The Salt Lake Tribune examines how religious organizations, including the LDS Church, can legally engage in political activity and donate to ballot measure campaigns without jeopardizing their federal tax-exempt status. The analysis comes as the Church's $1 million contribution to an Idaho anti-abortion PAC has sparked debate among members.

IRS regulations allow 501(c)(3) organizations to engage in limited lobbying and to take positions on ballot measures, though direct candidate endorsements remain prohibited. Churches can donate to issue campaigns, distribute voter guides on moral questions, and encourage members to vote particular ways on referendums.

The piece provides legal context for the Church's Idaho donation and similar Catholic Church contributions, explaining the regulatory boundaries that permit such involvement in abortion politics while maintaining tax-exempt status.