Can Getting Political Affect Our Church’s Tax Status?
Before you decide to get political, use this checklist to determine how it might affect your church's tax status.
Church & State
Iowa, Utah Pass Religious Freedom Restoration Acts
Iowa, Utah bolster free exercise protections for individuals, churches, and religious institutions.
North Dakota, West Virginia Add Religious Freedom Protections
Legislatures in North Dakota and West Virginia pass religious freedom protections, joining 24 other states with similar laws.
AG Investigations into Churches and Nonprofits Are on the Rise
AG investigations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. What triggers such investigations, and how can your church be prepared?
A Pair of Noteworthy Supreme Court Decisions For Church Leaders
A pair of Supreme Court decisions are noteworthy for church leaders and bivocational pastors.
Supreme Court Sides With Colorado Web Designer’s Free Speech Claim
Lorie Smith worried Colorado would use its anti-discrimination laws to force her to create websites celebrating marriages she does not endorse.
Supreme Court’s ‘Groff’ Decision Makes It Harder to Reject Religious Accommodations Requests
Bivocational pastors and church planters working secular jobs should pay attention to what the Groff decision means.
Postgame Prayers Protected by First Amendment, Supreme Court Says
Supreme Court says postgame prayers protected by First Amendment while also striking down controversial "Lemon test."
Maine’s Tuition Assistance Rule Violated the First Amendment, Supreme Court Says
Maine's tuition assistance rule barred use of state funds at religious schools, which violated the First Amendment, Court says.
Supreme Court: Religious Law Allows Clergy to be in Execution Chambers
Law protecting prisoners' religious rights allows clergy to be present in execution chambers, Court says.
RECOMMENDED READING
Politics and the Church: Activism, Speech, and the Tax Code
Sometimes, the lines blur between politics and the church. This recommended reading - and viewing - list can help.
Checklist: How Various Political Activities Might Affect Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status
Which political activities may affect your church's tax-exempt status, based on IRS guidance.
The Tax Implications of Churches and Political Involvement
The tax implications for churches that engage in political campaigns and legislative lobbying.
Politics, Churches, and Constitutional Protections
The Johnson Amendment and other tax laws try to limit activities by churches that intersect with politics—but certain constitutional protections allow more engagement than some realize.
Video Series
Religious Land Use & The Church: A Virtual Roundtable
A virtual roundtable of attorneys discusses an often overlooked religious land use law.
Recommended Reading
Religious Freedom and the Church
From government mandates to public accommodation laws to employment issues, churches must understand what is and isn't constitutionally protected.
Supreme Court’s Fulton Decision Reinforces Religious Freedom Protections
Religious freedom protections reinforced by Supreme Court's ruling against a policy in Philadelphia.
Religious Freedom Protections Expanded in South Dakota, Montana
Religious freedom protections expanded in South Dakota and Montana, meaning 24 states now require higher standards for their governments to meet whenever they “substantially burden” religious exercise.
Assessing US Supreme Court Rulings on Pandemic Restrictions
What the Supreme Court's rulings on pandemic restrictions mean for churches and in-person gatherings.
Supreme Court: Harsher Pandemic Restrictions for Churches Are Unconstitutional
Why the Supreme Court said harsher restrictions for churches during the pandemic are unconstitutional.