But as some may not be aware of, there has been for several decades a serious restriction in one crucial area of politics that is unfair and likely even unconstitutional. It has to do with the ability of churches and pastors being pressured and forced into keeping silent concerning the moral views and stances espoused by the candidates and their party’s platforms.
Back in 1954 the so-called Johnson Amendment was devised and passed by Congress as an amendment to the 501(c)(3) federal tax code. It basically stated that all entities that are exempt from federal income tax could not openly endorse or tear down candidates based upon the most crucial issues to Christians and houses of worship across the nation. Doing so would supposedly allow the IRS to levy fines and even go as far as removing the tax exempt status of any who dared violate the new rule. This practice had never been the law of the land in America until this was authored by Lynden Johnson because of the intense scrutiny and criticism he was receiving from non-profit conservatives and Christian-based organizations at the time.
For decades most pastors felt handcuffed and avoided entering the political realm and
especially endorsing any candidates out of fear of losing their much treasured and
advantageous tax status. But that is finally beginning to change. A new organization has
come into existence in recent years whose sole purpose is to buck this long-time
restrictive IRS requirement. They claim that what is now in place is not constitutional
and they are therefore encouraging churches and pastors to put their careers, including
possible jail time, and the tax status of their churches on the time on the line for
their biblical convictions.The 'Alliance Defending Freedom' is actively seeking to represent any churches or pastors who are under investigation by the IRS for violating the Johnson Amendment. The group represents all of its clients free of charge for speaking out on what they call "Pulpit Freedom Sunday." This year the event will occur on October 7th. In 2008, 33 pastors from 22 different states participated in Pulpit Freedom Sunday. This year the number is pushing nearly 600 or more. Involved pastors plan on bringing sermons that compare the positions held by candidates with what Scripture says about those issues. They then will make specific recommendations to voters in their congregations. Also, in an even bolder move, some pastors will bring their targeted sermons to the attention of the IRS in the hopes that an audit of their churches would spark lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the Johnson Amendment.
As of this date, none of the participating churches have had their tax exemption revoked – nor have any received penalties from the IRS for what was said during their politically themed sermons. For information you can check out the “ADF” web site at www.speakupmovement.org.
Then, too, Peter set the biblical pattern for those times in life when hard decisions require hard choices, when society collides with Scripture. When demanded to keep silent concerning his views and beliefs about his Savior, he stood his ground as Acts 5:29 reveals, and he was fully willing to face any dire consequences that might arise. His short but profound words were right, brave and inspiring for his day just as they are for ours!
“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."
Bill Breckenridge
