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Federal Judge Dismisses Churches' Lawsuit on Political Endorsements

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 31, a federal judge in Tyler, Texas, dismissed a lawsuit seeking to allow churches to endorse candidates without losing their tax-exempt status.
Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled he lacked jurisdiction to approve the settlement between the IRS and two Texas churches challenging the Johnson Amendment.
The Johnson Amendment prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State praised the ruling, saying it protects church-state separation.
Some conservative pastors plan to increase political rhetoric.

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Story summary

On March 31, a federal judge in Tyler, Texas, dismissed a lawsuit seeking to allow churches to endorse candidates without losing their tax-exempt status.
Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled he lacked jurisdiction to approve the settlement between the IRS and two Texas churches challenging the Johnson Amendment.
The Johnson Amendment prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State praised the ruling, saying it protects church-state separation.
Some conservative pastors plan to increase political rhetoric.