What can Alaska’s pastors legally say from the pulpit regarding political candidates or the constitutional convention ballot question? How far can clergy go in educating their congregation on key political and social issues? When do religious leaders cross the line and put their churches in jeopardy of losing tax exempt status?
The reality is that pastors and churches have far more freedom than many are led to believe. All these questions and more are answered by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in a detailed legal guide for pastors and churches. ADF is a national group of nearly 3,400 attorneys who partner with more than 1,000 organizations to defend religious liberty, freedom of speech, unborn life and marriage and family in the United States.
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ADF’s legal guide, “Five Things to Know,” takes pastors through a simple step-by-step process regarding what they can and cannot do when it comes to local, state and national elections. Click here to download the free booklet.
8 Comments
This is an interesting topic. I think I might have to do some research into it!
The number 1 reason why a lot of pastors avoid talking politics is not to alienate any members, b/c there may be members of both parties in their congregation and some of those who align with democrats may be big tithers. And as such, it becomes a money issue. The number 2 reason is an interpretation of various scripture verses that urge believers not to involve themselves in the affairs of this world. The #3 reason is because some pastors will say their church ONLY focuses on the Bible…that they don’t give messages that are about side issues. They fail to realize that there is nothing on this earth that God’s word doesn’t speak to.
Finally, churches should have NEVER accepted the trap of 501 C3 alignment with government. Actually, under the Constitution Churches are supposed to be tax free because of the work they do in the community. The marriage & family counseling, giving to the poor, other forms of service to the elderly and low income, teaching members to be kind, moral, patient, helpful, compassionate improves quality of life in a community and can mean less crime. Such people are easier to govern and do not utilize police, courts or correctional resources etc. Back then, churches were community meeting places as well. A Substantially GREATER value than taxing them.
You are correct in all your statements.
There is now division everywhere – who we socialize with, what news watch on TV, where we live, how we vote. Do you really want to add churches to this list, splitting them between Red and Blue?
Uh huh. Because splitting them between red and blue is splitting them between good and evil. The Democrat party is the party of death and dysfunction. If people are offended by a church standing for the life of the unborn and for traditional marriage, then yes, those who support abortion and gay marriage should walk away. Life and man/woman marriage are at the heart of Christianity.
So now I guess Heaven is for Republicans only? Just like Mar-a-Lago? So tell me again: How many unborn fetuses did God kill at Sodom and Gomorrah, or as a consequence of the Great Flood? You have allowed yourself to be manipulated without even realizing it.
Heaven is for those who align with Gods laws. God has the ultimate authority over all life can rest or destroy it. Human beings are making themselves their own gods determining good and evil and there in lies the trouble. To whom much is given much is expected. Pastors have a unique power to stand up for truth to lead others to God and unfortunately the devil goes after them because of this.
Traci, sadly, you’re living in a fantasy land.