Revised Policy on Political Threads - Please Read

[Heather]

I have revised the policy on political threads. We will now be regulating the site in accordance with the terms and conditions as stated below this message and at the bottom of each page on the site. This means that we will allow political discussion, also long as all posts remain neutral with respect to partisan politics and candidate campaigns for public office. You may not use the forum to show support, endorse, oppose or sanction any candidate. In addition, all posts must be respectful and sensitive to readers of all political beliefs and backgrounds. Any post that violates any of the above conditions will be dealt with according to the guidelines in the Terms of Use.

More Good Foundation, as a nonprofit foundation, must remain neutral with respect to partisan politics and candidate campaigns for public office. The foundation encourages its members and staff to be informed about political issues and to be engaged in civic life; however, it does not endorse or oppose any political parties, candidates, or platforms.

As a non-profit organization, 501(c)3, we are governed by legal constraints relative to writing, blogging, or otherwise endorsing any candidate running for political office. The law states, in effect, that no one acting on behalf of the nonprofit can intervene directly or indirectly in the election process by endorsing a political candidate. Any post that speaks favorably about one candidate, even in a religious context, can be construed as indirect intervention in the election process.

[the_jason]

I certainly understand the Foundation, in general, wanting to be neutral, just as the Church is. Does that mean it's individual members have to be neutral though? Can I not express my respectful opinion about a party, candidate, issue, etc.? Threads are generally used to state an opinion or a thought, and I'm not sure how you can have a neutral opinion. Opinions are biased, based on personal beliefs. This just doesn't make sense to me.

[NateHowe]

This is an excellent policy. No candidate is automatically qualified or unqualified because of religious beliefs. If we actually believe that a politician should stand on political rather than religious merits, we should keep political endorsements off religious forums. Thank you.

[CrimsonKairos]

Originally Posted by the_jason

I certainly understand the Foundation, in general, wanting to be neutral, just as the Church is.

Its not just that the Foundation wants to be neutral because of some philosophical viewpoint. By law and to take advantage of certain tax-exemptions, the Foundation cannot allow discussion of candidates for political office.

Does that mean it's individual members have to be neutral though?

Of course not. You can think whatever you wish. You simply cannot discuss political candidates on this website. There are plenty of other sites for that.

Can I not express my respectful opinion about a party, candidate, issue, etc.?

Not here. It is against the laws that dictate the dimensions of the Foundations 501(c)3 status. This is a religious discussion board, not a political candidate examination forum.

Threads are generally used to state an opinion or a thought, and I'm not sure how you can have a neutral opinion. Opinions are biased, based on personal beliefs. This just doesn't make sense to me.

Its really very simple: You are not to share your opinions about political candidates--good or bad. This isn't the place for it.

Believe me, I would if I could, since I think deeply about and research the presidential candidates now running for office. However, we must be content to discuss those opinions elsewhere and stick to other topics here.

[the_jason]

Alright I was confused. It appeared to me that political threads were allowed, but had to be neutral, which didn't make sense to me. Now I know that politics cannot be discussed at all.

Thanks for clarifying.