The Pastor of East Waynesville Baptist Church seems to have confused his role of spiritual leader with that of Voting Precinct Captain. According to this story, Reverend Chan Chandler has revoked the membership of 9 Deacons who refused to repent for not voting for George Bush. (Link to Video)
I can't believe that a Pastor who has served a church for 2 1/2 years (or any length of time) has the gumption to kick people out of a church they have attended for over 30 years. This is just plain wrong.
God is not a Republican, and he is not a Democrat either. Church leaders should follow Jesus' example to give Rome what is Rome's and give God what is His.
Our founding fathers were men of faith, but they recognized the fundamental need to have freedom of religious expression. Mandating support for a particular candidate is not appropriate.
And while I am on the subject, the Bible includes more moral issues than just abortion and homosexuality. There is much more in scripture about poverty, peace makers, and caring for God's creation; yet, those issues are mostly ignored by the religious right wrong, which seems much more focused on a pro-rich, pro-war theology.
I am committed to my faith in my savior Jesus Christ, yet those who claim to be Christian leaders apparently feel it's necessary and appropriate to exclude me and others from the Body of Christ. Even though my concerns are about a leader who puts mentally retarded prisoners to death and begins an optional war leading to thousands of deaths. These actions are not consistent with Jesus' teaching.
I pray that reconciliation can occur for my brothers and sisters - all of us together. It clearly will take the divine power of the Holy Spirit to realize this goal. May YOUR will be done Father. In Jesus' precious and holy name I pray. AMEN
I can't believe that a Pastor who has served a church for 2 1/2 years (or any length of time) has the gumption to kick people out of a church they have attended for over 30 years. This is just plain wrong.
God is not a Republican, and he is not a Democrat either. Church leaders should follow Jesus' example to give Rome what is Rome's and give God what is His.
Our founding fathers were men of faith, but they recognized the fundamental need to have freedom of religious expression. Mandating support for a particular candidate is not appropriate.
And while I am on the subject, the Bible includes more moral issues than just abortion and homosexuality. There is much more in scripture about poverty, peace makers, and caring for God's creation; yet, those issues are mostly ignored by the religious I am committed to my faith in my savior Jesus Christ, yet those who claim to be Christian leaders apparently feel it's necessary and appropriate to exclude me and others from the Body of Christ. Even though my concerns are about a leader who puts mentally retarded prisoners to death and begins an optional war leading to thousands of deaths. These actions are not consistent with Jesus' teaching.
I pray that reconciliation can occur for my brothers and sisters - all of us together. It clearly will take the divine power of the Holy Spirit to realize this goal. May YOUR will be done Father. In Jesus' precious and holy name I pray. AMEN
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