Newsletter Thoughts July 11, 2025

Dear Friends,

This week the IRS decided that churches are able to endorse candidates for elections. Previously such an endorsement could result in a church losing its nonprofit status. I am not a fan of this new ability.

Sometimes, when a sermon is perceived as “too political” a person will tell me that we are to keep politics out of religion. But if we are truly interacting with the gospel (as well as the rest of scripture), politics are often front and center. Politics is about how we interact in the world; how we respond to challenges; how we, as a society, care for others. The texts of our faith have much to say about these things.

If, in this sense, we are not political, then I wonder if we are truly interacting with scripture. I am constantly reminded of these words from a former professor, “If the gospels don’t make you uncomfortable then you are not truly reading them.” The issues that can make us squirm are political.

But to address political issues does not mean we need to be partisan. There is a difference between the two, even if the political issues seem to line up on one side or the other. I fear that partisan endorsements will lead to further polarization, especially within our faith communities. My hope is that we, instead, can learn to talk with one another about the important things about life together (politics), in ways that are respectful. It’s an ongoing hope.

What do you think about this? I would love to hear from you.

I am looking forward to seeing you tonight at our special Saturday worship and anniversary dinner.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Nancy