Churches Gain Political Speech Leeway—But Uncertainty Remains
A recent IRS settlement signals greater freedom for churches to speak on political candidates—yet murky boundaries and tax-code risks still require caution.
Church & State
Supreme Court Restricts Nationwide Injunctions by Federal Judges
The Court's ruling limits the authority of individual federal district judges and helps preserve key religious tax benefits like the housing allowance.
Can One Federal Judge Issue a Nationwide Injunction?
Church leaders need to know: Can one federal judge issue a ruling that binds all 50 states? The answer matters—especially when clergy housing allowances are at stake.
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.
Iowa, Utah, and Nebraska Pass Religious Freedom Restoration Acts
More than half the country's states possess laws addressing 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’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.
Downloadable 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.
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 Endorses Some Aid to Parents of Religious School Students
Parents of religious school students may receive state aid, Supreme Court says.
Supreme Court Rules that Title VII’s Ban on “Sex” Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation
Why the Supreme Court's Title VII decision changes the definition of "sex" discrimination--and how it affects churches.