The IRS has relaxed its interpretation of the Johnson Amendment, allowing churches more freedom to engage in political campaigns without risking tax-exempt status. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that the Church's approach to political engagement will remain unchanged despite the IRS decision. The Church aims to help Catholics form their consciences based on the Gospel to discern which candidates and policies promote the common good. The Church maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates.
15 days ago
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has relaxed its interpretation of the 1954 Johnson Amendment, which previously prohibited 501(c)3 organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status 1. This change effectively ends a 70-year federal restriction on direct partisan political involvement for religious bodies 1. However, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has stated that this IRS decision will not alter the Catholic Church's approach to political engagement 1. The USCCB affirmed that the Church will continue its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates, focusing instead on helping Catholics form their consciences to discern candidates and policies that promote the common good 1.
Canon law outlines the Catholic Church's principles regarding political involvement. The Church asserts an "innate right" to preach the Gospel and announce moral principles, even concerning the social order, and to render judgment on human affairs when fundamental human rights or the salvation of souls necessitate it 1. This means bishops have an obligation to speak on matters touching human dignity and morals 1.
However, there are clear limitations for clergy and lay Catholics. Clerics are generally forbidden from holding public office involving civil power or taking an "active part in political parties" unless deemed necessary for the Church's rights or the common good 1. Similarly, canon law prohibits any Catholic, cleric or lay, from simultaneously leading a political party and an officially Catholic apostolate 1.
While bishops are responsible for governing the Church and forming the laity in accordance with basic principles, it is primarily the role of lay Catholics to apply the Gospel to the world, advocate for justice, and serve in public office 1. Bishops do not instruct the laity on whom to vote for, but rather guide them in forming their consciences to approach complex issues with Christian discernment 1.
Despite this, bishops engage in "weighing exercises" to determine which political issues most urgently and directly relate to human dignity and morals, requiring "preeminent" consideration at the ballot box 1. The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) emphasizes that it is the Church's duty to outline "non-negotiable ethical principles" for democracy 1.
A distinction is made between generally opposing political candidates and addressing Catholic politicians specifically 1. Bishops have a duty to speak with any Catholic, including politicians, about issues that might imperil their salvation 1. This includes addressing the public witness of Catholics who oppose fundamental moral teachings, particularly when their example could mislead other Catholics 1.
Historical precedents, such as Pope St. John Paul II's encyclical Evangelium vitae and the DDF's 2002 guidelines, discuss Catholic politicians' inability to receive the Eucharist if they advance laws against life, such as legal protections for abortion 1. Recent debates concerning figures like Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi focused on "medicinal remedies" for the good of the politicians themselves and public correctives to prevent scandal, rather than official endorsements against them 1. Similar discussions have arisen regarding current administration policies on immigration and the public witness of Catholic Vice President JD Vance 1.
How does the Church guide Catholics in political discernment?
The Catholic Church guides its faithful in political discernment by emphasizing the formation of conscience, promoting the common good, and upholding fundamental moral principles. This guidance is provided through the Magisterium, particularly by bishops, while lay faithful are called to active participation in political life .
The Church stresses that political engagement should be shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences . This involves:
A central theme in the Church's guidance is the pursuit of the common good, which is considered a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity .
The Church delineates complementary roles for clergy and lay people in public life:
The Church, by reason of its role and competence, is not identified with any political community or bound by ties to any political system; it is a sign and safeguard of the transcendent dimension of the human person .
In summary, the Church guides Catholics in political discernment by fostering a well-formed conscience rooted in moral principles and social doctrine, urging active participation in public life for the common good, and clarifying the distinct yet complementary roles of clergy and laity, all while upholding its spiritual mission and moral authority without seeking political hegemony .