| Welcome to the Family Beacon, your source for news and commentary on life, family, and religious freedom in Minnesota and beyond! This week: If this message was forwarded to you, sign up here to get pro-life, pro-family news every week. |
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| Video: Renee Carlson of True North Legal on the Importance of March 31st Debate |
|  | Renee Carlson of our True North Legal initiative released a video message today on the importance of our March 31st debate featuring candidates for Attorney General of Minnesota. Watch the video HERE, and click HERE to get your tickets to the debate! |
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| Ukrainians Are Fighting for Religious Freedom |
|  | Since the downfall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has been a bastion of religious freedom in Eastern Europe. But with the invasion by the totalitarian Russian regime, which threatens Ukraine’s sovereignty, this freedom could wither away. As believers, we need to provide measured support to Ukraine in their fight for independence so that religious freedom may thrive. Russia has had a long history of religious persecution, and while the repression affects every faith, Russia’s main target has been Christianity. Vladimir Lenin, the father of the USSR wrote about how religion was poison to the people, and “there is nothing more abominable than religion.” Lenin and later Soviet leaders Stalin, and Khrushchev all led campaigns against established religion, which burned churches, imprisoned priests, and drove Christians out of the country. Khrushchev infamously stated that Christians would become extinct when he was done with them. This persecution did not end when the USSR was abolished in 1990. In 2017, the Russian Nation named Jehovah’s Witnesses as “extremists” and outlawed the practice of their religion. The Russian government under Vladimir Putin has made Christian evangelism very difficult, and has enacted training regulations on pastors and priests that demand they become recertified by a “centralized religious organization.” Religious persecution on that scale is unfathomable to many American Christians. But to Andrei, a Russian youth pastor now living in the Twin Cities, persecution was a part of daily life. He recounts a time, before he moved to the United States, when his youth ministry was raided by police and his student’s held hostage. The persecution didn’t stop there, however. Andrei’s children were under subtle threat as well. He says, “They couldn’t directly make threats about my kids, but they would make hints about getting my kids hooked on drugs, and I felt that they were threatening both of my kids.” Sadly, this is a common occurrence in modern Russia, and as they seek to expand their borders, their anti-religious ideology follows. |
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| Radical Maryland Bill Would Make Abortion a Constitutional Right |
|  | In a 93-42 vote, Maryland legislators passed a law aimed at enshrining abortion as a constitutional right. This decision came after fervent opposition from pro-life legislators in their attempts to amend the bill. If the bill is approved by the Maryland Senate, it would appear on the ballot for Maryland voters to make abortion a constitutionally-guaranteed right. This constitutional amendment is in direct response to the U.S Supreme Court’s expected decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. This case could abolish Roe v. Wade and return the power to legislate on abortion’s legality to the states. If the Maryland amendment gets the approval of voters, it would make it almost impossible to make abortion illegal in that state. Some have cried foul as this bill seeks to influence future elections. Neil Parrott (R-Washington County) said, “There's no reason for this bill, unless it's purely political, to turn out people in elections this coming November, and I don't think that's a great reason to vote for a constitutional amendment.” While states like North Dakota and South Dakota would immediately make abortion illegal if Roe v. Wade is abolished, Maryland (much like Minnesota) would become a stronghold of abortion, which always takes the life of a child and hurts women. This bill would solidify Maryland’s culture of death, attracting women from surrounding states to end the lives of their children. In 1991, Maryland passed a law that would protect abortion even if the United States Supreme Court ever overturned Roe v. Wade. If this amendment is passed, it would require legislators to gain a three-fifths majority instead of the normal 51% to repeal the 1991 law. |
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| Tickets Still Available for Minnesota Leadership Forum with Leading Candidates for Attorney General |
|  | The Minnesota Leadership Forum with leading conservative candidates for Attorney General is coming up on March 31st, and tickets are still available! In December, the five leading conservative candidates for Governor presented their vision for Minnesota in front of a sold-out crowd! Based on the incredible success of that event, we're expecting this one to sell out, as well. Make sure to get your tickets now! Tickets are $20-$25 for regular admission — buy now so you don't miss out on this event! We're grateful to our cosponsors, AM1280 The Patriot, Freedom Club, and Alpha News. They're helping us bring this event to YOU so that you can hear from these great candidates. And remember, we're conducting a straw poll at the debate to hear who YOU want to see on the ticket next November! Want to see more information about the event before locking in your tickets? Click here! |
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| LEAD Registration is Open - Sign Your Teen Up for Our Leadership Camp (July 24-29) |
|  | | If you’ve ever set foot in the Minnesota Capitol building, you know it’s an impressive place! Have you ever thought about whose building it is? The Capitol is the People’s House. It belongs to the people of Minnesota, and because of that, the people of Minnesota have a voice. At LEAD, we equip teens with the tools they need to engage with the legislative process and use that voice. We are passionate about equipping young men and women to stand up for their convictions and practice citizenship worthy of the gospel at the Capitol and beyond! Will your teen be joining us this summer? |
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| Promoted: Whose Children Are They? (Show this Film in YOUR Church) |
|  | Click here to watch the trailer for the new film "Whose Children Are They?" and click HERE for instructions on how to host a showing at YOUR church or school. |
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| Promoted: American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time (March 31) |
|  | AMERICAN AWAKENING: IDENTITY POLITICS AND OTHER AFFLICTIONS OF OUR TIME Presented by Bethlehem College & Seminary - In collaboration with Minnesota Family Council Dr. Joshua Mitchell Professor of Government, Georgetown University Thursday, March 31, 7–9pm Cities Church
St. Paul We have eliminated the modest cost of admission to the series in order to make these outstanding learning opportunities available to a broader audience. Refunds will be issued to those who have already subscribed to one or more lectures. The courtesy of your R.S.V.P., while not necessary for admission, is nevertheless requested such that appropriate plans may be made for seating and refreshments. |
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| Promoted: Sidewalk Counseling Training Seminar (April 26) |
|  | If you can hand someone a brochure, you can help save a life! Learn how to save babies by peacefully reaching out to those entering local abortion facilities. Prayer supporters are also needed and are welcome to attend. Open to Christians of all denominations. No charge. Hosted by the Sanctity of Life Ministry, Bethlehem Baptist Church, and presented by Pro-Life Action Ministries. Ample free parking in the church lot. For more information or to register, contact: [email protected] or call (651) 797-6364. Is God calling you to do more for the unborn? Learn more about sidewalk counseling here. |
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|  | Did you know that when you shop with Amazon Smile, Amazon makes a donation to Minnesota Family Institute at no cost to you? You can support LIFE, FAMILY, and RELIGIOUS FREEDOM while you shop by clicking here (smile.amazon.com/ch/41-1439560) or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app and AmazonSmile donates to Minnesota Family Institute. Bookmark Amazon Smile in your browser so that Amazon will donate every time you make a purchase! |
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| | Get the Parent Resource Guide 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: |
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| | Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council’s vision for strong families, communities and culture through Christ. As we rise to meet challenges at the state and federal level, 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. For life, family, and religious freedom, |
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| John Helmberger, CEO Minnesota Family Council and Institute |
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| | Minnesota Family Council
2855 Anthony Lane S, Suite 150 | Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418-3265
612-789-8811 | [email protected] |
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