The Shifting Religious Tides in Washington
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Last month, the Internal Revenue Service finally admitted what constitutional scholars have known for more than 200 years – that the federal government cannot limit the First Amendment rights of churches and pastors. And so, after being threatened for the past 70 years with the loss of their church’s tax-exempt status if they dared to address political issues or endorse a candidate who agreed with their biblical positions, pastors are now free to speak their minds without fear of government recrimination.
(Actually, bold and constitutionally literate pastors were free to do so all along, but far too many of them cowered before the IRS and its heavy-handed misinterpretation of the 1954 Johnson Amendment.)
Now comes even more good news for the faith community, compliments of the Trump administration.
In a memo sent to federal employees last week by the Office of Personnel Management, government agencies have been instructed to allow religious expression in the workplace “to the greatest extent possible”. Signed by OPM director Scott Kupor and citing laws, legal cases, and two executive orders from President Donald Trump, the memo was meant to eliminate anti-Christian bias while establishing a religious liberty commission.
Specific examples of conduct that are now officially permitted include the following: wearing crosses, gathering for prayer during breaks, inviting co-workers to church, and attempting to persuade co-workers of the truth of their personal religious beliefs as long as the sharer stops if asked.
The memo also emphasized that government employees are permitted the same level of religious expression in public areas as in private ones. For example, a doctor at a Veterans Affairs hospital is allowed to pray over his patient.
Similar guidelines were issued in 1997 during the Clinton administration, but with more caveats, exceptions, and examples.
The tide in Washington is certainly shifting in the right direction and President Trump deserves much of the credit for fulfilling his campaign promises to the evangelical community.
Can I get an Amen, a Hallelujah, and a Praise the Lord?
