As many intercessors may know, IFA has for some time now been involved in a lawsuit seeking to overthrow the Johnson Amendment, a provision that prevents churches and religious nonprofits from speaking into politics. Recently, however, a ruling from the judge presiding over the case has thrown the whole suit into jeopardy.

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From Breitbart:

U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker ‌in Tyler, an appointee of President Trump, ruled he lacked jurisdiction to approve the pact between the IRS and [IFA,] two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), Reuters reported.

Under the proposed agreement, traditional religious communications would have been deemed exempt from the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 tax code provision named after then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson that bars religious and secular nonprofits from endorsing political candidates.

The IRS entered into the pact in July to settle a lawsuit brought by NRB ahead of the 2024 presidential election, challenging the Johnson Amendment, according to the report.

Judge Barker reportedly sided with the group Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which argued he was blocked from approving the settlement by the Tax Anti-Injunction Act, which “prohibits lawsuits that seek to block the collection of taxes.”

As plaintiffs in this case, we at IFA are disappointed in this decision. IFA President and CEO David Kubal spoke about the ruling, saying, “I’m extremely disappointed with the judges decision. I disagree with it, and we will appeal.” Michael Farris, general counsel for NRB, agreed, stating his intention to appeal. He argued that Judge Barker’s decision “ignores an Anti-Injunction Act exemption that would allow the case to move forward,” according to Breitbart.

Judge Barker’s decision may not be what we wanted to see, but don’t get discouraged! Let’s continue to boldly pray for the overturning of the Johnson Amendment and for religious freedom to prevail!

Share your prayers for religious liberty below.

(Excerpt from Breitbart. Photo Credit: DNY59/Getty Images)