Well, I got you to look! Yes, I'm a pastor, and I have decided for whom I will cast my ballot. As a citizen of our great nation, I possess the freedom to vote according to my beliefs and convictions -- or even the lack of beliefs and convictions. I am totally free to base my choice on an endless list of reasons.
Furthermore, as an individual I can endorse a candidate or even a political party. I can encourage others to vote for my candidate. HOWEVER, I will not identify that choice in this blog. Why? Because I do not want to cause confusion to what is proper.
Churches cannot endorse candidates who are running for political office. For issues such as constitutional amendments or other propositions that may appear on ballots, churches can provide guidance as to how people should vote. For example, if there was an amendment to the state constitution providing for legalized marriages for same sexed couples, a church could absolutely urge its members to vote against such a measure. However, a church could not urge its members to vote either for or against a particular candidate.
As an individual, a pastor is not limited or restricted with regards to endorsing candidates. In fact, I tell people regularly for whom I will vote. I have participated in the campaigns of individuals through the years. But I would never endorse a candidate while carrying out my public responsibilities as a pastor. In other words, I would not endorse a candidate from the pulpit. But I would willingly answer anyone who asked me who will be receiving my vote in most any other setting.
Since this blog appears as a link from our church's website, I will not endorse anyone seeking political office in this blog. However, I can offer a few guidelines that may be helpful in reaching your decision prior to casting your ballot.
Find where the candidates stand on these issues.
1. Marriage -- Does the candidate stand for marriage as defined in the Bible?
2. Life -- What is the candidate's position on abortion? What is the candidate's position on partial birth abortion?
3. Euthansia -- How does the candidate stand on the taking of a life in an effort to be compassionate?
4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research -- This is another life issue. Does the candidate support the use of embryonic stem cell in a rationalized attempt to offer medical cures?
When you discover where the candidates stand on these non-negotiable issues, your decsion for whom to vote should be crystal clear. I know for whom I am voting.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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