News 12 at 11, October 4, 2008

BEECH ISLAND, S.C. --- Mark Canipe is the pastor at Heights Church on Jefferson Davis Highway in Beech Island. He's one of 33 pastors in the country speaking out at the risk of losing the church's tax exempt status.

Pastor Mark Canipe speaking out about preaching politics from the pulpit.

"It never was about endorsing or opposing any candidate. It was about the freedom to speak Biblical truth," Pastor Mark Canipe said.

Two issues that matter most to him, abortion and same-sex marriage.

"They are the two things that will destroy, the traditional, conservative, Christian family," Pastor Canipe said.

The Alliance Defense Fund wants to overturn the IRS's 54 year old ban on political endorsements within the church. And that's why 33 pastors intentionally voiced their presidential picks. And speaking out puts Canipe at risk of losing the church's tax exempt status. Canipe says he did not tell his congregation who to vote for in the November election. He says that's their decision.

"I did say, how can a Christian Biblical believer vote for Obama. Yes I did say that," Pastor Canipe said.

So his name was said?

"Yes his name was said," Pastor Canipe said.

But not all pastors agree with preaching politics.

"I think the church has to be careful not to side with one group or another group but stick to preaching the Bible," Dr. Marty Baker said.

But Pastor Canipe believes he has the right to speak out about this and any other issue.

"They can't bargain my right away to speak freely, just because I get a tax deduction," Pastor Canipe said.

The IRS says its politics from the pulpit, but Pastor Canipe says he'll keep fighting for freedom of speech.