Rules to follow on politics in church

As our T V screens show clips of pastors speaking and even shouting their views on politics, as we see politicians visiting mostly liberal churches to campaign, and as we hear some pundits praising and other pundits condemning these activities, it is helpful to know what the law allows and what it does not in keeping with the tax laws. The Alliance Defense Fund and the James Madison Center for Free Speech gives the following Dos and Don'ts. The following are allowed:

1. Discuss positions of political candidates on issues.

2. Hold nonpartisan voter registration drives on premises.

3. Invite candidates to speak at church service or meeting.

4. Lobby for specific legislation (up to 5 percent to 15 percent of total staff and volunteer time.)

5. Rent church facility to candidate (provided the rate is the same as for other groups).

The following activities are NOT allowed by churches, but are allowed by pastors out of the pulpit:

1. Endorse candidates.

2. Make financial contributions to candidates.

3. Distribute campaign literature.

4. Establish a political action committee (PAC) or make contributions to PACs.

Turning the church into a "bully pulpit" for a candidate is not allowed. Neither is it true that "separation of church and state" is the law of the land. Much to the chagrin of many uninformed citizens, the phrase "separation of church and state" does NOT appear in the Constitution. Instead the Constitution's First Amendment reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:" Political campaigns make it hard for us to keep these distinctions, but we ought to try.

Priscilla Weese | Wheaton