Many churches can’t endorse political candidates. Here’s the long — and surprising — history behind the ban

Among the many policy positions embedded in the 2016 Republican Party Platform is a call to repeal the Johnson Amendment, a controversial Internal Revenue Service regulation that has come under fire from churches and religious freedom advocates in recent years. The little-known tax provision applies exclusively to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, precluding them from endorsing — […]

For some Christians talking about race is tough, and long overdue they say

At Washington National Cathedral on Sunday, an interracial group of clergy gathered to discuss the role of the white church in perpetuating racism. And what the church might do to heal the wounds. A tough subject, but dealt with unflinchingly. They began with church complicity in the nation’s original sins — genocide of indigenous peoples […]