Religion and politics 101: A Q&A with Rev. Steven Baines
By Beth Hawkins | 08:16 am.
How come churches on both sides of the issues were so active in last year’s elections? How can they maintain their tax-exempt status if they’re preaching about politics? Is it true that religious freedoms are under threat in the current political climate?
You’ve got questions, the Minnesota chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State has answers. The group, a relative newcomer here, is sponsoring three appearances this weekend by the Rev. Steven Baines, director of religious outreach for its national parent organization. An ordained Southern Baptist minister, Baines has a passion for the intersection of politics and religion and for issues involving the separation of church and state.
On Saturday, April 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. Baines will appear at the Southdale Public Library, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina. His talk is entitled, "Are You Seeing Double? The Blurring of Religion and Politics in America."
On Sunday he will talk about "The Perils of Politicized Pulpits" at 9:30 a.m. at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mount Curve Ave., Minneapolis. From 4 to 6 p.m. he will participate in conversations with local faith leaders at SpringHouse Ministry Center, 610 W. 28th St., Minneapolis.
http://www.minnpost.com/minnpost-asks/2013/04/religion-and-politics-101-qa-rev-steven-baines
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