Should I allow political ads in church bulletins?

[Avitar]

I work for a publishing company that prints Catholic church bulletins. We sell ads that will go on the backs of these bulletins. As an employee, and a Catholic, I have denied political ads, stating that it could cause the Church to lose its tax-exempt status. Is this correct? I have allowed ads that state a simple fact such as “Compliments of Judge Smith, Precinct 1” (after he’s been elected), but I have refused to sell ads stating “Vote for Judge Smith, Precinct 1” (prior to the election). Please clarify the position that the Church holds to this, and whether I am doing the right thing or not. Surprisingly, some of the priests say it’s okay, and others says it’s not.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

For the legal ramifications of political ads in bulletins, you would need to consult a lawyer who specializes in tax law. For your job responsibilities, you would need to consult your employer. As a matter of courtesy to your client churches though, I recommend that you email a copy of a proposed ad to the pastor of the parish, noting your concern that it might constitute political advertising. If the pastor is okay with the ad running in his bulletin, then the responsibility for his parish’s tax-exempt status becomes his and not yours (although, for your own protection, you may wish to keep a file of email confirmations from the parishes to prove their acceptance of controversial ads).