For Pastors & Church Leaders

Pastors, Churches and Political Activity


Many pastors and church leaders do not have a clear understanding of what political activity is permissible and what is not permissible, and so they often err on the side of caution with the result being self imposed constrained speech. Liberty Counsel has recently produced a fantastic DVD on this subject.  If you are not familiar with Liberty Counsel, they are an international nonprofit litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. With offices in Florida, Virginia, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Jerusalem, Israel, Liberty Counsel has hundreds of advocates around the world. 
 
They say, "History does not support the baseless threats hurled against pastors and churches. Pastors in fact can preach on biblical and moral issues, such as traditional marriage and abortion, can urge the congregation to register and vote, can overview the positions of the candidates, and may personally endorse candidates. Churches may distribute nonpartisan voter guides, register voters, provide transportation to the polls, hold candidate forums, and introduce visiting candidates.  And churches may promote and endorse pending legislation or marriage amendments or initiatives. The only limitation is that the churches not devote more than a substantial part of their overall activity to lobbying. No church has every lost its tax exemption for engaging in too much lobbying."   This is all explained in detail in two 15 minute videos below.  Every pastor needs to have this information.
(Copyright Liberty Counsel used by permission)
 
These videos are part of ther recently released a DVD entitled "Pastors, Churches and Political Activity." addressing what pastors and church leaders can and cannot do regarding supporting candidates, legislation and otherwise being involved in important issues facing this Nation. Liberty Counsel wants to educate and encourage pastors regarding how they can take a stand for the future of America. We believe this information is crucial, especially during this election year, when some people and groups want churches to be silent. 
 
Pastors and church leaders can get a free copy of the full DVD by calling Liberty Counsel at 800-671-1776.

This DVD also contains written materials, including an updated version of their one-page summary chart on political and legislative activity. This is a chart that pastors have found very useful over the many years since it was first designed by Liberty Counsel. The DVD also has information about Mathew Staver and Liberty Counsel so that the pastors will be assured of the reliability of the materials.  These can be viewed below.
 

This DVD can also be obtained by those who are not pastors or church leaders via the Liberty Counsel web store for a small donation of $5 to cover shipping and handling.