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Concerning Wednesday's Events
Dear John,
While we have always cherished and promoted the exercise of our First Amendment freedoms, including the right to assemble, petition the government, and engage in free speech, we unequivocally condemn the use of violence as a form of protest. It has no place in a free society.
We are deeply saddened and dismayed by the violence and destruction of property that took place at the U.S. Capitol this Wednesday, and we mourn the tragic loss of life. This sort of violence and anarchy shows blatant disregard for the foundational values of American government, the Constitution, and the rule of law. It is inconsistent with "citizenship worthy of the gospel of Christ," to which we are called (Philippians 1:27), and it cannot be justified.
We have always advocated for honest election processes and seek to hold the government accountable to the voices of the American people. But such efforts, made by those who speak out and protest lawfully, are seriously marred and undermined by violence and lawbreaking, including that which took place at the Capitol on Wednesday.
Our nation is torn and divided, and today we encourage our fellow citizens to turn to God, to join us in calling out to Him in confession and repentance, and seeking His forgiveness and healing for our country.
May you be encouraged, as I was, by this reminder in the last verse of the hymn, "This is my Father's World:"
This is my Father’s world:
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.
Humbly,
John Helmberger
Chief Executive Officer
What Happened in Georgia?
When things started looking bleak on the morning of November 4th, conservatives held tightly to one comfort: At least we have the Senate. Two long and punishing months later, even that consolation is slipping away. Pro-lifers -- despite truly incredible gains in the House -- are on the verge of two tough years in the minority in both chambers of the U.S. Congress. It isn't the script any of us would have written for the country we love. But as those of us who've lived through the long arc of this movement know: it isn't the closing chapter either.
Disappointment has been a familiar friend to a lot of Americans these last several weeks. More than anything, we just want something to go our way -- a court case, a congressional challenge, a win. With the November election, and again this week in Georgia, a win for the pro-life movement didn’t materialize. But if it doesn't, this isn't the end. Not by a long shot. Are there harsh realities in store for our country? No question about it. But it's how we respond -- as believers and as Americans -- that will ultimately decide this nation's fate. Not a new president, new House, or new Senate.
Success, Winston Churchill reminded people, is not final. Failure is not fatal. It stings -- but it should also motivate. Conservatives, remember, have been here before. The most recent time, in 2009, the political hole was much deeper. More than a decade ago, when President Barack Obama was sworn in, Democrats controlled both chambers of 27 state legislatures. Eight years later, that number was cut in half to 13. And Obama may have ushered in a 60-seat majority in the Senate and a 257-seat majority in the House, but two years later, he lost 63 of those House seats to Republicans -- and by his second term, both chambers were taken over by the GOP. In politics, nothing is forever. ( . . . CONTINUE READING)
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"Gender-Neutral" Language is a Lie
In a recently approved rule package for the 117th Congress, passed along partisan lines, the House of Representatives has House adopted “gender-neutral” language in the name of “diversity and inclusion.” The document removes sex-specific terms, replacing words like “father” and “mother” with “parent,” “aunt” and “uncle” with “parent’s sibling” and so on, attempting to erase the way that the differences between the sexes shape these relationships.
The push for “gender-neutral” language matters because words are never “just” words. Words are how we communicate with and about the world around us, and it’s important that the words we use tell the truth about the world. If they don’t, then we put ourselves at odds with reality. Insisting on “gender-neutral” language implies that humans are essentially “gender-neutral.” This simply is not the case. A person’s “true self” cannot be separated from their biological sex. To be a human is to have a body and to have a body is to be either male or female. We cannot deny this without denying reality itself.
The distinctions between fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, and husbands and wives exist because the differences between men and women are real. And not only are they real, they are a wonderful and essential part of how God designed the world and they shape our relationships. Mothers are not fathers and fathers are not mothers because only women can fulfill the unique calling of motherhood and only fathers can fulfill the unique calling of fatherhood. When we replace words like “mother” and “father” with “gender neutral” language, we overlook the fact that mothers and fathers interact with their children in different ways that play a vital role in a child’s wellbeing. (. . . CONTINUE READING)
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Educating and Equipping Parents on the Transgender Trend
Get Your Copy of the Minnesota Parent Resource Guide! The Parent Resource Guide sheds light on the consequences transgender ideas have on kids' lives, while equipping parents to play a positive role in creating a truly welcoming school community.
Responding to the transgender trend with truth and compassion starts with the Parent Resource Guide. Get your copy HERE today and invite a friend to do the same! Click to order your copy today:
Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council’s vision for strong families and communities through Christ. As we pivot from a contentious election to the challenges ahead, we need your support now more than ever. Click here to give now. We are grateful for your partnership with us through prayer and financial support.
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