COMMENTARY: Clergy Must Abide by America's Tradition of Church-State Separation

This week former U.S. president Jimmy Carter said that religion in America has, by and large, become too involved in politics. He also warned of the dangers that could result if this trend continues.

For example, the fact that some pastors are now openly calling on their parishioners to vote a certain way is contrary to the established principle of separation of church and state in America.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." In other words, Americans are free to worship as they please, and there must be no government interference insofar as their worshiping is concerned.

On the other hand, the church in America has a similar responsibility; namely, to avoid getting involved in political affairs. More specifically, clergy should not urge their parishioners to vote for certain candidates who are running for state and federal offices.

A week ago, Massachusetts' four Roman Catholic bishops issued a joint statement urging Catholics to vote in the November 2 elections so as to "enhance human dignity."

Although the bishops' statement did not endorse any candidate or party, it can be considered an intrusion into state affairs, because the statement does try to influence the way Catholics vote. The bishops did urge Catholics to weigh abortion, same-sex marriage, religious freedom, and the well-being of the poor when voting.

The fact is that these bishops -- as well as all clergy in America -- must instill the church doctrine and ideals that they want to convey through their (non-political) spiritual sermons or in general conversations with their parishioners.

For clergy to urge their followers to vote for certain candidates, because they may be in favor of church doctrine or ideals, serves as an injustice to the historical American tradition of separation of church and state.

Consequently, using the church as a justification to convince worshipers to vote for certain candidates or issues must not occur in American society.