POLITICS AND THE CLERGY

Appearance of political candidate at church meeting or service
Introduction of political candidates at church
Political candidate to preach or read scripture (contributions should not be solicited and sermon should be nonpartisan - exercise care)
Voter registration (nonpartisan)
Distribution of candidate surveys and incumbent voting records (which avoid editorial opinions.)
Distribution in church parking lot of political statements and opinions on political issues (so long as no church endorsement and the lot is available to the general public)
Church mailing lists (rented at fair market value) note: lists could be loaned to a "legislative" group since Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 U.S.C. Sec. 431 applies only to political campaigns
Church bulletin political ads at regular price and news stories.
Use of church facilities by political candidates (as long as all other candidates are allowed or invited - public forums are permissible)
Use of church facilities by "legislative" groups to discuss social issues.
Preach sermons on social issues and political activism (nonpartisan)
Education on political process and political/social/legislative issues
Petition drives*
*NOTE: A church can spend a small percentage (up to 5% but not more than 20%) of time and money circulating petitions and engaging in activity for the purpose of influencing legislation.
Preach sermons on social issues and political activism (nonpartisan)
Education on political process and political/social/legislative issues

Endorsement of political candidates.
Contributions to political candidates
In-kind and independent expenditures for or against political candidates
Contributions to PAC's
Introduction of political candidates at church
Voter registration (nonpartisan)
Distribution of candidate surveys and incumbent voting records (which avoid editorial opinions)
Fund raising for candidates
Lobbying for candidates
Granting use of name to support a political candidate
Preach sermons on social issues and political activism (nonpartisan)
Education on political process and political/social/legislative issues
Petition drives*
*NOTE: A church can spend a small percentage (up to 5% but not more than 20%) of time and money circulating petitions and engaging in activity for the purpose of influencing legislation.

Endorsement of political candidates
Contributions to political candidates
In-kind and independent expenditures for or against political candidates
Contributions to PAC's
Introduction of political candidates at church
Voter registration (nonpartisan
Distribution of candidate surveys and incumbent voting records (which avoid editorial opinions)
Church bulletin editorials
Fund raising for candidates
Lobbying for candidates
Granting use of name to support a political candidate

This Information is not intended as legal advice. If legal advice is needed, please seek the services of a competent attorney.