"The distinction is between commenting on legislation and policies on the one hand, and endorsing political parties and candidates on the other. We (as clergy) can do the first. You simply can quote the Social Principles as a warrant for engaging issues. I make a distinction between public issues of general interest and political activities. The line becomes blurred when, for instance, we at the Temple host a forum at which someone in the political spectrum refuses to participate. I use the Social Principles and the NIC positions as guidelines.
"Since the gambling expansion legislation is bi-partisan, members of both parties supported or rejected it, anything we say is not political.
"The initiative on immigration in the NIC, discussions about public education, state budget issues related to caring for people who are disabled, and war are proper issues to discuss. Endorsing particular politicians or parties is not."
A couple of definitions--the Social Principles is a guideline for United Methodists on where we stand on particular issues and this is voted on by a worldwide body of elected clergy and laity every four years. I emphasize the word "guideline" because United Methodists aren't expected to the toe the line on these issues, but gives us (and the world) a sense of our beliefs. For what it's worth, I agree with nearly all of our Social Principles (the United Methodist stance on homosexuality is one big exception).
Second definition--the NIC stands for the Northern Illinois Conference, essentially the organized body of United Methodists (similar to a diocese or presbytery) in northern Illinois.
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