In George W. Bush’s America, apparently religious freedom does not extend to those teachings which contradict the policies of his administration:
“Stepping up its probe of allegedly improper campaigning by churches, the Internal Revenue Service on Friday ordered a liberal Pasadena parish to turn over all the documents and e-mails it produced during the 2004 election year with references to political candidates… The IRS investigation was triggered by an antiwar sermon delivered by its former rector, the Rev. George F. Regas, at the church two days before the 2004 presidential election. The summons even requests utility bills to establish costs associated with hosting Regas’ speech. Bacon was ordered to testify before IRS officials Oct. 11.”
Christians may disagree over the specific implications of Christ’s teachings, but it is hard to argue that those same teachings at least require us to question the applicability of war in various situations. This is all that All Saints Episcopal Church was doing in this instance.
And it’s not as if their position was exactly outside of the mainstream of Christian thought. The Pope signed on to their position. A significant number of churches throughout the world agreed with it.
And yet, apparently, in America, if you don’t agree with the policies of the emperor, you get thrown to the lions.
