The IRS made a big announcement last week…
BIG: The 70-year-old ban on churches endorsing political candidates is over.
Thanks to the Trump administration, the well-deserved tax-exempt status enjoyed by churches will no longer be threatened if they express support for candidates from the pulpit.
Is this a good thing?
… and what does this mean for Catholics? |
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As a matter of law, CV supports this change. Churches are not political organizations. But pastors and religious leaders should not be censored simply for calling attention to candidates and their positions during an election year. The First Amendment protects citizens along with bishops, priests, pastors, and religious leaders equally.
But of course, Catholic churches are unique. We don’t gather at Mass simply to hear from our pastor or priest. The liturgy is the celebration of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Its purpose is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for the salvation of souls.
The Mass is not primarily a forum for politics – or politicking.
But the Mass is a forum for reading and teaching the Gospel.
It’s why, in part, the liturgy includes a homily. And every priest in every parish bears the responsibility of helping every Catholic to understand and incorporate the Scriptures and the teachings of our Church into our everyday lives – including our civic duties.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has already made clear that Catholic parishes will not be endorsing political candidates. We support this.
However, these new changes in law now make possible (and encourage) honest and objective pastoral guidance on the principles that ought to guide our voting decisions – including the public positions of specific candidates and where they stand on fundamental Catholic moral teaching – from the pulpit. |
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