FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 file photo, a local resident leaves a church after voting in the general election in Cumming, Iowa. Religion's role in politics and social policies is in the spotlight heading toward the midterm elections, yet relatively few Americans consider it crucial that a candidate be devoutly religious or share their religious beliefs, according to an AP-NORC national poll conducted Aug. 16-20, 2018. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Churches can endorse political candidates, says the IRS in a major policy shift that is shaking up the world of religion and politics in the United States. This change overturns a decades-old rule that barred churches from publicly supporting or opposing political figures. The new rule could have a massive impact on religious institutions, political campaigns, and the upcoming 2024 elections.
In this article, we’ll break down what the IRS decision means, why it happened, and how it may affect churches and voters going forward.
Since 1954, the Johnson Amendment—named after then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson—prohibited tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from participating in political campaigns for or against political candidates. The rule was simple: if a church wanted to maintain its tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3), it had to stay out of political endorsements.
The intention behind the rule was to keep politics and religion separate and ensure that tax-exempt status wasn’t misused to sway elections.
For decades, churches could speak on moral and social issues but were restricted from directly supporting or opposing political figures.
The IRS’s new decision now allows churches to endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status. According to the statement released by the IRS, the reversal comes after a comprehensive review and modern interpretation of free speech rights under the First Amendment.
“Religious organizations have the constitutional right to express political preferences, including candidate endorsements, without fear of losing their tax-exempt status,” the IRS said in its announcement.
This change essentially removes the threat of penalties or revocation of status for churches that support or oppose candidates from the pulpit or in official communications.
The decision didn’t happen overnight. For years, conservative leaders and religious freedom advocates have criticized the Johnson Amendment as a violation of free speech.
Here are a few major reasons behind the shift:
Political Pressure: In recent years, several lawmakers and political groups have called for its repeal, arguing that churches should have the same freedom of expression as other citizens.
Legal Challenges: There have been increasing legal arguments claiming that the Johnson Amendment unfairly targeted religious organizations.
Changing Public Sentiment: A growing portion of the population—especially religious conservatives—believes churches should have the freedom to speak out on political matters.
Former President Donald Trump made repealing the Johnson Amendment part of his campaign promises in 2016, even signing an executive order that encouraged the IRS not to enforce it. However, this new IRS decision formalizes the policy shift at an institutional level.
With this change, churches can endorse political candidates openly. But what does that look like in practice?
Here’s what churches can now do:
What hasn’t changed:
Supporters of the change argue that the new policy finally gives pastors and religious leaders the right to speak freely without fear.
Arguments from supporters:
First Amendment Rights: Religious leaders should have the same rights as anyone else to express political views.
Moral Guidance: Many believe that faith-based communities have a moral duty to guide their congregations on political matters.
Level Playing Field: Other nonprofit organizations are often politically active in indirect ways; churches should have the same privileges.
Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, praised the ruling:
“This is a monumental victory for religious freedom. Pastors should never be punished for preaching about issues that matter to their communities.”
However, the decision has not gone without backlash. Many civil rights organizations, political analysts, and religious leaders are warning that the reversal could deeply politicize places of worship.
Arguments from critics:
Erosion of Church-State Separation: Critics argue that this blurs the constitutional line between religion and government.
Potential for Abuse: There are fears that wealthy donors could use churches as political tools for tax-deductible donations.
Divisive Atmosphere: Political endorsements could cause rifts within congregations that have diverse political views.
Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, expressed strong concern:
“This ruling undermines a vital principle that has served our democracy for generations. Churches should never be turned into political machines.”
The timing of this decision is significant, as it comes just months before the 2024 presidential election. Experts believe this could heavily influence voting patterns, especially in religious communities.
Potential impacts:
Swing states with large evangelical populations may feel the impact most strongly.
The reaction among churches is mixed. Some are preparing to take advantage of the new freedom, while others are approaching it cautiously.
Proactive Churches: Some large megachurches and evangelical leaders have already announced their intention to endorse candidates.
Cautious Churches: Other denominations, such as the United Methodist Church and some Catholic dioceses, have said they will not be making endorsements, citing the importance of remaining apolitical.
Many churches are now in discussions with legal and tax professionals to understand what they can and cannot do under the new IRS guidance.
While the IRS has relaxed restrictions, legal experts caution that the line between lawful political activity and tax-exempt misuse is still delicate.
Key considerations for churches:
Failure to follow guidelines could still lead to investigations or legal disputes.
Polls show that Americans are divided on whether churches should play a role in politics.
Supporters: Mostly conservative and evangelical voters who feel their values are underrepresented
Opponents: Secular voters and moderate religious groups concerned about fairness and partisanship
This division mirrors broader national tensions about religion, freedom of speech, and the role of government in civic life.
The IRS’s decision to allow churches to endorse political candidates is one of the most significant policy changes in recent years when it comes to religion and politics in the U.S.
While some celebrate it as a victory for free speech and religious liberty, others worry about the long-term consequences for democracy, equality, and unity.
As the 2024 elections approach, churches across the country are now navigating new terrain—balancing their spiritual mission with an expanded role in political life.
Whether this shift strengthens American democracy or complicates it further remains to be seen.
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