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Originally posted by LexiKD
I'm sorry but we will disagree that this is just another example of what happens on both sides.
The church in question is no worse than Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson going to places of worship in order to get votes, set up transports back and forth to the polls, and info on how to vote for the "right" choice; all the while collecting checks from the "right" canidates.
At least this current preacher had enough gumption to say what he thought, not what he got paid to say, and didn't try play on the ignorance of the congregation to get his paycheck.
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I rarely enter into discussions here, but I just wanted to add that I have worked in Advance and Scheduling as well as Finance. (We processed invitations from anyone who extended them and filed them away in order by date. The higher ups then chose which to accept based on time, venue, etc.) I would say that around 90% of all invitations we processed made it clear that both candidates were invited. NEVER did the candidate I worked for ever pay to attend the services. If they did, you would find the donation under disbursements on Tray.com.
Tray.com is a wonderful resource that you should check out. It gives out the donor information in detail.
But, my point is: Any campaign donation has to be disclosed. So, keep in mind that when candidates visit houses of worship THEY HAVE BEEN INVITED. I think if they showed up randomly and wanted to speak to the congregation to garner votes, it would be one thing. But, I don't see any issue if the congregation itself has said, "Please come and talk to us. Tell us what you stand for." It is not a money-making event for either side. If that was the case, you'd either see money coming in or money going out to or from a church.
If members of a church rally together and set up GOTV (get out the vote) events, that's one thing. If a preacher of a congregation says vote my way or get out, that's a whole 'nother thing. It's one thing if members fellowship by setting up grassroot efforts in a candidate they believe will help them preserve their way of life and faith. It's another if the church leadership is forcing them out for not agreeing with them.