Churches and Politics: What’s Allowed?

By Kim Roberts - Posted at MinistryWatch:

As candidates vie for Christian voters, churches and Christian nonprofit groups must follow IRS rules about political activities.

As the presidential election nears, both sides of the political aisle are trying to motivate Christian voters to turn out for their candidate.

According to Pew Research, most Christians lean toward the Republican party, but both sides try to engage this large voting group. According to Gallup in 2023, 68% of Americans identify with a Christian religion.

Candidates visit churches and speak to religious groups along their campaign trail in the hopes of winning voters to their side.

Before withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, President Joe Biden addressed the congregation at Mt. Airy Church of God in Philadelphia.

Vice President Kamala Harris, also, has not shied away from trying to connect faith to politics. In September 2022, she addressed the National Baptist Convention in Houston, Texas.

She recounted her work in various elected roles from district attorney to vice president. “These were all, for me, acts of faith born out of being taught to believe in what is possible and what can be, unburdened by what has been,” she said.

Former President Donald Trump has spoken to many faith-based groups, including the Faith and Freedom Coalition. In June, he told the gathering, “Never again will the federal government be used to target Americans of faith.”

Aside from the candidates themselves, groups have formed that work to rally Christians to vote a specific way.

Continue here.

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See also:

• Election Guide | ADF Church & Ministry Alliance (adfchurchalliance.org)
• Christian Voter Guide - Home
• iVG - Home (ivoterguide.com)
• State Voting Resources | Christians Engaged – Pray Vote Engage