As faith leaders, we know what it means to speak truth to power. We come from traditions in which we are called to create a more just world by a mandate greater than our own. We pray with our feet by marching on the streets and by organizing in our houses of worship. Our sanctuaries are spaces for quiet introspection and the loud clang of engaged moral action. These are spaces where we speak across lines of difference, unconcerned by the pressures of politicking and money that tarnish the moral and political discourse that takes place beyond our walls.
But we are concerned that this might change if the Trump administration and several members of Congress get their way by repealing the Johnson Amendment, which is the law that prohibits houses of worship, and all 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. This provision in the tax code protects our houses of worship and charitable nonprofits by ensuring that they are not torn apart by partisan campaign politics or used as tools by candidates and parties for their own political gain.
The latest attempt to undermine the Johnson Amendment is tucked into a House of Representatives spending measure—the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. If passed, the legislation would make it incredibly difficult for the IRS to investigate houses of worship that have violated the Johnson Amendment by requiring consent from Congress before enforcement action can take place. The provision would bring enforcement…
