Allowable Political Activity for a Minister

As discussed in the previous post, churches may not directly or indirectly participate with a candidate for a political campaign. Contributions to a candidate are prohibited.

This prohibition is not intended to prevent ministers or church leaders from expressing a personal view or bias. The minister, in the exercise of his duties as a minister, cannot endorse a candidate. However, a minister may express his personal views verbally or in writing.

For example:

The senior pastor of XYZ church was interviewed by a local newspaper regarding one of the candidates position on environmental issues. The senior pastor emphasized that his views were personal and did not represent the position of XYZ church or the leadership of XYZ church. Because this interview was not conducted during a church function, documented in a church publication and the minister stressed his personal views, this activity is permitted.

Personal views, stated as such, not expressed in the church setting or in a church publication, are allowed. Ministers have the right to express personal political views, just not in the context of advising or persuading a congregation in his/her role as "the pastor".

Ministers should exercise due care so as not to jeopardize the church’s exempt status.