Liberty Legal Institute

KELLY J SHACKELFORD

CHIEF COUNSEL

903 EAST 18TH ST., SUITE 230

PLANO, TEXAS 75074

972.423.8889 FAX: 972.423.8899

FREEMRK1@FLASH.NET

CHURCHES AND ELECTIONS – WHAT IS THE LAW?

Many churches and pastors feel called by scripture to “equip the saints” to represent Christ in all areas of
our society, including the voting booth. Pastors should thus be supported in their goal of helping their
members be good stewards in representing Christ in their civic duties. This is especially important in light of
the fact that only 1 out of every 4 Christians in America is voting.
Unfortunately, many churches and pastors have been given false information in an attempt to scare them
from acting as a pastor and impacting their culture for Christ. The law is actually very supportive of pastors
and churches in fulfilling their mission to equip their saints. Even as a non-profit corporation, there is very
little a church may not do.

1. CHURCHES MAY NOT:
   1. Endorse or oppose a particular candidate.
   2. Contribute to or raise $ for a candidate (including free use of church list)
   CHURCHES MAY (among other activities):
   1. Register their members as voters
   2. Pass out Voter’s Guides
   3. Invite all candidates in a race to speak (O.K. if only one shows up)
   4. Speak Directly about specific issues and legislation (abortion, marriage, etc.)
   Individually, a pastor can do whatever he feels led to do-endorse, support a member’s campaign, etc. There
   are no limitations. The few limitations above that exist are only for the Church entity and only if the Church is
   a non-profit corporation.

Pastors should not be intimidated from acting as pastors, calling their people to vote and giving them info
so they can best represent Christ in the voting booth.
Liberty Legal Institute is the state legal group in Texas associated with Focus on the Family. It protects churches and
religious freedoms free of charge. H.R. 235, the “Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act,” is currently pending in
Congress. This bill would amend the IRS Code of 1986 to restore the ability of churches and other houses of worship to
freely participate in political campaigns.