Enough already! How many times do we have to read comments, from John Burns and others who are misinformed, which threaten churches about their so called 501(c)3 violations, without presenting any proof of such activity? Statements like Phil Holzman's Oct. 25 letter, "churches and their leaders should not be endorsing specific candidates or parties" makes it sound like this is a common practice in Willmar. Where is any evidence to substantiate this accusation?
We, as pastors, know the 501(c)3 laws and abide by them. Contrary to the opinion held by some, we don't want to abolish or change these laws. They provide us with guidelines, directing us to what we can and cannot do. We respect that. The problem is that some want to deny churches the right to do the things these laws provide. If a pastor or church violates the law, hold them accountable. But who holds those accountable who make careless public accusations, smear campaigns, and attempts of intimidation?
The act of trying to disenfranchise any group of people from participating in the democratic process, for any reason, is nothing less than un-American. Instead of guessing what is going to be said from the pulpit on the Sunday mornings leading up to the election, as Mr. Holzman wonders, why not visit one of these Bible teaching churches and see that we are not the enemy. We are people like you, who love this country and who want to be a part of the discussion.
Churches and pastors have played huge roles in the formation of this country and its constitution, which is the most enduring constitution of any country in the world to date. This formative leadership role should neither be abdicated nor silenced. The church of Jesus Christ has an earned and rightful place in the public square and it will not go away.
Pastor Brent Waldemarsen
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Willmar
