Taxing time for political sermons

Published November 19, 2005

IN THEORY

Taxing time for political sermons

Q: The IRS has reportedly warned a high-profile church in Pasadena that it could lose its tax-exempt status because of an anti-war sermon from a guest speaker. What are your thoughts on this? Are you concerned about the line between religion and politics in your own sermons, and how crossing that line could single out a church or a temple?

A: There's something wrong here and it is bigger than the Internal Revenue Service threatening a church with a change in tax status. A few months ago when Pat Robertson openly called for the assassination of democratically elected president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez Frías, was there a similar investigation of his religious credentials?

Or was he donning the hat of a politician and therefore protected by another set of rules?

And what about the mosques, synagogues and churches where hatred toward others is preached, advocated or even tolerated? Why are these institutions granted refuge under tax-exempt laws?

In the case of All Saints Episcopal Church, they are being singled out, and it is obvious. The truth is, I can't imagine a church being a church, without it championing peace and justice. I can't even imagine a clergyman, whether priest, minister, rabbi or imam, who can dare to stand in the sight of God and not preach peace and work for a world without war. I can't imagine this because I can't imagine Jesus standing for anything that would denigrate the sanctity of life.

Since our country was founded, issues of freedom, justice, peace and humanitarian duty have all been debated in the pulpits, in the pews and the forums established by the religious community. Run the course of history to the present and you will see the same for every time we have been confronted with challenges that touch the core of our liberty as a nation. Imagine where Civil Rights would be had it not been for Martin Luther King who leaned on his faith to build a movement for equality.

Today, the Church must continue with the same zeal and enthusiasm to be an advocate for the poor and the oppressed, to lead the way to justice and peace. If the government is set on stifling the Church's voice, it must have the courage to continue even at the cost of losing its nonprofit privileges. We hope that it will not come to this and so, we all need to accept the All Saints battle as our own. All Saints, their ministry and congregation are in our prayers.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries

When drugs and religion collide

Published November 5, 2005 - Glendale News Press - Los Angeles Time

IN THEORY

When drugs and religion collide

Q: The Supreme Court this week heard arguments in a case that brings up the question of whether the nation's drug laws should ever trump religious freedom. In Gonzales vs. O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao Do Vegetal, the court could reportedly grapple with what happens when a religious ceremony requires consumption of a drug outlawed under the Controlled Substances Act.

The case involves a New Mexico religious sect of 130 members that uses a tea made of hallucinogenic substances banned in the U.S. But this sacramental tea has been likened to the wine at a Roman Catholic Mass or unleavened bread at a Passover Seder. What do you think? Do the nation's drug laws supersede religion in this context?

A: From as early as the 19th century, the courts have distinguished between religious beliefs and religious practices or actions. While beliefs are granted the full protection of the constitution, not so with actions, as is evidenced in the current issue regarding the use of "sacramental drugs."

During the Prohibition era, sacramental users of wine were exempt from the general prohibition laws and the element, which was transformed through religious practices into the blood of Christ, was secured through governmental resources. I imagine the same type of procedures can be adopted for the procurement of hallucinogens today.

This case is going to be a good test for our system. Sure it will answer questions about the extent of law and religious freedom, but it will answer even greater issues of tolerance and relativism. And the outcome may catch a lot of people off guard.

While many believe that heightening awareness of God via chemicals is sacrilege, we can only see ourselves on the other side of the looking glass, and the bizarre world of religion, that justifies many profane behaviors in the name of the divine. It gives us another opportunity to consider Marx's assessment that religion is the opium of the people.

FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries