Four in 10 Americans believe that religious leaders should be permitted to endorse political candidates from the pulpit without risking their organization's tax-exempt status, a new survey by the First Amendment Center shows. Twenty-two percent of respondents "strongly" agreed and 18% "mildly" agreed that religious leaders should be able to make such endorsements, which are currently prohibited by IRS regulations. In comparison, 39% strongly disagreed, 15% mildly disagreed and 6% didn't know or refused to answer. When asked to name specific rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, just 15% mentioned religion, the lowest percentage to recall that topic since 2000. Asked if Americans have too much or too little religious freedom, 6% said they had too much, 28% said they had too little and 62% said they had about the right amount. Asked about freedom of worship, 54% said the concept applies to all religious groups regardless of how extreme their beliefs may be. In comparison, 29% said it was never meant to apply to religious groups that the majority of people consider to be extreme. Asked about freedom of worship, 54% said the concept applies to all religious groups regardless of how extreme their beliefs may be. In comparison, 29% said it was never meant to apply to religious groups that the majority of people consider to be extreme.
- JJ Commentary: Our beloved country has moved so far from its constitutional and Christian foundations, that today’s electorate is totally muddled in their opinions. With no clear majorities regarding religious freedoms, we will continue to see vocal and well-financed minorities impose their extreme beliefs on us all.
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