Pastors, Churches & Politics: 5 Things to Know
by Alliance Defending Freedom
We often hear from our network of pastors, clergy, and church leaders about how they feel burdened by issues at the intersection of faith, politics, and citizenship. The leaders we serve are passionate about advancing justice and edifying God’s people. But given the nuances of the law, many church leaders are uncertain of what they can or cannot do on behalf of the church when it comes to engaging in the “political arena.”
This guide will help you navigate the laws surrounding tax-exempt status for churches as it relates to political engagement*. It will equip you to identify what pastors and churches should be aware of before speaking about political issues, supporting a candidate or legislation, engaging in voter education, allowing church facilities to be used for “political” purposes, giving money to a campaign, and more.
The goal of this guide is to empower you to both shepherd God’s people and protect your ministry. Keep in mind, every situation is different, so you should not rely on this as legal advice. Please reach out to ADF with any specific questions.