Trump Promises to Protect Religious Liberty

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is laying out a plan to protect pastors from the IRS.  Last week, he addressed hundreds of faith leaders at a Pastors and Pews Conference in Orlando, FL, saying the government has been trying to hinder the influence of Christians in the political system for years.  “Christians have been silenced like a child,” Trump told his audience.  He says it is particularly a problem with the Obama Administration.

His speech encompassed the current trials Christians have been facing in recent weeks and over the past few years in the country when it comes to freedom of speech — limitations he says have come mainly from the White House or connected to it.

His solution?  Repeal the Johnson Amendment.

The 1954 legislation created by then Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson limits the free speech of pastors, essentially threatening to take away a church’s or non-profit’s tax-exempt status for endorsing or opposing a political candidate.

“They get absolutely hit with the 501(c)(3), which is the tax exempt status, which is a tremendous hit.  It’s a shattering hit, and it really keeps them silent,” Trump told his audience.  “Free speech is being taken away from people who are saying good things, not bad things.  And if I can do that, I will have done a great thing for religion as a whole, and it’s so important to me,” he said.

Trump knows it’s a major selling point to get Christians from the pews to the polls.  “The words I said today are so important.  I was honored to get the ovation I got, but they understand.  I think it will be a tremendous achievement if we can get it done, and I know we can get it done,” Trump told CBN News.  “If we can get elected, that’s why I say on November 8, everyone has to get out and vote because four years ago evangelicals didn’t get out and vote.  Christians didn’t vote,” he said.

The business tycoon is trying to change that by attending events like the Pastors and Pews Conference — and by showing a softer, more humble side.

“In your RNC acceptance speech, it was a really endearing moment, you thanked evangelicals for their support but you said, ‘I don’t necessarily always deserve it.’  Why did you say that?” CBN’s Jenna Browder asked.

“Well because I think I’m not perfect, and because I think I’m less perfect than some people,” he replied.  “But I have certain abilities that are good, like, being able to do things, and I think I’ll be able to do things that will be really great for the evangelicals and others and they understood that.”

Some evangelical Christians believe that Trump has been chosen “for such a time as this.”  But Trump shied away from the notion that this is a divine calling.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel