People use IRS Direct File at the Internal Revenue Service Building on April 05, 2024 in Washington, D.C. | Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project
Doug Pagitt, a Minnesota pastor and executive director of the progressive Evangelical grassroots organization Vote Common Good, also praised the IRS’ recent decision.
“The I.R.S.’s decision to allow churches to endorse candidates from the pulpit levels a playing field that has been lopsided for decades. For too long, Republican politicians and their allies have spoken freely from pulpits, while too many Democrats and faith leaders held back, worried they would cross an invisible line. This decision removes that roadblock,” he wrote in a statement to CP.
“We view this as a significant opportunity for Democrats to engage faith voters en masse. With 80% of Christian voters open to voting for a Democrat, this change opens the door for more honest, values-based conversations in faith communities across the country.”