A recent IRS settlement signals greater freedom for churches to speak on political candidates—yet murky boundaries and tax-code risks still require caution.
The Court's ruling limits the authority of individual federal district judges and helps preserve key religious tax benefits like the housing allowance.
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.
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.
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.