It is about time someone sued the IRS for not enforcing electioneering restrictions on churches. Too bad it had to be an anti-religion group. As a lifelong Christian who has often explained the faith in this forum, I am embarrassed when all the issues that face us as Americans are reduced to two: abortion and gay marriage. I was upset when so-called Christians "warn" other Christians that no true Christian would vote for Obama. I was horrified when so-called Christians recommended rounding up American Muslims and putting them in camps "for their own safety." Did we learn nothing from the interment of the Japanese? I was offended when certain so-called Christian leaders imply that true Christians must stop using the brain God gave them, and simply adopt a "party platform." (An aside: I am similarly offended when political leaders do the same thing).
Billy Graham is entitled to his opinion as an American citizen, and he is entitled to express it, as is every other pastor, priest or layperson. Years ago, James Dobson website used to tell viewers who to vote for by name. They got in trouble for that, and switched to telling viewers to "vote their values," thinly veiled endorsements that fooled no one. If Billy Graham wants to endorse a candidate, he theoretically should be able to as a private citizen. But maybe he gave up being a private citizen a long time ago. And when is a political endorsement electioneering?
To simply say,"I endorse John Doe because ....." may be fine. If it is not, then most entities, not just churches, will have to stop making endorsements. Forthe record, churches are not the only nonprofits that make endorsements, so we also have to wonder why churches are especially targeted. On the other hand, even if endorsements are fine, it is beyond the pale to go further than that and imply eternal judgment.