5 facts about John Leland

Saturday marks the 182nd anniversary of the death of John Leland, the most influential Baptist preacher of America’s Founding era. Here are five facts you should know about this champion of religious liberty.

How is your church responding to a post-Roe world?

The Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement — a moment that Christians, pro-life advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. As we respond to the ruling in this case, we want to be faithful to pray.

This free Dobbs prayer guide contains a list of 48 specific prayer requests to guide you, your family, and your church in your prayers over the coming weeks and months.

This Week in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday marked one of the first few votes of the newly installed 118th Congress. With Republicans now in control of the House of Representatives, opportunities to pass pro-life measures will become increasingly likely.

The House got straight to work by passing the Born-alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The bill was passed almost solely along party lines, with only one Democrat joining Republicans in support. The bill provides protections for babies born alive following an attempted abortion. Health Care providers would be required by law to render medical aid to any child born alive, or face prosecution.

While the passage of this bill in the House of Representatives is another step in the right direction towards protecting life, it is not expected to pass the Senate. The ERLC will continue to urge Senators to support this legislation and work towards a day where abortion is no more. You can read more about this vote and the ERLC’s support for this legislation here.

Featured Podcasts

This week on the ERLC Podcast, Lindsay and Brent discuss the South Carolina Supreme Court striking down the state’s 6-week abortion ban. They also talk about the pro-life organization and the March for Life happening next week.

From The Public Square

States target transgender health care in first bills of 2023
Associated Press

More than two dozen bills seeking to restrict transgender health care access have been introduced across 11 states — Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia — for the legislative sessions beginning in early 2023.

Federal judge clears the way for West Virginia law restricting transgender athletes
Politico

A federal judge on Thursday sided with West Virginia’s law that restricts transgender girls from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity, finding that the state legislature’s definition of “girl” and “woman” is constitutional.

Religious Resolutions: Is Just Going to Church Enough?
Institute for Family Studies

A new study finds that the greatest benefits of religion are experienced by those who actively engage in home-centered religious practices, such as family prayer and reading scriptures, in addition to regularly attending religious services.

South Carolina Supreme Court strikes down state's 6-week abortion ban
Axios

The South Carolina state Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the state's six-week abortion ban, asserting that such a law violates the state's constitution.

What You Need to Read

Jill Waggoner and Missy Branch with How the Unify Project helps churches in pursuit of racial unity

Many people recognize the importance of racial unity, but don’t know how to achieve it. The Unify Project is a gospel-centered, ethnically diverse, racial reconciliation ministry designed to mobilize Southern Baptist pastors and leaders in unifying their communities. Co-chaired by two former presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Ed Litton and Dr. Fred Luter, the Unify Project provides simple, practical, and effective resources to aid pastors in this work.

Katelyn Walls Shelton with Abortion is not healthcare

As Christians, we are called to suffer and to suffer well. This is countercultural, especially in today’s world. By all means, we should make use of the gift of healthcare that God, in his mercy, has granted to us through the brilliant minds of the doctors and researchers and scientists that He has created. But when that so-called healthcare reaches beyond the bounds of healing, we must abstain, even if it means our suffering could be greater for it.

Jason Thacker with Two ways to make digital activism better

According to Pew Research Center, 80% of Americans say social media platforms are effective for raising public awareness about political or social issues, and over half have also been civically engaged on social media in recent years. Social media can be a powerful tool when harnessed with wisdom as we seek to influence change and address grave issues of injustice throughout our world.