The I.R.S. Moves to Allow Churches to Endorse Political Candidates, Ending A Decades-long Ban

For years, African American churches have walked a fine line, stopping short of endorsing political candidates because the I.R.S. banned campaigning by tax-exempt entities. But in a recent court filing the I.R.S. stated that the ban does not apply to houses of worship. 

This new direction from the agency comes amid a lawsuit filed by two churches in Texas and an association of Christian broadcasters.

The plaintiffs argued that all nonprofits – religious and secular – should be free to endorse candidates to their members, challenging a fundamental understanding of nonprofit law: that 

tax-exempt groups cannot be used as tools of any campaign. 

Pastor Clarence Thornton, who owns Joynet Radio in Little Rock, AR, that specializes in Gospel music, recognizes the influence of the ruling on African American churches.

He said, “For centuries, the African American Church has stood as more than a religious institution, it has been a driving force for social change, courageously confronting injustice and advocating for the needs of our community, and by extension, the broader American society..”

But as the longtime pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church and a broadcaster, Thornton is concerned the ruling will undermine the fundamental separation of church and state as outlined in the Constitution.

“We have always stopped short of endorsing a specific candidate as a unified body of Christ, understanding that such actions would not only compromise the moral and spiritual integrity of the Church but also violate the foundational American principle of religious neutrality in government. To do otherwise is not just risky – it is clearly contrary to both our faith tradition and the democratic ideals that allow our faith to thrive.”

The law governing the involvement of nonprofits and campaigns has a long history, dating back to 1954 and the efforts of then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson. But as the religious right became more politically vocal, the Johnson Amendment was viewed as restrictive. President Donald Trump has long supported campaigning in churches – embracing the notion because much of his political base stems from evangelical Christians.