NoSidesMag Drafts a Separation of State and Church Petition.

NoSidesMag Drafts a Separation of State and Church Petition.
By Ryan Kelly

I often wonder, as I write articles, if I should begin to spew out hateful, discriminatory statements filled with lies. To me, it appears to be what sells today. Why should an intolerant TV preacher like Falwell have all the fun? I could say things like, “If we allow those religious zealot to write our laws and change our Constitution, we’re all headed for damnation!” Maybe something like this; “If we continue to allow straight people to commit adultery and divorce it will be the end of marriage as we know it!” Well, maybe those are bad examples because they are both true, but you get the idea.

I hesitate to say such things because I know deep down that it’s not the right thing to do. The right thing is to tell the truth, write the facts, point to the law, and make sure that the right people are listening. This month, I created a petition on the subject of “Separation of Church and State.” I would appreciate your reviewing it at PetitionOnline.com and if you agree, please take the time to sign it. In the petition, I give examples of blatant violations of the law that are being committed by religious organizations.

This petition is a great example of the NoSides concept. There’s no debate here, no can they do this, and should they be able to do this, none of that. It’s a pure simple question. Is what they’re doing right or wrong? If you feel it’s wrong, then you own it to yourself to protect our country from religious leadership by signing the petition. If you feel the church should rule our land, then don’t sign it. It’s a simple right or wrong choice, No sides.

Of course, No Sides doesn’t mean you don’t do your homework. You’ll surely want to check out the constitutional principle that ensures religious liberty is the separation of church and state. The First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….”. That means simply that government cannot promote religion or interfere with its practice.

Then check out the federal income tax laws under IRC section 501(c)(3) of the IRS rules. Where it says a church or religious organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation, and a whole lot more.

Okay, now that I have everyone busy, I’m going to go setup a dummy coalition so I can accept donations and avoid the rules IRS has. Hey, if it works for the Falwell’s, the Dobson’s, and others, then it ought to work for me. This is America.