In a surprising decision breaking tradition, the IRS has taken an unprecedented step, allowing churches to endorse political candidates without sacrificing their tax-exempt status.
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This decision represents a significant shift from the Johnson Amendment’s previous strict regulations and is viewed as a strong win for religious organizations and their congregations.
The IRS has officially announced religious leaders can endorse political candidates in churches without losing their tax-exempt status.
This action comes as a result of a settlement with the National Religious Broadcasters and two Texas churches.
A lawsuit had challenged the Johnson Amendment, with claims it infringed on First Amendment rights.
Previously, the Johnson Amendment prohibited tax-exempt organizations from participating in political campaigns, a restriction that many argued suppressed free speech in churches.
The proposed consent judgment from the IRS suggests political discussions in religious services should not violate the Johnson Amendment.
Historically, the IRS has not heavily enforced the Johnson Amendment against religious organizations.
This development hints at a substantial realignment with traditional values, especially those championed by President Trump, who promised to dismantle the amendment.
While this decision excites many evangelical groups seeking more influence in politics, nonprofits and advocacy organizations are voicing concern.
Critics argue that these changes should be deliberated by Congress rather than executed through IRS or court actions.
There’s apprehension this new freedom could misuse churches for political gain. Potentially, significant sums could be funneled into political campaigns, undermining taxpayer sentiments.
“The decree could open the floodgates for political operatives to funnel money to their preferred candidates while receiving generous tax breaks at the expense of taxpayers who may not share those views,” warned Diane Yente, the president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, cited by Politico.
The IRS clarified that discourse from churches to their congregations on faith matters doesn’t breach the Johnson Amendment.
This clarification emphasizes the intention of viewing electoral politics through a religious lens without participating in political campaigns.
However, until a judge rules on the motion for consent judgment, the fate of this development remains uncertain.
“When a house of worship in good faith speaks to its congregation, through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith in connection with religious services, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith, it neither ‘participate[s]’ nor ‘intervene[s]’ in a ‘political campaign,’ within the ordinary meaning of those words,” the IRS said.
NEW: IRS says churches CAN ENDORSE political candidates without losing tax-exempt status
The move ends a 70-year interpretation of the tax code and the Johnson Amendment that barred non-profit groups, including churches, from endorsing political candidates without risking their… pic.twitter.com/VNeXpN8Yld
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 8, 2025
Whether this broadened approval opens doors or invites misuse remains to be seen.
But what is clear is the ongoing influence religious institutions may exert in shaping the political landscape, aligning with core conservative values and promoting freedom of speech within the fabric of faith-based conversations.
