A surprise move by the IRS that would allow pastors to back political candidates from the pulpit without losing their organization's tax-exempt status is drawing praise from conservatives and even some progressive religious groups but concern from other leaders of faith,

In court filings July 7, the IRS has largely backed down on a decades-old rule that barred churches from engaging in political activity.

The IRS said churches can endorse political candidates to their congregations without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, according to CNBC. The move overturns a 70-year-old interpretation of the Johnson Amendment,