IRS says churches as nonprofits can endorse political candidates to congregations

The IRS says churches and other houses of worship can endorse political candidates to congregations while maintaining their tax-exempt nonprofit status.

The agency made the statement in a consent judgment filed in a Texas federal court Monday with the National Religious Broadcasters and Intercessors for America, Sand Springs Church and First Baptist Church Waskom.

The plaintiffs sued over the Johnson Amendment that requires "certain organizations, including churches, to refrain from participating or intervening in campaigns for public office as a condition for their non-profit, tax-exempt status."