From Deseret News archives:
Churchgoers should be politics-doers
Not only is political involvement easier than giving up chocolate, there has never been a more exciting year to play a role in the American democratic process. We are in the middle of perhaps the most dramatic presidential race in recent history. The issues are momentous and the stakes are high. For the first time in decades there is no heir apparent. Political fortunes change daily. An increasingly electrifying race offers candidates who are as diverse as they are interesting the first woman, black or Mormon president.
In Utah, the governor, attorney general, state auditor, state treasurer, 15 state senators, 75 state representatives, three U.S. representatives and many municipal officers will be campaigning for office.
Studies, theories and apologies abound for why we are failing. One reason is most pertinent to Utah and suggests that confusion rather than laziness or apathy may be a cause: the official ban on political activities by churches. Too often, religious adherents wrongly construe that ban as an impediment to their own political participation. The source of confusion no surprise here is the tax code. Churches operate under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which states that they must not "participate in, or intervene in ... any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office." Notably, the restriction is on the churches, not the congregants, a cultural distinction many miss. Thus, although a church may not use its resources for partisan ends, its members are free to immerse themselves in the political process.
Fortunately, many churches have begun to encourage their parishioners to get involved in democracy.
Recent comments
I found Mr. Jowers editorial troubling the first time I read it and...
Hellene | Dec. 25, 2007 at 4:33 p.m.
Right idea. Wrong group to motivate. Almost universally one of the...
Bill L | Dec. 20, 2007 at 12:32 p.m.
I think this is a really interesting article. Although I've never...
BrandonD | Dec. 20, 2007 at 8:36 a.m.
- Island whipping doesn't thrill Andersen 9:18 p.m.
- 5A all-state soccer first team 9:14 p.m.
- Canyons chief named law group's v.p. 9:06 p.m.
- Rock on 9:00 p.m.
- Lobo land like home for BYU lineman 8:57 p.m.
- 3A soccer all-state first team 8:56 p.m.
- U. hopes to keep clicking 8:28 p.m.
- Steelers lead Broncos at halftime 8:13 p.m.
- Jazz win in N.Y. for 1st time since '04 8:02 p.m.
- Suns outlast 76ers, 119-115 7:51 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Hope for single moms
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Prep girls soccer MVPs named
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- GOP blasts Matheson after vote
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
269 - House passes health care bill
225 - Lobo suspended
181 - TCU showdown has big implications
177 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
154 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
113 - Thousands protest health bill
111 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
94
Yes Unemployment officially only hit 7.8% under Carter with Inflation of...
Once again the Jazz prove they are unable to put together a solid 48 minutes...
I like to listen to a guy who is "...on loan from God...". I like to...
Compare to the Florida Football "eye-gouging" incident where the player just...
This is why BYU will be always be in contention for a MWC championship and...
My comments should say alot about me I don't go shooting my mouth off about...
Ask any defense attorney or judge. Any first time offender who turns himself...
I agree these are dedicated students, but $1,000.00+ each?? Just for one...
Great facts. thanks. If you have not tried a Honey Crisp Apple yet then...
This is a latest update?

