|
We, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church - Fountain Hill AR , have adopted the following Church
Policy Concerning Political Campaign Activity to ensure that the church does not participate in, either directly or indirectly,
any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective office.
The following actions are Prohibited at Bethel,
on our property, through publications or during any church functions
- ENDORSING ANY CANDIDATE
- SOLICITING, DONATING or CONTRIBUTING TO A CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN
- PARTICIPATING or ENGAGING IN POLITICAL FUND RAISING EVENTS
- DISTRIBUTING STATEMENTS FOR or AGAINST A CANDIDATE
- ENGAGING IN ANY OTHER ACTIVITY THAT MAY FAVOR or OPPOSE A CANDIDATE
- FLYERS AND POLITICAL BROCHURES
When a candidate, running for a political office, is invited to speak at Bethel, we will contact the opposing candidate
(s) and provide an equal opportunity to them to participate. A Member of Bethel and/or the pastor will explicitly
state to the congregation ,BEFORE a candidate speaks , that the church does not endorse or oppose any candidate (s) for
any political office.
If a candidate notifies the church in advance that he/she will be visiting, the board will instruct that candidate by
e-mail or phone , that Bethel is strictly prohibited from engaging in political activity and will not engage in any actions
beyond the normal recognition of visitors and will not allow the candidate to speak, to campaign on church property or at
any church function.
If a candidate shows up at a church function unannounced, the church will not engage in any actions beyond our normal
recognition of visitors, which is to ask all visitors to stand, be recognized and be welcomed to Bethel. Candidate (s) will
not be allowed to speak and the pastor or another leader will explicitly state to the congregation that the church does not
endorse any candidate for any political office.
If an individual attends a church function as a non-candidate, the church will notify him/her by phone or in
writing that the church is strictly prohibited from engaging in political activity and we will not allow the candidate to
speak or perform any action that could be construed as an endorsement of the church. The candidate will not be allowed to
campaign on church property or at any church function.
The church will clearly indicate the capacity in which the candidate is appearing and should not mention the individual's
political candidacy or the up-coming election in the communications announcing the candidate's attentance at that event. The
candidate nor any church representative should make mention of the candidate's candidacy of the election.
.
If a leader of Bethel, pastor or member, speaks or writes partisan comments OUTSIDE of CHURCH FUNCTIONS and PUBLICATIONS,
he or she MUST clearly indicate that their comments are personal and not intended to represent the views of Bethel A.M.E.
Church.
When other organizations uses Bethel's buildings or church grounds, the board will approve the use and the organization
(s) will be instructed in writing, e-mail or by phone, that the church is strictly prohibited from engaging in political activity
and that political activity by the organization using the building or grounds is prohibited.
PUBLIC FORUMS
Questions will be prepared and presented by an independent, nonpartisan panel. The topics to be discussed
by the candidates will cover a broad range of issues that the candidates would address if elected to the office he/she is
seeking. Each candidate will be given an equal opportunity to present his/her views on the issues discussed.
Candidates will not be asked to agree or disagree with positions, platforms or statements of the Church
and the moderator will not comment on the questions or imply approval or disapproval of the candidate. |
