[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HOUSES OF WORSHIP POLITICAL SPEECH PROTECTION ACT

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                               speech of

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Houses of Worship 
Political Speech Protection Act (H.R. 2357).
  While I am a strong defender of the fundamental freedoms of religion 
and speech, I am deeply concerned that H.R. 2357 could have serious 
unintended consequences. For example, this legislation would allow 
churches, mosques, and synagogues to make hard and soft money 
contributions to political campaigns, run issue advocacy advertisements 
for and against candidates, and use tax-free donations to sponsor 
political fundraisers. Simply by paying their tithing, parishioners 
could be contributing to a political campaign without their knowledge 
or consent. This would jeopardize the integrity of religious 
institutions and endanger the rights of citizens to choose who they 
will and will not support for public office. Tithes and offerings would 
be better spent feeding the poor and hungry, and helping other 
disadvantaged members of our society find hope and healing.
  The primary mission of houses of worship is to save souls, comfort 
the afflicted, and uplift and inspire the people. Our Constitution 
guarantees the freedom of religion, and the government specifically 
exempts religious institutions from taxation in recognition of their 
crucial work. Religious leaders have, since the founding of our 
country, spoken out on moral and spiritual issues, serving as the 
catalyst for the anti-slavery and prohibition movements. I am extremely 
concerned that some spiritual leaders now feel they cannot adequately 
address moral issues without risking the loss of their church's tax-
exempt status. I strongly support further investigation into the IRS 
regulations on political speech by tax-exempt organizations so a 
workable and appropriate solution can be found. However, H.R. 2357 is 
not the answer. While churches would be able to participate in 
political campaigns, involving their parishioners in electioneering and 
partisan politics would ultimately undermine their mission of hope and 
comfort.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 2357 
and working toward a more effective and appropriate solution to address 
the legitimate concerns of religious leaders.

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