For much of American history, churches spoke openly about the moral issues shaping the nation. Pastors preached about justice, freedom, and the responsibilities of citizens. During some of the most important moments in American history, the church helped guide the moral direction of the country.
Churches spoke boldly against slavery. They raised their voices against segregation. During the Revolutionary War, they proclaimed the principles of liberty and the moral duty of a free people to defend their God-given rights.
Frederick Douglass was an ordained Christian minister who often spoke in churches across the country. Douglass believed faith and liberty belonged together. When he saw injustice, he spoke clearly – even when it meant criticizing powerful political leaders and parties.
Churches also played a major role during the civil rights movement. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who served as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, organized meetings, marches and speeches through local churches. From Montgomery to churches across the South, pastors spoke openly about segregation. Churches became centers of moral leadership and public action.
The involvement of churches in public life goes back even further. During the American Revolutionary War, many pastors helped inspire the movement for independence. Some ministers preached sermons explaining why liberty and self-government were worth defending. Others supported the cause of independence through public speeches and community leadership.
These pastors were called the “Black Robe Regiment.” The name referred to the black robes ministers wore while preaching. For these pastors, the fight for independence was not just political – it was a moral fight for liberty.
The Johnson Amendment and a Turning Point
In 1954, Lyndon B. Johnson introduced an amendment to the tax code that changed how churches and nonprofit organizations approached politics. This provision became known as the Johnson Amendment. It states that nonprofit organizations, including churches, cannot officially endorse or oppose political candidates if they want to keep their tax-exempt status.
Johnson proposed the amendment during a heated Texas Senate primary election.Two nonprofit organizations published political literature criticizing Johnson while encouraging voters to support his opponent.
Rather than debating these critics, Johnson used his political power to introduce an amendment limiting the political activity of nonprofits.
As the Senate minority leader and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Johnson leveraged both positions to bypass traditional legislative hurdles that normally accompany major changes to federal law. Instead of allowing the proposal to move through the normal committee process with hearings and extended debates, Johnson introduced it as a floor amendment to a tax bill. Because of this maneuver, the amendment became law without serious discussion about whether it might violate the Constitution.
The First Amendment protects both freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion. Yet the Johnson Amendment pressures churches and other nonprofit organizations to limit speech normally protected under the First Amendment.
Were Churches the Real Target?
Defenders of the rule insist it was not aimed specifically at churches, but churches were very much a concern because of their ability to shape public opinion. The role of black churches during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s is a powerful example of this influence.
Do Church Members Lose Their Rights?
Americans should not lose their constitutional rights simply because they become members of a church or any nonprofit organization. Citizens who are free to speak, vote, and support candidates as individuals should not lose that same voice when they gather in churches or participate in nonprofit groups.
The Church as a Moral Compass
A church’s role is not to serve political parties, but to speak clearly about moral truth. When political leaders support policies protecting liberty and justice, churches should be free to affirm those candidates. When leaders support policies that harm those values, churches should also have the courage to speak against those candidates. In this way, churches can serve as a moral compass for the nation rather than tools of any political party.
KCarl Smith is the author of Frederick Douglass Republicans, Telling Conservatives the Truth, Douglass vs. Marx, and its companion guide, Unchained Ascent. A leading authority on the modern application of Frederick Douglass’ philosophy, KCarl equips audiences to turn God-given liberty into personal achievement. To book KCarl or find resources, visit the Frederick Douglass Republican Store.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
