IRS Settlement Lets Churches Endorse Political Candidates

The IRS has announced that religious leaders may now endorse political candidates from the pulpit without jeopardizing their house of worship's tax-exempt status, effectively reversing the Johnson Amendment ban enacted in 1954. This policy change is part of a court settlement with two Texas churches and a Christian broadcasting association who challenged the amendment on First Amendment grounds. The IRS now considers such endorsements as internal communications, not formal political campaigning. Historically, enforcement of the Johnson Amendment has been rare, and this move formalizes a previously unenforced practice. Critics warn the change could significantly increase political activity in churches and open avenues for abuse by groups posing as religious nonprofits. Legal experts note this shift could have wide-ranging effects on the relationship between faith and public policy.