Did the IRS Just Change Its Own Rule to Set Pastors Free?
The IRS confirmed last Monday that pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit or through their church communications will not cause their churches to lose their tax-exempt status. This is a long-overdue decision concerning the Johnson Amendment, the 1954 rule that has long prevented churches from engaging in electoral endorsements.
That shift is massive and should matter deeply to every American Christian.
For me, this issue is personal. In December 2019, I founded Christians Engaged, a ministry in Texas, and submitted our application in for 501c3 status. The IRS denied us after 18 months.
Why?
Christians Engaged offers biblically grounded voter education on the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage between one man and one woman, justice, and other issues. But the IRS denied us tax-exemption because (and I quote), “[B]ible teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party and candidates. This disqualifies you from exemption under IRC Section 501(c)(3).”
A Personal Story
That was mind-blowing, but we knew if we didn’t fight back, it could impact every church or ministry nationwide. As a ministry, we were simply asking believers to engage in both their faith and their civic duty, praying for wisdom and involvement.
With the help of First Liberty, we appealed. In July 2021, the IRS reversed its decision, granting our tax-exemption and acknowledging that our focus on Scriptural issues some people perceive as “political” was constitutionally sound. It was a victory, not just for us but for any religious nonprofit that seeks to inform Americans and help Christians make wise decisions.
Last week, the IRS stated that the Johnson Amendment will not apply when policy messages are delivered in a house of worship, a religious service, or church communications. Pastors have always had the right to pray, vote, and engage — which is the motto of Christians Engaged — but now they will also have the freedom to endorse candidates from the pulpit if they choose to do so.
The Johnson Amendment has been a paper tiger for years. No church has ever lost its tax-exempt status, though the IRS has used the Johnson Amendment to create costly issues for many of them over the years. Pastors who want to actively engage in changing their communities by endorsing candidates from their pulpit, joining with other churches to elect Christians, and communicating their choices to members can now do so without fear.
What This Means for You
Some critics warn that this could turn congregations into campaign destinations. Yet this is not about churches acting as super PACs. It’s about restoring free speech and First Amendment integrity for religious organizations and church leaders.
Also, nothing requires churches or pastors to endorse candidates or discuss politics. They are free to focus on worship and service only, if that is what they desire. But if they choose to engage their congregations on biblical issues that our culture might perceive as political, or even endorse candidates, they can do so without fear of legal punishment.
What does that mean for everyday Americans? It means you can expect more open discussions of civic responsibility from faith leaders. As someone whose own nonprofit was nearly silenced, I know how difficult it can be to navigate prayerful engagement and legal boundaries. This decision eases that tension, inviting a more authentic conversation in homes, churches, and communities.
But the work isn’t complete. The latest action stems from a lawsuit in Texas; Congress still must act to formally repeal or amend the Johnson Amendment to close the loop.
I look back on our IRS ordeal with gratitude. When the agency reversed itself in 2021, it affirmed that faith-rooted political engagement isn’t a partisan affront; it’s part of being a citizen who loves God and neighbors. This action extends that principle from our small nonprofit to pulpits across America.
It is now up to our church leaders and congregants to turn this new blessing into a movement to speak God’s truth boldly, sharing His good news with every person and on every issue without fear of government interference.
Bunni Pounds is president and founder of Christians Engaged — a ministry activating the Body of Christ to pray, vote, and engage regularly and a senior vice president at Family Policy Alliance. Formerly a congressional candidate and 16-year political consultant, she is a motivational speaker and Bible teacher. She is author of the book Jesus and Politics: One Woman’s Walk with God in a Mudslinging Profession, and the host of two shows – Conversations with Christians Engaged and Jesus for America.