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May 31, 2012

Group Urges IRS to Investigate Anti-Gay Pastor Over Voting Comments

Americans United for Separation of Church and State charged that a North Carolina pastor violated federal tax law by urging his congregation to vote against President Obama because of his support of same-sex marriage.

The Washington, D.C.-based organization wants the IRS to investigate Charles L. Worley, pastor of Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden, N.C. Worley delivered a sermon on May 13, advocating that someone quarantine gays and lesbians, leaving them to die. During his sermon, Worley also said he wouldn't vote for a “baby killer” and a “homosexual lover.”

“Did you mean to say that?” a congregant asked. “You better believe I did,” Worley answered. The NorthStar News & Analysis could not reach Worley for comment.

“Pastor Worley's vicious and mean-spirited assault on gays and lesbians is bad enough,” said Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “His pulpit commands that people not vote for President Obama. It is a violation of federal tax law. I urge the IRS to act swiftly to investigate this matter.”

In a letter sent to the IRS, Lynn wrote that Worley's action is a clear violation of federal law, which prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit groups from intervening in elections by endorsing or opposing candidates.
 
American United's Project Fair Play also encourages religious organizations to learn about the federal tax provisions. Meanwhile, Providence Baptist Church, which is based in Charlotte, N.C., issued a news release, explaining to readers that it has been confused with the one in Maiden.

“In recent hours, we have been incorrectly identified as the church in another town where hatred and violence have been advocated from the pulpit,” the release said. “As a result, Dr. Al Cadenhead, senior pastor of Providence Baptist Church and other church members have received angry emails, phone calls and other messages from people confusing the two churches.”

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