Christian Faith A Barrier To Public Office?

Ah, the intolerance of the tolerant:

The sermon sounds like a campaign speech, fitting because De Jesus, one of Chicago's most influential Latino pastors, is making a controversial leap into politics as the choice of outgoing Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th) to be his replacement on the City Council.

But, in a complicated blending of morality and politics, the pastor's possible appointment has drawn protests from gay activists who object to other rhetoric used in De Jesus' church that they say is not as uplifting -- messages equating homosexuality with drug addiction and other social ills.

The activists call De Jesus "homophobic." They worry that his appointment would give him the ability to control funds for agencies that serve gay clients and a platform to shape broader debates such as same-sex marriage.

De Jesus says that he has never preached hatred of gay people and that his church's opposition to homosexuality is rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible.

The pastor's supporters, including some gay residents, say De Jesus' record of community service should trump any concerns about his religious views. His massive Assemblies of God church, in the ward's Humboldt Park stronghold, offers outreach to gang members, the homeless and residents in need.

You know, when religious conservatives see religious liberals treated like this by their own Democrat brethren, it rather confirms our opinion that the Democratic party is the party of the godless.