Seventh-day Adventists in the United States have voiced opposition to legislation that would allow religious groups to engage in partisan political lobbying. In a letter sent late last month to key congressional leaders, Dr. Clarence Hodges, a vice president of the church in North America, said Adventists want to keep restrictions on direct endorsement of federal candidates by religious groups.

“We want our church to be strong, but one that is strong spiritually, not politically,” said Hodges in an interview with ANN. “The Adventist Church steers clear of partisan politics. We do not support candidates, and we do not oppose candidates.”

Under a bill pending in Congress, churches and religious groups would be allowed to spend up to five percent of their gross revenue on political campaigns in support of specific candidates without compromising their tax-exempt status. 

But according to Hodges, churches are simply inappropriate forums for this type of activity. “Political messages in worship services do no feed the soul,” his letter reads. “Individuals come to church for such food, and for relief from the cares and burdens of life.”

Proponents of the legislation say religious leaders should be free to advise members on which candidates will be favorable to the group’s moral or social concerns. On the other hand, opponents say such legislation could transform pastors into political operatives, and compromise the spiritual mission of religious groups.

In his letter, Hodges also spoke out against a constitutional amendment that would enshrine the right to hold prayers in public places and at public events.

“Prayer is a good thing, and there is no problem with individuals praying in schools and other public places,” explains Hodges. “But we don’t need a constitutional amendment to provide for what is already occurring.” He points out that students in public schools are already free to have prayer before examinations or at special presentations. He says the danger comes when these prayers take on a more formal aspect; where religious exercises are officially endorsed by public officials; or, where participation in prayer is imposed on those of other faiths, and on those who have no faith.

“As Adventists we believe that each individual must be free to worship however he or she chooses, and that individuals should be free to not worship at all,” says Hodges. “State-sanctioned prayer endangers this freedom of religious expression, and corrupts the very nature of prayer as an individual, from-the-heart expression of faith.”