Dallas, Texas, December 11, 2025
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas has challenged the constitutionality of the Johnson Amendment, arguing it infringes on churches’ free speech rights. During his testimony to the Religious Liberty Commission, he emphasized the need for churches to discuss faith and political issues without government interference. Alongside other church leaders, he advocates for the repeal of the amendment, especially as certain churches in East Texas are now allowed to engage in political speech without risking their tax-exempt status.
First Baptist Dallas Pastor Challenges Johnson Amendment
Pastor Robert Jeffress argues for churches’ free speech rights before Religious Liberty Commission.
Dallas, Texas – On December 10, 2025, First Baptist Dallas Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress testified before the Religious Liberty Commission, asserting that the Johnson Amendment, which restricts political endorsements by nonprofit organizations including churches, is unconstitutional. Jeffress argued that this law infringes upon the free speech rights of churches.
The Johnson Amendment has been a contentious topic since its enactment in 1954. Its primary purpose is to maintain the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations by prohibiting them from endorsing political candidates. Jeffress pointed to a past investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) into First Baptist Dallas, following a 2020 event featuring then-Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Ben Carson. Although the church was ultimately cleared of allegations concerning the Johnson Amendment, the investigation resulted in significant legal costs, highlighting the potential burden on churches trying to navigate these regulations.
The Case for Free Speech in Worship
Jeffress emphasized that while First Baptist Dallas does not officially endorse political candidates, it does encourage its members to vote in line with their “biblical conviction.” He argued that it is imperative for churches to have the freedom to discuss issues pertinent to faith and government during worship services without government interference.
Support from Church Leadership
Alongside Jeffress, Ben Lovvorn, Senior Executive Pastor of First Baptist Dallas, also expressed concerns regarding the Johnson Amendment. He contended that the amendment was crafted to apply to nonprofit organizations rather than churches, thereby misinterpreting its enforcement against religious institutions. Lovvorn called for a repeal of the amendment and urged fellow churches to challenge it legally.
The Role of the Religious Liberty Commission
The Religious Liberty Commission, which was established by President Donald Trump in May 2025, focuses on evaluating current threats to religious freedom. The Commission aims to create strategies designed to safeguard protections for religious liberty. Such initiatives are essential in promoting a culture where churches can comfortably engage in discussions about social and political matters relevant to their congregations.
IRS Policy Changes and Broader Implications
Recent developments have shown a shift in IRS policy, particularly regarding churches in East Texas. These churches have reportedly been permitted to participate in political speech without risking their tax-exempt status. This change could signal a broader transformation in how the Johnson Amendment is enforced, impacting religious organizations nationwide.
Debate on Church and State Separation
The ongoing debate surrounding the Johnson Amendment is crucial in discussions about church and state separation and the implications for free speech rights among religious organizations. As churches continue to navigate the complexities of political engagement while maintaining their tax exemptions, this conversation is expected to evolve, potentially leading to significant changes in regulatory practices.
Conclusion
The testimony delivered by Pastor Jeffress and the discussions surrounding the Johnson Amendment emphasize the importance of preserving free speech rights within religious contexts. As local churches and their leaders advocate for legal protections, observers will watch closely to see how these efforts impact the landscape of religious expression in America. Community engagement and support for local businesses and churches will be pivotal in shaping the future of economic and social dynamics in Austin and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Johnson Amendment?
The Johnson Amendment, enacted in 1954, prohibits nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing political candidates to maintain their tax-exempt status.
Why did Pastor Robert Jeffress testify against the Johnson Amendment?
Pastor Robert Jeffress testified that the Johnson Amendment is unconstitutional and infringes upon churches’ free speech rights. He recounted an incident where the IRS investigated First Baptist Dallas after hosting political figures, leading to substantial legal expenses.
What is the Religious Liberty Commission?
The Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Donald Trump in May 2025, aims to assess current threats to religious freedom and develop strategies to preserve protections for religious liberty.
Have other churches challenged the Johnson Amendment?
Yes, certain East Texas churches have recently been allowed by the IRS to engage in political speech without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, indicating a potential shift in policy regarding the Johnson Amendment.
What are the broader implications of this debate?
The debate over the Johnson Amendment continues to be a significant issue in discussions about the separation of church and state and the extent of free speech rights for religious organizations.
Key Features of the Johnson Amendment Debate
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Johnson Amendment | Prohibits nonprofit organizations, including churches, from endorsing political candidates to maintain tax-exempt status. |
| Pastor Robert Jeffress’ Testimony | Argued the amendment is unconstitutional and infringes on free speech, citing an IRS investigation into First Baptist Dallas. |
| Religious Liberty Commission | Established by President Trump in May 2025 to assess threats to religious freedom and develop preservation strategies. |
| IRS Policy Shift | Recently allowed certain East Texas churches to engage in political speech without losing tax-exempt status, indicating a potential policy change. |
| Broader Implications | Ongoing debate over the Johnson Amendment’s impact on church-state separation and free speech rights for religious organizations. |
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