By a major stroke of providence, the High Impact Leadership Coalition, which I lead, placed a national, full-page ad in USATODAY the same day the bill was brought to the floor of the Senate. The ad was entitled, “DON’T MUZZLE OUR PULPITS!” Thirty-six nationally known, black ministers who serve thousands of parishioners from all over the U.S. took a stand for both the Constitution and the Bible by signing their names to the ad. The copy of the ad reads as follows:
Christian clergymen and people of faith are making a stand today for religious liberty. We oppose S.1105, the so-called “hate crimes”
bill. Similar laws at the state level and in other countries have already been used to muzzle the church. Labeling politically incorrect views as “hate” will have a chilling effect on the free speech and religious liberty of our churches and of our members.
Let’s be clear: Violent crimes should always be punished, no matter the victim– but thoughts and opinions should never be. Laws punishing violent crime already exist in all 50 states. So, what then will define “hate?” Simply, preaching biblical morality and sexual behavior, opposition to homosexuality. Such laws will ultimately establish, as a matter of legal principle, that any opposition to homosexual or other unbiblical behavior is inherently a form of “hate,” a direct threat to every American citizen’s freedom of conscience.
This legislation is constitutionally suspect, unnecessary, unfair, and ultimately un-American. We are African Americans, though we represent thousands of Christian leaders of all races. We understand more clearly than most the dangers of racially motivated violence. But we also recognize the threat to religious liberty from labeling biblical teaching as “hate.” The black community needs a free black pulpit. Indeed, ALL Americans need free pulpits.
We urge the Senate to avoid putting America on a road toward forfeiting our most basic freedoms – our freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the freedom to exercise religion.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? We urge all concerned citizens to call their Senators (202-224-3121) and call the President (202-456-1111) to express concern regarding S.1105.
We stand in unison against S.1105.
Let’s Keep Hope Alive!
After reading this article, I hope you will pass it on to your friends and take action. America needs you!