Trump vows to repeal political limits on churches
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Arnold Schwarzenegger was seen in Los Angeles on Nov. 12. President Donald Trump sought prayers for Schwarzenegger over ratings for “Celebrity Apprentice,” the show Trump once hosted.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump spoke during the National Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, in Washington.
WASHINGTON >> Declaring that religious freedom is “under threat,” President Donald Trump vowed today to repeal a rarely enforced IRS rule that says pastors who endorse candidates from the pulpit risk losing their tax-exempt status.
“I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution,” Trump said during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, a high-profile event bringing together faith leaders, politicians and dignitaries.
Trump also defended his recent executive order on immigration, decrying “generous” immigration policies and arguing that there are people who seek to enter the country “for the purpose of spreading violence or oppressing other people based upon their faith.” He also pledged to take more immigration action in the name of religious liberty.
“In the coming days we will develop a system to help ensure that those admitted into our country fully embrace our values of religious and personal liberty and that they reject any form of oppression and discrimination,” Trump said.
He did not detail how he might scrap the IRS rule, which he has previously pledged to do away with. The rule, named after then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson, has been in place since 1954, but it is very rare for a church to actually be penalized. And while some conservative Christians would like to see it abolished, others, especially the younger generation, support a clear separation of church and politics.
Repeal does not appear to have widespread public support. Eight in 10 Americans said it was inappropriate for pastors to endorse a candidate in church in a poll released last September by Lifeway Research, a religious survey firm based in Nashville.
For many religious conservatives, whose overwhelming support helped propel Trump to the White House, a more pressing issue they hope he will address is protection for faith-based charities, schools and ministries who object to same-sex marriage and abortion.
The president made no mention at the prayer breakfast of other steps he may take, saying only that religious freedom is a “sacred right.”
During his remarks, Trump also took a dig at Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new host of “The Apprentice,” the reality TV show Trump previously headlined. Trump said that since Schwarzenegger took over, the show’s ratings have been down, and he asked the audience to “pray for Arnold.” Schwarzenegger tweeted in response that he and Trump should switch jobs and Americans would sleep better.
The National Prayer Breakfast? pic.twitter.com/KYUqEZbJIE
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2017
LGBTQ groups have been anxious that the president could use his executive powers to curb legal advances they have made.
“We think it is entirely possible there could be an executive order that creates religious exemptions,” said James Esseks, LGBT project director for the American Civil Liberties Union. He added that the “narrative” that Trump won’t harm the LGBTQ community was “not correct.”
Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced that the president would leave intact a 2014 executive order that protects workers for federal contractors from anti-LGBTQ discrimination, saying in a statement that Trump “continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election.”
During a Monday news briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer offered no details on whether Trump could still issue an executive order affecting the LGBTQ community.
“There is a lot of executive orders, a lot of things that the president has talked about and will continue to fulfill, but we have nothing on that front now,” Spicer said.
Religious conservatives, who saw a series of defeats on same-sex marriage, abortion and other issues under former President Barack Obama, have been bolstered by Trump’s win. In a letter last year to Roman Catholics, Trump pledged, “I will defend your religious liberties and the right to fully and freely practice your religion, as individuals, business owners and academic institutions.”
Trump’s Supreme Court pick this week was also considered a positive sign for conservatives.
A favorite of conservatives, Neil Gorsuch serves on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where he sided with Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor when they mounted religious objections to the Obama administration’s requirement that employers provide health insurance that includes contraceptives.
48 responses to “Trump vows to repeal political limits on churches”
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Trump needs to prove he is legitimate as president. He can do this by allowing a complete investigation of his hidden taxes, putting his assets in a blind trust and allowing the FBI and CIA to determine if the election results were rigged by Russia or other foreign power. Otherwise, he is just a phony entertainer with poor judgment.
No Allie , as much as it pains you he doesn’t.
I don’t know what Constitution are you reading but he is the president and legitimately elected. Relax , get used to it and ready for many other constitutional protections to happen. Imagine , think stuff like speech for a conservative at Berkeley?
The reality is Trump will save people like you and your descendants from your foolishness.
Bull!
When a foreign country (Russia, who is NOT our friend) meddles with email hacking and fake news, that is not legitimate. Even Trump’s followers should realize that even little things can sway a few million votes in a certain direction. However, some Trumpzis are logic challenged and have difficulty distinguishing between normal news and fake news.
Waterman, repeat after me:
“Russian hacking and fake news gave Trump the few extra million votes that won him the electoral vote.”*
“Russian hacking and fake news gave Trump the few extra million votes that won him the electoral vote.”
“Russian hacking and fake news gave Trump the few extra million votes that won him the electoral vote.”
*But NOT the popular vote.
The fundamentalist Christian evangelicals want freedom of religion to advance and practice intolerance and bigotry. However, their freedom of religion does not extend to those of other faiths, such as Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, agnostics, atheists, or anyone with differing beliefs. This is a form of religion dominating and suppressing all other religions and faiths.
IRT Vector, you’re full of chicken manure. Show us where in print that Christians does not extend freedom of religion to all the faiths you identify? The 1954 Johnson Amendment applies to all religious faiths, not only to Christians.
Thanks Vector! The last thing this country needs is the lunatic fringe fundamentalist Christian evangelicals running the White House and this country. They are out to harm everyone who does not agree with them and their intolerant views.
Why does what you say make any sense whatsoever?
justmyview, you are not making any sense at all
Yeah, and why do churches have to be tax exempt when they are raking in the dough from the congregations and also try to impose their will on the government too. There’s a good reason why the founding fathers wanted to keep religion out of government since that’s one of the main reasons why they fled England in the first place to settle in America.
I think we should do away with tax exempt status for any religious organization. There’s no reason why they need it. Then each church can become as political as they want.
The same goes for charities and every exempt organization. Nobody gets a break!
Considering the relentless abuses of the privilege, it seems like the only simple solution. Cheaters like the Falwells, etc are why we can’t have nice things.
He was challenged during his campaign with the question: “Have you ever read the Constitution?”. He did not respond. That he would suggest a conjoining of the church and state implies that he has not read the Constitution, or perhaps he did not understand what he read. A certain line of religious thinking seems to have driven many of his supporters and he seems to be answering them back with messages such as this. Are we reaching a situation in the USA where a handful of religious “fundamentalists” will control our destiny through their alliance with plutocrats and greedy self-serving egomaniacs?
The American Reset is the official term used to describe what is happening…Good or Bad we are trying to get back to the Good ‘ol Days of America…Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do, none of this is a surprise…#MAGA
What good old days are you talking about?
The happy days and memories when America ruled the land without question…and mommy and daddy loved each other…and dreams came true…A snap shot of days gone by, the question: Is this possible??? #MAGA
When were those good old days. The Great Depression of the 30’s; the 2nd World War, the Korean War; the Viet Nam War; The Great Recession. Tell me.
Juris, to add to Vector’s question, what land are you talking about? North America? The world? what? And what is this mommy and daddy thing? I’m assuming you have some problems with LGBT? Do you mean the America that was segregated, or even prohibited women from voting? Or the one which kept women in the home? The one which allowed companies to profit off the land with no regard to the environment?
Whatever days where only good memories exist in the minds of Trumpers…Like a midlife crisis, they are trying to bring back the Ol’ Band for one last reunion…They hope that if they can just get the formula right those glory days will come back…But they go back home again??? #MAGA
But can they go back home again???
He suggested a “cojoining ofthe church and state” ? Haven’t seen that , please show sources. What he has said is that the anti church gag order placed on churches by anti-Christian forces should be lifted. The constitution says there can be no state imposed religion. No more .
He wants it. He wants to pick a favorite church that like him, guarantee it tax-exempt status, and have it spread his “gospel.” Very astute early step for the dictator-wannabe.
It’s not an “anti-church gag order” it simply prohibits non-profits from endorsing candidates. The same is true for all those entities who have tax free status. The Bishop Museum can’t endorse a candidate either…it’s a good rule.
Religions, churches have a tax exempt status. According to our Constitution, the State cannot endorse or inhibit the free exercise of religion. This is meant that there can be no State religion, a separation of Church and State. If a religion supports politician, they may lose their tax exempt status, just as you as an individual made a contribution to a politician, the contribution is no longer tax exempt.
No that’s the establishment clause, the federal government cannot set up a state religion. The free exercise clause prevents the government from allowing anyone practice (or not practice) a religion.
And Obama taught Constitution law but never actually read the Constitution.
justmyview, you know nothing about the Constitution, and you cannot even write a sentence, and post nothing but nonsense.
Outstanding. Another campaign promise by President Trump coming true. The 1954 Johnson Amendment restricts Churches and Pastors with the fear of losing their IRS tax exempt status. This 1954 Act is to be repealed by Congress (attempts have been made in the past) and signed by President Trump to Make America Safe and Great Again.
Since my other comment is being moderated. All non-profits, not just religious ones cannot advocate for any candidate. It is not an assault on the churches.
Please tell us all how allowing churches to advocate makes us safe and great?
That’s right, we don’t need separation of church and state. Let’s let all 501-c3’s influence our politics. That’s just good policy.
LOL!
Liberals are living in a fantasy video game that they don’t know how to win because they keep getting eaten by their own BS monsters.
Throughout history, horrible leaders have used the church to sway the subjects and legitimize the leaders’ wicked deeds. When religions become political and try to change history, you get……extreme religions.
Woah, Trump railing against “extreme Muslims,” and look what he wants to create here….with Vlad’s help, of course….
Or, the church have used leaders to sway opinions and subjects…
What the Chump failed to state is that he wants to make sure that religious get in the pulpit and preach the good word and never fear retaliation tax or otherwise….as long as its about HIM!!!
Sounds like a real important initiative for Trump. Not really.
Immigration reform is long overdue. Too much trash coming in. This is a start. Good opportunity for immigration attorneys to make a killing off these folks.
Why are there so many leaks that are so damaging to Trump coming from sources that could only be within Trump’s inner circle? Are the people closest to him alarmed about his increasingly apparent unfitness for office?
Most of the sheep who attend Catholic mass will vote for the person their priest tells them to vote for. When he’s finished with his sermon, he’ll probably go into the back room of the church and finish sexually molesting one or two of the altar boys if he’s been doing that. The Catholic church has paid out billions to their sex-abuse victims and they want all that cash back. They probably think The Donald will help.
Republican crazies protect the right of their crazy base to purchase guns: “The House voted Thursday to rescind an Obama administration rule that heightened scrutiny of mentally impaired people who seek to purchase a firearm “
They seem to kill more Americans than refugees, is this correct??? #MAGA
A Navy Seal died and numerous civilians were killed in a chaotically botched operation based on incomplete intelligence that was approved by Bannon, Trump and Trump’s son-in-law. Really? Kushner is now qualified to put people’s lives on the line?
I believe it was an Obama initiated mission that Trump could have aborted…To be fair, if we were looking to assign blame it would be equally distributed between the two…#MAGA
WRONG!!!!
Just five days after taking office, over dinner with his newly installed secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President Trump was presented with the first of what will be many life-or-death decisions: whether to approve a commando raid that risked the lives of American Special Operations forces and foreign civilians alike.
President Barack Obama’s national security aides had reviewed the plans for a risky attack on a small, heavily guarded brick home of a senior Qaeda collaborator in a mountainous village in a remote part of central Yemen. But Mr. Obama did not act because the Pentagon wanted to launch the attack on a moonless night and the next one would come after his term had ended.
With two of his closest advisers, Jared Kushner and Stephen K. Bannon, joining the dinner at the White House along with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Mr. Trump approved sending in the Navy’s SEAL Team 6, hoping the raid early last Sunday would scoop up cellphones and laptop computers that could yield valuable clues about one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist groups. Vice President Mike Pence and Michael T. Flynn, the national security adviser, also attended the dinner.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/world/middleeast/donald-trump-yemen-commando-raid-questions.html?_r=0
IRT QB: So Trump lied about this and denied involvement??? A soldier has died and nobody is taking responsibility and purposefully lying to America…Maybe an investigation should be started…#MAGA
Separation of church and state…..however, IF they are allowed to become embroiled in politics, they need to be taxed as every other business…..we will then see how long these huge tabernacles, cathedrals, etc can survive before the house of cards implodes…..
Since 2011 more than a thousand lawsuits have been filed against Merck, the maker of Propecia, the hair growth drug taken by Donald Trump, alleging failure to warn users of sexual and cognitive side effects. Patients and physicians reportedly call the effects “Post-Finasteride Syndrome” because, they say, symptoms often persist after discontinuing the drug. The National Institutes of Health has added PFS to its rare-diseases database.
“The FDA-approved pill has been called into question, with emerging research and a slew of lawsuits suggesting that finasteride may be more dangerous than previously believed,” reported Men’s Journal. “Users report that its side effects — inability to orgasm, painful erections, chronic depression, insomnia, brain fog, and suicidal thoughts — can last long after patients stop taking the pill.”
What a master strategist.