Dear John,

Last week, I know I and many other believers across the nation were taken aback by the comments made by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Cathedral.

During a service meant to unite Americans in prayer, Bishop Budde chose to end her 15-minute homily by distorting scripture and using it to bludgeon the new Trump administration over their immigration and gender policies, telling the President to be "merciful."

The irony is striking. Bishop Budde called on the Trump administration to be "merciful," when the grim realities of illegal immigration and gender ideology have caused suffering and even loss of life. How is enabling the breaking of the law "merciful"?

Recent examples underscore this point, including a horrific video of a non-verbal and developmentally delayed teenage girl with scars from a recent double-mastectomy ("top surgery)" and the death of Laken Riley at the hands of an immigrant who entered the United States illegally, was a member of the Venezuelan transnational criminal gang Tren de Aragua, and had prior arrests for child endangerment.

I am reminded of Proverbs 12:10, which says, "[T]he mercy of the wicked is cruel."

This moment at the National Cathedral highlights a greater crisis in our culture -- one that needs our immediate attention. Research by George Barna, a senior research fellow at FRC's Center for Biblical Worldview, shows that although 43 percent of American churchgoers say they have a biblical worldview, only six percent actually do. This widespread biblical illiteracy weakens our churches, our families, and, ultimately, our nation.

But there is hope. Family Research Council is working tirelessly to address this concerning trend. Our Center for Biblical Worldview resources and workshops help Christians deepen their understanding of God's Word so they can better align their thoughts and actions with Scripture and be a better witness to a lost and hurting world.

Will you partner with us in this mission? Your gift enables FRC to combat biblical illiteracy and advance God's truth in our nation.

ADVANCE BIBLICAL TRUTH WITH FRC

There is much work to be done if we're going to reverse the current crisis of spiritual apostasy facilitated by biblical illiteracy in America. We need ministry leaders to articulate a biblical worldview with clarity and conviction, ensuring that God's truth takes root in their homes and communities.

We also need to be salt and light in our communities and good stewards of the government God has entrusted us with. With a new Congress on Capitol Hill and a new administration in the White House, we have an opportunity to score major victories for life, family, and religious freedom, but those kinds of victories will only come if we stay active and involved. We have to be praying and we have to take action!

The first hundred days of any presidential administration are crucial; they set the tone for the next four years.

That's why we recently launched our First 100 Days Toolkit -- exclusively available on our Stand Firm mobile app. This toolkit is designed to help believers pray and actively engage during the crucial early days of the new administration. The toolkit includes prayer points to unite believers as we intercede for President Trump's first 100 days in office, an evaluation of key cabinet nominees, and more.

This initiative is just one example of how FRC is leading the charge to put faith into action, shore up America's reverence and knowledge of God's Word, and empower Christians to stand boldly for truth. Your gift makes it possible for us to provide these critical resources to a nation in desperate need of renewal.

DEFEND BIBLICAL TRUTH WITH FRC

The pulpit of America -- the church -- must become focused on proclaiming truth with a prophetic zeal if we're to turn this thing around.

The challenges before us may seem overwhelming, but as Scripture reminds us: "[T]he word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).

At Family Research Council, we are standing with you, praying for you, and working tirelessly to give you the tools and resources you need to live out your faith boldly. Together, we can confront these challenges and be the salt and light our nation desperately needs.

Will you stand with us today? Your prayers and financial support are vital to everything that we do. We are in this together, and with God's help, we will make a difference.

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.