Political Activity Policy

POLITICAL ACTIVITY POLICY

As a religious organization, UUErie must be cognizant of the legal requirements to maintain our tax-exempt status as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Although our country was founded on the principle of the separation of church and state, this does not preclude religious organizations from actively participating in public policy activities without endangering their nonprofit tax-exempt status. There are numerous areas in which our congregation can participate in political actions as permitted under IRS regulations. 

It is the policy of the UUErie to act within guidelines permitted by the IRS code as described below: 

1. Issue Advocacy: Without limits on time, effort and expense, this congregation and its representatives may engage in issue advocacy through activities such as mobilizing congregants and the public as long as it does not involve political campaign intervention (see below). 
2. Lobbying: This congregation and its representatives may engage in lobbying (advocating for or against legislation) as long as it constitutes less than 5% of this congregation’s total activities (money, staff, and volunteer time). 
3. Political Campaign Intervention: This congregation and its representatives are not permitted to advocate for or against candidates for public office or political parties on behalf of, or as representatives, of the congregation. (Note: This IRS provision does not restrict free expression on political matters by the minister and other leaders of the congregation when speaking for themselves as individuals.)

Adopted March 2012

Revised February 2024