But churches always have been involved in social issues, on many sides. Some crusaded against slavery, some defended it. Many participated in the historic civil rights drive that ended U.S. segregation. Catholics fought for social justice in South America. The war against abortion clinics today is chiefly a fundamentalist effort, as are attempts to ban sex movies and stripper clubs.
Nobody can bar churches from public disputes.
In fact, Underwood himself called for more social activism by churches during his inaugural prayer service. If they aren't, they ought to be. Apparently, he is blind to any other point of view. Mountaintop removal mines are colossal operations that dump millions of tons of rock and dirt into the valleys and streams of West Virginia. West Virginians need to know the long-term impact of all this.