Holy Hufflepuff! IRS Says Churches Can Endorse Politicians Now?

Accio Legal Eagle!

Honestly sometimes I feel like I'm back in first year drowning in rules and regulations! But instead of Charms and Transfiguration it's the IRS and the Johnson Amendment! Apparently this 'Johnson Amendment'—sounds like something Filch would enforce doesn't it?—has been around for 70 years preventing certain non profits including churches from endorsing political candidates. It was meant to keep things...well *civil*. Now according to a recent filing the IRS is suggesting that churches *can* endorse candidates without losing their tax exempt status. As if we don't have enough problems with He Who Must Not Be Named's legacy now we have this!

Trump's Take: 'It's LeviOsa Not LeviosAH!'

President Trump (I shudder just writing his name) has long wanted this Johnson Amendment repealed. It seems he agrees with Ron sometimes: "Why is it always me?" Well in this case Ron it's not just you. Trump seems to think this is a brilliant idea probably because he believes it'll turn every church into a mini rally for...well you know. Honestly it’s like he’s trying to create a real life version of the Ministry of Magic but even more corrupt. I mean really haven't we learned anything from Dolores Umbridge?

Through the 'Lens of Religious Faith'

The IRS filing states that "communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted." Translation? As long as it's about 'faith,' they can talk politics. I mean come on! It's like saying you can use a Time Turner but only to study *extra* hard! The loophole is large enough to fly a Hippogriff through! They're saying that if a church speaks "through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith in connection with religious services concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith it neither 'participate[s]' nor 'intervene[s]' in a 'political campaign,' within the ordinary meaning of those words." Right. Crystal clear. As clear as a cauldron full of Polyjuice Potion gone wrong.

Texas Two Step Around the Law

This whole thing stems from a lawsuit filed by the National Religious Broadcasters and two churches in Texas: Sand Springs Church and First Baptist Church Waksom. They argued that the Johnson Amendment violated their First Amendment rights. Freedom of speech of course is vital but using it to turn the pulpit into a soapbox? Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. It’s like giving Peeves the keys to the castle—utter chaos will ensue! A judge hasn’t ruled yet but if this goes through it could change everything. Why couldn't they be pursuing something more helpful like say mandating the teaching of Arithmancy in all schools?

Constant Vigilance!

We must be vigilant. As Alastor Moody (the real one not the Barty Crouch Jr. imposter) would say "Constant vigilance!" This ruling if it goes through could fundamentally alter the relationship between religion and politics in this country. It’s a slippery slope and I fear it could lead to even more division and discord. It is going to create a lot of problems. We are going to have to do something we are going to have to be proactive. People like you people like me.

Knowledge is Power: Read Up!

So what can we do? First we educate ourselves. "When in doubt go to the library," as I always say. Read about the Johnson Amendment understand the arguments for and against it and make informed decisions. And most importantly let your voices be heard! Write to your representatives engage in respectful debates and stand up for what you believe in. After all as Dumbledore said "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies but just as much to stand up to our friends.” Now if you'll excuse me I have some research to do. This calls for a deep dive into constitutional law. Honestly this is almost as complicated as figuring out Snape’s motivations!