Bill Might Allow Churches More Political Voice

March 24, 2002

Tonight, Mount Peace Baptist Church in Raleigh will welcome Wake County Sheriff John Baker to a special evening program. The church will honor the popular sheriff and salute him for "the outstanding services he has provided," according to an invitation signed by the pastor, J. Vincent Terry Sr.

"Please help us to continue our support of Sheriff Baker in his re-election efforts," Terry wrote. "All proceeds will be contributed to the Committee to Re-elect Sheriff John H. Baker Jr."

The church's plans, however, could jeopardize its tax-exempt status. And they place the church in the middle of a national debate over what role religious organizations should be allowed to play in political campaigns.

The Internal Revenue Service does not allow congregations and other tax-exempt organization to endorse candidates and spend money to help elect them without losing their tax-exempt status. But some Congressional and religious leaders want to see those rules changed. Meanwhile, one Raleigh church, St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal, already has been reported to the IRS for improperly taking up a collection for Baker last September.

Steve Benen, a spokesman for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, said Mount Peace Baptist's support of Baker crosses the line. "It's a blatant violation of federal tax law. If the church goes ahead and proceeds, it's inviting intense IRS scrutiny."

Contacted Friday afternoon, the church's pastor said despite the letter there would be no collection. "If they are led to give after the service, they can," said Terry. "But there will be no offering as part of the service."

A bill pending in the House Ways and Means Committee could ease the pressure on religious organizations. Bill HR-2357, recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, a Republican from Farmville, would allow houses of worship to endorse candidates and raise money on their behalf. The bill has the support of 112 co-sponsors, all but three of them Republican.

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