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Nebraska Family Council
1106 E Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-3511

Phone: 402-477-3191
Toll Free: 1-888-777-5188

Legislative Guidelines for Churches

Political and Legislative Guidelines for Churches and Pastors

Numerous moral issues are continually before us in the state of Nebraska. It is the right of Churches and pastors to speak out on such issues.

The Internal Revenue Code states that Churches and pastors can speak out on legislative bills, initiatives (such as the gambling initiatives), or ballot propositions. As long as the sum of these activities do not total a "substantial part" of the Church's or pastors overall activity in a particular year.

The term "substantial" has been held to mean less than five percent of a nonprofit organization's time or spending dedicated to this activity.

It is permissible for Churches or pastors to use bulletin inserts, fact sheets, or statements from the pulpit to oppose moral issues. An example would be:
  • Tell the congregation about specific legislation, an initiative, or ballot proposition then announce your opposition and encourage them to contact their state legislator or vote against the issue.

Churches can:
  • Have a nonpartisan voter registration drive.
  • You can invite a political candidate to attend a service, however, any other political candidate must be given the same opportunity if they request it.
  • Make voter type guides available as long as they do not endorse a candidate or a party.

Churches cannot:
  • Endorse a political candidate.
  • Contribute to or financially help in any way a political candidate.

Pastors do have the right to speak out on issues that affect us in Nebraska. Many of the issues before us today are associated with Biblical values. It is the call of each Church and pastor to be a voice for moral values in our society.