St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Urges Congregation not to Vote for Specific Candidate
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin is facing criticism for allegedly engaging in illegal electioneering after urging its congregation not to vote for Janet Protasiewicz in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The message was posted by Rev. Brian Dulli in the church’s bulletin last Sunday, where he referred to abortion as a “mortal sin.” Although he did not mention Protasiewicz by name, he stated that one of the candidates supported abortion rights, while her opponent, Dan Kelly, was endorsed by three anti-abortion groups.
Freedom From Religion Foundation Accuses Church of Electioneering
The message from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church has caught the attention of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which accused the church of engaging in illegal electioneering and notified the IRS. Federal law prohibits churches from endorsing or opposing any political candidate for public office. Americans United for Separation of Church and State also sees a rise in similar violations ahead of every election cycle.
Catholics Reminded about Sacredness of Unborn Life Ahead of Elections
Ahead of the April 4 state Supreme Court election, Catholic leaders in Wisconsin have reminded their faithful about the sacredness of unborn life. Wisconsin’s Catholic voters will decide between Judge Dan Kelly, who is pro-life, and Judge Janet Protasiewicz, who is pro-abortion and has the endorsement of Planned Parenthood. Hillary Clinton supports Protasiewicz and says that the Wisconsin election “will determine the future” of abortion “for millions.”
Church Guidelines Prohibit Officials from Engaging in Political Campaigns
The message from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church has caused controversy as it is against church guidelines for officials to engage in political campaigns for or against any candidate. The Wisconsin Catholic Conference has issued guidelines that prohibit churches, clergy, or people acting in an official church capacity from endorsing or opposing political candidates, or engaging in political campaigns. The Catholic Church encourages voter registration and civic engagement but refrains from partisan political activities.
Violating Ban on Political Activity Could Result in Revocation of Tax-exempt Status
Consequences for violating the ban on political activity could result in revocation of tax-exempt status for the church. Scott Idleman, a professor of law at Marquette University, believes this was a clear case of illegal electioneering by the church. The IRS could take away the tax-exempt status of the church if it decides to prosecute the case, but the church could re-apply for it in the future. The consequences could be dire for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church which has been serving its community for decades.
Majority of Americans Don’t Want Churches to Endorse Political Candidates
A Pew Research Center poll found that the majority of Americans do not want churches to endorse political candidates. This is not surprising as Christians are divided along political lines, and endorsing candidates could lead to significant divisions within congregations.
Vicki McKenna, a conservative radio host, praised Dulli’s message while Rep. Mark Pocan criticized it as overtly political and potentially risking the church’s tax-exempt status.
Church Officials Have Duty to Call Attention to Moral and Religious Dimensions
Church officials have the duty and right to call attention to the moral and religious dimensions of public issues. The Catholic Church consistently affirms the moral evil of every procured abortion and considers it gravely contrary to the moral law in its respect for all human life. Archbishop Jerome Listecki issued a statement on the evil of abortion and reminded people that it is pro-death and not pro-choice.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is the most important election affecting abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Wisconsin lawmakers inherited a trigger law effectively banning all abortions in the wake of the Roe v. Wade ruling, which has been challenged by Wisconsin Democrats and abortion groups. The court is split between three conservative judges and three leftist judges, and whoever wins the election will likely be the fourth vote for either life or abortion, making the right to life on the ballot.
In conclusion, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin is facing criticism for illegal electioneering after urging its congregation not to vote for Janet Protasiewicz in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The message has caught the attention of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which accused the church of engaging in illegal electioneering and notified the IRS. Ahead of elections, Catholic leaders in Wisconsin have reminded their faithful about the sacredness of unborn life. The consequences could be dire for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church which has been serving its community for decades if they lose their tax-exempt status due to this incident.
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