Simple Tips for Politics and the Pulpit
The IRS is clear on one thing: cross the line on being politically neutral and you could lose your tax exempt status.posted 6/02/2008
Try also: Best Practices, Church, Church and State, Law, Media, Media Relations, Moral Obligation, Politics, Religious Freedom
Churches have different opinions about how to be politically involved and whether they even should be. The IRS is clear on one thing: cross the line on being politically neutral and you could lose your tax exempt status. Follow our simple tips to help safeguard your church from unwanted tax consequences.
Understanding the Issue- Live by the code. Understand the tax code limitations on church involvement in legislative and campaign efforts. Churches have different restrictions than other non-profit organizations.
- Be wary of the Web. The IRS considers websites a form of communication subject to the same rules as printed material, verbal statements or broadcasts. Monitor any links you have to other websites to reduce the risk of tax code violations.
- Consider the consequences. Tax code violations for churches can have devastating consequences well beyond the loss of charitable contributions deduction. Understand what is at risk before you participate in any political activity.
- Focus on what you can do. Churches can be involved in non-partisan political activities. Educational activities and voter registration drives are acceptable as long as they are not biased in any way.
- Support the issue not the candidate. Churches can take a stand on issues of public policy. Be sure your message sticks to the issue and does not favor or oppose a candidate.
- Keep your priorities straight. Your mission is to spread the gospel. Don't let political issues become a distraction for your ministry.
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Rudolph Muzzarelli
This is article sufficiently informative to make anyone aware that more information may be needed regarding in what manner the Church may address a specific issue. Some historical information about the early days of our Nation suggests that prior to the limitations being placed on "free speech" in the pulpit there was more concern among politicians about moral issues being considered from a spiritual perspective. I take care to avoid being in conflict with the IRS requirements that infringe upon my "free speech"; however I do disagree with those specific regulations.
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