100 signatures reached
To: Calvary Chapel Chino Hills
Stop Calvary Chapel from hosting political summit
Church is a place for religion, not politics. Growing up in the church as a resident of the Inland Empire, I've witnessed firsthand the powerful influence it has on people's lives. This sacred space should never be used as a platform for politicians to exploit “Christian values” for their own agendas. Calvary Chapel Chino Hills is planning to host the Pray Vote Stand Summit, which poses significant concerns about the separation of church and state.
The Pray Vote Stand Summit will inevitably promote conservative legislation and endorse political figures, an act that could be interpreted as a violation of the Johnson Amendment. This amendment is crucial as it maintains the necessary boundary by prohibiting tax-exempt organizations like churches from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
The Pray Vote Stand Summit will inevitably promote conservative legislation and endorse political figures, an act that could be interpreted as a violation of the Johnson Amendment. This amendment is crucial as it maintains the necessary boundary by prohibiting tax-exempt organizations like churches from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Why is this important?
The involvement of a church in political agendas threatens its role as a community haven and spiritual sanctuary. Religion should be a refuge from the tumult of political differences, not a contributor. Allowing political summits within religious institutions can further polarize our communities, fracturing unity by aligning spiritual beliefs with political objectives.
Calvary Chapel's participation in such political engagement could potentially jeopardize its tax-exempt status, risking its future support and services for the local community, and setting a dangerous precedent for other religious entities.
It is crucial to uphold the sanctity and singular purpose of religious institutions by preventing them from becoming tools in partisan politics. Let us protect the church's role as a place of worship and spiritual guidance, free from political entanglements.
Please join in urging Calvary Chapel Chino Hills to cancel hosting this political summit to preserve the integrity and neutrality of our cherished religious spaces. Sign the petition now and safeguard the essential separation between church and state.