Rev. Ed Young of Second Baptist Church in Houston is under fire after a politically charged sermon against democrats.

Political Sermon by Rev. Ed Young

Houston Public Media reported on the sermon of Rev. Ed Young, where the reverend talked about his comments on crime in Houston and the policies of what he called "left-wing progressives." He added that the rise in the crime rate is because of the elected officials and has resulted in Houston becoming one of the most dangerous cities to live in worldwide.

In his sermon, he also talked about throwing the democrats out of office. The congregation applauded the reverend for his sermon.

The report raised the fact that the sermon could put the church in hot water as it might violate the prohibitions set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when it comes to lobbying by non-profit organizations.

Odus Evbagharu, the chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, is considering filing a complaint to the IRS. He said that even without the clear mention of any names, the sermon was in violation of that.

However, Johnny Rex Buckles, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, said that the sermon would unlikely result in a violation. He reiterated the fact that there was no mention of a specific candidate or political party. Also, he said that even if the case were to reach the Supreme Court, it is his opinion that the court would come to the same conclusion.

In the report, the rule of the IRS for non-profit organizations is as follows:

"…absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office."

FOX26's "Isaiah Factor Uncensored" held a panel discussion on the matter with Dr. Ruth Allen Ollison and Dave Welch. The panel spoke about the propriety of the sermon and whether or not pastors have a right to talk about such matters.

Second Baptist Church

According to the Second Baptist Church page, it is a Houston church that follows the "Great Commission." As such, the church is focused on preaching the good news of Jesus Christ in its mission to change lives.

On its page, it says that the church believes in the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as co-equal and one. Further, it believes that Jesus Christ died for the sins of man and has become the way to salvation.

In following the example of Jesus Christ, the church observes the ordinances of Holy Communion and Baptism. The church points out that the act of Baptism is not necessary for salvation but an act that demonstrates a person's belongingness to Christ.

The church started back in March 1927 at the Taylor School in downtown Houston with a prayer meeting that had 121 people in attendance.

Today, the church is led by Dr. Ed Young who was provided for by the Pastor Search Committee.

According to the church's history, it was during the leadership of Rev. Young that the church grew to become a multi-site church. The church has campuses in Kingwood, Pearland, Cypress, and more.

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