A North Carolina church’s digital billboard has stirred debate among local residents in the community ahead of Election Day.
The People’s Baptist Church in Greenville displayed political messages, like, “Free healthcare for illegals is on the ballot” in late October, sparking outrage among some. The term “illegals” in particular drew criticism from some in the community, according to WITN News.
“It’s disgusting. You’re talking about human beings,” Jessi Melendez, a concerned local, told the outlet. “Human beings deserve better than that. This church needs to do better.”
Melendez expressed frustration over the church’s involvement in political issues like the economy and the border crisis. Although federal law prohibits churches and charities from participating in political campaigns, they are permitted to lobby for ballot measures, the outlet noted.
Church faces criticism over controversial billboard messaging https://t.co/KuYiWhdYtW
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“You’re a church. You’re literally a church. You’re supposed to be accepting and welcoming,” she continued. “I’m Puerto Rican, so there’s this assumption that ‘Oh, I’m friends with a Latina,’ or, ‘This person is a part of this, so it’s OK.’ No. No it doesn’t.”
Pastor Tim Butler told the outlet that the billboard messages were intended to encourage community members to investigate key issues on the ballot.
“This is going to affect our communities, this election, so all of these items are truthfully on the ballot for American voters and faith voters this year,” Butler said.
Churchgoer Sandy Moyer acknowledged the community’s concern regarding the use of the word “illegal,” but defended it, saying “when a crime has been committed, it is considered to be illegal.” (RELATED: States Ravaged By BLM Riots Mobilize National Guard Amid Fears Of Potential Election Unrest)
“At the end of the day, that’s what politics is, right? These are things that are affecting the community,” Moyer said. “We should be having those conversations everywhere. That’s our First Amendment right as Americans. We should be able to talk about issues.”
The church has since removed the disputed messages from its billboard, according to the outlet. While the church did not respond to Melendez’s complaints, it defended its messages as factual and legal to promote.
