Keep Our Churches Purple

PURPLE IS THE liturgical color for Lent. “Purple” is also the political identity of America’s houses of worship. We are a mixture of Republicans, Democrats, and independents who come together for worship, fellowship, and service. No political party owns religious truth.

In 2017, some in Washington, D.C., made a concerted effort to undermine churches’ congregational political mix through the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, a provision in the tax code since 1954 that protects the independence and integrity of not-for-profit organizations by prohibiting them from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office.

The Johnson Amendment does not specifically target churches; it applies equally to all 501(c)(3) organizations, religious and secular. Under the current tax code, churches are assumed to be 501(c)(3) organizations (c3s) but can opt for another tax-exempt status. Most churches remain c3s because in addition to being tax exempt, congregants’ tithes and offerings are tax deductible. Despite some hysterical claims, churches and charitable organizations can address any issue—no matter how controversial or unpopular—under the current tax code. The line is drawn, however, at c3 organizations telling people who to vote for or against.

During the fall debate on the largest change to the U.S. tax code in 30 years, the House version of the tax bill would have effectively repealed the Johnson Amendment. The Senate version never included such language, nor did the final version of the bill that became law.

We might have seen the end of this longstanding tax provision if not for the outcry from nonprofits, foundations, and people of faith. Can you imagine? Candidate commercials played during worship services. Candidate flyers included in every bag of food given out by the local food pantry.

Congress’ independent nonpartisan analyst testified that permitting churches and charities to endorse political candidates would incentivize wealthy political donors to funnel some of their political contributions through the charitable sector to get a tax deduction.

The pressure local, state, and federal political operatives would place on churches and charities would be devastating to our witness and ministries. The partisan taint from sham churches and charities established solely to endorse candidates would be inescapable. Repealing the Johnson Amendment would forever alter nonprofits in the U.S. and how they serve the common good. The nonprofit and religious communities must continue telling Congress that the Johnson Amendment strikes the right balance. Churches are permitted to speak boldly on issues while keeping above the dysfunction rampant in partisan politics.

A diverse coalition of more than 100 Christian and non-Christian religious denominations sent a letter to Congress saying they neither need nor want a change. “Current law serves as a valuable safeguard for the integrity of our charitable sector and campaign finance system,” they wrote.

Many Christians of all theological stripes support the Johnson Amendment because our Savior cannot be reduced to a political party, platform, candidate, or agenda. Ushering partisanship into our pews will only hinder our ability to be the hands and feet of Christ. Religious communities support the Johnson Amendment because pulpits should be prophetic—not bought and paid for by political operatives.

Our elected officials have held the partisan hounds at bay for now. But some in Congress will try again. When the next attempt to repeal the Johnson Amendment arises, will Congress protect churches and charitable organizations or forever alter them?

Churches support the Johnson Amendment because current law protects churches’ prophetic witness. Partisan political fights would distract from the mission to inspire congregations to love as God loves, give as God gives, and forgive as God forgives. Let’s keep our churches purple.