The Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act, (H.R. 235), authored by Congressman Walter B. Jones, (R-NC) continues to gain co-sponsors. With now over 150 co-sponsors, WE MUST TAKE ACTION NOW! Send a letter to your United States Congressperson now! H.R. 235 would allow religious organizations to support or oppose candidates for public office without losing their tax-exempt status. Current law states that houses of worship, like other 501(c)(3) organizations, cannot legally engage in partisan political activities and retain their tax-exempt status. This provision has served as a valuable safeguard for the integrity of both charities, religious institutions and the political process. H.R. 235 would lift these important safeguards and allow houses of worship to endorse and raise money for favored political candidates at the national, state or local level. The sponsors of the bill claim that current law muzzles religious leaders from speaking out on issues of interest to their congregations. However, according a letter to Congress signed by seven different national and international religious organizations, “the reality is that religious leaders have an absolute right to use their pulpit to address the moral issues of the day.” In fact, the only significant limitation on these groups is that they cannot support or oppose candidates for office. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), which was passed in order to reduce influence of soft money on Federal elections and requiring the disclosure of the sources of election spending, would be contradicted if H.R. 235 becomes law. H.R. 235 would permit considerable expenditures of tax-deductible funds to publicize endorsement-sermons and other election-related presentations made during the religious services or gatherings through television, radio, and other media. For a more detailed illustration of the ways in which H.R. 235 can be used for electioneering click here. It is important for Members of Congress to hear from their constituent base. Let us take this opportunity while Congress is in recess and in their home districts to call them and let them know WE DON’T WANT TAX DEDUCTABLE DOLLARS TO BE SPENT ON ELECTIONS!! Ask your congressperson to oppose H.R. 235 by signing off as a co-sponsor or generally opposing the bill because there remain significant concerns about its implications for both our nation’s houses of worship and the integrity of our political process. Send a letter to your United States Congressperson now!