For more than 50 years, federal rules have said a tax-exempt group that endorses a political candidate in public endangers its tax-exempt status. This Sunday, more than 30 pastors from around the country plan to challenge those rules. The aim is to force the IRS to enforce those rules so the ministers can get a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Among those who’ll preach politics from the pulpit is Wiley Drake, the well-known conservative Christian minister from Buena Park. Drake told KPCC’s “Patt Morrison” that it’s wrong to restrict him from saying what he wants say to his congregation. Wiley Drake: “The church will not be endorsing anybody. The church can’t endorse. The church is an entity, not someone that can endorse. But when the IRS and the government says they want to restrict what a pastor can say, they are in violation of the constitution.” While Drake and other conservative Christian pastors challenge the IRS rules, other religious leaders. including rabbis and imams. have signed a pledge to refrain from political speech. ...
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