As the presidential race continues, the focus now turns to Michigan. Evangelicals are expected to play an influential role in this and other upcoming primaries. In Iowa, some pastors received anonymous letters saying they should not preach on religious or political issues because they might land in the “slammer.” Such threats are baseless, but they do illustrate the increasing role that pastors play in politics and the attempts by some to silence them. 

History does not support the baseless threats hurled against pastors and churches.

While churches may not endorse or oppose candidates for elective office, pastors can preach on biblical and moral issues, such as traditional marriage and abortion, can urge the congregation to register and vote, can overview the positions of the candidates, and may personally endorse candidates. Churches may distribute nonpartisan voter guides, register voters, provide transportation to the polls, hold candidate forums, and introduce visiting candidates.

Churches may promote and endorse pending legislation or marriage amendments or initiatives. The only limitation is that the churches not devote more than a substantial part of their overall activity to lobbying. No church has every lost its tax exemption for engaging in too much lobbying. 

Watch "Pastors, Churches and Political Activity" Online

We recently told you about our new DVD entitled "Pastors, Churches and Political Activity." In this DVD, Mathew Staver addresses what pastors and church leaders can and cannot do regarding supporting candidates, legislation and otherwise being involved in important issues facing this Nation.

We want to educate and encourage pastors regarding how they can take a stand for the future of America. We believe this information is crucial, especially during this election year, when some people and groups want churches to be silent.

Pastors and church leaders can get a free copy of the full DVD by calling 800-671-1776.

This DVD also contains written materials, including an updated version of our one-page summary chart on political and legislative activity. This is a chart that pastors have found very useful over the many years since it was first designed by Liberty Counsel. The DVD also has information about Mathew Staver and Liberty Counsel so that the pastors will be assured of the reliability of the materials.

After watching the online version we believe you will want to order your own DVD. This resource is available to anyone via our web store for a small donation to cover shipping and handling. We also need your financial support so that we can provide thousands of these DVDs to pastors at no cost.

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Liberty Counsel does not charge clients for representation, so we depend on individuals, groups and churches that care about advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life and the traditional family. Liberty Counsel is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that accepts tax-deductible donations. Donate or order resources from the Liberty Counsel online store.