GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern church is facing controversy over political messages displayed on its digital billboard.

The billboard outside People’s Baptist Church displayed messages on hotly debated issues of interest in this election, including immigration and the economy, with one using the term “illegals “.

“It’s disgusting. You’re talking about human beings,” said concerned citizen Jessi Melendez. “Human beings deserve better than this. This church needs to do better.

Melendez was shocked when she saw a flurry of political messages lighting up billboards over the weekend.

One of the messages read: “Free health care for illegal immigrants 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 dehumanizing and negative toward the Latino community, including her.

“You are a church. You are literally a church. You’re supposed to accept and welcome,” Melendez said. “I’m Puerto Rican, so it’s assumed that ‘Oh, I’m friends with a Latina’ or ‘This person is part of all this,’ so it’s okay. No, no, that’s not the case.

Below federal law501(c)(3), including churches and charities, cannot engage in political campaign activities, 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 consider some pressing ballot issues.

“It’s going to affect our communities in this election, so all of these items are sincerely on the ballot of American voters and voters of faith this year,” Butler said.

Melendez said using the term “illegal” is harmful and teaches others to hate and blame others.

Church member Sandy Moyer says she understands the posts might 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 affect the community,” Moyer said. “We should be having these conversations everywhere. It is our first amendment as Americans. We should be able to talk about the problems.

When asked why the term “illegal” was used, Moyer responded, “When a crime has been committed, it is considered illegal. I don’t think the goal was to offend a certain demographic, it was more about stating the terms as they are.

The messages have been deleted from the forum.

Melendez said she contacted the church about the messages but did not receive a response from its leaders.

The Church claims its messages are factual and their promotion is legal.

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