Is Your Church About to Become a Political Stage?

A big decision is coming up in Dallas. A judge will soon decide if two Texas churches can mix religion and politics without losing their tax-free status. This is a huge deal because it could change the rules for all churches in the U. S. For over 70 years, a rule called the Johnson Amendment has kept churches and other nonprofits out of political campaigns. This rule makes sure that churches stay focused on their mission and don’t get tangled up in partisan politics. It doesn’t stop ministers from talking about moral issues or even running for office themselves. But it does stop them from using the pulpit to campaign for or against political candidates. Some people want to change this rule. They say that if a church talks about politics during a service, it should be okay. But this could lead to politicians pressuring pastors for endorsements. It could also make churches feel like they have to pick a side in elections. Most people, including Democrats, Republicans, and clergy, don’t want churches to become political. They know that once politics mix with religion, it can be hard to separate them again. This could cause problems in congregations and make it harder for churches to do their work. The judge’s decision could affect all churches in the U. S. It’s not just about these two churches in Texas. It’s about whether churches can stay true to their mission without getting involved in political campaigns. The Johnson Amendment has been around for a long time and has support from both parties. Changing it could have big consequences. This week’s hearing is important. It’s about whether churches will be able to stay independent from politics. It’s about keeping the focus on faith and community, not on political campaigns. The current law respects the independence of faith communities. It should stay that way.