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Dear John,
As we celebrated the birth of our nation this July, something happened that presents a historic opportunity for America's churches.
The IRS quietly ended 70 years of pastoral intimidation.
Back in 1954, then-Senator Lyndon Johnson was facing criticism from two nonprofit organizations in Texas during his re-election campaign. In a calculated political move, he quietly inserted language into the tax code that prohibited all tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from engaging in certain political activities, including influencing legislation and endorsing or opposing political candidates.
The amendment passed without debate, without hearings, and without anyone realizing how it would muzzle America's pulpits for generations.
This single piece of legislation created a chilling effect that went far beyond its actual legal requirements. While the provision's focus was primarily on the endorsement of candidates, the prohibition against influencing legislation left some pastors afraid to address issues that were deemed "political" -- even when those issues were fundamentally biblical.
Now, through a consent decree, the IRS has revised its enforcement policies once again -- but this time, in a way that opens a historic opportunity. Their updated guidance will effectively neutralize the Johnson Amendment's threat to churches. For the first time since 1954, pastors will be free to speak boldly from their pulpits without fear of losing their tax-exempt status.
But here's what every pastor must understand: If we're not prepared to steward this freedom, we risk wasting the very opportunity we've been praying for.
Will you send an urgent gift today to help FRC arm America's pastors for the spiritual war that is engulfing the culture?
Your gift of $25, $50, or even $100, will directly support that training and send letters to pastors in America informing them of this IRS policy change, equipping them on how to make the most of this opportunity, and encouraging them to boldly speak the truth.
STAND WITH PASTORS
John, the enemies of truth haven't surrendered -- they have declared war.
Since they can no longer use the IRS to silence pastors, they will deploy every weapon in their arsenal:
- Coordinated social media attacks designed to destroy reputations overnight
- Strategic lawsuits designed to bankrupt churches through legal fees
- Physical intimidation and protests at church properties
We have already watched groups like the Freedom from Religion Foundation send thousands of intimidating and misleading letters to pastors using the Johnson Amendment in order to scare them into silence ahead of election seasons. I am confident these Leftist organizations will not go silent or go away.
That's why Family Research Council is gearing up for our own letter-writing campaign to encourage and equip pastors to use their pulpits to impact our nation for the kingdom of God.
For more than 15 years, Family Research Council has been helping lead the charge against this unconstitutional restriction on churches.
Along with Alliance Defending Freedom, FRC co-championed "Pulpit Freedom Sunday," encouraging pastors to speak boldly from the pulpit on political and cultural issues, including candidates. Though thousands of sermons were submitted to the IRS, not a single church lost its tax-exempt status, exposing the Johnson Amendment's threat as more intimidation than law.
We've also been the driving force behind the Free Speech Fairness Act, legislation specifically designed to restore pastors' constitutional rights to speak freely from the pulpit.
As a result of our bold stand for biblical truth, we've been labeled a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. We have had bomb threats, death threats, and even survived a gunman who entered our headquarters with 100 rounds of ammunition, planning mass murder.
But we're still here -- because we learned how to use the weapons of spiritual and cultural warfare, and through God's strength, prevail. Now we're equipping pastors to do the same.
Will you stand with pastors across America as they boldly address how the Bible speaks to many of our nation's current political issues?
GIVE TODAY
The pulpits of America helped birth this nation. From colonial pastors who preached independence from their pulpits, to the Black church leaders who led the Civil Rights movement -- when the church prophetically proclaims biblical truth, the culture shifts.
I believe God is raising up pastors who will not just speak boldly, but will lead with spiritual discernment. And partners like you, who will help equip them for this crucial mission.
But this critical window requires unprecedented mobilization.
Will you send your best gift today to help us arm pastors before the enemy's counter-attack begins? We don't have much time before the Left seizes the moment and fully coordinates their strategic response.
Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can fight on the front lines of politics. But each of us can arm warriors, support the battle, pray, and stand in the gap.
Together, we will demolish strongholds and advance His kingdom.
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