Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a video message about the recent IRS ruling that suggests the agency may interpret the Johnson Amendment of 1954 in ways that would allow churches and other religious organizations to engage in partisan activity.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the Johnson Amendment, Eaton said, “Theologically, [the amendment] keeps partisanship out of religious organizations and, for our church, protects the proclamation of the gospel and the right administration of the sacraments as the unique purpose and calling of God’s church and our congregations. At the same time, it allows appropriate avenues for advocating for God’s justice and concern for good social order.”
The ELCA’s statement about the IRS ruling can be found at IRSRuling.
