Guidelines for Pastors and Churches
Concerning the Endorsement of Political Candidates

The endorsement of a candidate includes any statement which uses explicit words to expressly advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, such as “elect,” “support,” “defeat,” or “oppose.” This is called express advocacy. Distributing campaign literature from a candidate is one form of express advocacy. A church may not engage in express advocacy.

A pastor, however, in his individual capacity, may endorse a political candidate. The pastor may state his affiliation with his church, as long as it is indicated that this is for identification purposes only and that his endorsement is from him personally, not his church.

One controversial area is whether a pastor may personally endorse a political candidate from the pulpit. The IRS has taken the unequivocal position that this is not allowed. Some, however believe that the First Amendment’s provisions on free speech and free exercise of religion protect such statements. We believe that this is not a prudent step for a pastor and do not recommend it.

Churches and pastors may support or oppose the appointment of judicial, cabinet or other nonelected officials. This is considered lobbying, not electioneering.

To learn more read the entire article in a pdf published by the Alliance Defense Fund,

GUIDELINES for POLITICAL ACTIVITIES by CHURCHES AND PASTORS

Or for more information and legal counsel go to the website of the Alliance Defense Fund

ACLJ, Permissible and Impermissible Activities of Non Profit Organizations Under IRS Tax Law

If You Can’t Open the Article Above,
Click Here To Get Adobe Acrobat Reader For Free