Limits of pulpit politics tested in N.C.

While many liberals see what happened here as a sign of overreach against secularism, many evangelical Christians say that free speech for the clergy is not only permissible but is crucial to the sanctity of broader societal debates. Some advocates have been pushing to make it easier for pastors to talk politics from the pulpits, without inviting a letter from the IRS. The Internal Revenue Service has since 1954 deemed it illegal to use church funds for political campaigning, but has given relatively wide latitude to preachers.

While the discussion of worldly policies in churches may be growing, it is hardly new. From the abolition movement to ongoing debates over abortion and the teaching of evolution, such talk has ebbed and flowed throughout US history - a tradition that fueled the Civil Rights movement.

But since Jimmy Carter became the first modern evangelical president, the trend has turned to conservatism, ultimately helping to reenergize the Republican Party in the 1980s and beyond.

Baptist pastors say rising politicization also reflects a 20-year push within conservative evangelical churches to promote the moral authority of the pastor over his flock. In last year's election campaign, many black ministers endorsed Kerry's candidacy from the pulpit, while white evangelicals played a large role in supporting President Bush's reelection. A few Roman Catholic bishops threatened to withhold communion from politicians who don't oppose abortion.

But in few places did the pitch go to the lengths that Chandler did here.

"If you vote for John Kerry this year, you need to repent or resign. You have been holding back God's church way too long. And I know I may get in trouble for saying that, but just pour it on," Mr. Chandler told his flock last October, according to a tape recording of the event cited in news reports.

Many of those who opposed Chandler's leadership say they agreed with the pastor's positions on abortion and other hot-button religious topics, but disliked linking those beliefs to specific political positions and candidates.

"I think his duty was to preach God's word and let the people sort out what they want to do," says Frank Lowe, a leader of the members who left the church in opposition to Chandler.

Chandler is believed to have a solid base of support both inside and outside the 150-member church.

But as tears fell and lawyers were on standby on Tuesday night in this pleasant mountain town, one thing became clear: Overt politicization of the pulpit can cause a world of hurt. "The sad part is just the pain and heartache of the congregation," says Robert Prince, pastor of the moderate First Baptist Church in Waynesville. "With some, it's taken on a personal kind of animosity, and that's real bad for the church."

• AP material was used in this story.

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