A lthough the Trump administration in May lifted a 70-year-old ban on political activity by tax-exempt religious groups, some Valley clergy remain cautious and will continue to avoid endorsements and other overt politicking.

Clergy “ought not endorse particular candidates from the pulpit,” the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, wrote after the IRS reversed the long-standing interpretation of law – a stance also taken by some other religious leaders.

While churches should address issues of the day, she wrote in a statement posted on the diocesan website, the pulpit is a “sacred and awe-inspiring place.”

“Preaching the Gospel is often a provocative act – those who heard Jesus preach often walked away self-reflective, perturbed or even angry,” Reddall w

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