"The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says churches enjoy more latitude when it comes to endorsing or opposing political candidates—a surprising development after decades of debate and uncertainty regarding what is and isn’t allowed for tax-exempt organizations under a controversial Internal Revenue Code provision best known as the “Johnson Amendment.”
A recent IRS settlement signals greater freedom for churches to speak on political candidates—yet murky boundaries and tax-code risks still require caution.
Matthew Branaugh, Attorney and Editor
CS1 response to this: and to the District Council of his Fellowship:
I wanted to send this to you, not that you are unaware, but it has been on my mind for the past two days. Below is what I prayed about, and I believe the Lord has shown me this will be an issue very soon:
The recent news regarding the potential removal of restrictions that would allow churches to speak freely on political matters from the pulpit has stirred much reflection and prayer in my heart. While this may seem like a gain for religious liberty on the surface, I believe the Holy Spirit has offered a word of caution.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV), "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." The New Living Translation puts it even more plainly: “You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is beneficial.” Just because we can say something doesn’t mean it’s always wise or edifying, especially from the pulpit.
Over the past few years, political discourse has deeply divided not just the nation, but the Church. During the COVID-19 crisis, many of us saw how quickly the focus shifted from prayer and repentance to debate and division. I personally never supported the closing of churches, but I also grieve how we often spoke more than we sought the Lord.
Now, we face a new potential shift—where the pulpit may become a lightning rod for political opinions. I fear this may distract from the central message that must never be compromised: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pulpit is not a platform for political gain; it is a sacred space for the declaration of truth, repentance, and the hope we have in Christ.
We must not allow political speech to take priority over the prophetic voice of God in these last days. As Jeremiah 8:20 mournfully states, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” Let us not miss the urgency of the hour.
Regardless of where we stand politically, the current leadership across the spectrum has shown a troubling lack of reverence for God. Perversion and lawlessness are being normalized in governance, yet our response should not be to match political fervor with equal intensity from the pulpit—but to call the nation to repentance, to return to the Lord, and to seek His face.
Let us guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), recognizing that divide and conquer has always been the enemy’s strategy—and sadly, it is still working. May we as believers resist this tactic and remain unified in Spirit, rooted in truth, and bold in love.
Respectfully,
CS1
A recent IRS settlement signals greater freedom for churches to speak on political candidates—yet murky boundaries and tax-code risks still require caution.
Matthew Branaugh, Attorney and Editor
CS1 response to this: and to the District Council of his Fellowship:
I wanted to send this to you, not that you are unaware, but it has been on my mind for the past two days. Below is what I prayed about, and I believe the Lord has shown me this will be an issue very soon:
The recent news regarding the potential removal of restrictions that would allow churches to speak freely on political matters from the pulpit has stirred much reflection and prayer in my heart. While this may seem like a gain for religious liberty on the surface, I believe the Holy Spirit has offered a word of caution.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV), "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." The New Living Translation puts it even more plainly: “You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is beneficial.” Just because we can say something doesn’t mean it’s always wise or edifying, especially from the pulpit.
Over the past few years, political discourse has deeply divided not just the nation, but the Church. During the COVID-19 crisis, many of us saw how quickly the focus shifted from prayer and repentance to debate and division. I personally never supported the closing of churches, but I also grieve how we often spoke more than we sought the Lord.
Now, we face a new potential shift—where the pulpit may become a lightning rod for political opinions. I fear this may distract from the central message that must never be compromised: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pulpit is not a platform for political gain; it is a sacred space for the declaration of truth, repentance, and the hope we have in Christ.
We must not allow political speech to take priority over the prophetic voice of God in these last days. As Jeremiah 8:20 mournfully states, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” Let us not miss the urgency of the hour.
Regardless of where we stand politically, the current leadership across the spectrum has shown a troubling lack of reverence for God. Perversion and lawlessness are being normalized in governance, yet our response should not be to match political fervor with equal intensity from the pulpit—but to call the nation to repentance, to return to the Lord, and to seek His face.
Let us guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), recognizing that divide and conquer has always been the enemy’s strategy—and sadly, it is still working. May we as believers resist this tactic and remain unified in Spirit, rooted in truth, and bold in love.
Respectfully,
CS1
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