In a recent federal court filing, the IRS announced a significant shift in its interpretation of the Johnson Amendment. This change allows churches to endorse political candidates to their congregations without the risk of losing their tax-exempt status. The IRS stated that communications on matters of faith through usual channels do not violate the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted. This filing was part of a joint motion to settle a lawsuit with the National Religious Broadcasters and two Texas churches, challenging the amendment’s constitutionality.
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The IRS has proposed a policy change that would allow pastors to endorse political candidates from the pulpit without jeopardizing their church’s tax-exempt status, effectively creating an exemption from the Johnson Amendment. This proposed interpretation stems from a joint court filing with the National Religious Broadcasters Association, aiming to halt enforcement of the amendment against the plaintiffs. The Johnson Amendment currently prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates, but the IRS now suggests this should not apply to communications during religious services through regular channels. This stance, though largely mirroring existing IRS practices, could significantly increase political expression within churches, as noted by experts in nonprofit law.
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The US Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) plan to rescind Harvard University’s tax-exempt status is a highly controversial move, sparking intense debate and raising serious questions about the potential abuse of power. This action has ignited a firestorm, with many questioning the fairness and legality of targeting a specific institution in this manner. The move feels particularly arbitrary, prompting comparisons to authoritarian regimes that selectively enforce laws against their political opponents.
This potential action is not just about Harvard; it’s about the implications for all non-profit organizations. The concern is that this sets a dangerous precedent, allowing the government to target any entity it deems undesirable, creating a chilling effect on free speech and academic freedom.… Continue reading
When news broke that Project 2025, spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation, was being reported to the IRS for alleged violations of its tax-exempt status, it sparked a wave of discussions and debates online. The fact that this conservative think tank, along with dozens of other conservative-leaning groups and ex-officials from the Trump administration, had published a 900-page roadmap for a new Republican administration raised eyebrows and caused concern among many.
The implications of Project 2025, which included plans to overhaul the federal government and replace thousands of government workers with loyalists, were alarming to say the least. The idea that such a project was being pushed by a prominent organization like The Heritage Foundation was certainly unsettling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood