AdvanceUSA Blog - Church Involvement

“Pastors Win Challenge to Political Involvement: IRS Rules Voter Education on Moral Issues, Registration Permissible”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:10:46 GMT

World Net Daily reports on this good news for the rights of religious leaders to speak out on political issues. This is a victory for religious freedom and free speech.

“IRS Rules Don't Trump the Constitution”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:18:52 GMT

Erik Stanley explains the ADF campaign to challenge IRS code regarding permissible church political speech and tax-exempt status. Excerpt:

The truth is, the Pulpit Initiative is not about serving any candidate or political party or turning a church into a political action committee. The initiative is about restoring the constitutional right of pastors to speak freely from the pulpit without any fear of punishment by the government for doing what churches do: speak on any number of cultural and societal issues from a biblical perspective—and that includes commenting on the positions of electoral candidates, if they so choose.

Pastors Take on IRS Endorsement Regulations

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:29:02 GMT

The Washington Post reports that some pastors are planning to violate IRS regulations which prevent pastors from endorsing candidates from the pulpit. The penalty for violation is the loss of a church’s tax-exempt status. The Alliance Defense Fund is encouraging pastors to take this step and is willing to take the U.S. Government to court in order to overturn the IRS policies on First Amendment grounds.

This is a fascinating case for students of constitutional interpretation, and it will be interesting to see its result.

Many Americans may be surprised to know that current tax-exempt restrictions on church political activity are only as old as the 1960s. For years pastors and churches had much more latitude to speak on political issues. For much of our history pastors would even endorse or criticize candidates from the pulpit.

“IRS Clears California Church of Wrongdoing”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:30:02 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

“A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:36:36 GMT

The Pew Forum has provided this helpful resource for churches to know what political activities are permitted under IRS non-profit restrictions.

You can find this and other helpful resources at AdvanceUSA’s Church Involvement Page. Pastors and churches are often too intimidated speak out on important political issues for fear of losing tax-exempt status. Christians have a responsibility to act as “salt and light” in our society and culture, and must be armed with accurate information about what the law allows.

Pastor Dares IRS to Investigate his Church

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:15:07 GMT

The Becket Fund reports.

Here’s an informative YouTube clip about the situation, courtesy of the Becket Fund.

“Pastors, Churches and Politics Take Front and Center”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:58:24 GMT

The Liberty Counsel has prepared a helpful resource for pastors and churches to understand their freedom to speak out on political issues. Many religious leaders and institutions feel pressured to avoid commenting on any political issues for fear of losing tax-exempt status. Pastors are eligible to receive free informative DVDs and anyone can watch this important presentation online for free thanks to the American Family Association.

For more news and precise information on what pastors can and cannot do in the political realm check out AdvanceUSA’s church involvement page.

“Constitutional Protections for Pastors” and Churches

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:27:20 GMT

In a letter entitled “Constitutional Protections for Pastors: Your Freedom to Speak Biblical Truth on the Moral Issues of the Day” several organizations concerned with religious freedom are offering legal advice to pastors and congregations regarding permissible issue-oriented political activity. Pastors, churches, and Christians should understand their rights and responsibilities to be politically active and involved on the issues facing our nation.

Excerpt from letter:

As the 2008 elections approach, various groups have launched intimidation tactics in an effort to silence churches and pastors about the great social and moral issues of our time. Churches and pastors need clear guidelines for permissible political activities to answer to these attacks.

CWA has also prepared a helpful resource entitled “Political Guidelines for Churches and Pastors.”

For more information on church involvement in political issues check the AdvanceUSA church involvement page.

UPDATE: Baptist Press has published this helpful article explaining “what can churches do during elections.”