Pulpit Politics? Most Americans Say No

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Churches are now allowed to endorse political candidates without fear of repercussions. But the vast majority of Americans want religious institutions to stay out of politics.

—Pew

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Since 1954, the Johnson Amendment has barred churches from endorsing political candidates, under penalty of losing their tax-exempt status. But President Trump has long sought to loosen this rule, arguing it limits the free speech of religious groups. Now, in new court filings, the IRS says churches can endorse candidates through their “usual channels of communication” without losing their tax-exempt status.

But do Americans want their religious institutions becoming involved in politics? According to a 2022 Pew survey, the answer is a firm no. 67% of US adults believe churches should keep out of political matters altogether. And a strong 77% believe churches should not endorse political candidates.

Source: Pew

Let’s break it down by religious identity. Unsurprisingly, the unaffiliated, or “nones,” are the least supportive: Only 11% say churches should endorse candidates, while 87% oppose. The most supportive are black Protestants (33%) and white evangelicals (36%). These two groups have some of the highest rates of church attendance in the US and would be the most likely to notice a change in the rules. Still, their support for church political involvement is low.

Source: Pew

It’s worth noting that Pew asked whether churches should endorse candidates—not whether they should be allowed to. Many Americans may personally oppose endorsements from the pulpit while still supporting churches’ legal right to make them.

Of course, the Johnson Amendment was rarely enforced by the IRS. According to the Alliance Defending Freedom, over 2,000 evangelical preachers purposely violated the law between 2008 and 2016. Only one church was audited, and none lost their tax-exempt status. During the 2016 election, 28% of Black Protestants said their clergy endorsed a candidate—mostly Hillary Clinton.