Every election cycle, confusion abounds about how a church or pastor can be involved in the civic life of their community while not stepping across the lines outlined by the IRS and FEC. This confusion causes distress among congregants as well as pastors. Congregations often have expectations that may or may not be legal while pastors seem increasingly hesitant to say or do anything at all in an over abundance of caution. The Liberty Counsel has provided the following guidance when it comes to political candidates and elections and what is permissible by law in your church and by your pastor. The information was written by Mathew D. Stayer, Esq. and passes all legal tests so that your church and pastor can rest assured they are on the up-and-up when it comes to elections. For more information pastors can call 800-671-1776 or visit www.LC.org
POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE GUIDELINES FOR YOUR PASTOR AND CHURCH DURING AN ELECTIONSUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATES
Endorsing or opposing political candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Contributions to political candidate: Church: No Pastor: Yes
In-kind and independent expenditures for or against political candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Contributions to Political Action Committees: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Appearance of political candidate at church meeting or service: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Introduction of political candidates at church: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Political candidate to preach or read scripture (contributions should not be solicited and message should not urge people to vote for the candidate): Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Voter registration programs and campaigns (non-partisan)Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Distribution of candidate surveys and incumbent voting records: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Distribution in church parking lot of political statements and opinions on political issues (so long as no church endorsement): Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Rent or loan church mailing lists to political candidates (list must be made available to all candidates on similar terms and prices: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATES
Church bulletin political ads at regular price and news stories: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Church bulletin editorial where the pastor or staff member endorses or opposes a candidate: Church: No Pastor: NO
Church bulletin editorial regarding political issues or two different church members take opposing views on a candidate: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Use of church facilities by political candidates (if all other candidates are allowed or invited): Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Fund-raising for candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Campaigning for candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yess
Educate members of the public about viewpoints of candidates: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Discuss church doctrine pertaining to candidate views such as abortion, homosexuality and marriage: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Granting use of name to support a candidate: Church: No* Pastor: Yes*
*A pastor may include title and church affiliation in a personal endorsement along with the following notation: “Title and affiliation for identification purposes.”
–Compiled by Mathew D. Staver, Esq., Liberty Counsel
SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATES
Endorsing or opposing political candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Contributions to political candidate: Church: No Pastor: Yes
In-kind and independent expenditures for or against political candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Contributions to Political Action Committees: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Appearance of political candidate at church meeting or service: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Introduction of political candidates at church: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Political candidate to preach or read scripture (contributions should not be solicited and message should not urge people to vote for the candidate): Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Voter registration programs and campaigns (non-partisan)Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Distribution of candidate surveys and incumbent voting records: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Distribution in church parking lot of political statements and opinions on political issues (so long as no church endorsement): Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Rent or loan church mailing lists to political candidates (list must be made available to all candidates on similar terms and prices: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATES
Church bulletin political ads at regular price and news stories: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Church bulletin editorial where the pastor or staff member endorses or opposes a candidate: Church: No Pastor: NO
Church bulletin editorial regarding political issues or two different church members take opposing views on a candidate: Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Use of church facilities by political candidates (if all other candidates are allowed or invited): Church: Yes Pastor: N/A
Fund-raising for candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yes
Campaigning for candidates: Church: No Pastor: Yess
Educate members of the public about viewpoints of candidates: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Discuss church doctrine pertaining to candidate views such as abortion, homosexuality and marriage: Church: Yes Pastor: Yes
Granting use of name to support a candidate: Church: No* Pastor: Yes*
*A pastor may include title and church affiliation in a personal endorsement along with the following notation: “Title and affiliation for identification purposes.”
–Compiled by Mathew D. Staver, Esq., Liberty Counsel
