14/07/2025
For many years, pastors have often been hesitant to discuss politics with concerns that the IRS could go after their tax-exempt status. This is due to a 1954 law known as the Johnson Amendment, which prohibited 501c3 churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates. In a world where political figures are often make key decisions that affect churches and their members, this has left many pastors unsure on whether or not they can speak to certain matters if there are political implications.
However, the IRS recently clarified that “Communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.” Essentially, this means that pastors are not prohibited from communicating with their congregants about political candidates, as a matter of free speech.
This is uniquely significant in a state like Alabama where a large portion of people attend church regularly and look to their pastors for leadership. While many pastors might choose not to get involved in political matters, this helpful clarification does demonstrate that pastors have a right to free speech. In a day when there are so many cultural issues that the Bible does speak to, it is helpful for pastors to know that as they have “an understanding of the times” they can freely communicate with those they serve.
