00:00The IRS has taken a significant step by filing a court brief arguing that pastors who endorse
00:05political candidates from the pulpit should not risk losing their tax-exempt status under the
00:11Johnson Amendment. This filing, joined by the National Religious Broadcasters and several
00:16churches, contends that the amendment should not apply to religious communications during services
00:21using customary channels. The IRS and plaintiffs characterize these endorsements as communications
00:28through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith rather than political
00:33campaigning. The development marks a rare move by the IRS and continues a broader push by political
00:40figures and legislators to revise or clarify the 1954 rule limiting political speech in houses of worship.
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