The Church, the Media, and the State

Media creates perceptions...
Perceptions create reality...
Reality determines public policy.

By Ernest L. Ohlhoff, NRLC Director of Outreach

Freedom of religion is specifically provided for in the First Amendment to the Constitution. It is one of our most fundamental and precious freedoms.

Although some in the media say otherwise, this freedom includes the freedom to speak out on social and moral issues facing society and to encourage members of the church to work for the good of society's social order. Church members must be free to speak out publicly on these issues and to promote public policies that will benefit and protect all members of society.

The problem today is that many in the media, encouraged by pro- abortion special interest groups, are trying to make the pro- life issue "politically incorrect" by continually implying that abortion is a "religious issue." The inference they wish people to draw is that because abortion is a "religious issue," to espouse a pro-life position somehow violates the "separation of church and state." The implication is that by preaching on certain moral issues, one is somehow trying to establish a state religion.

But the separation of church and state refers not to silencing people of faith but to the state favoring one religion over another. It is not and cannot be about prohibiting pastors from preaching on moral issues.

The media and those supporting the culture of death in America are very skilled at creating such erroneous perceptions, with the result that all too often church leaders are intimidated into toning down their message on abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.

The late John Cardinal O'Connor often stated that he could freely preach on matters like discrimination, poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, etc. and "be applauded to high heavens" by the media. It was only, O'Connor said, when he dared to address the issue of abortion that he was severely criticized.

The implication, though not stated directly, was that Cardinal O 'Connor was somehow violating the separation of church and state when he spoke out against the atrocity of abortion. The media, which would never accept any limitations on their right to speak freely, must shoulder much of the responsibility for creating an atmosphere that inhibits people of faith from freely discussing moral issues.

Almost all the major religious denominations in the United States have positions that oppose abortion on demand and support the intrinsic value of human life.

If "freedom of religion" means anything, it should guarantee our right to proclaim our religious beliefs and traditions, and to work to ensure that those values are reflected in our nation's public policy. If not, then we have allowed the light of our faith to be hidden under the media's basket. In effect the media is given a veto power over what the church should and should not teach.

A free press is essential to the well being of a free people. But that freedom must extend to everyone, not just the so-called "mainstream" press, which overwhelmingly supports abortion.

Let us all pray that our church leaders have the courage and strength to proclaim their opposition to abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, infanticide, and health care rationing in the face of media criticism - - and that the media will make an effort to treat the abortion issue more fairly.