Opposing slavery is not a political issue, at least not in the same sense as a position on import tariffs is. That was the first big issue within the SBC. Now, opposing openly racist stands from the alt right is likewise non-political. That is, unless you feel that churches can take no stand against bigotry since it may make some uncomfortable.

As for keeping silent on groups such as the alt right - reporting on them is exactly what journalists need to do. As Edmund Burke put it:

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."