Trump gives churches ‘their voices back’ with approval take part in partisan politics
By Dave Boyer - The Washington Times - Thursday, May 4, 2017
President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to make it easier for churches to participate in politics and to protect faith-based groups from being forced to pay for abortion services under Obamacare, proclaiming, “We are giving our churches their voices back.”
At a National Day of Prayer ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, Mr. Trump signed the order directing the IRS not to “unfairly target” the tax-exempt status of churches and other religious organizations who engage in political speech.
“The federal government will never ever penalize any person for their protected religious beliefs,” Mr. Trump said.
While the action was long awaited on the right, some conservatives said they’re disappointed that it doesn’t go far enough.
The president’s order is aimed at easing an IRS provision that prohibits churches from directly opposing or endorsing political candidates. The action will direct the IRS to immediately “exercise maximum enforcement discretion to alleviate the burden” of the so-called Johnson amendment, a tax provision dating from 1954.
The directive also will allow non-profit organizations to deny certain health coverage for religious reasons. It’s aimed at protecting Christian groups like Little Sisters of the Poor, who have waged a court battle against the government mandate under Obamacare, from being forced to pay for abortion services.
As Mr. Trump spoke about the Little Sisters’ case, he even invited some of the nuns in the audience to join him on the stage.
“Your long ordeal will soon be over,” the president told the nuns.
When one of the sisters told Mr. Trump the court case has been going on for five years, the president asked her, “You had good lawyers?”
“Where are your lawyers?” the president asked, scanning the audience. “Stand up, c’mon, stand up. Do you mind if I use your lawyers? Good job.”
He added, “With this executive order, we are ending the attacks on your religious liberty.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/4/donald-trump-signs-religious-freedom-order-give-ch/?utm_source=onesignal&utm_campaign=pushnotify&utm_medium=push
My comments: Praise God.
No comments:
Post a Comment