“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4.
Churches for Life are dedicated to educating congregations on life issues that are happening both locally and nationally. Join the monthly e-newsletter to stay informed by sending an emailed request to Amy Davis, Family Life Coordinator at Right to Life of Southwest Indiana.
Stay informed by subscribing to the Churches for Life monthly e-newsletter. Learn of current events and programs that you can promote to your church body.
Resources
Pregnancy Services Nearby
Election Activity for Churches
The Internal Revenue Code (IRS) requires that churches refrain from supporting or opposing a candidate’s campaign. IRS guidelines prohibit direct contributions to a candidate, as well as in-kind contributions, which include giving anything of value to a candidate (such as a church mailing list). Independent expenditures, which are expenditures expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate when made without the knowlede of any candidate, are also prohibited.
Speech about public issues may incidentally influence elections, but the govenment is far more limited in its ability to restrict discussion about issues. Churches my speak out about social and moral issues, the actions of government officials, and the positions of candidates on issues. As long as a church does not endorse or oppose a specific candidate for office, it has broad freedom of speech.
Churches can take a position or participate in ballot referendums and issue-oriented activities such as speaking out for or against legislation as long as spending or activity does not exceed an insubstantial amount.
Meredith Dixon, Events/Volunteer Coordinator for Right to Life of Southwest Indiana, may be contacted through email at: mdixon@rtlswin.org.
