Bishop Eaton Statement Message on Johnson Amendment Preserving Religious Freedom
July 22, 2025
Bishop Eaton addresses the recent IRS ruling that suggests the agency may interpret the Johnson Amendment in ways that would allow churches and other religious organizations to engage in partisan activity.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the Johnson Amendment, Eaton says, “theologically, it keeps partisanship out of religious organizations and, for our church, protects the proclamation of the gospel and the right administration of the sacraments as the unique purpose and calling of God's church and our congregations. At the same time, it allows appropriate avenues for advocating for God’s justice and concern for good social order.”
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
