“Try to imagine what a nation and its government would look like if all Christian influence on government were suddenly removed. Imagine what it would be like if all the churches and all the Christians in a society stopped seeking to have any kind of influence on laws or on government. What would such a government and such a society look like? Within a few years very few people would have any moral absolutes beyond their own moral sentiments and moral intuitions, which can be so unreliable.” – Wayne Grudem, Politics According to the Bible (2010)
It would seem Dr. Grudem was prophetic. As our Christian influence wanes so do the moral constraints of society. John Adams was also prophetic when he said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” That’s why at Family Policy Alliance our vision is a nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished. And we are seeing the fruits of that work! Here are just a few ways we’re engaging right now.
Last month, Christian leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. at the Statesman Academy, a project of Family Policy Foundation. These men and women received encouragement and education, and they heard from prominent Christians in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as those leaders shared their hearts and experiences while serving God in government. Often stated at this gathering is our definition of a statesman, “A statesman stands for what is right, regardless of the personal consequences.” Here in Rhode Island, we are looking to send future leaders from our state to the Statesmen Academy where they can learn to stand for a bedrock set of principles that will not be compromised for personal or political gain.
That same week in D.C., nearly forty independent policy councils came together simultaneously for our own conference. We had in-depth panels and group discussions regarding policy initiatives and different strategies in blue and red states, how to build meaningful Christ-centered relationships with elected officials, and how to engage young conservatives on the importance of the family unit.
Education and training is also taking place at the state level here in Rhode Island. I will be teaching a new class for Northpoint Bible College beginning August 21 called “Engage the States.” This course is to equip Christians to effectively and winsomely engage our culture on many of the “hot button” issues of the day that are challenging our shared faith and family values: religious liberty, separation of church and state, abortion, assisted suicide, homosexuality, transgenderism, and much more. Check it out here.
One more thing to save the date for locally is the “Bible, Gender & Sexuality Seminar.” The dates are October 29-30. It is sponsored by the Ministry Training Network of Southeastern New England. I have been privileged to be on the planning committee. It’s a first-of-its-kind effort in Rhode Island to host a conference to help church leaders deal with sexuality from a Biblical perspective. It is well worth your time and investment.
We can be an influence in our state – and that’s made possible by giving people like you. The summer months have been a challenge. Please consider a generous donation to Family Policy Alliance here in Rhode Island so we can continue to be the influence God has called us to be in the Ocean State.
For Faith and Family
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Directors – Rhode Island
