A Legislative Conservative Profamily Organization

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Church Involvement in Social Issues

What Churches May Legally Do:

Conduct non-partisan voter registration drives
Distribute non-partisan voter education materials, such as Christian Coalition voter guides and scorecards
Host candidate or issue forums where all viable candidates are invited and allowed to speak
Allow candidates and elected officials to speak at church services; if one is allowed to speak, others should not be prohibited from speaking
Educate members about pending legislation
Lobby for legislation and may spend no more than an insubstantial amount of its budget (five percent is safe) on direct lobbying activities
Endorse candidates in their capacity as private citizens - A pastor does not lose his right to free speech because he is an employee of a church
Participate fully in political committees that are independent of the church

What Churches May NOT Do:

Endorse candidates directly or indirectly from the pulpit on behalf of the church
Contribute funds or services (such as mailing lists or office equipment) directly to candidates or political committees
Distribute materials that clearly favor any one candidate or political party
Pay fees for partisan political events from church funds
Allow candidates to solicit funds while speaking in church
Set up a political committee that would contribute funds to political candidates