Washington churches told not to collect funds for gay marriage fight
Churches in Washington state are being reminded that collecting money for a political cause is not OK -- including a high-stake ballot battle over gay marriage.
The state's Public Disclosure Commission recently learned that Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima sent a letter to pastors in 41 parishes asking them to take up a special collection for Preserve Marriage Washington, the group that is trying to overturn the state’s same-sex marriage law.
A formal complaint, however, was not filed. Lori Anderson, communication and training officer for the state commission, said the reminder was merely precautionary....