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Dear John,
"Is this really happening?" Millions of concerned Christians are asking this question as they read the headlines day after day.
Living in a willfully disobedient culture, the biblical prophet Isaiah delivered a word that warns our nation's leaders today: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil . . ." (Isaiah 5:20). His message wasn't only one of bewilderment, but also of an ultimate judgment.
People in a free society can choose their own path--and they will answer to God. We will answer too for how we respond when they come after our children. We as parents, grandparents, pastors, and citizens must stand up!
Today, radicals are leading a concerted effort to indoctrinate and groom children in LGBT ideology.
In Florida, after parents objected to sexually explicit books such as Gender Queer and Lawn Boy being used in school curriculum without their being notified, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill into law requiring schools to make their curriculum list available to parents.
The Associated Press smeared that law in a national report as "surveillance" and quoted multiple advocacy groups who spoke of grade-schoolers facing "censorship."
Such one-sided propaganda is only waking Americans up to what's actually going on. As people who love truth and righteousness, we're taking a stand against this insidious agenda.
Fortunately, in tandem with FRC, Christian parents and pastors are thinking outside the box. In recent months, we highlighted the Center for Christian Virtue in Ohio, which is leading an initiative to get churches to work together and open charter schools in their communities.
"It's driven by this sense that it is part of our calling as Christians, to provide education for children," said Troy McIntosh, executive director of the state group. Across Ohio, about a dozen of these schools are expected to open in the next few years.
Society is growing unmistakably darker. But the light can still overcome it.
Will you partner with Family Research Council in our crucial role of resourcing parents and pastors? Whether large or small, a gift of any amount goes a long way.
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At FRC, we believe this state-level initiative to lead when it comes to our children's education should be replicated across the nation.
Our policy experts recognize that there are complexities to opening a new school. It's why we've already created an initial practical resource titled "Why Every Church Should Start a Christian School" and have others in development.
Three aspects of this Ohio initiative are worth noting and may answer some concerns.
First, in the case of Westside Christian School in Columbus, eight churches (along with many other leaders in the local community) pooled their resources and manpower in support of the vision to launch this new faith-based educational institution.
These churches are diverse--some are Baptist, some Nazarene, some charismatic, and some non-denominational. Pastors realized their doctrinal differences were secondary to their shared goal of education grounded in a biblical worldview.
Second, the Westside school and several others launching soon across Ohio are specifically located in underserved areas, whether urban or rural. In neighborhoods that lack resources, they're finding open doors as they come in with a fully equipped school and licensed teachers.
Third, a U.S. Supreme Court decision from 2 years ago upholding religious freedom actually swings open the schoolhouse door to initiatives like this nationwide. Here's where FRC policy expertise plays a role.
In June 2020, the Court decided in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue that religious schools cannot be excluded from Montana's private school tax credit program. This means that vouchers and tax credits can now be used to send kids to Christian schools.
With our broad national reach, FRC is spreading the word from coast to coast about this initiative of churches starting schools.
Your gift today will support FRC's vital work of education and mobilization!
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During the pandemic-related virtual learning, our nation's troubling educational system has been exposed like never before.
Parents got a front-row seat to what our children are actually being taught (hint: it's not just reading, writing, and arithmetic!)
Now, this Court decision presents a real opportunity. Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue in Ohio, shared details with our national Washington Watch radio and TV audience.
He spoke of the "real discipleship crisis" in our nation. "What are we going to do to get serious about this problem?" he asked. "We have to be honest that [the culture and public schools] are forming our kids way more than the churches. And once you acknowledge that, it makes all of these other issues [about setting up Christian schools] just logistical questions that we can work through."
FRC is committed to helping churches and local groups work through any barriers they encounter in empowering local parents to set school curricula aligned with their values.
Thank you in advance for partnering with us in this mission through your generous gift and prayer support.
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