October Church Electioneering Action

[Ian David]

http://www.au.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=30841.0

With little over a month until the elections, it’s getting quite difficult to avoid hearing discussion about candidate fitness and presidential policies. However, one place where partisan politics and candidate endorsements are not to be discussed is in the pulpit. Most churches and religious institutions qualify for the IRS’s tax exempt status, but as Rev. Barry Lynn points out, tax exemption is a privilege that comes with certain limitations. One such limitation is to refrain from engaging in any partisan political activities or endorsing or opposing candidates.

Watch out for church electioneering.

For the past 12 years, Americans United, through Project Fair Play, has been educating religious leaders and concerned citizens about the requirements imposed by federal tax law. AU has filed more than 90 complaints to the IRS for electioneering violations and candidate endorsements. One church lost its tax exemption, some have been audited and others have received IRS warnings.

http://projectfairplay.org/


This past weekend, the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative legal group, through their so-called "Pulpit Freedom Sunday, Sept. 28" campaign, encouraged pastors across the country to violate federal tax law by endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit during Sunday services.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-pulpit25-2008sep25,0,6331764.story


Although many pastors refused to take part in the movement and three former IRS officials have filed complaints against the Alliance Defense Fund, at least 33 religious leaders did politick from the pulpit.
http://projectfairplay.org/religious-leaders-speak-out

Through the quick actions of Americans United and several dedicated members, Americans United compiled enough information to file complaints with the IRS against 6 of the most egregious violators -- and there may be more to come!
http://www.au.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10055&news_iv_ctrl=1241&abbr=pr


But the fight is nowhere near over. Over the upcoming weeks, Americans United will need all of our members and supporters to be on the lookout for illegal church politicking and electioneering. Visit the Project Fair Play website for more information and what to watch out for in your communities. http://projectfairplay.org/




A joint project of Americans United
for Separation of Church and State
and The Interfaith Alliance Foundation


Americans United for Separation of Church and State * 518 C Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone [phone] * Fax [phone] * [e-mail] * www.au.org
http://www.au.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=30841.0