The IRS has changed its longstanding practice, allowing clergy to endorse political candidates without risking nonprofit status. This decision arose from a lawsuit by evangelical groups who claimed that the previous ban infringed on their First Amendment rights. While this change enables churches to engage in elections, it also risks them becoming political organizations. Historically, opinions have diverged regarding the role of religion in politics, with some promoting the separation of church and state to avoid politicization of churches and others advocating for more involvement in societal power.
Churches can now openly involve themselves in elections, but in doing so, they risk becoming de facto political organizations.
The IRS change will soften the barrier, allowing churches to take on a much more pronounced role in electoral politics.
A norm of discouraging churches from turning into mere organs of political parties has been produced by operating within the confines of the separation.
What may appear to be a triumph over liberalism could in fact be a loss, the supersession of heavenly concerns by earthly ones.
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