IRS Allows Churches Endorsing Candidates Without Tax Penalty

The IRS, under the Trump administration, has proposed a settlement effectively exempting churches from the Johnson Amendment, which for decades barred tax-exempt churches from endorsing political candidates. This change allows houses of worship to openly endorse candidates from the pulpit without risking their nonprofit status, viewing such communication as akin to private family discussions. The move has sparked mixed reactions: conservative religious leaders largely praise the decision as a victory for free speech and religious freedom, while some progressive faith leaders cautiously welcome the clarity it brings, believing it could empower their voices in politics. Critics express concern that this may politicize churches and disproportionately benefit right-wing politics, given the historical involvement of evangelical churches with the GOP. Meanwhile, some religious figures emphasize maintaining a distinction between faith-driven advocacy and partisan endorsements, pledging to continue promoting justice and peace without aligning with specific candidates. The development is seen by supporters as a landmark shift, ending a longstanding legal constraint on religious political speech that was rarely enforced but symbolically significant.