| Issues > Church Electioneering |
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Under current law, religious organizations, like other nonprofits that receive special tax exemptions under Section 501(c)(3), continue to be free to speak out on the social, moral and ethical policy issues of our day. They may not, however, support or oppose candidates for office without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Allowing religious organizations to engage in electioneering activities would invite a highly divisive element into virtually every congregation and engender a corrosive mix of religion and politics that would turn pulpit prophets into puppets of politicians. Pending Legislation Current legislation proposed by Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., would create a special right for houses of worship among nonprofit organizations. Under the so-called "Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act," churches, despite receiving the favorable tax treatment offered under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, would be able to endorse or oppose political candidates in an election. Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act (H.R. 235) Resources on Church Electioneering Internal Revenue Service Guidance Internal Revenue Service The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Churches & Political Campaigns: Q & A Related Articles IRS gives churches helpful
warning about politicking Overhauled electioneering bill still bad for everyone involved RNC's use of church directories poses hazard for houses of worship A bad idea, rolling along Guides set the record straight on political activity by churches Churches have enough problems Supporters fail to make case for new electioneering law House bill would make churches appendages of political parties News Stories March 18, 2008 November 17, 2007 June 27, 2007 September 22, 2006 September 19, 2006 September 18, 2006 September 15, 2006 August 29, 2006 August 23, 2006 June 20, 2006 |