It's touchy business, mixing religion with politics.

It could be a taxing business, too, if improperly handled.

Churches that cross the line too far into politics could jeopardize their tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code. It's a possibility that some worshippers have raised since their western South Dakota churches began supporting a petition drive to add more abortion restrictions to state law.

The Catholic Church has been a prominent leader in the abortion fight, and is out front again in this petition drive. Under authorization from Bishop Blase Cupich of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, many Catholic churches have already made the petitions available in church prior to - not during - Mass.

Although many Catholics willingly signed the petitions, some are bothered by what they feel is undue pressure on churchgoers. Beyond that, they worry about the potential of such clear political involvement to jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the church.

"I believe the churches really have to be careful treading on this line, on the non-taxable status," Bernadette Gorszich-Usera of Sturgis said. She attends Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church in Piedmont.

"If they're not careful there's going to be a backlash, with the government saying you are overstepping the line, whether it's the Roman Catholic Church or an evangelical church."

Church leaders say they are indeed careful, and also are acutely aware of what kind of political activity is allowed in church, and what isn't. Information from the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops advises diocesan leaders that federal law will not allow their organizations to promote individual political candidates.

Supporting an issue on the ballot is acceptable, however, as long as those "lobbying" activities do not constitute a "substantial part of their total activities, measured by time, effort, expenditure and other relevant factors."

Cases indicate that line exists somewhere between 5 percent and 15 percent of the organization's total activities, the bishops council says.

Cupich declined comment Wednesday for this story. But diocese spokeswoman Sharon Zeller said Catholic Church leaders are well aware of the rules regarding political activities and follow them carefully.

Pastor Jeff Anderson of the First Assembly of God Church in Rapid City said the church has been offering the same petitions for worshippers to sign for weeks. Anderson said the petition drive has virtually universal support in his congregation.

"There's no controversy in my church. It's awesome. Folks realize this is part of our responsibility, an opportunity to make a difference for the unborn," he said. "This is a way for people to get active, vote and put boots on their faith."

But Anderson said that he is well aware of the federal tax code and the restrictions it places on churches and their involvement in politics.

"We wouldn't want to do anything to violate that," he said. "I think there's compliance with the law. Yet we're free to do what we need to do, based on our convictions, without violating any non-profit status."

Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com