IRS Policy Shift Allows Church Political Endorsements

The IRS has announced a major policy change, stating that churches can now endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status, reversing longstanding guidance under the Johnson Amendment. This shift follows lawsuits from conservative religious groups and comes as part of a joint court filing with the National Religious Broadcasters and two Texas churches. The policy change awaits final judicial approval. The IRS clarified that political endorsements made during worship services do not count as campaign intervention under the law. While some conservative and progressive religious groups have welcomed the move as a win for religious liberty, critics including California Gov. Gavin Newsom warn it could blur the church-state boundary and facilitate campaign finance abuses. Legal experts say the decision could reinforce the influence of politically active churches but may not drastically change their current political role.