The rule was introduced by former President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954 when he was serving as the U.S. Senate majority leader. It banned all tax-exempt organizations like churches and charities from “directly or indirectly” participating in politics, specifically in endorsement or opposition of candidates.

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.

Republicans have run the table with religious voters. This Religious Left leader says Democrats can now fight for faith voters on equal footing.