IRS Ruling Expands Church Political Speech

By Raul Rivera

The headlines are everywhere: “IRS Clears Way for Churches to Endorse Political Candidates.” And this time, they are not exaggerating. On Monday, July 7th, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service filed a court document stating that churches can endorse political candidates to their congregations without risking their tax-exempt status.

This filing is part of a legal settlement involving the National Religious Broadcasters and several Texas churches. At the center of the case is the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that has long restricted political speech for 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches.

The Real Story Behind the Headlines

What many news outlets are not saying is this: the ruling reflects what has already been happening in practice for years. The IRS has rarely enforced the Johnson Amendment against churches. A joint investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found that only two churches have ever lost their tax-exempt status for political activity in over 70 years.

Since 2008, pastors nationwide have participated in “Pulpit Freedom Sunday,” openly endorsing candidates during church services. The IRS has never taken action against them. This filing is less of a shift in policy and more of a public acknowledgment of longstanding non-enforcement.

Understanding the Scope and Limitations

The IRS’s statement applies specifically to “bona fide communications internal to a house of worship, between the house of worship and its congregation, in connection with religious services.” The agency likened these discussions to family conversations about politics, affirming their private and protected nature.

This does not mean churches can endorse candidates publicly through billboards, ads, or mass media. It applies to communication within the spiritual life of the congregation. Also, the ruling currently covers only the churches named in the lawsuit. Once finalized, however, it could shape how the IRS approaches similar cases nationwide.

What This Means for Your Church

This is a meaningful development for religious freedom. The IRS is formally recognizing what many pastors have always believed: that biblical teaching can include equipping believers to engage civic life faithfully.

Here are three key takeaways for your church:

1. You can speak with clarity and conviction.
You are free to talk to your congregation about elections when your guidance flows from Scripture. As long as these conversations happen during worship or through regular internal channels, you are on solid ground.

2. Your communication channels matter.
Sermons, newsletters, worship bulletins, and church videos are considered protected spaces where biblical teaching and moral instruction happen.

3. You still need legal protection.
While the Johnson Amendment is being reinterpreted, it has not been repealed. Updated bylaws and well-documented faith statements remain essential to ensure your church is protected.

Why This Moment Matters

This ruling fits into a broader shift in our nation’s approach to religious liberty. In recent years, the Supreme Court has expanded First Amendment protections for churches. The IRS now acknowledges that banning political speech within religious services would create “serious tension” with the Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution.

For many pastors, preaching the full counsel of God includes guiding believers through issues of public policy and elections. When a candidate's platform directly conflicts with biblical truth, silence is not always an option.

How to Move Forward with Wisdom

If your church feels called to speak more clearly on political matters, here are a few wise practices:

• Share guidance during sermons when it aligns with Scripture
• Speak on the moral implications of current issues or platforms
• Use your regular church communications to engage your congregation
• Encourage members to vote according to biblical principles

This ruling gives space for boldness, but boldness should be paired with careful governance and spiritual discernment.

Use This Freedom with Wisdom

Freedom does not mean every church should engage in political speech the same way. As leaders, we must prayerfully consider when and how to address political matters and what role they should play in church life.

Pulpit time is sacred and limited. The gospel must always remain central. Each week, people walk through your doors needing truth, healing, and hope. At the same time, many social issues affect their daily lives. Helping them apply their faith to those realities is part of shepherding.

History reminds us that faithful churches have responded in different ways. During the years leading up to the Civil War, many pastors preached against slavery. They were seen as political, yet believed God had called them to speak out and trust Him to bring justice. Others felt just as convicted that their pulpit should focus solely on the gospel, believing that transformation of society would come from the inside out.

Both approaches can come from faith, courage, and biblical conviction. What matters is that each church discerns its path through prayer and wisdom, not pressure or fear.

This new legal clarity gives you space to lead confidently. It does not demand conformity. It invites intentionality.

Let StartCHURCH Help You Prepare

At StartCHURCH, we help churches build a strong legal foundation that protects both their calling and their freedom. Our StartRIGHT and GetRIGHT programs ensure your bylaws reflect today’s legal landscape, giving you the confidence to lead well.

If you are ready to update your governing documents, give us a call at 770-638-3444.

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