IRS Ruling Allows For “Massive” Church GOTV Effort, Kinloch’s Campaign Says

July 10, 2025

Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. , pastor of Triumph Church and Detroit mayoral candidate, is exploring how to leverage the recent IRS rule change that now allows churches to engage in political activities while maintaining their tax-exempt status.

Who is affected

Church congregations, including Triumph Church members
Pastors and religious leaders
Political candidates, including Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr.
Church-based voters
Tax-exempt religious organizations
Interest groups like Right to Life Michigan
The Catholic Church

What action is being taken

Kinloch's campaign is actively brainstorming ideas to utilize the new IRS ruling
Churches are considering how to incorporate political messaging while maintaining their religious focus
Some church members are already showing support by wearing campaign merchandise like "Kinloch for Mayor" t-shirts
Interest groups are organizing at churches to distribute political information

Why it matters

The change allows pastors to directly endorse candidates from the pulpit for the first time since 1954
Churches with large congregations could significantly influence voter turnout and candidate selection
Pastors can now leverage their networks and influence for specific candidates
The ruling creates new campaign opportunities through "souls to the polls" efforts with specific candidate endorsements
Religious leaders must balance political activism with their spiritual responsibilities to avoid alienating congregation members

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle