Republican President Donald Trump wants to relax restrictions on the political activity of churches.
It’s a nod to the many evangelicals who helped elect him. But the idea could reach across the political spectrum and affect black evangelicals who align mostly with Democrats.
Current law doesn’t prevent churches from all political activity. But the law called the “Johnson amendment” has since 1954 blocked churches and their leaders from making official endorsements and political contributions.
Some prominent black pastors say they like the law the way it is. They express concerns that donors could try to purchase endorsements and funnel money for political campaigns through churches.
Some of Trump’s backers say they want only to give pastors the freedom to take strong positions without fear of the IRS stripping their tax-exempt status.
(AP)
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One Response
1. This should get bi-partisan support, since the Black churches are a key part of what’s left of the Democratic Party.
2. It raises the problem of religious bodies being asked to “launder” campaign contributions since a donation to a political group is not tax-deductible, but a donation to a religious body is.