The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for advancing the Clergy Act (H.R. 227).
This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Reps. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), would give pastors a chance to re-enroll in Social Security if they mistakenly opted out irrevocably earlier in their careers.
“Having heard numerous stories of ministers who feel trapped by a decision they did not fully understand as they began their pastoral work, I know this bill will be a breath of fresh air for many faith leaders,” said ECFA President & CEO Michael Martin. “This bill is very reasonable and very welcome. I am grateful to Congressman Fong and Congressman Thompson for championing it in the House Ways and Means Committee and on the floor of the House.”
Many clergy choose early in their ministries to apply for a generally irreversible exemption from the Social Security system. The Clergy Act would allow a temporary two-year window for pastors to revoke their exemption and re-enter the Social Security system beginning in 2029.
Of note, like other workers, pastors opting back in would still need to pay into Social Security for the equivalent of 10 years (40 quarters) before being eligible to receive benefits. Also, the bill would task the IRS and the Social Security Administration with crafting a plan for notifying clergy members of their eligibility for this opportunity.
ECFA has long expressed support for the Clergy Act on Capitol Hill, and last month sent letters to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) urging action on the bill in the House. ECFA will continue to advocate for its approval in the U.S. Senate.
“I am grateful for the efforts of Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) on this bill as well,” added Martin. “I urge the U.S. Senate to approve this important bipartisan legislation.”
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(SOURCE: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability)