Resources for Responsible Christian Citizenship Religious Liberty Under Attack "Religious Freedom Is Under Attack Like Never Before" In his must-read op-ed, Kelly Shakleford explains that "Our country has witnessed a barrage of litigation directed at the fundamental freedom of religious liberty—more than 75 cases since 1940. The numbers do not lie: It took 110 years to see three Supreme Court cases challenging religious liberty, but only 80 years to litigate more than 75 more. Religious freedom has been under increasing siege for eight decades now." In recent months, we have seen attacks on religious liberty grow exponentially. "Religious liberty may be under siege, but all is not lost. The First Amendment still exists," and it is up to us to be the keepers of liberty. Read the full story here. Legislature and Courts Move to Erase Gender Proposed Removal of Marriage Amendment from the Michigan Constitution; Gender-Neutral Legislation Introduced Recently, democrats in the Michigan Legislature proposed overhauling more than 50 laws to erase any reference to binary gender or traditional family roles, like husband and wife. If passed, these bills would affect family law, like child placement, marriage, and divorce laws, as well as various aspects of business law. These radical sweeping changes were introduced in House Bills 6045, 6046, 6047, 6048, 6049, 6050, 6051, 6053, 6054, 6056, 6057, 6058, 6059, 6060, 6061, 6062, 6063, 6064, 6066, 6067, 6068, 6069, 6070, 6072, 6073, 6075, 6076, 6077, 6078, 6079, 6080, 6081,6082, 6083, 6084, 6085, 6086, 6087, 6088, 6089, 6090, 6091, 6092, 6093, 6094, 6095, 6096, 6097, 6098, and HJR T, (which would amend Amends sec. 1, art. X & repeals sec. 25, art. I of the state constitution). House Joint Resolution T is the most significant of the proposed changes. If passed, the resolution introduced by Rep. Jon Hoadley (D) would repeal the Michigan Marriage Amendment, which was passed by voters in a 2004 ballot initiative to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. While these bills are unlikely to see action under the Republican-controlled legislature, CTV will continue to monitor these bills and keep you informed.  Federal Court Rules schools must allow transgender students to use restrooms that align with their gender identity. After a school in Florida received a complaint about a transgender student in a boys restroom, school officials informed the student they were only to use gender neutral restrooms. Citing "equal rights" under the 14th Amendment, judges ruled, "A public school may not punish its students for gender nonconformity. Neither may a public school harm transgender students by establishing arbitrary, separate rules for their restroom use." Concerns remain about the safety of our boys and girls in public schools when those of different biological genders are allowed to enter their restrooms and locker rooms. Read more. Resources for Responsible Christian Citizenship God has commissioned us as individuals to be responsible stewards of the freedoms and gifts He has given us on this earth. Therefore, it is important to increase the Church’s awareness of what is happening in the public arena on issues that matter. If people of faith, virtues, integrity and traditional values do not engage in the activity of our local, state and national government NOW, our rare system of freedoms could be stripped away…very soon. It is imperative that we be diligent for this and future generations. To this end, CTV has developed several resources to help train and equip engaged Christian citizens. Biblical Principles for Public Policy 2020 Church Liaison Manual 2020 Civil Government Video Discussion featuring Woodside Church Senior Pastor Chris Brooks, Pastor Jon Morales, Pastor Ryan Russell and Citizens for Traditional Values President James Muffett Interview with Citizens for Traditional Values President James Muffett by author Diane Loew Responsible Christian Citizenship video with Citizens for Traditional Values President James Muffett Donate to CTV Citizens for Traditional Values relies on the support of grassroots activists and concerned citizens who care about preserving, protecting, and promoting traditional values in Lansing and our local communities. Click here to donate now. Citizens for Traditional Values | PO Box 80295, Lansing, MI 48908 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!