The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

July 23, 2010

Blair defends group’s political actions

D.C. group alleges federal IRS violations

James Coburn The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Americans United for Separation of Church and State is asking the Internal Revenue Service to investigate Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ.

Based in Washington, D.C., AU is a national non-sectarian organization with members from all faiths and advocates for the separation of church and state, said Rob Boston, senior policy analyst.

“Apparently, according to them when you become a Christian you must forfeit your citizenship in the United States,” said Fairview Baptist Church Pastor Paul Blair, president of Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ.

Boston said that Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ is in violation of federal law by promoting a Warr Acres political campaign rally for the Nov. 2 re-election of state Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City.

“Federal tax law is very clear. It bars tax exempt organizations from intervening in political races by endorsing or opposing candidates,” Boston told The Edmond Sun. “Now it does not bar discussion of issues, but it does prohibit intervention in campaigns between individuals.”

Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ is a tax-exempt group accepting donations at its Web site, Boston said. So Boston said the Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ violated federal law with an e-mail, “Rally for Sally on Thursday!!,” distributed in June.

The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, AU executive director, said Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ must first relinquish tax-exempt status if it is to partake in partisan politics.

“Barry Lynn and Americans United are well-known for frivolous accusations and allegations,” Blair said. “They have had a concentrated effort for years trying to intimidate and silence Christians in America.”

Blair confirmed that the e-mail stated, “… The homosexual lobby has recruited an individual that has had a sex change operation to run against Rep. Kern. The homosexual lobby from across America will be pouring money into this local race in an attempt to make a statement to the country by knocking out an outspoken Christian, pro-family representative. If they succeed, it will serve as a warning shot across the (bow) of all elected officials who defend Biblical values. Even if this is not your district, this race will effect you! Once a person is elected to the Legislature, their voting impacts ALL Oklahomans.”

Republican incumbent Kern will challenge against Democrat Brittany Novotny, an Oklahoma City attorney and the state’s first openly transgender candidate, on the Nov. 2 statewide election for House District 84.

Blair said AU is a “tattle-tale” organization that has made thousands of frivolous accusations regarding Christian organizations.

“We have done nothing. I am a Christian and I am an American,” Blair said of preaching the Bible and exercising his First Amendment rights.

AU was founded in 1947 to educate Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom, Boston said. Since 1996, AU has asked the IRS to investigate 105 examples of tax exempt religious organizations abusing federal law, Boston said. But he said his organization represents neither liberal nor conservative interests.

The 1988 presidential campaign of the Rev. Jesse Jackson was the first time Americans United for Separation of Church and State opposed the ethics of a political campaign, Boston said.

“He (Jackson) was actually collecting money at churches for his campaign,” Boston said. “And we warned him he was putting those churches’ tax exemptions at risk.”

Blair hopes more pastors will join Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ.

“Any time Christians start to awaken and do something, people like Barry Lynn work as fast as they can to try to intimidate and get us to go back into hiding,” Blair said.

Hiding is not what Blair is about, he said.

“That’s just not me. I haven’t been in hiding for some time,” he chuckled. “… We’ve been on the front lines for quite a few years now.”



jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 114

Text Only
Local News
  • D.A.: Answers coming in ‘Bicycle Bob’ case

    Weeks away from the start of trial proceedings in the “Bicycle Bob” case, the county’s top prosecutor said he is ready to answer questions for the victim’s family and the community.

    February 8, 2012

  • Coburn: U.S. has ‘abandoned’ the Constitution

    Small business owner Pat Nichols of Nichols Travel said it’s simple to eliminate wasteful spending from his travel agency business. So he asked U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn why it seems like the system is broken when the government doesn’t stop duplicative spending.

    February 8, 2012

  • Nichols Hills attorney faces drug, public intox complaints in Guthrie

    A duffle bag containing legal papers, multiple changes of clothes, makeup and feminine products are part of a case involving a metro attorney, police said.

    February 8, 2012

  • Weekend forecast calls for possible winter storm

    So far during the 2011-12 winter season only trace amounts of snow have fallen on Edmond. That may change during the weekend, forecasters say.

    February 8, 2012

  • Fallin announces appointments

    Gov. Mary Fallin announced this week the appointments of Edmond residents to the following boards and commissions.

    February 8, 2012

  • DOUGLAS MEYER.jpg Edmond cop faces shoot/don’t shoot moment

    A police officer fearing for his safety during a traffic stop Friday evening in downtown Edmond controlled a suspect without using his firearm, police said.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • 020412 coburn1.jpg Sen. Coburn warns of Iranian intentions

    There is no denying that Iran is intent on developing a nuclear weapon, U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn warned at a town hall, hosted Saturday by the University of Central Oklahoma.
    Coburn was asked twice about how the U.S. should respond to Iran’s nuclear program and what to do if Israel carries out a pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear program.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • UCO colors of dreams.jpg 'Colors of Dreams' opens at UCO

    The University of Central Oklahoma Art Department will open an exhibit titled “Colors of Dreams” with a reception from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Donna Nigh Gallery on the fourth floor of the UCO Nigh University Center.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • music teachers.jpg Edmond music educators bring home awards

    Edmond has long been known for its high scholastic attainments, athletic achievements and an overall well-rounded education.

    February 8, 2012 3 Photos

  • Memorial choir makes impression on principal

    For many reasons, our January at school was wrought with emotional twists and turns. Both highs and lows wove throughout the month as we said hello to the promise of a new year and good-bye to the comfortable routines and faces of the past. It seemed to be a time to pull the wagons closer for shelter and consolation.

    February 8, 2012