Updated resources - Guidelines on lobbying and electioneering

We are less than eight weeks away from the 2024 election and it is a critical time for us as Church leaders to support our community in forming their consciences for faithful citizenship. This responsibility is pivotal in
guiding our parishioners to make informed choices that align with our values and Jesus' command to love our
neighbors as ourselves.

Our Role in Election Season

Through prayer, Scripture, Church teaching, and Catholic social doctrine, we help Catholics integrate their
faith with their civic duties. It is essential for every individual to make their electoral choices based on a well-
formed conscience, informed by the teachings of the Church.

Election seasons can be overwhelming with numerous messages from candidates and special interests. As
Church leaders, we must ensure that our parishes and schools remain places of authentic instruction and not
be used for partisan purposes. To this end, the bishops of California emphasize the following guidelines:

• Avoid Public Endorsements: Religious leaders should not publicly endorse candidates or political 
  parties. Our role is to remain impartial spiritual guides, recognizing that no candidate or party fully
  represents Catholic Social Teaching.
• Consult Approved Sources: Before offering guidance on legislation or ballot initiatives, parish leaders 
  should consult the California Catholic Conference or the local diocese.
• Limit Campaign Materials: Parishes and schools should not distribute or allow printed campaign 
  information or voter guides unless they are provided by the USCCB, the California Catholic Conference,
  or the diocese and carry their official logos.

Guidelines for Engagement

Tax-exempt organizations, including religious institutions, must adhere to specific federal and state laws
regarding campaign and lobbying activities. While we can address moral aspects of public policy and engage
in legislative advocacy, we must avoid direct support or opposition to specific candidates.

• Nonpartisan Voter Engagement: We encourage parishes to organize nonpartisan voter registration and 
  mobilization drives and provide moral and ethical contexts for understanding issues. All such activities
  should comply with the Guidelines for Lobbying and Electioneering in the Archdiocesan Handbook [link - 
  https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-10/section-10-6/topic-10-6-8].
• Education and Advocacy: Parishes may offer educational resources and support on moral and ethical 
  issues without engaging in partisan activities.

Resources and Contact Information

For more detailed guidance, please refer to the following resources:

• California Catholic Conference
• USCCB Political Activity Guidelines
• IRS FAQ on Political Campaign Intervention
• LA Archdiocese Faithful Citizenship

If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact Isaac Cuevas, Director of Immigration and
Public Affairs, at (213) 637-7484; Michael Donaldson, Director, Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, at
(213) 637-7047; or Margaret Graf, General Counsel, at (213) 637-7511.

Let us all commit to helping our parishioners engage in this election season with informed consciences,
ensuring that our participation reflects our values and dedication to the common good.