IFAS | Freedom Writer | November 1994 | may.html

What churches may do

• Conduct non-partisan voter registration/education drives.

• Host candidate forums where all are invited and are treated impartially.

• Distribute voting records and candidate survey in compliance with the neutrality rules set forth by the IRS.

• Rent a church mailing list (at market value) to a candidate.

• Publish an ad in the church bulletin for all who request, as long as the ad is purchased at the regular rate.

• Publish news stories on political candidates, campaigns, and third-party endorsements of candidates.

• Invite a political candidate to attend a church service or meeting. Should your church invite a candidate to a church service, there are two points to remember. Other candidates for the same office, regardless of party, must also be given the same opp ortunity should they request it. No church representative may endorse or solicit funds for any candidate.

As private citizens, pastors have the same rights as all Americans. A pastor should always make it clear that any candidate-oriented efforts are those of a private citizen and not made on behalf of his church. Personal funds must also be used for such activities. Pastors may express personal opinions about candidates from the pulpit, but should avoid doing so lest the Internal Revenue Service argue that some use of church funds is involved.

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