Straight White American Jesus Churches Can Now Endorse Political Candidates - It's a Dark Money Nightmare
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Aug 4, 2025 David Corn, Washington Bureau Chief at Mother Jones, delves into the IRS's groundbreaking decision to allow churches to endorse political candidates. He discusses the potential transformation of churches into engines of political power, pouring dark money into campaigns. Corn raises alarm over how this shift could deepen divisions within congregations and exploit religious influence. The conversation also highlights the risk of major churches becoming advertising platforms for political figures, altering the landscape of faith and politics dramatically.
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Johnson Amendment Basics
- The Johnson Amendment barred tax-exempt nonprofits, including churches, from endorsing political candidates to avoid disguised political contributions.
- It aimed to keep tax-deductible donations from being used as backdoor political donations.
Church Endorsements Go Public
- While churches have long influenced politics indirectly, the IRS ruling now permits explicit endorsements from the pulpit.
- This change could amplify political influence of churches, potentially turning sermons into campaign ads.
Political Pay-to-Play Risks
- Churches endorsing candidates might buy airtime, turning endorsements into TV ads and social media campaigns.
- This could lead to pay-to-play concerns where candidates fund churches to secure endorsements.