Debating politics in the pulpit / Bill would allow churches to back candidates, issues

Debating politics in the pulpit / Bill would allow churches to back candidates, issues: "Debating politics in the pulpit
Bill would allow churches to back candidates, issues
Joe Garofoli, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, May 16, 2005

The Rev. Chan Chandler is an enthusiastic supporter of President Bush and wanted to make sure his North Carolina parishioners knew it. If they didn't agree with him -- and at least nine of them fit that category -- they were forced out, some congregants said.
Chandler himself resigned last week, a symbol to his detractors of the dangers of partisan preaching inside a church. But to supporters of a congressional bill that would 'take the muzzle off' religious leaders, Chandler should have been free to issue endorsements from the bully pulpit -- if not bully the flock into leaving -- without "