Should Churches be in the Business of Endorsing Political Candidates?

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Anthony B. Robinson
-
Recently the IRS decided that it was okay, after all, for churches and their leaders to endorse particular candidates for political office. This goes against the so-called “Johnson Amendment,” which ruled out ecclesiastical endorsement of political candidates lest they risk their tax-exempt status. Trump has inveighed against the Johnson Amendment. You could also wonder if the shrunken IRS simply doesn’t have the manpower to check on violations.

In a brief but excellent article at the Atlantic Elizabeth Bruenig points out the risks of such a departure. She terms it a “Faustian bargain.” She remarks, “Churches can now openly involve themselves in elections, but in doing so, they risk becoming de facto political organizations.”

I would say that a lot of churches have already made the move to become “de facto political organizations.” Increasingly churches tend to hew to the same polarization as the country, being red or blue, progressive or conservative. That is a great loss — one more place/space that people of different views might rub shoulders gone. Yes, there are some that manage purple, or simply avoid, political issues altogether.

As a preacher I don’t think it is entirely possible, or even desirable, to avoid political issues. Christian faith addresses all of life. That said, a preacher, and a church, can address the issues without being partisans for one party or candidate. That would be my own preferred stance.

https://www.postalley.org/2025/07/27/should-churches-be-in-the-business-of-endorsing-political-candidates/