Churches Can Now Endorse Candidates: IRS Shifts Political Landscape!

Texas, USA - In a notable shift from long-standing regulations, churches in the U.S. can now openly endorse political candidates without fear of losing their tax-exempt status. This decision stems from recent actions by the IRS following a lawsuit initiated by two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters, who argued that the previous restrictions infringed upon First and Fifth Amendment rights. The IRS’s new stance is akin to allowing churches to discuss candidates as families would, rather than engaging in political campaigning. As Florida Daily reports, this marks a significant pivot in how religious organizations can interact with politics.

The lawsuit brought forth highlighted frustrations over the Johnson Amendment, a provision enacted in 1954 that prohibited 501(c)(3) organizations—including churches—from endorsing or opposing political candidates. The IRS recently agreed that under certain conditions, churches could endorse candidates, maintaining that such endorsements don’t equate to active participation in political campaigns. This development was reported by NBC News.

Reactions to the Ruling

This decision hasn’t come without controversy. Conservative and religious groups have hailed the IRS ruling as a victory for free speech. However, civil liberties groups like the ACLU express concerns about the implications for political neutrality in tax-exempt organizations. The ACLU argues that churches should have the right to free speech regarding political issues, but warns against the special tax benefits that could favor certain religious entities over others. They believe such preferential treatment violates the principle of equal protection under the law.

While the IRS’s new position allows for endorsements, the broader implications still hinge on how the Johnson Amendment is enforced. Notably, the amendment has rarely been enforced against religious entities, as illustrated by a 2017 report indicating that over 2,000 pastors openly defied the restrictions without consequence. This leniency showcases the challenge in regulating political activities within churches.The IRS maintains that its guidelines for charities remain strictly enforced, emphasizing the distinction between endorsing candidates and advocating for political issues.

Looking Forward

If the joint motion for a consent judgment between the IRS and the churches involved in the lawsuit is approved, it could pave the way for more churches to consider endorsements. However, as noted by legal expert Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, the breadth of this ruling may be limited initially to the plaintiffs involved unless further legal challenges arise.

As election seasons approach, the ramifications of this ruling will undoubtedly unfold in Florida and beyond, sparking conversations about the role of religion in politics. Will more churches take to the pulpit to endorse candidates? Only time will tell, but it seems clear that the lines between church and state are becoming a bit blurrier in the Sunshine State.