As an evangelical Christian who was raised in the Baptist church, attended seminary courses, and whose politics are deeply rooted in my Christian faith, I know firsthand the importance of preserving religious freedom and protecting our churches.

On March 29, Louisiana voters will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment 2, a constitutional reform designed to declutter and strengthen our State Constitution. The amendment specifically adds stronger protection than before to Church Sanctuaries, Parsonages, and Seminaries. However, there have been concerns circulating that this amendment would place property taxes on churches and threaten their religious exemptions. Let me be clear from the start: this is simply not true. Amendment 2 does not place property taxes on churches, nor does it threaten their exemptions in any way.

We are blessed to have the most conservative legislature Louisiana has ever seen, led by Governor Jeff Landry, one of the most conservative governors in the nation. Our conservative lawmakers love God, cherish our churches, and would never even consider doing anything that would harm them. The religious exemption will still be protected by a 2/3 vote in the legislature, ensuring that changes cannot be made without broad consensus and careful consideration. Their commitment to preserving religious liberty and protecting our churches from government overreach is unwavering. To suggest that this legislature would tax churches is not only false but also an affront to their deeply held values.

The purpose of Amendment 2 is to declutter and strengthen our State Constitution, which is currently the second longest in the country. Louisiana has been falling behind in critical areas such as business climate, economic growth, and overall competitiveness. This amendment represents a crucial step toward revitalizing our state’s economy and positioning us for future success. The current overly complex constitution includes numerous provisions that would be more appropriately addressed through the tax code, creating unnecessary barriers to growth and progress.

The church has always had an essential role in guiding our communities, both spiritually and civically. This constitutional change should not be viewed as something that discourages pastors and churches from being involved in the legislative process. Rather, it should motivate them to step up, educate their congregants, and take the lead in promoting religious liberty in our state. While Amendment 2 strengthens protections for churches within the Constitution and moves other nonprofit exemptions to the tax code, it also emphasizes the importance of church involvement in safeguarding these freedoms. Pastors and religious leaders have a unique opportunity to stand firm, engage with lawmakers, and ensure that religious liberties are protected for generations to come. This decision was made with deep respect for the role churches play in our communities, especially from my perspective as a Christian.

Amendment 2 is part of a broader effort to create meaningful constitutional reforms that allow taxpayers to keep more of their income, make Louisiana’s business climate more competitive, and provide relief to seniors by doubling the standard deduction. By addressing these issues, we are not only improving our state’s economic climate but also laying groundwork for a more prosperous future.

These reforms will help retain our young people and young families, offering them the opportunity to build their lives and careers here in Louisiana, rather than feeling compelled to move elsewhere due to economic hardship. Addressing the ‘brain drain’ that has plagued our state is essential if we are to reverse population decline and ensure a thriving, vibrant community for generations to come.

We cannot afford to let misinformation cloud the progress we are trying to achieve. Amendment 2 aims to simplify our tax code while providing essential protections to our churches and promoting growth for all Louisianans.

Larry Davis is a licensed Minister, Elected Livingston Republican Parish District 6 Representative, Immediate Past President of Kiwanis, and Community Advocate.