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Religion & Politics
Dos and Don’ts from the Washington Office of PC(USA)
As non-profit organizations, churches and other religious groups must ensure that their political activity does not run afoul of standards established by the Internal Revenue Service. What’s permitted and what’s not? A brief overview follows.
Do
Churches and other religious groups may get involved in politics in several ways, including:
- Address moral/political issues. Churches may speak out on political issues such as abortion, the death penalty, environmentalism, poverty, etc. They may for example, pass resolutions taking either a pro or con stand and communicate those views to politicians and the public.
- Voter registration drives. Religious groups may register people to vote and encourage citizens to go to the polls on Election Day, provided that no bias for particular candidates or political parties is evident.
- Non-partisan candidate forums/debates. Forums in which all contenders for public office are invited to attend and each must be given an equal opportunity to present his or her views. In addition, the questions must be non-partisan in nature and cover a broad range of issues.
- Candidate questionnaires. Religious groups may use questionnaires to determine where candidates stand on issues. The questionnaires should cover a broad range of issues and must be sent to all candidates. Care must be taken to make certain that the information gathered is presented to the public in an unbiased fashion.
Don’t
Churches and religious groups should avoid some political activity, especially anything that has partisan overtones, including:
- Endorsing/opposing candidates. Religious groups may not issue statements advising congregants or the public at large to vote for or against specific candidates or political parties.
Will They Know I Am Christian By My Vote?
Five ways to encourage your congregation to take their Christian values into the voting booth
- Hold an Adult Bible study or education session on the topic. Possible resources:
- Incorporate related themes in a sermon:
- To whom do we owe allegiance—God or country?
- Do we have a responsibility to pursue the common good, or do democracy and capitalism work best when we all seek what is best for ourselves?
- How did Jesus address the oppressive government of his day?
- What do we rely on to help us make our voting decisions—the media, friends, family and scripture?
- Sponsor a Voter Registration drive at your church. A brief training can be provided by
- Rochester Voters Alliance (Paul Brayer, 271-3479)
- , Presbytery Peacemaker (242-0080 ext. 19)
- Organize a group of volunteers to help with voter registration drives in areas where registration rates are low, such as the Rochester Public Market and community agencies. Training and sites are organized by the Rochester Voters Alliance (Paul Brayer, 271-3479)
- Provide reminders about registration deadlines and election days in your church newsletter:
- August 15
- Deadline for registration for participation in primary election
- September 9
- Primary election
- October 10
- Deadline for registration for participation in general election
- November 4
- General election
For further reflection
- A Presidential Forum on Faith, Values, and Poverty
- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States