Legal Dos & Don’ts for Pastors and Churches
Today’s world all to often tells Christians they have to leave their biblical beliefs and convictions at the door step before entering into an exchange of ideas on politics. Those opposed to Christianity frequently cry “separation of church and state” as a fear tactic to keep Christians from speaking on issues, but the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives U.S. citizens the right to exercise and express their religious belief.
Churches that have 501(c)(3) status do need to keep in mind that there are IRS regulations on what activity pastors and churches may participate in without losing their tax-exempt status. The following resources will serve as a beginning point in understanding what churches and pastors legally can and can’t do.
Click this link for information on the Legal Dos and Don’ts for Pastors
Click this link for information on the Legal Dos and Don’ts for Churches
IRS Information regarding 501(c)(3) organizations and political activity:
* IRS Letter regarding the role 501(c)(3) organizations may play in the political debate
* Internal Revenue Service information on 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and political activity
* Internal Revenue Service fact sheet for 501(c)(3) organizations, including most churches, with a special emphasis on prohibited activity