Some of my Episcopal/Anglican readers might find this interesting:
Bishop V. Gene Robinson has given $1,500 to Barack Obama.
Yes, it's legal. He has every right to make such a donation. But is it moral and proper for a bishop, even a simple country one, to get involved in politics like that? (I think he crossed the line when he publicly endorsed Obama earlier this year - ed.) You know if Bishop Duncan or Bishop Iker had done the same for McCain, or the Prop 8 campaign, I bet there'd be lots of "separation of church and state" panic posts over at the HOB/D Listserv. And they would be right. So, what's the difference?
UPDATE: Thanks for stopping by this afternoon, Bishop.
I don't believe that this is an ethical violation of the separation of church and state. In fact, any ethical ban on a religious leader's donations to a political candidate or cause would in itself be a First Amendment violation ("prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and all that). And if Robinson were a California resident, I would have no ethical objection to him donating to the "No on 8" campaign. I might have other objections, but he certainly has the right to put his money where his mouth is.
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