Statement by the Board of Directors of the Southern California Ecumenical Council on the controversy regarding the Federal Internal Revenue Service and All Saints Church (Episcopal) in Pasadena, Fall 2005:

1. We affirm the current law which forbids all 501.c.3 organizations from explicitly supporting or opposing candidates for public office, and do not support proposed legislation before Congress which would allow religious organizations to do so. The present law is consistent with the First Amendment clause forbidding the establishment of religion.

2. We affirm the prophetic obligation of all God's people in every faith group to speak truth on moral issues and issues of justice, including preaching in season and out of season on ethics, which inevitably includes controversial political issues.

3. In balancing these two affirmations we insist on the First Amendment clause protecting the free exercise of religion without excessive and unconstitutional interference from government.

4. To achieve this balance the line must be clear and not murky, and must be respected by representatives of religion and representatives of government. The resources of a religious 501.c.3 corporation must not be used in electioneering, or explicit support or opposition to a political candidate, especially in the time cycle and context of an election. The government must limit attempts to enforce this rule to explicit acts. It has no right to infer from our preaching or teaching on ethical and justice principles that we have supported or opposed a candidate who violates or advocates those principles. The line is clear enough and must be honored.

5. We view the Internal Revenue Service investigation of Rev. George Regas' sermon at All Saints Church government intimidation. In order to defend the First Amendment, that action must be vigorously opposed.

Rev. Albert Cohen Rev. Dr. Paul Lance

Executive Director President

Church and State

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