In a move that could redefine the line between church and state, the IRS has indicated that churches can endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status.
After 70 years of the Johnson Amendment banning nonprofits, including houses of worship, from engaging in political campaigning, the agency made a major shift in a quiet court filing.
According to the IRS, as long as pastors speak in good faith during regular worship and through customary channels, it is not considered political intervention.
The agency likened it to a family discussion, but critics call it a dangerous door to dark money and political manipulation.
This could turn churches into campaign headquarters and pastors into political surrogates.
The Rev. Al Sharpton warned this could become a double-edged sword. He says Black churches, which have long been targeted for even nonpartisan civic action, must not be left exposed while right-wing congregations endorse candidates without consequence.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
