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Should Christians Be Involved In Politics?

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During the 20th Century, many Christians vanished from the public policy arena. Post World War II prosperity, along with a desire to avoid becoming "worldly," lured many Christians into political complacency. Unfortunately, the further Christians removed themselves from the political arena, the more our nation's institutions decayed. By the time the danger to our once-great institutions was recognized, the bright lights of the nation once known as the shining "City on a Hill" began to dim.

President John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Our nation's foundation was laid upon the bedrock of Biblical truths, truths clearly evident throughout our founding documents.

Clearly, our nation's founding fathers expected people of faith to participate in the political process. And although a church's tax status does limit the amount of political activity it may engage in, it does not prohibit a church from encouraging citizenship. The do's and don'ts will help guide you, without jeopardizing your church's tax-exempt status, as you lead your congregation into the God-given duties of citizenship. Remember, as Edmund Burke warned, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is good men to do nothing"

Most of us have heard that churches are not allowed to be involved in politics...but this is not the case!  The following are the guidelines that churches need to follow in the political arena:

 CHURCHES MAY NOT:

·         Endorse candidates directly or indirectly from the pulpit on behalf of the church.

·         Contribute funds or services (such as mailing lists or office equipment) directly to candidates or political committees.

·         Distribute materials that clearly favor any one candidate or political party.

·         Pay fees for partisan political events from church funds.

·         Allow candidates to solicit funds while speaking in church.

·         Set up a political committee that would contribute funds to political candidates.

 HOWEVER,  CHURCHES MAY:

·         Conduct non-partisan voter registration drives.

·         Distribute non-partisan voter education materials, such as Christian Coalition. voter guides and scorecards.

·         Host candidate or issue forums where all viable candidates are invited and allowed to speak.

·         Allow candidates and elected officials to speak at church services; if one is allowed to speak, others should not be prohibited from speaking.

·         Educate members about pending legislation.

·         Lobby for legislation and may spend no more than an insubstantial amount of its budget (five percent is safe) on direct lobbying activities.

·         Endorse candidates in their capacity as private citizens - A pastor does not lose his right to free speech because he is an employee of a church.

·         Participate fully in political committees that are independent of the church.

Constitutional Protections for Pastors.pdf 

A coalition of ministries has issued a joint educational letter with new guidelines for pastors and religious leaders who want to speak out on social issues during the 2008 election cycle.

The James Madison Center for Free Speech issued the letter in conjunction with Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America and the Alliance Defence Fund.

The letter entitled, "Constitutional Protections for Pastors: Your Freedom to Speak Biblical Truth on the Moral Issues of the Day," is in direct response to Americans United for Separation of Church and State and other similar groups.

Guidelines for Churches and Pastors  From Alliance Defense Fund and James Madison Center for Free Speech

Do's and Don'ts for Political Activities of Pastors From Alliance Defense Fund and James Madison Center for Free Speech

ADF announces program of free legal advice and guidelines to churches, pastors, and priests