What Ministers CAN and CANNOT do Politically
Here is a summary of an article that appeared in the newsletter
of the Network of Christian Ministries dated November/December 1987.
1. Federal law requires that a 501 (c)(3) religious organization
not directly or indirectly participate in or intervene in any
political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to any candidate
for public office (including the publishing or distribution of
statements).
2. A minister may allow his name to be used in political ads in
support of candidates or issues. He may be identified in the ads
as the minister of a particular church.
3. A minister may help establish a political action committee (PAC).
The committee must operate and be viewed as separate from the church.
4. A minister may lobby and circulate petitions. He may lobby as an
individual; he may circulate petitions on his own time.
5. A minister may preach on Christian activism to encourage members
of his congregation to become involved in the political process. He
may pray for elected officials and lead prayers for the election of
candidates (generic) who support a particular philosophy or cause.
The prayer must not be an endorsement of a candidate.
6. A church may engage in and spend money for nonpartisan voter
registration and voter education.
7. Nonpartisan debates are the only way a 501 (c)(3) organization
may host campaign-related appearances before the general public by
a candidate.
8. A minister may introduce candidates at services. A candidate may
deliver a sermon, lead in prayer, read Scripture or give a word of
personal testimony.
9. A church can spend a small percentage (probably no more than 5%) of
its time and money circulating petitions (for lobbying purposes) and
engaging in lobbying and other legislative activities.
10. A church may not endorse candidates. (But any individual may do so,
including the minister.)
11. A church may not contribute to political parties or candidates.
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These guidelines were compiled by the law offices of Marion Edwyn
Harrison, Washington, D.C., and are not presented as legal advice.
Index of Preacher's Help and Notes
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