Freedom Writer - November 1994

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What churches may do

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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 opportunity should they request 
it. No church representative may endorse or solicit funds for any 
candidate.
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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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Jump to [ref002]What churches may not do
Back to [ref003]Church organization is key to Coalition's success
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Copyright 1995 IFAS
The Freedom Writer / ifas@crocker.com

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