by Mathew D. Staver, Esq.
Copyright © 2000-2004

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 & 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 (avoid editorial opinions)

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

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 (as long as 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 - Yes

Educate members of the public about viewpoints of candidates

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Discuss church doctrine pertaining to candidate views such as abortion

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Granting use of name to support a political candidate

Church - No*
Pastor - Yes*

Support or oppose judicial, department or cabinet appointments

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Support or oppose judicial candidates

Church - No    
Pastor - Yes

Support or oppose other political appointments of nonelected officials

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Supporting or Opposing Legislation

Use of church facilities by lobbying groups to discuss social issues

Church - Yes    
Pastor - N/A

Rent or loan church mailing list to lobbying groups

Church - Yes    
Pastor - N/A

Preach sermons on social issues and political issues and activism

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Educate on political process and political/social/legislative issues

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Petition drives supporting or opposing legislation

Church - Yes    
Pastor - Yes

Support or oppose legislation unrelated to the church organization

Church - Yes**    
Pastor - Yes

Support or oppose legislation that directly relates to the organization

Church - Yes***    
Pastor - Yes

Encourage members to voice their opinions in favor or in opposition to certain legislation

Church - Yes**
Pastor - Yes

Lobby candidates to support or oppose legislation

Church - Yes**
Pastor - Yes

Distribute position papers supporting or opposing legislation

Church - Yes**
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.”

**Churches and other 501(c)3 organizations may support or oppose legislation so long as such activity comprises an insubstantial part of the overall operation. A 501(c)4 organization may support or oppose legislation without any limitations.

***A church or any other 501(c)3 organization may without limitation support or oppose legislation that directly affects the organizational structure and operation of the organization. For example, a church may without limitation oppose legislation attempting to repeal the tax-exempt status of the church.