Together Baton Rouge, a coalition composed largely of religious institutions, has been one of the most vocal proponents of the transit tax proposal voters will consider April 21. But at least two member churches have decided not to take sides in the controversy. The Very Rev. J. Mark Holland, rector of St. James Episcopal Church, was listed as the co-author of a pro-tax election email sent in February from Together Baton Rouge. However, after a two-hour meeting March 28, church leadership agreed that they “will not endorse a position for or against any tax or other political initiative now or in the future,” according to a letter to parishioners. The letter states any money Together Baton Rouge has received through St. James to date has been from dedicated donations, not from the Parish operating budget. Rev. Susie Thomas of First United Methodist Church says while the church supports Together Baton Rouge—which it considers a civic organization and not a political one—it does not plan to take a public position on the transit vote. Edgar Cage, who co-chairs the Together Baton Rouge transit committee, says coalition members voted overwhelmingly to support the transit initiative. Nonprofits generally are allowed to lobby for particular issues, but not for candidates or political parties. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, another prominent faith-based organization, although not listed as a Together Baton Rouge member, also endorses the proposal; its argument can be read here. —David Jacobs
Editor’s note: This story has been changed since its original publication.
