GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) – A church in North Carolina is facing some controversy for political messaging displayed on its digital billboard.
The billboard that sits in front of the People’s Baptist Church in Greenville displayed messages regarding heavily debated topics of interest this election, including immigration and the economy, one of which used the term “illegals.”
“It’s disgusting. You’re talking about human beings,” concerned citizen Jessi Melendez said. “Human beings deserve better than that. This church needs to do better.”
Melendez was shocked when she saw a slew of political messages lighting up the billboard over the weekend.
One of the messages read, “Free healthcare for illegals is on the ballot.”
Another addressed the rising costs of rent, eggs and transportation.
Melendez said she found the language used to promote their message on immigration to be dehumanizing and negative towards the Latino community, herself included.
“You‘re a church. You’re literally a church. You’re supposed to be accepting and welcoming,” Melendez said. “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.”
Under federal law, 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches and charities, cannot engage in political campaign activity, but they are allowed to participate in a limited amount of lobbying on ballot measures.
Pastor Tim Butler said the messages were posted to encourage voters to look into some of the pressing 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.
Melendez said the use of the term “illegal” is harmful and teaches others to hate and blame others.
Sandy Moyer, a church member, says she can see how the messages could cause concern, but she believes the intention was to spark conversation, not controversy.
“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.”
When asked why the term “illegal” was used, Moyer said, “When a crime has been committed, it is considered to be illegal.
“I don’t think the spirit behind that was to offend a certain demographic,” Moyer said. “It was stating the terms as they are.”
The messages have since been removed from the board.
Melendez says she’s contacted the church about the messages, but has not heard back from its leadership.
The church says that its messages are matter of fact and legal to promote.
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