Controversy Swirls Around Pastor Jack Hibbs' GOP Candidate Endorsement in Church

Amid the fervent race for the California Senate seat, Jack Hibbs, pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, has stirred controversy by endorsing GOP Senate candidate Steve Garvey from the pulpit, a move that challenges laws separating church and state. This endorsement, pronounced in a sermon to his large congregation, has prompted criticism and a call for investigation from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Hibbs' explicit endorsement of Garvey, noted for his pro-life stance, came just days before the California Senate primary on March 5. Recognizing the legal implications, Hibbs stepped away from the pulpit to make his endorsement "as a public citizen," yet the act has raised questions about the permissible extent of political activism by religious leaders. This incident highlights the ongoing debate over the role of churches in political campaigns and the IRS regulations that prohibit nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing political candidates.

Implications for Church and State Separation

The Freedom From Religion Foundation's response underscores the potential consequences of Hibbs' actions, including the possibility of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills losing its tax-exempt status. This situation illuminates the complex interplay between freedom of speech, religious expression, and the legal boundaries set to maintain the separation of church and state. As the IRS considers the matter, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between religious advocacy and political endorsement.

The endorsement comes at a critical moment in the fiercely contested race for the California Senate seat, where candidates are making their final appeals to voters. With candidates like U.S. Rep. Katie Porter and Steve Garvey vying for a spot in the November runoff, endorsements from influential community leaders like Hibbs could sway undecided voters. However, the controversy also highlights the broader implications of political endorsements by religious figures and their potential to influence the electoral process.

As the debate over the role of churches in political endorsements continues, the incident at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills serves as a focal point for discussions on the boundaries of religious involvement in political campaigns. The outcome of the IRS investigation into Hibbs' endorsement may set a precedent for how similar actions are viewed and handled in the future, reflecting on the evolving relationship between faith and politics in America.