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Video editing by Gerardo del Valle/ProPublica. Source videos: Friendship-West Baptist Church, Unite Church, First Baptist Grapevine, Legacy Church, Gateway Church, Mercy Culture Church, Destiny Christian Church, KingdomLife Church.
The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit

Churches are breaking the law and endorsing in elections, experts say. The IRS looks the other way.

For nearly 70 years, federal law has barred churches from directly involving themselves in political campaigns, but the IRS has largely abdicated its enforcement responsibilities as churches have become more brazen about publicly backing candidates.

By Jeremy Schwartz and Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica

Johnson Amendment’s Cold War roots

The pulpit and politics

“Demonic” candidate

A new tactic

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Politics Investigations Religion and politics