I've often thought it was time to dump the tax-exempt status for churches. It seems to make them so vunerable to crap like this, and muzzled churches are the LAST thing we need just now.
I'm not even sure the law says churches aren't allowed to discuss anything political. This needs to be challenged though. Let them cry to the IRS. What's the worse that can happen? The IRS sides with them? God will provide. I believe this needs to be taken to their "churches" too. Somehow I really don't think they want to open this can.
With the tax code so screwed up that's probably not a good idea. Many churches would fold if their tax-exempt status was eliminated.
Better do away with tax free charities altogether then. Look at how many of them are polticial activist groups in disguise.