The religious institutions of the United States may soon face a sirenic temptation. Like Odysseus on his journey home passing the isle of the sirens, religions are approaching an alluring, but dangerous, sight. And just like the hero of myth, they should proceed with caution and wisdom.
Those who follow the headlines may have noticed that the so-called Johnson Amendment — the provision in the Internal Revenue Code that prohibits religions and other charities from endorsing or opposing political candidates to maintain tax exempt status — appears to be on unstable ground. In response to a lawsuit in Texas, the Internal Revenue Service has suggested it will no longer interpret the Amendment to apply to communications that occur during religious services in houses of worship.
Read Full Article »