Politics and the Pulpit

Governance

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This download provides the tax and legal guidelines faith-based organizations need to know before jumping into the political fray.
posted 6/02/2008

Try also: Best Practices, Church, Church and State, Law, Media, Media Relations, Moral Obligation, Politics, Religious Freedom

Overview

Churches differ on opinions about whether they should be politically involved. The IRS, on the other hand, is clear on its stance: churches need to stay out of the political ring or risk losing their tax-exempt status. This download provides the tax and legal guidelines faith-based organizations need to know before jumping into the political fray. You may be called as a faith community to fight against a specific issue. There's no law against this. But use caution that your efforts don't cross the line into lobbying for specific litigation or intervening on behalf of a particular candidate's campaign. Doing so could jeopardize the 501(c)(3) status of your church.

Becoming a Politically Active Church
Overview | What ministries can and can't do during campaign season.
by Marian V. Liautaud

It's Not About Being Liberal or Conservative
Assessment | What could it cost your church for participating in political activity?
by Richard R. Hammar

The IRS and Pulpit Politics
How To | Campaigning can endanger your tax-exempt status.
by John R. Throop

Legally Conduct Voter Education Activities
How To | Avoid political campaign intervention.
by Richard R. Hammar

Support Issues, Not Candidates
How To | How to maintain the distinction between political advocacy and campaign intervention.
by Richard R. Hammar

Taking Politics Out of the Sanctuary
For the Pastor | The church's energy should be spent in redeeming the lost, not in rallying against them.
by the Christianity Today Editors

When a Politician Comes to Church
For the Pastor | Inviting a candidate to speak at church on a non-political topic.
by Richard R. Hammar

Resource Center
Leader's Guide | Quick tips and recommended resources.