Dear John,

Throughout our nation’s history, houses of worship and religious leaders have played a direct role in political discourse in the United States.

Prior to the 1950s, religious leaders advocated politically by using their voices to help shape public opinion and engage in social reform. They also used their churches to provide platforms for political discussions and to facilitate voter registration and turnout.

Religious leaders played influential roles in the betterment of our nation. They:

• Advocated for the abolition of slavery and vocally supported candidates that shared their views.
• Played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement by advocating for racial justice and equality.
• Encouraged people of faith to engage in political action to address the issues of poverty, inequality and injustice.

But in 1954, all of that changed with the passage of the Johnson Amendment.

The Johnson Amendment effectively ended the critical role churches played in American politics.

Today, ministries and churches are under constant threat of investigation by the IRS should they stray too far into the political realm.

And should that happen, they could lose their non-profit status.

In the past, religious leaders would boldly stand and provide direction. Now when faith is politically challenged, they remain quiet.

Watch First Liberty’s Jeremy Dys unpack the Johnson Amendment, discuss its overarching impact on faith in America and explain why we should consider repealing it.

Sermons on politics, government and controversial issues were common during the founding era, and popular among pastors and churches on various sides of the political spectrum.

Our nation’s history and tradition are clear: faith leaders, congregations and ministries were never meant to be silenced on political matters. Under the First Amendment, they were always meant to be able to express support or opposition for the people who seek to lead.

For too long, the Johnson Amendment has fearfully ruled over faith. It’s time to restore the roles of churches and religious leaders in the political discourse of our country to what our founders intended.

It’s time to restore free speech to our pulpits.

Grateful for you, 

Kelly

Kelly Shackelford, Esq.
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute