Attorney warns Methodist churches to not campaign from the pulpit

April 17, 2007

In the enclosed article, don’t miss these points:

1. IRS says a church can’t back candidates or engage in partisan activism
2. Issues can not be substantial part of ministry (abortion, same sex marriage, homosexuality, etc.

Sounds to me like the Church is being ask to lay down, shut up, and play dead.

Associated Press Staff Reports
OneNewsNow.com
April 15, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A lawyer for the United Methodist Church is cautioning clergy against getting caught up in the presidential race as the 2008 election heats up.

The Internal Revenue Service has been warning churches and nonprofits that they risk losing their tax-exempt status by backing a candidate or engaging in partisan activism.

“Churches should take stands on appropriate issues, but it cannot be a substantial part of their ministry,” said Jim Allen, general counsel of the Methodist Council on Finance and Administration.

To protect themselves, Allen said congregations should not invite candidates to speak from the pulpit and avoid statements at any church function that could be interpreted as endorsing or opposing a candidate. Churches, however, are allowed to distribute voters education guides and encourage people to vote.

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Original post found here.

Posted in Vote 2008