U.S. Protestant pastors largely avoid political endorsements

A Lifeway Research study indicates that 93% of U.S. Protestant pastors do not intend to endorse political candidates during worship services. This stance persists despite recent shifts in regulatory oversight.

Historically, the Johnson Amendment—a 1954 tax code provision—prohibited tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates under threat of losing their tax-exempt status. Following legal challenges by the National Religious Broadcasters and several Texas churches, a 2025 settlement with the IRS suggested a change in precedent, allowing endorsements through usual communication channels without tax consequences.

However, the legal landscape remains uncertain. A district court judge in the Eastern District of Texas, J. Campbell Barker, rejected the settlement, ruling that federal courts lack the jurisdiction to alter tax status or create exemptions. The plaintiffs have appealed the decision.