Lines Blurring in Separation of Church and State

CHARLOTTE, NC — The separation of church and state has been a constant in American politics for generations. But that division could soon be gone if President Donald Trump follows through on a promise, opening the door for pastors to publicly endorse candidates from the pulpit.

President Trump: “Our Republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government but that freedom is a gift from God,” said Trump.

The President blurred the lines between church and state at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Thursday, vowing to end a law that says tax-exempt entities like churches and charitable organizations are unable to participate in any political campaign.

“I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution,” Trump told the gathering.

The Johnson Amendment of 1954 restricts ministers from endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit. If they do, they risk losing that tax-exempt status.

But some argue that religion and politics are already more intertwined than ever.

“Bringing the highest values of our collective faith tradition together, and govern, in part, in response to that,” says Rodney Sadler, President of Mecklenburg Ministries. “But less this notion of the church ruling the state, or the state ruling the church.”

Others fear further politicizing the church could damage it’s spiritual mission.

“It protects the faith community, and allows them to make sure that when, you know for example, when you come to church that your focused on growing your faith,” says NC Representative Chaz Beasley. “Focused on speaking to god and building that relationship with him.”

Like it or not, religious freedom is at the center of American politics right now.

A diverse group from Charlotte’s faith community gathered in Romare Bearden Park Thursday evening for a peace and unity rally, voicing their concerns.

“We have to be involved,” says Osama Idlibi of Charlotte’s Muslim American Society. “We have to take steps. We have to participate. We have to engage. I mean not taking action is not an option.”

Trump promised he would work to repeal the Johnson Amendment as part of his extensive outreach efforts to religious conservatives, who have argued that it violates the protections of free speech.