Churches inviting candidate's to speak before members of that church. I do have a problem with churches who have candidates preach to the members. Churches today, Democratic ones especially during the election season, do seem to be quite eager to attach themselves unto various candidates. Caution would be advised.

Blackwell, however, does not appear to have crossed a line. It would also be interesting to know if Petro and Montgomery have been invited to speak to various churches.

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