Two-Thirds of Americans Polled Support Separation of Churches From Politics

A Pew Research Center survey has shown that, despite the faith-based politics of both Democratic and Republican leaders, most citizens like separation of church and state — including separation from politics. Two-thirds said that religious organizations should not endorse or openly support candidates. For a prior column on the issue, click here.

Since 1954, the IRS has imposed limits on the political activities of tax-exempt organizations, including churches and other religious institutions. Both parties have been actively organizing churches and church leaders.

Recently churches joined together to challenge this rule and openly support candidates from the pulpit.

What is astonishing is that our leaders continue to work hard to incorporate religious leaders and institutions into our political system while much of the world struggles with the instability and violence caused by such entanglement. We have largely avoided the unrest seen in other countries with our commitment to separation, but it continues to be under attack by members of both parties.

Source: PEW