Board of Trustees
Policy on Political Signs
Approved: November 9, 2016 Drafted by: Donyah Perine, Executive Director
Background:
In 1954, Congress approved an amendment proposed by Sen. Lyndon Johnson to prohibit 501(c)(3) organizations, which includes charities and churches, from engaging in any political campaign activity. To the extent that Congress has revisited the ban over the years, it has strengthened the ban. The most recent change came in 1987, when Congress amended the language to clarify that the prohibition also applies to making statements in opposition to candidates.
Currently, the law prohibits political campaign activity by charities and churches by defining a 501(c)(3) organization as one "which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."
Issue:
Church Staff and Board of Trustees occasionally receive requests to place political signs on church property.
Considerations:
University Circle United Methodist Church is organized as a non-profit organization, and as such there are limitations on political activity in which the congregation may engage.
Congregation members have varied views on political candidates and issues.
Policy:
In view of the foregoing, it is the policy of University Circle United Methodist Church not to allow the placement of Candidate for office signs. For political issues signs, please contact the Board of Trustees for authorization.
Policy on Political Signs
Approved: November 9, 2016 Drafted by: Donyah Perine, Executive Director
Background:
In 1954, Congress approved an amendment proposed by Sen. Lyndon Johnson to prohibit 501(c)(3) organizations, which includes charities and churches, from engaging in any political campaign activity. To the extent that Congress has revisited the ban over the years, it has strengthened the ban. The most recent change came in 1987, when Congress amended the language to clarify that the prohibition also applies to making statements in opposition to candidates.
Currently, the law prohibits political campaign activity by charities and churches by defining a 501(c)(3) organization as one "which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."
Issue:
Church Staff and Board of Trustees occasionally receive requests to place political signs on church property.
Considerations:
University Circle United Methodist Church is organized as a non-profit organization, and as such there are limitations on political activity in which the congregation may engage.
Congregation members have varied views on political candidates and issues.
Policy:
In view of the foregoing, it is the policy of University Circle United Methodist Church not to allow the placement of Candidate for office signs. For political issues signs, please contact the Board of Trustees for authorization.