Churches have enough internal politics to deal with without entering the mainstream political arena. Yet that's exactly what they're poised to do with the "Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act."

A well-meaning Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) is sponsoring the bill, which would allow churches to endorse political candidates and parties without losing their tax-exempt status. The bill, HR 2357, is expected to make it to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives by the end of September.

Under the bill, all religious houses of worship will be allowed to verbally endorse candidates and publish or distribute statements as long as the efforts are not a substantial part of their activities.

While it might not sound like the appropriate "Christian" response, I hope the bill fails. Not because I want to silence our Christian churches, but because their focus should be on God rather than politics.

Churches already have tremendous influence on the political process. By teaching God's Word, they prepare voters to make their decisions based upon Godly values rather than hunches or politically correct stances. It's the church's job to equip mature Christians; it's up to mature Christians to take biblically based political stands.

IRS vs. the Church

Under current tax laws, churches and other 501(c)3 organizations are not allowed to endorse candidates or political parties. The Internal Revenue Service became the Church's political watchdog in 1954. Then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson pushed a tax bill amendment through that barred all tax-exempt groups from participating in any political activities. Organizations which violated the law faced losing their tax-exempt status.

The American Center for Law and Justice calls the law a disaster. The center claims the IRS is selective in its enforcement, targeting conservative churches and ministers. Its example: The Church at Pierce Creek in New York had its tax-exempt status revoked after the pastor placed newspaper advertisements in 1992 denouncing then-Presidential candidate Bill Clinton.

In an October 2001 interview with Insight Magazine about the case, former IRS commissioner Don Alexander said: "I think there was selective enforcement during the Clinton years, when a church against Clinton was audited and its exemption revoked, but Clinton and Gore making political speeches from the pulpits…has been ignored."

No one expects the IRS to do a good job policing free speech issues. Sure, conservative churches may have been targeted. But the "Houses of Worship" bill is not going to cure any political evils. Churches are not going to accomplish their goals by preaching politics from the pulpit; they need to rely on a more humble option -- prayer.

Opposing views

The bill's supporters include Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson, pastor Jerry Falwell and Focus on the Family leader James Dobson.

Vocal opponents among Christian denominations include the public-policy arms of the United Methodist Church, the National Council of Churches and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The United Methodists fear that if the church is allowed to get involved in politics, it won't be long before the politicians start messing with the churches. That's reason enough to leave things alone.

A better reason, though, is that when churches start endorsing politicians and putting their hope in political office holders, they'll be let down. Churches will be better served by putting their faith in someone we know is always victorious -- Jesus.