Not a dime for politics, not ever.

There is talk in the air of changing or eliminating the 1954 Johnson Amendment, a provision in the U.S. tax code which bars non-profits (including churches) from engaging in partisan political activity, either for or against a candidate or party.  Although rarely enforced, the code calls for the 501(c)3 status of the charity to be revoked if they violate it.  In other words, if a non-profit wanted to engage in politics, it need only give up its tax-exempt status.  Some of those proposing to change or eliminate the amendment are saying that they are doing so in the name of religious freedom, that their action will "unshackle" churches and allow them a voice in the political arena.  The reality, however, could not  be further from the truth.
If the Johnson Amendment is eliminated, some churches/denominations will be tempted to use their funds to support or denounce political candidates/parties, they will in essence become just another PAC through whom money is funneled.  If the amendment is modified to allow such activity, while retaining the ability of those making donations to do so as a tax-deductible "charitable" gift, it will be an unmitigated disaster.  How would the average church or pastor avoid the corrupting influence of money and power if millions of dollars suddenly appear in the collection plate earmarked for politics?  How successful will the average church or pastor be at remaining true to the calling to preach the Word of God, without modification, if millions of dollars are suddenly at stake as the message of the politicians is supposed to be echoed in order to fulfill the obligation that always comes with the flow of power and money?  Does anyone really expect that the churches will be an independent voice, free of the horse trading and principle compromises of politics?
My calling, and that of my church, is to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ and train disciples to follow him.  In addition, we are to be a beacon of hope to the poor and oppressed, in imitation of the actions of Jesus.  I will not allow one dime of the funds given to this church to be diverted to any other cause, and I will not accept any donation, no matter how large, that is not intended solely for the purpose of fulfilling the mission that God has given us.  We are not a PAC, and we will never be one.
If the Johnson Amendment is repealed or modified to allow churches to become political actors, it will be the most hostile thing done to the Church in America in many years.  This proposed action is being sold as a way to "free" churches, it will end up laying a chain of money and power on them, and it will destroy the Gospel witness of many.
Do we really need to be reminded of the words of Lord Acton?  "Power corrupts, absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely."