The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in San Diego recently found itself in the middle of a political controversy. Fliers placed in the church newsletter surmised that voting Democrat is a mortal sin that could lead to eternal damnation if left unconfessed.

“It is a mortal sin to vote Democrat,” read the insert. “If your bishop, priest, deacon or other parishioners tell you to do so, you must walk away from them. Your immortal soul and your salvation are at stake.”

“It is a mortal sin to vote Democrat.”

“Satan has deceived many Christians to convert to worldly values from Christian ones,” the flier read. “The devil does this through the tactics outlined by Saul Alinsky with the outcome as Hillary Clinton has stated, ‘And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed,’ to draw us away from God’s teachings.”

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego later denounced the flier, saying in a statement, “It is contrary to Catholic teaching to state that voting for a Democrat or Republican automatically condemns the voter to hell.”

This situation raises the question of what churches can and cannot do when it comes to politics. Churches may not “distribute materials that clearly favor any one candidate or political party,” according to restoreamerica.org. Surmising that Hillary Clinton is in cahoots with the devil is likely a violation of that rule.

On the other hand, churches are allowed to teach their congregations according to their beliefs. Pastors maintain their own First Amendment rights even while shepherding congregations. They can and should provide guidance on policy through their teachings and based on Scripture. But they cannot endorse a candidate or specific political party from the pulpit on behalf of the church.

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However, some of the current social and political issues have for years been handled so delicately, even fearfully, by various church leaders that the church as a whole has appeared to grow unsure and silent — its influence even fading with each political season.

If religious leaders aren’t willing to educate their church members on what the Bible says about life, morality, marriage, and government, then those same leaders should not be surprised when the Christian canvas of their country is drastically eroded into something far more secular.

It is not necessary to threaten individuals with hell based on their vote. Salvation is not determined by a ballot but by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. It is also overly harsh and entirely judgmental to imply that any candidate is an extension of Satan.

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But it is necessary to speak truth and teach according to the Word of God — for example, on the issue of abortion. If a person believes a fetus is nothing more than a mass of cells and not an actual baby, that person is relying on little more than pop culture to guide them.

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But according to Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God put each human together. He knows each of us and formed each of us — past, present, and future. Every person is made by the hand of Almighty God. And if each life is formed so carefully by God, how then is it not murder to take that life?

We cannot and should not rely on schools, programs, or any other outlets to teach these scriptural foundations. The task lies instead with people of faith and their leadership, in their places of worship and in their homes. By teaching truth and trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, churches can and will positively impact government. Convictions are personal, but light must first shine in the darkness in order for that personal revelation to exist. And the source of light is the Word of God.

It’s not popular to teach or hold to a biblical view in the world. It may cause controversy or even cost relationships. But Christians are not called to a life in silence or fear. We are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are called to honor the Lord our God. And therefore, we as the Body of Christ must wake up our own consciences, know the basis of our beliefs, and speak out in both truth and love.