Get F.I.T. is a citizen leadership development program for people of faith, to help you and your congregation participate in the public policy debate in ways that express your faith, honor diversity of opinion, and respect laws governing political activity by religious organizations.
Faith in Democracy: The Why, What and How of Religous Social Action
Tools to Download for Engaging Your Congregation in Social Action
Faith in Democracy Script (Word document)
Getting Started: Take the FITness Quiz
Know the Law on Political Activity by Religious Organizations
When it comes to partisan and political activity, religious communities are no different than other nonprofit charities in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service—but congregations do have unique characteristics and challenges. It's crucial that clergy and lay leaders know the IRS rules and follow them in their congregations.
In a nutshell, religious communities are ENCOURAGED to promote voting as a civic responsibility, they are ALLOWED to raise issues they care about in the context of the election season, and they are PROHIBITED from endorsing or otherwise helping or appearing to help a candidate.
Essential Reading
Read the IRS rules on partisan activity and religious groups on the Internal Revenue Service website
http://www.irs.gov/charities/churches/index.html
Download Politics and the Pulpit 2004: A Guide to the Internal Revenue Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life
http://pewforum.org/docs/index.php?DocID=57
Read "Baptists, don't sell your birthright," a Ft. Worth Star-Telegram article by Paul Harral on the new "First Freedoms" project of the Associated Baptist Press and the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/columnists/paul_harral/11653424.htm
Telephone Support
Got a question about a specific situation in your congregation? Want to find out if an event you're planning will pass muster with the IRS? Alliance for Justice is an organization that provides guidance to congregations and other nonprofits and helps explain federal tax and election laws through publications, training sessions and telephone assistance.
Know the Law on Political Activity by Religious Organizations
The 2006 election year will feature increased attention to political activity by religious groups. The law is clear and guidance is available, so bone up on the do's and don'ts now for a worry-free 2006.
From the Horse's Mouth: Why the Editor didn't print your letter