There are rules to getting and maintaining the 501(c)(3) status. The website Boardeffect.com shows us the requirements to maintain the 501(c)(3) status include the following two items...
- Nonprofits are not allowed to urge their members to support or oppose legislation. They may participate in a small amount of lobbying, but lobbying activities may not exceed a certain amount of the organization’s total expenses.
- Political campaign activity. A nonprofit organization may not financially support or endorse any political candidates verbally or in writing. They may not oppose candidates either. This rule applies to candidates at every level — local, state and federal.
May 4, 2017, President Trump tried to remove the restrictions prohibiting political speech by 501(c)(3) organizations with an executive order. Joe is trying to remove Trump's accomplishments. Whether he nullified this EO, I don't know. Does it really matter? I don't recall many church leaders speaking out even after Trump's effort.
According to reuters.com, the Pope says abortion is "murder" but U.S. bishops should not be political. If speaking out against abortion would help save innocent lives by preventing "murder", wouldn't the pope want bishops to speak out about it... to scream it from the highest mountain? These types of decisions in the church are often driven by restrictions put on them when they decide to get 501(c)(3) status.
What are the benefits of this status? The only thing I found was that people can write off their donations, but the church leaders are unable to speak out against political or legislative issues.
Is this the reason for the pope's comment? I can only guess. Is it more important to bring in more donations than it is to follow God and save lives?
Is it time the churches drop their 501(c)(3) status so they can start speaking out against corrupt politicians? What is more important?
Thank you for reading.
(The images are public domain from pixabay.com.)
