The Republican National Committee recently admitted to sending direct mail in Arkansas and West Virginia, warning that "liberals" seek to ban the Bible. The mailing has outraged both progressive and conservative people of faith, who argue that it amounts to a cheap manipulation of Christians for political gain.

The conservative Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, an institution supportive of a constitutional ban on gay marriage, called the mailing "exploitative," according to the Charleston Gazette. That newspaper also published a scathing editorial about the scandal, asking, "Who concocts this gibberish?"

Even Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention declined to agree that Democrats might seek to ban the Bible, telling The New York Times that the implication was "stretching it a bit far."

In an election season that already threatens to divide voters bitterly, the implication that Democratic voters are anti-Christian is cheap and unfounded. The RNC's mailing suggests that George W. Bush is the only candidate worthy of Christians' support. Christians can choose to vote for President Bush or for Senator Kerry, for reasons deeply rooted in their faith. The crass, divisive tactics of the RNC are disrespectful, divisive, and manipulative of Christians, and those responsible should be held accountable.

+ See the actual RNC mailing