Haven't there been churches deliberately and purposefully making political sermons - like, we'll all do it on this date and record the sermons and send them to the IRS or whoever - in the hopes of someone getting in trouble so there will be a test case? I can't remember where I heard about that. Probably Colbert, but I think it's a real thing.

Yeah, I doubt it would ever get pursued unless it was a) very large (and thus lucrative) and b) very publicly provable.

But seriously, I'm careful about my personal speech because of my 501(c)3, not even starting to talk about the organization espousing a political view much less endorsing a candidate. Although it would be pretty funny if it did, since the two partners who make up the company have opposing political views most of the time!

Probably Colbert, but I think it's a real thing.

Yeah, Pulpit Freedom Sunday: [link]

ION, a mom from the soccer team that I am friendly with asked me where the two candidates for president staid on the issue of abortion. LIKE SHE ACTUALLY HAD NO IDEA!! FOR REALZ.

That is nuts. Is she a likely voter?

And Liese, I'm sure you know, but 501(c)(3) can have political views, just not endorse candidates or lobby on specific bills, generally. I believe. Edit: This is not legal advice!

I wonder how long it will be before a church brings about a Citizen's United lawsuit to abridge the separation of church and state at least as it pertains to political speech from a pulpit.

Wouldn't they first have to have their tax-exempt status revoked? I mean, given what msbelle heard, they are already making political speech from the pulpit. No need to bring it to a lawsuit when they are already getting away with breaking the law.

Yeah, I think she is a likely voter. the ignorance burns.

I like how everyone says what I was trying to say, only smarter.

I figure I know how to work with adding wheat germ--is there anything I need to know about flaxseed when I get to that iteration?

I usually treat them the same way.

That woman reminds me if a recent conversation my BFF had at the salon. The woman she was talking to, born here, but from a Mexican immigrant family, said she was voting for Romney because "he is for Israel and the Bible says God tells us to support Israel."

That's so depressing, Stephanie.

And Liese, I'm sure you know, but 501(c)(3) can have political views, just not endorse candidates or lobby on specific bills, generally.

Yeah, I know. I was unclear. I was saying, I, personally, don't even tread on things that are legal, much less things that are not. I like my tax exempt status!

I have no business deciding that [person A] should vote for a candidate because they are a member of [demographic group, often minority]. But I admit I am genuinely shocked at gay people who are voting for Romney. Or people of any color other than paper white. Or women.

Yeah, I know I said I have no business deciding that, and I did it anyway.