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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana congressman co-sponsors bill to expand freedom of speech for churches

By Message Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) has co-introduced legislation that could repeal an amendment that has restricted free speech of churches and non-profit agencies from speaking openly about moral, political and social issues with fear of losing tax-exempt status. During a ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 2, Johnson appeared with other legislators and pastors for introduction of H.R. 781, also known as the Free Speech and Fairness Act. If passed, the legislation would repeal the Johnson Amendment, which was named after Lyndon Johnson, a Texas senator when the bill was issued in 1954. He eventually became president of the U.S. President Donald Trump has also voiced support for repealing the Johnson Amendment. During the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 2, Trump promised to "totally destroy" the amendment. "Two of our most sacred and unalienable rights protected by the Constitution are the right to religious freedom and the right to speak freely without fear of prosecution," said Rep. Johnson, a member of First Baptist Church Bossier City, in a news release. "The Johnson Amendment infringes upon both of these by subjecting churches and non-profits to IRS investigation and censorship … [Read more...]

WAYLON BAILEY: Let’s pray for Chicago

By Waylon Bailey Over the last few weeks, I’ve had a real burden for Chicago and the inner cities across America. I’m sure much of that has to do with the publicity concerning the 700 people murdered in Chicago in 2016 with several thousand others shot and wounded. Part of that concern also comes to my living close to a large city (New Orleans) which suffers greatly in the inner city with crime, drugs, and fatal violence. I often hear people say that the city is safe except for certain parts of the city. They also counsel staying out of those sections. Of course, we do attempt to say stay out of unsafe areas, but that’s a tragedy People have to live in those areas. The people who live in those areas desire to be safe and keep their family safe just as I do. What should we do about our inner cities? I’m sure there are many political answers that could and should be given to that question, but what should you and I do? I am committed to pray for Chicago and for New Orleans. I want to encourage you to do the same. Let us commit to pray for revival nationwide, for a turning of America to Christ. Would anything change our country and our cities as much as a genuine awakening? Let us pray that God would … [Read more...]