As Tim Keller of New York’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church has said, “The church as the church ought to be less concerned about speaking to politics and more concerned about service.”

According to this story, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli recently spoke to approximately 250 church leaders, outlining what they are allowed to do when it comes to political engagement. A personal endorsement of a candidate is permissible under the law, Cuccinelli said, but they cannot use their church to endorse anyone.

Churches may distribute voter guides explaining the issue positions of candidates, as long as those guides do not also contain the positions of the church on those issues.

Cuccinelli assured the pastors, though, that speaking out on political issues is not only legal, but appropriate.

“When you became a pastor, you didn’t leave your First Amendment rights at the door,” he said. “Continue to be good shepherds to your congregations – and don’t be afraid when your shepherding includes giving guidance on issues that fall in the political world, because those are the same issues your congregants face each day in their world. Let your voice be heard. Speak out and guide your flock toward what is right and what is true.”

Cuccinelli’s legal advice is welcome and useful. But what individual ministers have to determine is not simply what their rights are but how to wisely exercise them. It’s not as easy as it may seem.

Over the years, for example, liberal and conservative churches and their pastors have damaged their credibility by taking stands on issues to which they brought no special competence or insight.

In addition, there is a strong temptation to simplistically connect the dots between moral principles and particular public policies. Most issues, however, involve prudential judgment about which honorable people can disagree.

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