Government Affairs and Advocacy

Social Current Statement on Safeguarding the Johnson Amendment

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July 10, 2025

On Monday, July 7, the IRS responded to a lawsuit in which two Texas churches and an association of Christian broadcasters sued the IRS to create a broad exemption to the Johnson Amendment.

The request would overrule a longstanding protection for nonprofits that has remained the federal tax code since 1954. The Johnson Amendment details that charitable nonprofits, foundations, and religious organization that maintain a 501(c)(3) status may “not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”

The Johnson Amendment is a cornerstone of protection for our sector. It ensures that nonprofits remain focused on missions, not politics, and it preserves the public’s trust by preventing charitable organizations from becoming engaged in political campaigns. Any erosion of the amendment signals a potentially dangerous precedent that undermines the nonpartisan foundation of the sector. While this case centers on religious organizations, the implications may extend beyond houses of worship and could open the door to widespread politicization of nonprofit work.

Social Current opposes any attempt to repeal or weaken the Johnson Amendment. We affirm that the amendment offers essential protections to our sector by safeguarding our integrity and upholding public trust.

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About Social Current

Social Current is the premier partner and solutions provider to a diverse network of more than 1,800 human and social service organizations. Together with our network, we are activating the power of the social sector to effect broader systemic change that is needed to achieve our vision of an equitable society where all people can thrive. We support, strengthen, and amplify the work of the social sector in five core integrated areas including brain science and trauma-informed approaches; COA Accreditation; child, family, and community well-being; government affairs and advocacy; and leadership and organizational development.