IRS Eases Johnson Amendment Restrictions
On July 7, the IRS announced a policy change affecting the Johnson Amendment. Since 1954, this rule has prohibited nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing candidates for political office. The new guidance states that houses of worship may now express political endorsements during religious services through usual communication channels, provided they relate to matters of faith.
Episcopal Leaders Urge Caution
In response, bishops from at least six Episcopal dioceses, including Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles, issued public statements discouraging clergy from endorsing political candidates. Michigan Bishop Bonnie Perry advised clergy to speak on gospel-related issues but avoid partisan endorsements. Ohio Bishops Anne B. Jolly and Kristin Uffelman White echoed this sentiment, strictly prohibiting endorsements from the pulpit.
Preserving Church Unity and Mission
Bishop Poulson Reed of Oklahoma expressed concern that the policy change might inject divisive politics into church communities. In an editorial titled “The Separation of Church and State is Good for Both,” Reed warned that endorsing candidates could harm relationships among parishioners and distract from the church’s central mission. He emphasized the importance of focusing on moral issues, such as caring for the poor and vulnerable, rather than aligning with any particular political party.
Broader Faith Community Responses
Other faith groups also criticized the IRS’s policy shift. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reaffirmed its stance against endorsing political candidates. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty warned that the change could turn churches into political action committees (PACs). The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism highlighted the risks of campaign contributions being funneled through churches as charitable donations.
Public Opinion Strongly Opposes Church Endorsements
A 2022 Pew Research poll revealed that 77% of U.S. adults believe churches should not endorse political candidates. The majority includes 84% of Democrats and 70% of Republicans. Episcopal leaders, echoing this sentiment, emphasized preaching on justice, love, and community welfare rather than partisanship. Bishop Jennifer Reddall of Arizona noted that political perceptions vary, but the pulpit should remain a sacred, nonpartisan space. Los Angeles Bishop John Harvey Taylor added that maintaining a focus on Christian values, such as love, peace, and grace, remains essential for all Episcopal clergy.
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Episcopal leaders tell clergy to preach the gospel, not endorse candidates
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