Free speech includes the right of clergy to make political statements from their respective pulpits - I probably don't need to remind you that much of the agitation for American Independence, the abolition of slavery, and other burning social issues before and since, was first spoken during sermons. Free speech also includes the right of others to criticize activist clergy.

Everything you said is correct, but it's not quite complete.

While it's true that a member of the clergy can make political statements from the pulpit, if he or she endorses a party or candidate, or attacks a party or candidate, urging the congregation to vote for or against a party or candidate, the tax-exempt status of the church is instantly in peril of being revoked. The lost of tax-exempt status doesn't make it impossible for a church to survive, but the effect on the church's finances is staggering.

Therefore, clergy must be very careful to speak about politics only in the most general of terms while speaking officially as a congregational leader, and to confine political remarks to interpretations of popular culture as illuminated by the moral and theological teachings of the church. To preach against abortion, for example, is legitimate; to speak against a candidate who supports abortion rights isn't.

Any member of the clergy who is running for office needs to remember to make speeches opposing parties or candidates while not speaking in an official capacity from the pulpit.

Regards--
Mary Anne