The IRS made headlines this week with a quiet but significant policy shift: Churches can now formally endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status. At first glance, this looks like a monumental change in the balance between religion and politics.

The Rev. Bob Ross’ weekly messages to parishioners at Heritage Baptist Church in Jeannette never tackle politics. It’s the way Ross views his role as a local faith leader. “I”m not political, so I’m not going to talk about politics from the pulpit,

The policy change reverses a ban on endorsing or opposing candidates by religious organizations known as the Johnson Amendment, enacted in the 1950s.