Politics at the pulpit

I had an interesting email exchange with my pastor I thought I would share with my readers. Anonymity will be maintained.

Dear Pastor

After sitting in church this past Sunday and listening to your sermon on Romans- do not conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds - I was pleased at the topic and overarching theme. I have been a regular visitor at this curch since 2005 - first a student finishing up college, and now a young professional.

One concern that has plagued my attendance at service, is the frequency of political statements and messages in your sermons. While I appreciate the distinction b/t "church and state" v. "faith and politics", I do not appreciate sermons that launch into political messaging. While political issues are often relevant to the topic at hand (and I don't dispute that), I feel there are other examples that can be discussed - staying away from the War in Iraq, corrupt members of congress, which candidate may be "best for change" this cycle, and so forth. We're a bright congregation and I believe we can make those connections individually. Walking out of service thinking my Pastor just endorsed a certain candidate over the next leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Perhaps I am overly sensitive to this issue as I work in the political field. I come to church and sit to listen to a sermon for the Word though, not a seventh day of political discussion. There are believers and people of strong faiths on both sides of the political aisle- and I ask that you talk about the Cross, not the sword.

At this point, I plan to continue worshipping at our church and I do respect everything the church is known for there. However, I simply ask that you would keep in mind my request for leaving politics out of the pulpit.

Thank you

And for those of you who think I was out of line, here is his much appreciated response.

Thank you for taking the time to write me about a concern with my preaching. You did it very well.

I am surprised that you think I endorsed a candidate. I have never done that. I was very careful to talk about the process, and not even mention the names of the candidates. I asked a question: which candidate is best able to effect change? With the exception of a ballot issue on Casinos (for which I held open forums so that people had an opportunity to object from my position) I have stayed clear of suggesting how people should vote.

I had a number of people ask me what I thought about the Rick Warren interviews. Since it was a pastor doing the interview I thought it was a fair topic to address in a semon. You letter suggests that others may feel the same way you do. This week I'll test this out.

My summary: I will not endorse candidates. I will not offer my advice on the Iraq war. Where the issue is purely political (and quite partisan) I will remain quiet. Where the issue has faith implications I will consider including it in the sermon. The churches in Nazi Germany remained silent far too long when Hitler was trambling on human rights. Silence on issues of oppression suggests consent.

Thanks again for caring enough to write.

Only two questions remain...Is he suggesting that silence on the issue of the Iraq war is analogous to silence in Nazi Germany? Wouldn't that be a veiled attempt to equate Bush and Hilter?