They actually can. The only thing that prevents them from doing that is that they are a 501(c)(3). The Johnson amendment requires they not be politically acti

They actually can. The only thing that prevents them from doing that is that they are a 501(c)(3). The Johnson amendment requires they not be politically active. However, if a church decides to register as a 501(c)(4) they absolutely can endorse or condemn candidates tax free. So why aren't they 501(c)(4)s? 501(c)(3) allows you to deduct contributions to such and organization from your taxes. 4 only gives a break to the organization, not their donors.