Religious leaders of all stripes can hardly be faulted for speaking out on political issues, but there is a difference between operating out of faith and operating out of opportunism. For an example of the latter, see the Family Research Council's action alert email today, in which they peddle a partisan myth that was debunked almost two months ago.

The email, which asks Nancy Pelosi to call a special session for Congress to vote on an energy measure that includes domestic drilling, ends as follows:

Please forward this email to at least one friend. Now even Chinese oil companies are drilling for oil just outside our coastal waters. Our economy and national security alike depend on energy independence.

As pointed out by numerous sources, Chinese companies are not drilling for oil just off the coast of Florida. Pundits and politicians have made the claim, but it's just flat-out wrong. And there've been no recent reports of China drilling elsewhere off America's coast.

Everyone makes mistakes. But the falsehood of the Chinese drilling claim isn't exactly a secret. It's been reported in The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune and McClatchy Newspapers among others, confirmed by Florida Senator Mel Martinez on the Senate floor (h/t ThinkProgress), and admitted by story-originator Dick Cheney. Nearly two months ago. Putting such a long-debunked claim in an email meant to inspire political action on a contentious issue shows an unwillingness let facts get in the way of a good story. That is an improper approach for any individual or organization that claims a religious mandate to engage in the political process. Politicians need no help exagerrating, spinning and lying. The last place they should get it is from people of faith who claim to put principle above partisanship.