Chronicle poll results: Endorsing candidates from the pulpit

Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Following the IRS’ decision allowing clergy to endorse political candidates, do you think rabbis should do so from the pulpit?” Of the 358 people who responded, 87% said no; 6% said yes; and 7% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 121 people. A few follow.

I think it’s fine to share where political candidates stand on issues related to the congregation’s beliefs, but fully endorsing a candidate is not appropriate. Give people the tools to make their own decisions.

No, clergy should not be endorsing candidates from the pulpit or anywhere else. Nor do I think congregations should be endorsing political precepts that skew toward political parties. This is a decision that overall is not helpful to the exercise of liberty and democracy. This ruling may, however, give clergy slightly more breadth in commenting on current governmental goings-on, which might have previously seemed like endorsing or not endorsing candidates.

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I think mixing religion and politics is bad for religion; as Chief Lord Rabbi Sacks said, “When a religion becomes political, or politics is turned into a religion, the result is usually disastrous for both politics and religion.” I am happy not knowing what candidates my rabbi votes for.

Rabbis are trusted leaders who are in a position of authority and influence. That should never be abused to manipulate people’s votes. Moreover, all members should feel welcome in their own shul. Pushing them out over politics is inappropriate.

We already have enough trouble keeping members in the shul. Why would rabbis stoke political factionalism and drive more people away?

Rabbis can explain why their candidate would be in the best interest of the Jews. Summer Lee is prime example of why rabbis need to speak up. Often times many do not know what the seemingly “nice” politicians are spewing against the Jewish nation.

I do not attend services to hear about politics. That is not, to me, the time and the place for such discussions. I want to know that my rabbi is a fair conscientious and moral person. For example, having to go to temple and listen to an endorsement of Donald Trump would be very distasteful for me. I would get up and leave.

Rabbis already do so. It’s perfunctory legitimization.

In our divisive political climate, this is just a bad idea.

I think they should continue to endorse ethical standards but not specific candidates.

Keep politics out of religion. If rabbis start endorsing candidates I’m staying home.

In “normal” times, my answer would be a decisive “no.” But these are decidedly not normal times, and arguably we are now beyond politics as usual and into an existential battle for the soul of America. That being the case, I’d have to offer a conditional “yes.”

The Constitution provides for a separation of church and state. It is not the role of religious leaders to be involved in politics. Their sphere of influence will stifle free thought and investigation of candidates. PJC