This week, the IRS changed its long-standing policy that churches cannot endorse political candidates from the pulpit. It is good that the civil government is leery of interfering too much in what religious bodies say, do, and preach, but I think this is an unfortunate change in policy. 

And I can say clearly that it is my expectation that the clergy in the Diocese of Arizona ought not endorse particular candidates from the pulpit. 

We follow Jesus Christ. He preached about all sorts of issues during his earthly ministry and did not hesitate to call out evil when he saw it. We follow Jesus faithfully when we do the same. The pulpit is a sacred and awe-inspiring place. When we set foot in it as a preacher, we do so with fear and trembling to interpret the Gospel so the Good News can be shared with the congregation and the wider world. But we do so in a way that is not partisan and does not adhere exclusively to any political party.  

Preaching the Gospel is often a provocative act–those who heard Jesus preach often walked away self-reflective, perturbed, or even angry. We can identify policies and laws that are consonant with the Gospel, or which inhibit the love of Jesus and our neighbor. But it is always in service of the Gospel, and not to a particular political philosophy or candidate. 

There is no single understanding of what it means to “be political” in congregations in the Diocese of Arizona. In some congregations, church discussion of race, sexuality, justice, immigration, or other issues is perceived as political in a negative way; in others, those topics are understood to be critical components of the Gospel. In some churches, having the American flag in the sanctuary, singing patriotic hymns, and praying for members of the military and for the nation is understood to be political in a negative way; in others, those actions and prayers are consonant with civic responsibility and our call to participate in our common life as Christians. 

Clergy can–and should–be active citizens following their own political identity, founded on their faith. If they feel so-called, they can volunteer, donate, and participate in political campaigns for their preferred candidates.  Churches can–and should–be spaces for the marketplace of ideas, where we host gatherings, educational events, and even candidate debates and forums. 

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(For the Human Family, BCP pg. 815)