The Johnson Amendment: A Critical Setback
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The Johnson Amendment: A Critical Setback
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On March 31, United States District Judge J. Campbell Barker dismissed—without prejudice—the legal challenge brought by Intercessors for America and three other plaintiffs against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the constitutionality of the Johnson Amendment.
Have you taken your place on the wall?
The Johnson Amendment prohibits churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations from supporting or opposing political candidates, under threat of losing their tax-exempt status. This case was not about wrongdoing—it was about freedom. None of the plaintiffs violated the law or faced IRS penalties. Instead, the concern is more subtle but just as serious: self-censorship driven by fear that speaking freely could trigger consequences.
The lawsuit was filed by the National Religious Broadcasters, Intercessors for America, Sand Springs Church (Athens, Texas), and First Baptist Church of Waskom (Waskom, Texas). Together, they challenged whether the Johnson Amendment infringes on First Amendment rights—particularly freedom of speech and religious expression.
Prior to the dismissal, a settlement had been reached with the IRS, pending court approval. That agreement clarified a significant point: when churches speak about candidates during a worship service, the Johnson Amendment does not apply. The IRS itself acknowledged that enforcing it in that setting would violate the First Amendment’s protections regarding the establishment of religion.
President Donald J. Trump has publicly pointed to this development as a win for religious liberty.
However, the court’s dismissal hinged on the Anti-Injunction Act. The judge concluded that he could not rule on potential future harm—meaning that, unless the plaintiffs actually violate the Johnson Amendment and face penalties, the court would not intervene.
In practical terms, this creates a troubling standard: to challenge the law, one must first risk breaking it.
No American should be forced into legal jeopardy simply to defend their constitutional rights.
We believe longstanding Supreme Court precedent supports a different conclusion—one that affirms two key principles:
- The Anti-Injunction Act does not apply when no other path exists to challenge a law’s constitutionality.
- Citizens do not have to violate a law in order to challenge it—especially when First Amendment freedoms are at stake.
As a result, an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is forthcoming.
This fight is not over.
Our intercession is still critical and needed!
Share your prayers for religious freedom in the comments below.
(David Kubal is IFA’s President and CEO. Photo Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels via Canva Pro)
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The Johnson Amendment was a tricky scheme by politicians who wanted to silence Christian voices and influences. They created the plan to dangle the carrot of “Tax Exemptions” to buy Christians silence. Christian churches, organizations and ministries agree not to speak for/against political candidates or policies. This is basically putting a muzzle on faith based organizations and people. SADLY WE TOOK THE BATE AND THE SPIRIT OF MAMMON WON. However we are seeing this evil trick as it really is and people are ready to challenge the constitutionality of this amendment.
The Bible is really clear. We are to obey the laws of our country unless they conflict with the gospel. Allegiance to Jesus is always more important than following the law of man. Instead, IFA tries to go against the clear teachings of Jesus. He tells us clearly in the sermon on the mount that we are to be impartial and to treat all equally, Matthew 5:44-48. But IFA clearly has different standards for each party and tries to go to court to go against Jesus and make it legal for them to be biased and advocate for one political party of the other. Shameful. When will IFA start publishing the lies of the right each week. Both sides lie, why go against Jesus in the sermon on the mount and only talk about the lies of one side?
The Word of Yah is clear and we no are to stand for the same principles of living what the Word says and standing for truth is what we are required to do! When a political party is obviously contradictory to the Word we are to do the same! The word of God does not say that it is different because of peoples political differences of views!! No the Word of God does not change because of anything period! Political parties are nothing more than light against darkness with a title placed upon it! As if that makes it above other issues no! Light is light and darkness is darkness! The Lord said you are either with me or against me! However, when you’re called to give a peace with all men! Love all people! We can hate this in, but not the sinner! A label is simply that a label truth is truth, no matter what the label says! The Lord, our God shall not be mocked!!! the Lord our God is the only true one, not to me, not you! The Lord said to humble ourselves before the mighty hand God!! this is a safe place and when we hear instruction from him, the Messiah proceed forward!!
Just another judge who did not seek God’s wisdom and guidance before ruling. Judges who do not believe in God’s ultimate power over their own power rarely rule justly. God’s will and righteousness will prevail. I trust in God and surrender to His will.
🙏😇🙏
Why won’t IFA file a complaint against Judge Barker, looking toward impeachment, removal from the bench, and disbarment. These renegade judges have to go!
um maybe because the judge did nothing wrong but not do whatever IFA wanted… silly
The First Amendment insures freedom of speech, press, and religion in plain language. The Johnson amendment unlawfully imposed restrictions on freedom of religion. Unfortunately, the Johnson amendment went unchallenged for years. This crazy judge doesn’t know his Constitution and needs to be referred to the appropriate bar associations, looking toward removal from the bench and disbarment.
Father we ask for your wisdom, courage, favor and blessings as we fight to eradicate the Johnson Amendment. Help us oh Lord. Have mercy and grant us victory. In Jesus Name.
Father Your word must be safeguarded. I the name of Your Son Jesus. Freedom of speech must be safeguarded, for it is Your law first. Not that all must agree. But be able to speak. We ask for Your intervention Father. with love!
In prayer I realized that many “churches” including Non Christian religious gatherings and churches indirectly ruled by various officials of the Democratic Party directly violate the Johnson amendment by promoting platforms for legislation, endorsing candidates in elections and providing their “church” building to host public forums for candidates running for public office. So, should we continue to ask the Lord to reveal truth of disingenuous and manipulative actors as has been occurring since the Democrat Party lost its power grip in the 2024 election? Why should those Christians who use great caution to not even being accused of law breaking pursue the abolishment of the Johnson Amendments. Let the numerous law breakers including ‘church’ Leaders and Politicians be brought to trial. When these “above the law” actors get publically exposed and expend their resources defending themselves then the Court can clearly address the unconstitutionality of the Johnson Amendment. And we should recall that the Johnson Amendment was a Democratic Party strategy over 70 years ago to control not only free speech but disarm moral input from Christ based churches on legislation and political candidates.
I don’t know I think maybe one day one of these Christians might accidentally do something and then the next thing you know they’re defending themselves against that.
When I read that I thought the same thing. We are generally far from being virtuous. Can we still be covered.
I pray that God will work in a big way to rid our culture and government of the great evil that exists.
So should one rob a bank to see if theft is against the law?
There is a great awakening, a revival, however, you’d like to term it, in our nation, right now! You won’t hear it on the newscasts of the enemy. So don’t listen. Our colleges and universities are in a great awakening as well as in other places. What they can’t stifle is the beautiful ripple effect that will be seen as this “Crosses” (in 2017 and 2024, these two eclipse paths intersected over an area spanning parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, marking the FIRST time in history that two total solar eclipses CROSSED each other within the U.S) in our nation and eventually across the entire world. Things like the Johnson amendment will dissolve into irrelevancy. Thank you, Jesus, amen.
Maybe I missed it but who is responsible for this amendment?
Who authored it?
Lyndon Johnson in the early 1950s. By the 60s, it began to be referred to as the 501 C3 amendment.
Straight from hell.
Before that amendment, since the beginning of America, the common man in America received his information from the pulpit/pastor in order to be informed on who to vote for regarding the Godliest candidates. That disappeared.
I thought that President Trump issued an EO directing that the Johnson Amendment not be enforced?
Lord Jesus, I pray that You will make a way for religious freedom to flourish in our nation. Wake Christian Leaders to use their influence in dealing with this issue. Thank You Jesus.
Leonard Ravenhill (1907–1994) was a British evangelist and author known for his intense, uncompromising calls for prayer, holiness, and revival, often criticizing modern, comfortable Christianity. His most famous, hard-hitting quotes focus on prayerlessness as sin and the need for passionate dedication to God.
Top Quotes on Prayer & Holiness
“No man is greater than his prayer life”.
“A sinning man will stop praying, and a praying man will stop sinning”.
“The secret of praying is praying in secret”.
“The self-sufficient does not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray”.
“Prayerlessness is disobedience, for God’s command is that men ought always to pray and not faint”.
“You can’t live wrong and pray right”.
Quotes on Church and Revival
“The church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure”.
“The less power a church has, the more entertainment it has”.
“The only reason we don’t have revival is because we are willing to live without it”.
“We have substituted organizing for agonizing and equipment for endowment”.
“At this grim hour, the world sleeps in the darkness — and the Church sleeps in the light”.
Wow! The truth hurts….when will we “see” and “hear”!!
Father we do not deserve your Mercy for so many reasons but I ask you Father to please overturn these laws that affect our freedom to speak truth or to choose. Open the eyes of our judges to your truth that they will walk in Justices. May your will be done and may our faith strengthen.
Relentless Trust in our Lord,
liberal churches speak all the time
I am so saddened at the continuous turning of our churches and nation from righteousness to unrighteousness. It is righteousness that exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any man. Father, may there be a shifting and turning back to You. For those who don’t know You may they seek You while You may be found and call upon You while You are near. May the push to delete DEI as well as the Johnson Amendment be voted down quickly and completely forever! Teach us the true meaning of “be still and know that I am God “, the enemy you see today you will see no more, forever. If only we surrender fully to Your authority! May we not grow weary in well doing. Thank You Father that You hear us! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen
“A Government for virtuous people” Pray tell where are all the virtuous people? Good grief! I may have met only a handful of such people in all the many years of my life.
Mari,
The Founding Fathers were a righteous, God fearing people (most were anyway)
When the Supreme Court took prayer out of our schools, the downfall of America happened. It’s really sad.
Thank you for responding.
Taking prayer out of our schools should have resulted in more prayer in our homes and hearts and churches–it didn’t. Why?
Take a few minutes to check on all the churches in your locale–How many even hold a weekly Prayer Meeting–let alone a Daily time of prayer? . Leonard Ravenhill said it all: “No man is greater than his prayer life.”
When I read that I thought the same thing. We are generally far from being virtuous. Can we still be covered.
Thank you for fighting for righteousness 🙂
Father Almighty of heaven and earth as Nehemiah prayed to you at his time of need for him and his people. You are the Author of speech and faith and love and hope. Let You Right Hand move in all of our hearts and guide our lips to speak out for religious freedom for freedom of speech on which this great nation was founded.
We pray that those conservatives who have turned their backs on you will be doubled by liberals and conservatives who will return to you in support of condemning The Johnson Act fully. For the heart of the kings are in your hands, and you can turn it with if soever you desire like rivers of water.
We pray these and all things and the precious name of Jesus amen.