Religious Freedom, the First Amendment, and Common Sense

For Montana residents it turns out that the political season is not over yet.  Our lone representative in the US House became the Secretary of the Interior, leaving us without any representation in the House of Representatives.  I have certainly felt that lack, as  I have written to my senators about various issues in these last months.  On May 25 (ironically, it is Ascension Day) Montana will have an election for our representative in the House.   
 
Although there is some talk out of Washington about allowing religious organizations to become more partisan in their advocacy, even endorsing candidates without losing tax-exempt status, do not yield to the temptation, no matter how strongly you feel about the candidates, the election.  In the ELCA we do not endorse candidates.  We talk about policy.  We encourage discernment.  We encourage voting as a way not only to demonstrate civic responsibility, but also to show love for your neighbor.  Voting is a way to be accountable for policies that affect the least and the lost.   
 
Presiding Bishop Eaton has written an important statement on Religious Freedom. You can read it below:
 
On May 4, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Promoting Free Speech and Religious
Liberty.” The measure addresses the IRS ban on political campaigning by tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
organizations, an important protection for houses of worship. That regulation is codified into law, so it
would take an act of Congress to reverse, but President Trump signaled his administration’s opposition to
the rule by directing the IRS to use maximum discretion to refrain from enforcing it.

The Lutheran Confessions state “the power of church and civil government must not be mixed ... [while]
both be held in honor and acknowledged as a gift and blessing” (Augsburg Confession, Article 28). The
ELCA Constitution affirms that one of the purposes of this church is to “work with civil authorities in
areas of mutual endeavor, maintaining institutional separation of church and state in a relation of
functional interaction” (ELCA Constitution 4.03.n.). Our social teaching encourages members and leaders
to be politically active as citizens and to provide moral leadership that advocates for just and fair policies.
Nothing in the current IRS rules prohibit such activities.

Neither our theological heritage nor our social teaching lift up what we would understand today as
partisan activity by church officials—endorsing or funding specific candidates, for instance—because
that confuses the appropriate responsibilities of church and state leadership.

Exemption from taxation is an appropriate benefit granted to churches and other charities. The restriction
on endorsement of political candidates in no way restricts freedom of religion. In fact, it allows churches
to continue to focus on ministry and protects them from being lured into participation in partisan politics
to the detriment of their proclamation and mission. The ELCA provides this guidance to ministries on
participation in the electoral process.

Earlier this year, the ELCA joined with 99 diverse faith groups in sending a letter to Congress opposing
any effort to undermine the so-called Johnson Amendment—those IRS regulations that protect both the
taxpayer and our houses of worship. We do not seek or desire a change in tax law that could prove
divisive in our congregations or detrimental to our witness of Christ.

Let us not be tempted to participate in partisan politics, but rather focus on being part of God's reconciling
work through Christ in the world and proclaiming the gospel word.

God’s peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop