Ministers back Blackwell, challenge IRS

August 29, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) A national coalition of Christian ministers threw down the gauntlet Monday (Aug. 28), endorsing GOP candidate Ken Blackwell for governor and challenging an IRS crackdown on political activities by churches.

Implored by the Rev. Russell Johnson of Fairfield Christian Church in Lancaster to "show your heart," the 28 ministers calling themselves Clergy for Blackwell said they had a legal right and moral responsibility to endorse the Republican secretary of state over Democratic Rep. Ted Strickland.

The group noted the candidates' contrasting positions on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and placement of the Ten Commandments in public buildings.

"I came today to make the statement that it's fundamentally right, it's historically right, it's ethically right to do what's right for Ohio and all of its citizens," said the Rev. Fred Marshall of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus.

He accused liberal pastors of using pressure tactics "to chase their congregants to the polls as surrogates for Ted Strickland," adding, "As a citizen with one voice and one vote, I have a right and I have a responsibility to do what's right, and that is to vote. And I will vote, by the grace of God, for the honorable Kenneth J. Blackwell."

Although Strickland is an ordained minister, Johnson and Blackwell repeatedly questioned Strickland's religious convictions.

Strickland responded: "For Mr. Blackwell or his supporters to get into an argument about which one of us is more religious is so inappropriate. The two of us are running to become governor of Ohio, and there are so many issues that need to be discussed and debated -- job creation, health care, quality education, affordable college. I don't think people care which one of us is more, quote, religious, close quote."

Asked about the endorsements, IRS spokesman Chris Kerns declined to comment. Donald Tobin, who teaches courses on tax-exempt organizations at Ohio State University, said he saw nothing improper.

He said the event was not held on church property and didn't employ church resources and the pastors emphasized they were speaking as individuals.

"My call if I were their lawyer is that what they're doing is OK," Tobin said. "I think it's really important for those of us who don't like active involvement of churches in politics to recognize that there are still First Amendment issues that allow these pastors to speak out."

Blackwell, appearing with the ministers, said he supports religious pluralism, but "that doesn't mean I have to abandon my faith" as a Christian. "I am not a blank slate. I have a spiritual DNA, and I'm not ashamed of it."

He also said that as a candidate, his job is "to rush forward into (the) darkness with our light and light other candles so that we, together, can punch holes in the darkness."

-- Ted Wendling