A preacher/priest is both a leader (shepherd) and a teacher (of the word and acts of the Lord). Because they fill these two major roles they have direct responsibilities and obligations to speak of all aspects of life, which includes what politicians say and do compared to what the word of the Lord defines as good and right. Preachers/priests and leaders (politicians) are held to a much higher standard than the sheep (us) and if they fail to fulfill their obligations to the best of their ability, they will have failed the Lord.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright has been but just one example of a preacher passing on the message as he sees it. I cannot support any of his teachings, because I see hatred and evil in his words, but I am 100 percent on board with his right to free speech. The Reverend has chosen his path and will be held accountable for it and those who choose to follow are free to do so.

Who cannot say they have seen at least some of the Reverend’s sermons on the news or Internet? Can you still honestly say there are no political endorsements based on his interpretation of the word of the Lord? Yet when you look at the spectrum of other preachers out there, many more refrain from speaking about things political, mostly because of the fear that it could cause the change of tax-free exemption.

Yet does not the Constitution have a Right (Amendment 1), which states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech”? Thus, allowing the government to loom over churches is prohibiting FREE exercise, not to mention freedom of speech. I do not mean free as defined by money, but free in the meaning to teach as they see fit.

It is time preachers, who have a distinct history of persecution, step up to the plate and support en masse the spreading of the word and meanings of the Lord. We, the sheep, need to also support and stand up for what we believe.

I for one wish and challenge my church and priest to speak out on many subjects, call names with records on things such as abortion, why it is wrong, who is supporting it and who is not. Why socialism is not what the Lord asks for, why it is important, and what you should be doing of your own free will. Political corruption and the aspects of personal responsibility, along with the proper way to ask for forgiveness, from both the Lord and of man (society) when one does wrong.

So to the shepherds, will you use your staffs and Bibles to help guide your flocks on the public officials, who are working within or outside the guild lines of the Lord? Sheep, will you challenge your shepherds for more guidance and education? Will you become a shepherd?

Jeff Korson

Alapaha