Pastors to Defy IRS on Sunday

This weekend is Pulpit Freedom Sunday, and pastors are lining up to defy IRS rules against their speaking out on elections.

The purpose is to make sure the pastor, not the IRS, decides what is said from the pulpit. Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Erik Stanley says it’s a problem that’s been growing over the years to the point where the IRS has inserted itself into the process of what is said from the pulpit.

That stems from an amendment attached to legislation by then-Senator Lyndon Johnson of Texas to silence conservative pastors and non-profit groups that would oppose him.

So far, more than 1,000 pastors have signed up for the event. Many will also make comments on candidates for various offices. If the IRS challenges them, Alliance Defending Freedom will defend them.