Religious order US paves way for more politics in church

Donald Trump yesterday signed an executive order on religious liberties designed to ease a ban on political activity by churches and other taxexempt institutions.

The order also mandates regulatory relief to religious employers that object to contraception.

“We’re a nation of believers,” Mr Trump told supporters. “No American should be forced to choose between the dictates of the American government and the tenets of their faith.”

The executive order was signed to coincide with the National Day of Prayer. The American Civil Liberties Union confirmed it was filing a lawsuit challenging the order, saying it “damages our country’s long-standing commitment to the separation between church and state”.

The order calls for easing of enforcement of the “Johnson Amendment,” which prohibits churches from getting directly involved in political campaigns.

Subject to Congress approval, it could pave the way for religious leaders to speak about politics and endorse candidates without fear of losing their tax-exempt status.