Dear John, 

As the advocacy and legislative action organization that focuses on Texas, we are dedicated to preserving and advancing a culture of family values in the state of Texas. As we close out February and a very important political season, we are encouraged by the faithful actions of our team and supporters like YOU to keep Texas strong. We are not a political action committee (PAC). Donations to Texas Values Action(501(c)(4)) are not tax-deductible but they are kept confidential. We do not give money to political candidates. But, by law, we are allowed to make endorsements of candidates, and to use our resources to publicly highlight and share our faith, family, freedom and pro-life endorsements. Also, we use Texas Values Action to point people to our Texas voters guide, which does not make recommendations - it only shows how candidates are rated from conservative to liberal.

In 2024, the church is so important as we seek to have informed voters. America needs Texas to be strong to turn this country around. This can be made possible through the outcome of the upcoming elections and what our churches can accomplish, and your generous support!

SO CHURCHES AND ELECTIONS - WHAT IS THE LAW?

Many churches and pastors feel called by scripture to “equip the saints” to represent Christ in all areas of our society, including the voting booth. Pastors should thus be supported in their goal of helping their members be good stewards in representing Christ in their civic duties. This is especially important in light of the fact that only 1 out of every 4 Christians in America is voting!

 The law is actually very supportive of pastors and churches in fulfilling their mission to equip their saints. Even as a non-profit corporation, there is very little a church may not do.

CHURCHES MAY NOT:

Endorse or oppose a particular candidate.

Contribute to or use church resources for one candidate over another (i.e. free use of church list). 

Churches May (among other activities): 

1. Register their members as voters.

2. Pass out non-partisan Voter’s Guides.

3. Invite all candidates in a race to speak (O.K. if only one shows up).

4. Speak directly about specific issues and legislation (abortion, marriage, etc.).

Individually, a pastor can do whatever he feels led to do – endorse, support a member’s campaign, etc., as long as it’s not done with church resources. There are no limitations on the pastor individually. The few limitations above that exist are only for the Church entity and only if the Church is a non-profit corporation. Pastors should not be intimidated from acting as pastors, calling their people to vote and giving them information so they can best represent Christ in the voting booth.

Along with the help of the Churches and Pastors, WE  have to elect the right leaders. We must replace the public officials who caused the mess in our country and are making it worse. It’s as simple as that. That means it’s not enough to elect just any Republican. We must be discerning about the individuals who are asking for our vote. Texas Values Action makes separate endorsements on the issues of faith, family and freedom. Each candidate that wants an endorsement has to fill out a questionnaire and then some go through an interview before we make a decision. We take this seriously because we want to keep Texas Strong and have elected officials in office that keeps its values.  

And when we find the ones who share our love of faith, freedom and family, we have to spread the Word. Then fight like our future depends on it—because it does.

There are two (2) ways that Texas Values Action is here to help you this election cycle:

1. Use our Texas Voters Guide!! The website is www.freevotersguide.com This is the most widely used voting resource on our issues, and is a partnership with our friends at IVoter Guide This guide is grounded in God and rooted in research. You can get sample ballots, voting information, candidate evaluations and more.

2. Check our Specific Texas Values Action Endorsements!! At www.txvaluesaction.org/endorsements  But keep in mind, we do not endorse in every race. The Free Voters Guide website has great information on the races in which we are just providing information, and not giving a specific endorsement.

In other related news … 

- Be on the look out for Texas Values University! This is a new education program by Texas Values launching soon and this is going to be the most incredible, most innovative, and the most transformational effort and “one stop shop” on how to learn, love and lead like Jesus in Texas on the core issues of faith, family, and freedom. Mark my words - this program will make Texas stronger than ever before, one Texan at a time. 

- Texas Defenders Program - the new grassroots program launching soon by Texas Values; This warrior building training and “boots on the ground” effort will make sure that we have eyes and ears in all 254 counties, in all 1,200 school districts, and in over 1,500 Texas cities and towns safeguarding Faith, Family, and Freedom!!

Texas Values Action will continue to faithfully advocate for policies relating to faith, family, and freedom. And as you are building out your calendar to get involved with us, be sure to mark your calendar for the Texas Values 7th Annual Texas Faith, Family & Freedom Forum on September 13-14th, 2024! For more information on this event and future events see txvalues.org/events. 

With the Primary elections here and it being an election year we need your help and support to protect Faith, Family, and Freedom in Texas! Please consider making a generous donation today to protect the values we care about and to keep Texas strong.