JEWISH JOURNAL
Pulpits and Politics Do Not Mix
Roberta “Bobbi” Kwall
July 22, 2025

…Until earlier this month, all clergy in this country had a reason to avoid wading into politics given that a ban on political activity by tax-exempt non-profits had been in existence for decades. But on July 8, the I.R.S. interpreted this ban to allow clergy and houses of worship to endorse political candidates. According to the I.R.S., political endorsements by houses of worship are distinct from campaigning activity and more like a private, “family discussion concerning candidates.” But just because clergy can now endorse candidates does not mean that they should. To its credit, the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center has already condemned this ruling, urging its reversal.  We all know how polarized politics has seeped into way too many of our cherished spaces, resulting in unhealable rifts among both families and friends. In too many settings, both professional and personal, the most dominant political perspective dominates the discourse, resulting in what I call a “silencing phenomenon” that impacts those with minority views. READ MORE