The pastor of East Waynesville Baptist Church in Waynesville, NC has asked church members who supported Democratic candidates last November to repent, or else leave their fellowship.
There’s video from a local newscast here via Dembloggers.com. (Thanks to Peter and the Daily Kos for the heads-up.)
Was this a violation of religious freedom? Not in terms of civics: there is no constitutional protection that ensures church members won’t be expelled for dissenting opinions and choices.
It is by Baptist standards. Historically, Baptists are really keen on letting people make their own political decisions, and don’t draw battle lines too closely in terms of politics. They have liked to allow disagreement among their own because of their own history of persecution by the politically powerful.
Make no mistake, this will ruffle feathers in the state and local Baptist associations, if EWBC is a member. I’d like to know which seminary the pastor graduated from, if any?
Could there be an IRS problem? Maybe. I’m still waiting to find out if those folks in Louisville see any consequences from that filibuster of faith thing. I don’t know what the rules are for politicking from the pulpit, but if he’s ousting people specifically over candidates instead of talking about specific issues, that should hopefully make things rough legally.
Update: Pastor Runs Away