[Model Policy]

CHURCH POLICY RE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

Kevin T. Snider, Chief Counsel

PACIFIC JUSTICE INSTITUTE

This church is a tax exempt charity under IRC 501(c)(3). As a nonprofit organization, this church does not:

1. endorse candidates, their organizations, or political parties;

2. oppose candidates, their organizations, or political parties;

3. financially contribute to candidate campaigns or in opposition to candidate campaigns;

4. participate or engage in political fundraising events;

5. distribute statements for or against particular candidates;

6. engage in any other activity that may favor or oppose a candidate for political office.

Notwithstanding the above, this church may, at its sole discretion, and in accordance with federal, state and local law, do any of the following:

1. use any of its property as a polling venue;

2. conduct a nonpartisan voter registration drive;

3. host a political forum for candidates so long as all candidates running are invited to attend;

4. distribute nonpartisan voter education materials;

5. allow a candidate or elected official to address the church if:

   1. the person is not speaking in his or her capacity as a candidate

   2. neither the candidate, his or her representative, or any representative of the church, mention that the speaker is a candidate or whether there is an upcoming election;

   3. no distribution of campaign literature or other activity take place on the premises which could be interpreted as campaigning;

   4. a representative from the church states that the church does not endorse or oppose candidates for political office; and,

   5. there is no implication that the church is endorsing the candidate

6. engage in insubstantial lobbying activities.

Definitions: “Candidate” means an individual who seeks a publicly elected government office.

“Nonprofit organization” is a tax exempt entity as defined under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

“Lobbying” means an attempt to influence provide support or opposition to:

1. specific legislation voter initiatives;

2. ballot propositions;

3. referendums; and,

4. constitutional amendments.

“Insubstantial” means using not more than 5% of annual church employee time or church income.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THIS POLICY MAY BE IMPLEMENTED

Having given careful consideration to the preceding regulations, this church has adopted the following standards for officially hosting lobbying activities on the church property.

1. The activity must be approved by the majority of the governing board of the congregation.

2. The board may approve an announcement of the activity from the pulpit by whomever it chooses. The board may approve notification of the activity by means of the church bulletin, e-mail or phone chain, information table in the church lobby, or other means. At the board’s discretion, such an announcement may include a recommendation or may be simply informational.

3. In cases where signature gathering is involved, a space may be designated in the church lobby or other convenient location on campus, as appropriate.

This church has adopted the following guidelines concerning the appropriate topics for official lobbying activities on the church property. Any activities formally presented to the members of this congregation under this policy must significantly impact one of the following issues:

1. Sanctity of life

2. Sanctity of marriage

3. Sanctity of the family

4. Protection of children and youth

5. Religious freedom

6. Individual rights

7. Defense of morality

8. Defense of Constitutional protections

9. Abuse of governmental power

10. Other