Pastors have a say in elections

To the editor:

A recent Speak Out comment stated concern over pulpit politics. It stated that pastors have no business telling us for whom we should vote. It stated that it's irresponsible for pastors to influence your vote, to support someone just because of a policy position, but to look at the whole picture.

I'd like to give a little information and insight on the matter.

No, pastors cannot endorse or oppose any particular candidate from the pulpit, as it currently violates IRS rules.

They do, however, have a responsibility to urge us to examine the values and policy positions of the candidates. This is so we not only make a well-informed decision, but choose candidates whose values and policy positions are in line with the Christian values we hold.

It is irresponsible for pastors to just say "Go vote" and for us to do so without being armed with the right information.

TONY REDDICK, Cape Girardeau