CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Churches and Other Houses of Worship Can Endorse Political Candidates from the Pulpit without Risk of Losing Their Tax-Exempt Status: IRS
CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Churches and Other Houses of Worship Can Endorse Political Candidates from the Pulpit without Risk of Losing Their Tax-Exempt Status: IRS
Hi everyone,
In a groundbreaking shift, the IRS has officially stated that churches and other houses of worship can now endorse political candidates from the pulpit without risking their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
This announcement—made in a federal court filing—challenges decades of restrictions under the Johnson Amendment and could dramatically reshape the relationship between faith and politics in America.
What does this mean for religious freedom, election integrity, and the role of churches in political life?
📌 Based on recent reporting from The New York Times and AP News (July 2025)
On July 7, 2025, the IRS submitted a court filing in a Texas case, stating that churches and other houses of worship can endorse political candidates from the pulpit without risking their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. They framed such sermons as similar to “private family discussions” of faith matters—thus not qualifying as prohibited political campaign activity
Essentially, the IRS is seeking a formal carve-out from the Johnson Amendment for religious services. Though the IRS rarely enforces the ban against churches, this filing moves toward codifying an informal status quo
Johnson Amendment (1954): This tax code provision bans 501(c)(3) entities—like churches—from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Churches are subject to losing tax-exempt status if they violate it
chron.com
Recent push: Non-profit groups like the National Religious Broadcasters and others challenged this restriction, citing First Amendment rights. They sued, and the IRS joined, asking the court to make church endorsements exempt
Political reactions: Trump-era policies signaled early efforts to weaken the Amendment, though formal repeal requires Congressional action .
Nonprofit law expert commentary suggests this move may greatly increase church-based politicking. While it mostly mirrors an informal practice, making it official could shift dynamics
Enforcement has been spotty—some conservative Texas churches previously faced backlash (e.g., Lakepointe Church in Dallas). Complaints exist, but no major sanctions followed
The IRS is signaling that sermons endorsing candidates during worship don’t violate campaign rules, positioning these as private religious speech. If a judge agrees, this shifts the enforcement approach from informal tolerance to explicit allowance inside houses of worship. But the outcome hinges on the Texas court’s decision.
Court ruling: If the judge grants the exemption, it could become the default standard.
Legislative responses: Congress might attempt to reverse or codify the change.
Election impact: This could spur an uptick in churches playing overtly partisan roles in upcoming campaigns.
CHURCHES CAN ENDORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES WITHOUT RISK OF LOSING THEIR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS: IRS | Christian News and Views!
CHURCHES CAN ENDORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES WITHOUT RISK OF LOSING THEIR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS: IRS | Christian News and Views!