Capitol Conversations: Recent Episodes
ERLC
This ERLC podcast from Washington, DC is hosted by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, the Director of Public Policy at the ERLC. Join Chelsea and her guests as they help Christians imagine a new way to engage in the public square.
Chelsea Sobolik welcomes David Jimenez, manager of government affairs for Prison Fellowship. They discuss what Second Chance month is and why it is important for churches and communities to remember those in prison. They also discuss ongoing efforts to reform our prison and criminal justice systems in ways that promote the biblical ideas of justice, proportionality, and human dignity – without compromising public safety.
Guest BiographyDavid Jimenez serves as the manager of government affairs for Prison Fellowship’s advocacy and public policy team, where he oversees federal and state legislative campaigns. His background is in public policy advocacy and institution building, most recently as a primary manager for the American Enterprise Institute’s outreach to college students, faculty, and administrators. As an undergraduate at Bowdoin College in Maine, Jimenez studied history and political theory. After graduating, he participated in the Hudson Institute’s Political Studies Fellowship and was a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Romania.
A proud alumnus of Prison Fellowship’s internship program, he first became passionate about criminal justice reform while serving urban youth in New Jersey, where he saw up close the urgent need for restorative approaches to incarceration, law enforcement, and violence. He is passionate about theology, social policy, ethics, and culture. A Pittsburgh native, Jimenez lives in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
Resources from the Conversation* Follow Prison Fellowship’s work * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
As Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine, the most vulnerable people are suffering, including vulnerable children and children in need of safe, permanent, and loving families.
Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Dr. Rick Morton, the Vice President of Engagement for Lifeline Children’s Services to discuss how the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacts orphans, vulnerable children, and families in the process of adopting. They discuss how the war harms vulnerable children, and ways the church can get involved in caring for vulnerable children.
Guest BiographyAs Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the Lifeline Children’s Services outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Holding both the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Rick taught on the faculty of his alma mater as well as the faculties of Bryan College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 26 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption from Ukraine.
Resources from the Conversation* Lifeline Children’s Services * Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care by Rick Morton and Tony Merida * KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology by Rick Morton * Christians, remember the vulnerable children of Ukraine * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Sponsors Dobbs Resource Page Prayer Guide* | Right now, the Supreme Court is considering a major Mississippi abortion case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ERLC and other pro-life organizations filed an amicus brief in this case urging the Supreme Court to overturn the disatrous Roe v. Wade decision. Members of our team also joined pro-life advocates on the steps of the Supreme Court when oral arguments were heard last December. As we approach the Supreme Court’s final decision in June of this year, it’s important for Christians to pray for this landmark case and begin preparing our churches to serve vulnerable women and children in a potential post-Roe world. Download our free prayer guide at ERLC.com/Dobbs. That’s ERLC.com/Dobbs. * Dobbs Resource Page | Many Christians are aware that an important case about abortion is being decided at the Supreme Court this June. But for many, this case is confusing and wrapped in a lot of legal jargon. The ERLC wants to help with that, so we’ve created a resource page that will help you and your church understand what this case means, what could happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned, and how your church can prepare to serve vulnerable women and children in the aftermath. To learn more about the Dobbs case and how you can pray, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs. That’s ERLC.com/Dobbs.
This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with David Curry, President and CEO of Open Doors USA. They discuss the release of Open Door’s 2022 World Watch List, and where it’s the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. David shares ways that Christians can pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.
Guest BiographyOpen Doors USA President and CEO David Curry advocates on behalf of those who are persecuted for their Christian faith. He provides leadership to Open Doors in its mission to strengthen and equip Christians who live under extreme restrictions, while encouraging these believers to remain strong in their faith.
For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive regions, empowering and equipping persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries by providing Bibles, training, and programs to help strengthen the church.
Since assuming the role of CEO in August 2013, Curry has traveled extensively to encourage those living under persecution and support the work of Open Doors. In addition, Curry is often present in Washington, D.C., advocating for religious freedom at the highest levels of our government. He has testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and met with a wide range of policymakers in Washington from both sides of the aisle, including at the White House, in the Senate and at the U.S. State Department.
Curry appears frequently on Fox News and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. He has also been published or featured in sources such as CBS News, CNN, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, USA Today, The Christian Post, and other news outlets.
Prior to coming to Open Doors, Curry served as CEO and president at Christian organizations that serve homeless and neglected children in several countries, including India and Peru.
Curry is the author of four books and holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwest University in Seattle and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Faith Evangelical College and Seminary based in Tacoma, Washington
Resources from the Conversation* Open Doors USA World Watch List * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
Sponsor Prison Fellowship — Second Chance Month* // Every person has dignity and potential. But one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things they need to reach that potential. Join Prison Fellowship this April as they celebrate "Second Chance Month”. Find out how you and your church can help unlock second chances for formerly incarcerated people who have repaid their debt to society. Learn how at prisonfellowship.org.
This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life. They discuss how and why the March began, this year’s theme and how Christians can get involved in caring for women and their preborn children.
Guest BiographyJeanne Mancini was appointed to the role of President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund in the fall of 2012. In this capacity she proudly directs the small non-profit organization committed to restoring a culture of life in the United States, most notably through the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., held on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Previously Jeanne worked with the Family Research Council (FRC), where she focused on issues related to the inherent dignity of the human person, including abortion, women’s health, and end-of-life issues. Prior to FRC Jeanne worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Secretary. Her federal government experience includes global health policy, as well as domestic and international health care issues. Before working in public policy, Jeanne worked for the Catholic Church in a variety of positions involving educating on life issues, human sexuality, marriage, and family.
Jeanne has made frequent media appearances including interviews on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, and others. Jeanne’s writings have appeared in The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, USA Today, the Washington Post and numerous others publications.
Jeanne holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in the theology of marriage and family from the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Jeanne resides in northern Virginia with her husband, David.
Resources from the Conversation* Follow March for Life’s work * Live stream the March for Life * Equality Begins in the Womb | 2022 March for Life * Virtually attend March for LIfe’s “Capitol Hill 101” * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
Sponsors* The Big Wide Welcome // This episode was brought to you by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Big Wide Welcome by Trillia Newbell. Building on the popular book God’s Very Good Idea, The Big Wide Welcome inspires kids to be like Jesus and love others. Grab your copy and some free coloring sheets at thegoodbook.com. * Prison Fellowship — Second Chance Month // Every person has dignity and potential. But one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things they need to reach that potential. Join Prison Fellowship this April as they celebrate "Second Chance Month”. Find out how you and your church can help unlock second chances for formerly incarcerated people who have repaid their debt to society. Learn how at prisonfellowship.org.
Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Ambassador John Cotton Richmond, the former U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021 to human trafficking, forced labor, how Christians can get involved in caring for vulnarble people, and how the Lord led Ambassador Richmond into this work.
Listen to part one here.
Guest BiographyAmbassador Richmond’s career has taken him to the front lines in the global battle against human trafficking. As a Partner at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, he focuses on the intersection between business and human rights. John advises companies on how to keep their supply chains free of forced labor and their workforces free of sex trafficking.
Before joining Dentons, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed John, and he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021. Serving in the nation’s highest-ranking position dedicated to human trafficking, John led U.S. foreign policy related to modern slavery and coordinated the U.S. government’s response to the crime.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, John served for over a decade as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, where he prosecuted numerous victim-centered labor and sex trafficking cases. He also co-founded the Human Trafficking Institute and lived in India for three years pioneering International Justice Mission’s slavery work.
John has received numerous honors and commendations, including being named a “Prosecutor of the Year” and receiving the David Alred Award for exceptional contributions to civil rights. His work caused the former head of the FBI’s human trafficking program to call him “every trafficker’s worst nightmare.”
John received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington and his law degree from Wake Forest University. Ambassador Richmond is a writer and frequent speaker on topics of faith, justice, vocation, and parenting and is a Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute. He lives outside Washington, D.C., with his “Lovely and Talented” wife and their three robust and remarkable children.
Resources from the Conversation* John Cotton Richmond’s Website * Download 10 Things Everyone Should Know About Human Trafficking * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Ambassador John Cotton Richmond, the former U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021 to human trafficking, forced labor, how Christians can get involved in caring for vulnarble people, and how the Lord led Ambassador Richmond into this work.
Guest BiographyAmbassador Richmond’s career has taken him to the front lines in the global battle against human trafficking. As a Partner at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, he focuses on the intersection between business and human rights. John advises companies on how to keep their supply chains free of forced labor and their workforces free of sex trafficking.
Before joining Dentons, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed John, and he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021. Serving in the nation’s highest-ranking position dedicated to human trafficking, John led U.S. foreign policy related to modern slavery and coordinated the U.S. government’s response to the crime.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, John served for over a decade as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, where he prosecuted numerous victim-centered labor and sex trafficking cases. He also co-founded the Human Trafficking Institute and lived in India for three years pioneering International Justice Mission’s slavery work.
John has received numerous honors and commendations, including being named a “Prosecutor of the Year” and receiving the David Alred Award for exceptional contributions to civil rights. His work caused the former head of the FBI’s human trafficking program to call him “every trafficker’s worst nightmare.”
John received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington and his law degree from Wake Forest University. Ambassador Richmond is a writer and frequent speaker on topics of faith, justice, vocation, and parenting and is a Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute. He lives outside Washington, DC with his “Lovely and Talented” wife and their three robust and remarkable children.
Resources from the Conversation* John Cotton Richmond’s Website * Download 10 Things Everyone Should Know About Human Trafficking * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with Herbie Newell of Lifeline Children’s Services to discuss National Adoption Month, how the church can care for vulnerable children, and how we can be preparing for a post-Roe world.
Guest BiographyHerbie Newell is the President/Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and it’s ministry arms including (un)adopted, Crossings, and Lifeline Village. Herbie holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Samford University. He joined the Lifeline staff in 2003 as Executive Director. From January 2004 to December 2008, he served as the president of the Alabama Adoption Coalition. Herbie was chosen as a Hague Intercountry Adoption evaluator and team leader by the Council of Accreditation and serves in that capacity currently. Under Herbie’s leadership, Lifeline has increased the international outreach to 23 countries, helped Lifeline attain membership in the ECFA (Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability), and led the creation of foster care ministry. Having witnessed the plight of older orphans on many trips overseas, Herbie’s burden for the fatherless was a catalyst for starting (un)adopted during 2009. He worked with WAKM Companies, LLC, a prominent accounting firm, for many years as an independent auditor before being led to Lifeline. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Birmingham, Alabama, and are parents to son, Caleb, and daughters Adelynn and Emily.
Resources from the Conversation Lifeline Children Services * Lifeline resources for churches * Book: Adopted for Life by Russell Moore * Order Herbie’s Book |Image Bearers: from pro-birth to pro-life* * Lifeline Children’s Services * Herbie’s articles, panels, and podcasts with ERLC * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
The digital age promised deep connections, rich communication, and more access to information than we could ever imagine. But while technology has brought incredible benefits and conveniences into our lives, it also has led to countless unintended consequences and deep ethical challenges that push us to consider how to live out our faith in a technological society.
This week, Chelsea Sobolik’s ERLC colleague Jason Thacker joins her to discuss his new project, the digital public square and important tech policies that you need to know about.
Guest BiographyJason serves as chair of research in technology ethics at the ERLC. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of philosophy, ethics, and worldview at Boyce College in Louisville, KY. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Following Jesus in the Digital Age with B&H Publishing, as well as The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity with Zondervan. He also serves as the editor of a forthcoming volume with B&H Academic on Christian ethics and the digital public square, focused on content moderation and online governance. He is the project leader and lead drafter of Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles, and his work has been featured at Slate, Politico, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and World Radio.
Resources from the Conversation* Follow Jason Thacker’s work * The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity by Jason Thacker * Preorder: Following Jesus in a Digital Age by Jason Thacker * Subscribe to the Digital Public Square * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
ERLC’s acting director of public policy, Chelsea Sobolik shares the top three stories from Washington, D.C., that you need to know about, shares how Christians ought to think about these issues, and ways Christians can get involved.
Resources from the Conversation* Send Relief and World Relief work together to resettle Afghan refugees * Why the U.S. should provide Priority 2 refugee status for Afghans fleeing persecution * Evangelical Leaders Call on the Biden Administration to Stand with Afghan Allies * ERLC disapproves of efforts to strip Hyde Amendment, other protections in federal funding * Explainer: What you should know about the Texas Heartbeat Act and the Supreme Court * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
As the United States departed from Afghanistan, there remains an urgent humanitarian crisis in the country, both for the U.S.’s Afghan allies and those fearing persecution from the Taliban.
Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Matthew Soerens, the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief to discuss how and why Christians can serve Afghans who qualified for the Special Immigrant Visa Program and the Refugee Resettlement Program.
Guest BiographyMatthew Soerens is the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief, where he helps evangelical churches to understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values.
Matthew previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited legal counselor at World Relief’s local office in Wheaton, Illinois and, before that, with World Relief’s partner organization in Managua, Nicaragua. He’s also the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016).
Resources from the Conversation ad: Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis by Stephan Bauman, Matthew Soerens and Dr. Issam Smeir * Read: Welcoming the Stranger* by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang * Send Relief’s Response to the Afghanistan Refugee Crisis * Learn more about World Relief * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute.
Levin’s work in recent years have been instrumental to many of us here at the ERLC in thinking well about what has gone wrong in the public square and to see clearly why now is a time to build toward renewal.
Guest BiographyYuval Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. The founding and current editor of National Affairs, he is also a senior editor of The New Atlantis and a contributing editor to National Review.
Dr. Levin and scholars in the Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies research division study the foundations of self-government and the future of law, regulation, and constitutionalism. They also explore the state of American social, political, and civic life, while focusing on the preconditions necessary for family, community, and country to flourish.
Dr. Levin served as a member of the White House domestic policy staff under President George W. Bush. He was also executive director of the President’s Council on Bioethics and a congressional staffer at the member, committee, and leadership levels.
In addition to being interviewed frequently on radio and television, Dr. Levin has published essays and articles in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Commentary. He is the author of several books on political theory and public policy, most recently A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream (Basic Books).
He holds an MA and PhD from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago.
Resources from the Conversation* Read: A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream by Yuval Levin * Read: Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants - President George W. Bush * Listen: Yuval Levin on the fractures in American public life and the path to renewal * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
We are in a season of transition at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission after Russell Moore’s move to Christianity Today. The team in D.C. is changing as well, and so we wanted to bring you a final show with the current team: Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow.
This show will air in two parts with reflections on the ERLC’s work in Washington and a conversation with David French of The Dispatch about religious liberty, pro-life policy, and January 6th. Listen to part one here.
The motivating aim of Capitol Conversations was to foster a new evangelical imagination for political engagement and we hope it’s done that for you. On behalf of all of us at the ERLC in Washington, thanks for listening.
In the meantime, stay subscribed to Capitol Conversations as there will surely and soon be something new on this channel. And be sure to check out The ERLC Podcast as well, with new episodes from Nashville released every Friday.
Guest BiographyDavid French is senior editor of The Dispatch. He’s also a columnist for Time. He’s the author of Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can’t Ignore, and Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation, among others.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with David French’s work at The Dispatch * Read issues of David’s newsletter, The French Press, on the topics discussed + Liberty Gained and Power Lost from January 10, 2020 + Punitive Intolerance Is No Way to Preserve Pluralism from July 6, 2021 + How To Be Pro-Life in Joe Biden’s America from February 7, 2021 + The Institutionalist Case for Reversing Roe v. Wade from July 27, 2021 + Only the Church Can Truly Defeat a Christian Insurrection from January 10, 2021 + January 6 and the Awesome Power of Republican Cognitive Dissonance from July 1, 2021 * Read 4 important SCOTUS cases for life and religious liberty: looking back and looking ahead by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * Watch ERLC’s event from July 29, 2021: Baptists and the Court: A Review of Recent SCOTUS Decisions * Watch the NYT video about January 6th that David recommended: Inside the Capitol Riot: An Exclusive Video Investigation * Listen to the short podcast series from The Dispatch that Travis recommended: The Hangover with Chris Stirewalt * Watch Russell Moore’s conversation with Jeff Pickering about January 6th: Chaos at the Capitol: A Conversation about Conspiracies and Violence * Read How the ERLC advocates on the Hill by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
We are in a season of transition at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission after Russell Moore’s move to Christianity Today. The team in D.C. is changing as well, and so we wanted to bring you a final show with the current team: Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow.
This show will air in two parts with reflections on the ERLC’s work in Washington, D.C., and a conversation with David French of The Dispatch about religious liberty, pro-life policy, and January 6th.
The motivating aim of Capitol Conversations was to foster a new evangelical imagination for political engagement and we hope it’s done that for you. On behalf of all of us at the ERLC in Washington, D.C., thanks for listening.
In the meantime, stay subscribed to Capitol Conversations as there will surely and soon be something new on this channel. And be sure to check out The ERLC Podcast as well, with new episodes from Nashville released every Friday.
Guest BiographyDavid French is senior editor of The Dispatch. He’s also a columnist for Time. He’s the author of Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can’t Ignore, and Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation, among others.
Resources from the Conversation* Read David French’s work at The Dispatch * Read How the ERLC is advocating for Southern Baptists in Washington, D.C. by Jeff Pickering * Read How the ERLC advocates on the Hill by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * Read Why do we send advocacy letters in D.C.? by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Jeff Pickering * Listen to our favorite episodes + Chelsea: Melissa Ohden on Surviving Abortion + Jeff: Kenneth Bae, the longest held U.S. prisoner in North Korea, on hope in a hard labor camp + Travis: Matti Friedman on the Middle East after the Abraham Accords + Interns: Staff Roundtable with our spring 2020 intern on her semester in D.C. and how the pandemic changed everything and the episode when Brooke was an intern Year in Review with the 2018 Interns * Read about the issues we highlighted + Chelsea: China’s Main Threat Is a Moral One + Jeff: Citing ERLC brief, SCOTUS protects religious liberty + Travis: SBA issues new safe harbor for small Paycheck Protection loans * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Brooke Kramer are joined by the Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero to discuss why Christians should care about ending the payday debt trap and how the Faith for Just Lending (FJL) coalition is advocating against payday lending. Salguero is the pastor at The Gathering Place, a Latino-led multi-ethnic Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando and also the president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NALEC).
“Payday lending is a form of economic predation and grinds the faces of the poor into the ground. As Christians, we are called by Jesus, by the prophets and by the apostles to care for the poor, individually, and also about the way social and political and corporate structures contribute to the misery of the impoverished. Groups across this diverse coalition don’t agree on every issue in the public square, but I am happy to work together on this issue to stand against unchecked usury and work for economic justice, human dignity and family stability.” — Russell Moore
Guest BiographyThe Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero is pastor at The Gathering Place, a Latino-led multi-ethnic Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando, Florida. Salguero is also the president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NALEC), a coalition of several thousand evangelical congregations in the United States. He was the former Director of the Hispanic Leadership Program (HLP), and the Institute for Faith and Public Life at Princeton Theological Seminary. Salguero has been named as one of the nation’s most prominent Latino evangelical leaders by the New York Times, NBC Universal, Univisión, and many other outlets. In addition, his leadership on issues of young male education and criminal justice reform has been featured by the Discovery Channel and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Rev. Salguero has served on the White House Faith-Based Advisory Council, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), and the National Advisory Council of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Salguero holds a BA in Spanish and History from Rutgers University, and M.Div (magna cum laude) from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, he pursued a Ph.D in Christian Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, and holds a Doctorate in Divinity from Eastern Nazarene College. Rev. Salguero lives together with his wife, the Rev. Jeanette Salguero and their two sons in Orlando, Florida.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about the Faith for Just Lending Coalition * Learn more about the National Latino Evangelical Coalition * ERLC supports the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act * ERLC opposes the OCC’s “True Lender” rule * Faith Leaders Applaud Congress’ Decision to Challenge OCC’s ‘True Lender’ Rule * SBC Payday Lending Resolution * 5 facts about Payday Lending * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Matthew Soerens of World Relief, a refugee resettlement agency, to the roundtable to talk about what happened with President Biden’s decision on the refugee admissions ceiling. The group also discusses the Evangelical Immigration Table advocacy both for refugee policy and for solutions to the ongoing migration humanitarian crisis at the U.S. southern border.
“Rhetoric is no refuge for the persecuted — we need action. The refugee resettlement ceiling should be raised immediately so our nation can welcome those we already vetted. … We know the program is a secure and thorough process by which America can serve as a beacon of freedom and safe harbor for the oppressed, including persecuted Christians and other imperiled religious minorities.” — Russell Moore on April 16, 2021
“I’m thankful President Biden revised his decision on the refugee ceiling. This action is the first step in bringing admissions back to the historical average and our nation back to our own ideals as a beacon of freedom.” — Russell Moore on May 4, 2021
Guest BiographyMatthew Soerens serves as the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition of evangelical organizations of which both World Relief and the ERLC are founding members. He previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited immigration legal counselor for World Relief’s local office in suburban Chicago. Matthew is the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016) and Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate (InterVarsity Press, 2018). Matthew earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College (IL), where he also has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership graduate program. He also earned a Master’s degree from DePaul University’s School of Public Service. Originally from Neenah, Wisconsin, he now lives in Aurora, Illinois with his wife Diana and their four children.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about World Relief * Learn more about the Evangelical Immigration Table * Check out Matthew Soerens’ books about seeking refuge and the immigration debate * Read EIT’s advocacy statements to President Biden + Evangelical Leaders Urge President Biden to Revise Refugee Resettlement Ceiling Immediately, April 16, 2021 + Evangelical Leaders Commend President Biden for Raising Refugee Ceiling, May 4, 2021 * Listen to previous episodes on immigration and refugees + Laura Collins on immigration and border policy solutions + Jonathan Hayes on how our government shelters unaccompanied migrant children * Read Jeff’s article at Providence: A Case for Rebuilding the US Commitment to Refugees * Read the ERLC and EIT’s series on Thinking Biblically about Immigration * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
This week, Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow are honored to welcome Gayle Manchin, Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to discuss USCIRF’s recently released annual report.
Comprised of nine commissioners, USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal body that is principally responsible for reviewing the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and making policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives appoint USCIRF Commissioners.
Guest BiographyGayle Manchin is an educator who has worked in Marion County Schools at the secondary level, on the faculty of Fairmont State University in Developmental Education, and was the Director of the university's first Community Service Learning Program. From 2005-2010, Gayle Manchin served as West Virginia's First Lady. She was appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the State Board of Education, where she also served as President. She also served for one year as West Virginia’s Cabinet Secretary for the Office of Education and the Arts. At the national level, Gayle Manchin has been President of the National Association of State Boards of Education. She was appointed by then Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to the Federal Improvement for Post-Secondary Education Board in 2010. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of The Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C. Gayle Manchin has spoken at the state and national levels on the challenges of rural education, poverty, and student achievement. She holds a Master of Arts in Reading and a Bachelor of Arts in Language Arts and Education from West Virginia University, and a master's specialization in Educational Technology Leadership from Salem International University.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin * Check out USCIRF’s 2021 Annual Report * Learn more about USCIRF’s Prisoners of Conscience Project * USCIRF releases 2021 annual report on international religious freedom by ERLC Policy Staff * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering welcomes back Heather Rice-Minus of Prison Fellowship to talk about the church, criminal justice reform, and why Christians value second chances. This episode comes as we are engaged in Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort each April to raise awareness about barriers to reentry and unlock brighter futures for people with a criminal record.
This conversation was recorded on Friday, April 16, the week before the verdict was announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.
Guest BiographyHeather Rice-Minus serves as Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Church Mobilization at Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. She is a powerful, knowledgeable voice articulating the case for restorative criminal justice solutions. She is also the co-author of Outrageous Justice, a Bible study curriculum and book. A native of Virginia, Rice-Minus resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband and daughter, and they welcomed a second child as foster parents in 2020.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about Second Chance Month with Prison Fellowship * Register for the Second Chance Month Gala on April 29 * Read Heather’s article What the Bible says about second chances * Listen to the previous episode with Heather A Story of Criminal Justice Reform: How the First Step Act Became Law * Learn more about the EQUAL Act * Here are the articles Jeff recommended in the introduction + The George Floyd Trial and the Longing for Justice by Russell Moore + How I’m Talking to My Kids About the Derek Chauvin Verdict by Esau McCaulley at the New York Times + George Floyd and Me by Shai Linne at TGC * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Adoption is a priority of the ERLC’s work, both in policy advocacy and family ministry. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow talk about three adoption issues you should be aware of. They cover the effects of the pandemic on adoption, the Adoptee Citizenship Act, and an important case at the Supreme Court for child welfare providers.
At the end of the episode, the crew is joined by our awesome audio engineer, Gary Lancaster to wish him a farewell, say thanks, and reflect on his decade with the ERLC. anniversary
Resources from the Conversation Listen to the podcast by Lifeline Child Services: COVID: One Year Later * Read Chelsea’s article: How the coronavirus is affecting vulnerable children * Listen to the podcast on the Fulton case: Lori Windham on Fulton v. Philadelphia*, the Supreme Court foster-care case * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Phillip Bethancourt, now lead pastor of Central in College Station, Texas and former ERLC executive vice president, joins Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow to discuss how Christians can engage conversations on COVID vaccine hesitancy. Bethancourt’s church recently served their community as a vaccination site.
Guest Biography
Phillip Bethancourt is lead pastor of Central in College Station, Texas. Before he was called to pastor Central, he served as the Executive Vice President of the ERLC team for seven years. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 2004, and he then went on to earn an MDiv and PhD in Systematic Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Phillip and his wife, Cami, have been married since 2005, and have four boys. Phillip’s authored books and curriculum include: Exalting Jesus in Genesis, Christ-Centered Parenting: Gospel Conversations on Complex Cultural Issues, and Religious Liberty: How the Gospel Shapes Our First Freedom.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with Phillip Bethancourt * Read the AP story where Phillip is quoted: Vaccine skepticism runs deep among white evangelicals in US by David Crary * Listen to the episodes we referenced: NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins on the COVID-19 vaccines + Russell Moore on the ethics of the COVID-19 vaccines * Read Dr. Moore’s Washington Post op-ed co-authored with Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals: Not the mark of the beast: Evangelicals should fight conspiracy theories and welcome the vaccines * See more COVID19 related resources from the ERLC * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
We want to help you think well about immigration, especially as the surge in unaccompanied children at the U.S. southern border leads to greater public debate of these issues. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome Jonathan Hayes, a former federal official, to the roundtable to explain how our government shelters unaccompanied migrant children. Hayes served as Director of the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement, the agency responsible for caring for unaccompanied migrant children.
“Yet again, the situation at the southern border ought to remind us that unaccompanied migrant children are not a mere problem to be solved. They bear the image of God, and are endowed by him with dignity and worth. Jesus loves them, and so should we. These kinds of problems will persist at our border for as long as our immigration system is allowed to languish in incoherence. A better path forward will require government leaders — both in Congress and the administration — coming together in an honest search for solutions based on long-term strategies. In the meantime, we should do everything we can do, through both Christian ministry and government policy, to help alleviate the suffering of those who are attempting to flee violence in their home countries.” – Russell Moore on March 18, 2021
Guest BiographyJonathan Hayes served as the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Administration for Children & Families at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services until March 2020 when he transitioned to the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response until January 2021. Prior to joining HHS, Jonathan served as chief of staff to two members of Congress spanning over eight years. Additionally, he has experience in the private sector working in broadcast television, sales and marketing, business development, international trade and customs and commercial airline operations. Jonathan received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and minor in political science from Florida State University. Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and raised in Panama City, Florida, he now lives in northern Virginia with his wife Tammy and their five children. He is also an elder at McLean Presbyterian Church.
Resources from the Conversation* Listen to Laura Collins on immigration and border policy solutions * Read ERLC’s Explainer: The crisis of unaccompanied minors at the border * Read EIT’s letter to President Biden | Evangelical Leaders Urge Compassionate Response to Vulnerable Children at the Border * Read Time Magazine piece | How Foster Families Are Stepping Up to House Unaccompanied Children Arriving at the U.S.-Mexico Border by Jasmine Aguilera * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
How should we think about the ethics of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine? Russell Moore joins Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow to explain why it is ethical to take this shot. And specifically for pro-life Christians, taking the vaccines will help preserve life and end the pandemic suffering.
The round table also reflects on the one year anniversary of the pandemic and what it all means for the church going forward.
Resources from the Conversation* Read Dr. Moore’s ethics article: Is the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Unethical? * Read Dr. Moore’s Washington Post op-ed co-authored with Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals: Not the mark of the beast: Evangelicals should fight conspiracy theories and welcome the vaccines * Listen to the episode Jeff referenced: NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins on the COVID-19 vaccines * Listen to the episode Chelsea referenced on institutions: Yuval Levin on the fractures in American public life and the path to renewal * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
In an 8-1 victory for religious liberty, the Supreme Court ruled Monday in Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski that governments can be held accountable for past violations of First Amendment freedoms. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome lawyer and free speech advocate Casey Mattox to the roundtable to talk about the decision and why it matters.
Guest BiographyCasey Mattox is vice president for legal and judicial strategy at Americans for Prosperity, where he advocates for a legal system that respects the rule of law and protects individual liberty. For over fifteen years before joining Americans for Prosperity, Casey’s legal career focused on defending the First Amendment rights of students, faculty, families, healthcare workers and religious organizations. He has litigated in 35 states and also testified three times before congressional committees. Casey has a J.D. from Boston College School of Law and a B.A. in Government and History from the University of Virginia.
Resources from the Conversation Find Casey on Twitter at @CaseyMattox_ * Read ERLC’s Explainer on the Uzuegbunam case * Read the Top Quotes from the Uzuegbunam* Opinions * See Russell Moore’s comment on the case * Check out the ERLC’s amicus brief * Check out American’s for Prosperity’s amicus brief * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
We want to help you think well about immigration, especially as news reports grow over potential surges of unaccompanied minors at the U.S. southern border. How do we care for immigrants well and celebrate immigration as important to America while also not creating a magnet for a border crisis? Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Laura Collins to the roundtable to help answer that question.
Guest BiographyLaura Collins serves as Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. Collins previously served as the Director of Immigration Policy at the American Action Forum. She has experience in politics, working as a Senior Research Analyst at the Republican National Committee for the 2012 election cycle and in the Texas House of Representatives for the 82nd Legislature. A former practicing attorney, Collins earned a JD from The University of Texas School of Law and a BBA from the University of Oklahoma.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with Laura and her work at the Bush Institute * Read Laura’s January 2019 op-ed: Border challenges are real and urgent, but solutions are more complex * Read the Bush Center’s White Paper: Smart Border Policy For The 21st Century * Check out former President George W. Bush’s new book, Out of Many, One * Guaranteeing Secure National Borders: Thinking Biblically about Immigrants and Immigration Reform Series by ERLC Policy Staff * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
The ERLC’s public policy advocacy includes supporting good legislation while also opposing bills that are harmful to the common good. Jeff and Chelsea welcome their friend Katie Glenn from Americans United for Life to discuss how the promotion of justice for life-affirming laws requires both.
Guest BiographyKatie Glenn serves as Government Affairs Counsel at Americans United for Life. Her work to enact pro-life laws at the state and federal level includes writing and testifing on all of AUL’s issue areas across the United States. She is an associate editor of Defending Life 2020, and plays an integral role in AUL’s growing advocacy in Latin America. Prior to AUL, she worked with legislators, faith leaders, and religious institutions to protect religious freedom for all Americans, while traveling across the country to assist in the legislative process. She graduated with honors from Tulane University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University Of Florida Levin College Of Law.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with Katie at AUL * Read more: ERLC opposes H.R.5 the Equality Act * Go deeper: What is the Equality Act? by ERLC Policy Staff * Watch the Super Bowl ad on US Paralympian Jessica Long * Check out the 2 reports Katie referenced Unsafe, a 50-state investigative report on America’s abortion industry conditions and Defending Life 2021 * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff, Chelsea, and Travis discuss three big international stories for Christians to consider. They cover an update on the Chinese Uyghur genocide, how Christians are often left out of Middle East peace accords, and what we can learn about the fragility of democracy from the coup in Myanmar.
This episode was sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Being the Bad Guy by Stephen McAlpine.
Resources from the Conversation Chelsea’s story: 'Their goal is to destroy everyone': Uighur camp detainees allege systematic rape / Genocide + Go deeper with this article: U.S. announces genocide determination for the ongoing attrocities committed against Uyghurs by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * Travis’ story: Abraham’s Missing Child: Christians + Go deeper with this ERLC podcast episode: Matti Friedman on the Middle East after the Abraham Accords * Jeff’s story: Myanmar coup: What is happening and why? + Go deeper with this NPR podcast episode: Myanmar Explained: How A Coup Followed Unproven Allegations Of Voter Fraud + All 10 living former defense secretaries: Involving the military in election disputes would cross into dangerous territory * International religious liberty: The ERLC’s work in Geneva by Jeff Pickering * Genocide: The power of words and the obligation to “do something” by Travis Wussow * ERLC led letter urging the State Department to designate Rohingya persecution as genocide * Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFE * Visit The Good Book Company to check out Being the Bad Guy* by Stephen McAlpine * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
As we step into a new year, as well as a new administration in Washington, D.C., we want to join together to discuss this important moment in the pro-life movement. We believe that the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case which will occur in January of 2023 will mark a significant moment in time for the pro-life movement. We have a powerful opportunity now to begin 2021 discussing the future of the pro-life movement and begin casting a vision for the next three years—what we are calling the “Road to Roe50”.
This panel first aired during the ERLC’s Evangelicals for Life conference on Thursday, January 28, 2021.
This episode was sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Being the Bad Guy by Stephen McAlpine.
Guest BiographiesDenise Harle serves as senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom. Denise focuses her litigation efforts on defending the First Amendment freedoms of pro-life health care professionals and pregnancy resource centers. She also works to defend pro-life legislation around the nation. Since joining ADF, Harle took the primary role in drafting the briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court in NIFLA v. Becerra, resulting in a free speech victory for California pro-life pregnancy centers.
Steven Aden serves as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for Americans United for Life. Aden is an experienced litigator, having appeared in court against Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry dozens of times and appointed by the attorneys general of six states to defend pro-life laws securing numerous victories.
Resources from the Conversation Watch EFL 2021 * Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFE * Visit The Good Book Company to check out Being the Bad Guy* by Stephen McAlpine * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff, Chelsea, and Travis discuss President Biden’s first week of executive actions, both those which are praiseworthy and others which raise concern. This flurry of policy-making from the White House also shows how far we’ve strayed from the constitutional structure of our federal government.
Then, our colleague Elizabeth Graham joins the roundtable for the first time to introduce the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project which places life-saving ultrasound machines in pregnancy care centers. The ERLC’s efforts to Stand For Life take a big step forward this year as we launch our Road to ROE50 initiative at our annual Evangelicals For Life conference.
Guest Biography
Elizabeth Graham serves as Vice President of Operations and Life Initiatives for the ERLC. She provides leadership, guidance and strategy for life and women’s initiatives and provides oversight to other strategic projects as needed. Additionally, she directs the leadership, management and operations for all ERLC events. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is married to Richmond, and they have a son and a daughter.
Resources from the Conversation The team’s favorite Bernie Sanders memes + Travis: Bernie in Dr. Moore’s office + Chelsea: Bernie in The Office conference room + Jeff: Bernie at Joe’s thing + Elizabeth: Bernie in the choir loft * Read more: President Biden’s first week of executive actions by Policy Staff + Read more: Why Christians can celebrate the peaceful transition of power by Jeff Pickering + Listen to the podcast about the book Travis mentioned: Yuval Levin on the fractures in American public life and the path to renewal + Go deeper: ERLC’s 2021 Public Policy Agenda * Learn more about the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project + Listen to learn about Lifeline Children’s Services: Herbie Newell on the pro-life ethic + Psalm 139 Project to donate 10 ultrasound machines to pregnancy resource centers across America + Watch: The Pearl Brown Story + Eric Brown’s EFL Keynote + Register for EFL on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 * Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFE * Visit ERLC.com/STORE to download “A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Your Children About Gender: Helping Kids Navigate a Confusing Culture”* * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow are back together for the start of a new year in D.C. The team reflects on the two historic Wednesdays at the U.S. Capitol and what it all means for our democracy, our public policy work, and for Christians in the public square. January 6th was a day of chaos. January 20th is a day that will see the inauguration of a new president amidst unprecedented security and pandemic precautions. Both are meaningful for the work of the ERLC.
Resources from the Conversation Watch the interview: Chaos at the Capitol: A Conversation about Conspiracies and Violence with Russell Moore * Read Moore’s newsletter from Jan. 11: The Roman Road from Insurrection * Read Moore’s newsletter from Nov. 16: Looking for Truth in Post-Election America * Read Moore’s article from Nov. 7: Christians, Let’s Pray for President-Elect Joe Biden * Read Senator Ben Sasse’s essay on leadership and counting the Electoral College votes * Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFE * Register for EFL on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 * Visit ERLC.com/STORE to download “A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Your Children About Gender: Helping Kids Navigate a Confusing Culture”* * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
We begin 2021 with a conversation between Jeff Pickering and Russell Moore about the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and not just that as a lone event but all that led up to it. The constant assault on the truth and reality of the 2020 presidential election, that Joe Biden won and Donald Trump lost, stirred up the worst of partisan passions and led to an unimaginable assault on our democracy and a historic tragedy on Wednesday, January 6.
The interview was hosted as an ERLC webinar on Friday, January 8, 2020.
Resources from the Conversation Watch the interview * Read Moore’s newsletter from Jan. 11: The Roman Road from Insurrection * Read Moore’s newsletter from Nov. 16: Looking for Truth in Post-Election America * Read Moore’s article from Nov. 7: Christians, Let’s Pray for President-Elect Joe Biden * Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFE * Visit ERLC.com/STORE to download “A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Your Children About Gender: Helping Kids Navigate a Confusing Culture”* * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
All of the hosts from the ERLC podcasts are together for one big crossover episode to wrap up 2020 with highlights, favorite things, and the banter that turns co-workers into friends.
This MEGACAST joins the ERLC Podcast crew–Josh Wester, Lindsay Nicolet, and Brent Leatherwood–with the Capitol Conversations team–Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow–and Jason Thacker of the WeeklyTech podcast. Thanks be to Gary Lancaster, our fearless producer and America’s most elite audio engineer!
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Resources from the Conversation ERLC Podcast with Josh Wester, Lindsay Nicolet, and Brent Leatherwood * Capitol Conversations with Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow * WeeklyTech with Jason Thacker * This Week’s Promos + Check out The Good Book Company + Learn more and apply at ERLC.com/internships + Make an end of year donation at ERLC.com/donate * From the Highlights Conversation + What Hong Kong reveals about the future of China by Travis Wussow + The tension of technology: Hope and fear in the digital age by Jason Thacker + Hidden in Plain Sight: a call to bring hope and help to victims of abuse, winter edition of LIGHT Magazine + Watch The Pearl Brown Documentary + Looking for Truth in Post-Election America by Russell Moore * Favorite Books + Brent | A Time to Buildby Yuval Levin + Chelsea | Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund + A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte + Lindsay | Spy Novels by Daniel Silva + Travis | The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker IIIby Peter Baker and Susan Glasser + Jason | The Technological Society by Jacques Ellul + Josh | Politics after Christendom by David VanDrunen * Favorite Podcasts + Brent | The Remnant + Chelsea | Office Ladies + Lindsay | Crime Junkie + Jeff | The Jamie Weinstein Show + Jason | In Machines We Trust + Josh | More Perfect * Favorite Newsletters* + Jeff | Axios Sports by Kendall Baker + Travis | Jonah Goldberg’s Friday G-File + Jason | The Economist Espresso
With the first COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer being delivered throughout the U.S., we wanted to bring you a discussion about the vaccines between Dr. Russell Moore and Dr. Francis Collins, the Director of the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Collins is one of our nation’s key scientific leaders battling the pandemic. In this conversation, he shares insights about the development of the vaccines, misconceptions about them and what it will take to get our church life back to "normal."
This discussion was hosted as an ERLC webinar on December 3, 2020.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyFrancis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. was appointed the 16th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate. He was sworn in on August 17, 2009. On June 6, 2017, President Donald Trump announced his selection of Dr. Collins to continue to serve as the NIH Director. In this role, Dr. Collins oversees the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world, spanning the spectrum from basic to clinical research.
Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist noted for his landmark discoveries of disease genes and his leadership of the international Human Genome Project, which culminated in April 2003 with the completion of a finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book. He served as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH from 1993-2008.
Before coming to NIH, Dr. Collins was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the University of Michigan. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007, and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. In 2020, he was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (UK) and was also named the 50th winner of the Templeton Prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity.
Resources from the Conversation* During the webinar, Dr. Collins mentioned a website where you can find more information about joining vaccine or clinical trials or donating plasma to help win the fight against COVID-19. Click here to learn more: combatcovid.hhs.gov * Read more: Why We Plan to Get Vaccinated: A Christian Moral Perspective by Matthew Arbo, C. Ben Mitchell, and Andrew T. Walker * Watch the original webinar * Check out The Good Book Company * Stay up to date on ERLC’s resources regarding COVID-19 * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Travis Wussow are both back around the table with Jeff Pickering for a wide ranging policy conversation about the ERLC’s priorities for the Lame Duck Congress and then the Biden Administration.
Then on the second half of the show, China expert Michael Sobolik joins us for a deep dive on Chinese Communist Party politics, history of the U.S. China relationship, and what it means for human rights advocacy today.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyMichael Sobolik is a Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foriegn Policy Council. His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America’s alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Michael also serves as editor of AFPC’s monthly newsletter Indo-Pacific Monitor. His analysis has appeared in The Diplomat, The Hill, Jane's Defence Weekly, The National Interest, National Review, Newsweek, Providence, and RealClearDefense. Prior to joining AFPC, Michael served as a Legislative Assistant to Sen. Ted Cruz from 2014 to 2019 and managed his Indo-Pacific policy portfolio. While in the Senate, Michael drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and U.S.-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Resources from the Conversation Connect with Michael Sobolik at AFPC * Sign up for Michael’s monthly newsletter, the Indo-Pacific Monitor* * Read more: How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur Muslims by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Michael Sobolik * Listen: Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian of AXIOS on China’s rising influence and the threat to human rights * Read the EIT Press Release: Evangelical Coalition outlines Immigration Policy Priorities for new Congress, Biden Administration * Check out The Good Book Company * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
This was a unique year for the ERLC interns as the program moved online. Rather than working together in the Leland House, the ERLC’s Capitol Hill office, students joined the policy team from all over the country. For this week’s episode after Thanksgiving, the interns joined Jeff Pickering and Brooke Kramer to reflect on their favorite projects, memorable meetings through Zoom, and what it’s like to be a college student during a global pandemic.
Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs with both of our offices in Nashville and D.C.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the advent family devotional, A Better Than Anything Christmas. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyIn this episode you will hear from Justin, Sam, Jackson, and Seth – our 2020 fall interns with the ERLC team in Washington, D.C.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more and apply at ERLC.com/internships * ERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom Strode * Check out The Good Book Company * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Thanksgiving is a great American holiday and welcoming refugees to our country has been, and should be again, a great American tradition. Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome John Cusey to the roundtable to talk about one of his career passions, caring for refugees. John is currently the Vice President of Communications at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He has a rich career of government service throughout Washington across multiple administrations and in Congress. Most recently John served in the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the Department of Health and Human Services.
America’s refugee resettlement program has fallen short of our ideals in recent years by turning inward due to a rising trend of nationalism in our politics. Jeff, Travis, and John believe that Christians can lead the revitalization of America's commitment to be a beacon of freedom and safe harbor for the endangered and persecuted.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the advent family devotional, A Better Than Anything Christmas. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyJohn Cusey is the Vice President of Communications at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He has a long record of government service including working for multiple presidential administrations and members of Congress. In 2019, John served in the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the Department of Health and Human Services. In his time on Capitol Hill, he served as the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-life Caucus for five years with Congressman Chris Smith and as the Legislative Director and Press Secretary for Congressman Gary Miller for two years. Prior to working in DC, John worked for three different Members of the California State Legislature where he focused on budget issues.
Resources from the Conversation* Check out Governor Herbert’s letter notifying President Trump of Utah’s desire to welcome more refugees and the letter refugees who resettled in Utah wrote to Governor Herbert * Check out the Sriracha documentary John mentioned * How the Refugee and Asylum System Works in the US by Joe Carter * Southern Baptists: A History of Refugee Care by Travis Wussow * Lets Demand Honesty in Refugee Rhetoric by Matt Hawkins * 7 Ways to Serve our Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors During a Pandemic by Eric Costanzo * Check out The Good Book Company * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcome back ERLC president, Russell Moore, to the podcast to talk about his new book, The Courage To Stand, and what we can learn about truth and tribalism from the 2020 presidential election. The message of Dr. Moore’s newest book is timely for this fearful and anxious year as he helps readers see where Christ-empowered courage comes from, from the way of the cross.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the advent family devotional, A Better Than Anything Christmas. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Resources from the Conversation* Get Russell Moore’s new book | The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear without Losing Your Soul * Read Russell Moore’s article from his newsletter on truth and tribalism: Looking for Truth in Post-Election America * Subscribe to Moore to the Point * Check out the book Jeff recommended: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund * Check out The Good Book Company * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fulton v. Philadelphia, a crucial religious liberty case whose outcome could determine the ability of faith-based foster care and adoption providers to continue serving consistent with their convictions. The ERLC filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case in support of Catholic Social Services. In this episode, Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome Lori Windham, the Becket attorney who argued before the Court on behalf of foster moms and Catholic Social Services, to discuss the case.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyLori Windham is Senior Counsel at Becket Fund, where she has represented clients on cutting-edge religious freedom issues since 2005. She has represented parties before the Supreme Court, including Becket’s victories in Hosanna-Tabor, Hobby Lobby, and Little Sisters of the Poor. Lori is a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned her B.A. summa cum laude at Abilene Christian University.
Resources from the Conversation
- Connect with the Lori Windham on Twitter | @LoriWindham1
- Connect with the Becket Fund on Twitter | @becketlaw
- Read more: Explainer: What you need to know about Fulton v. Philadelphia
- Go deeper: What happened at the SCOTUS case on foster care and religious liberty?
- Read more: Christians, Let’s Pray for President-Elect Joe Biden by Russell Moore
- Check out The Good Book Company
- Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
The right to vote is at the heart of our nation’s grand pursuit of a more perfect Union. Though restricted at the founding, this right was secured more fully through the dedicated advocacy of suffragettes and civil rights activists. In 2020, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which secured the right to vote for women.
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. . . . Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” - Amendment XIX, Constitution of the United States of America
On this episode of Capitol Conversations on Election Day 2020, Chelsea Paterson Sobolik commemorates this centennial with interviews covering the history, the role of faith, and the meaning of the Women’s Suffrage movement. The conversations with a historian, a seminarian, and a lawyer also highlight inspirational role models and why it’s important for women to be engaged in the public square.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyAndrea Turpin is an Associate Professor of History at Baylor University. She is the author of A New Moral Vision: Gender, Religion, and the Changing Purposes of American Higher Education, 1837-1917. Dr. Turpin received an A.B. at Princeton University, an M.A. at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame.
Missie Branch is the Assistant Dean of Students to Women and Director of Graduate Life at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). Years ago, Missie and her husband, Duce, co-planted a church in Philadelphia, PA where she served as a pastor’s wife, a children’s ministry director, and a women’s ministry leader. Missie and Duce have four children.
Palmer Williams is a Founding Partner of The Peacefield Group where she specializes in legal and policy analysis related to international human rights, sanctity of life, non-profit operations and government affairs. She earned her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt Law School and her B.A. in Political Science and Community Development from Vanderbilt University. Palmer and her husband, Joseph, have two sons, Jack and Henry, and live in Nashville, TN.
Resources from the Conversation* Read more: What we can learn from the road to the 19th Amendment by Palmer Williams * Go deeper: How the Gospels show that Jesus values women by Rebecca McLaughlin * Learn more about the 19th Amendment from the National Constitution Center * Learn more about Missie Branch’s work at Women around Southeastern Seminary * Learn more about Dr. Andrea Turpin’s work at Baylor University’s History Department * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Check out The Good Book Company * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Sobolik welcome Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) to the roundtable to talk about the fractures in America public life and the way forward. Levin’s work in recent years have been instrumental to many of us here at the ERLC in thinking well about what has gone wrong in the public square and to see clearly why now is a time to build toward renewal.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.
Guest BiographyYuval Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. The founding and current editor of National Affairs, he is also a senior editor of The New Atlantis and a contributing editor to National Review. He holds an MA and PhD from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago. Dr. Levin served as a member of the White House domestic policy staff under President George W. Bush. He was also executive director of the President’s Council on Bioethics and a congressional staffer at the member, committee, and leadership levels. In addition to frequent radio, television, and podcast appearances, Dr. Levin regularly publishes essays and articles in a range of outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Commentary. He is the author of several books on political theory and public policy. And our conversation today is rooted in his most recent two books, most recently “A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream” (Basic Books).
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about Yuval Levin and his work at AEI * Check out Levin’s books + A Time to Build + The Fractured Republic * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Check out The Good Book Company * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Charles Hedman, a pastor and elder from Capitol Hill Baptist Church, to the show to talk about the journey this church took to meet again in D.C. during the pandemic. This conversation also happens to come while the U.S. Senate is considering the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Charles is also an attorney, and a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, where, you guessed it, Amy Coney Barrett was one of his professors. So we had to start today’s conversation about his experiences with Judge Barrett.
Guest BiographyCharles Hedman was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. After growing up a devout Catholic, Charles came to a definitive understanding and belief in the gospel during his senior year in college at the University of Notre Dame. After graduation, Charles attended Notre Dame Law School and, later, worked as a corporate litigation attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Called into ministry, Charles left the practice of law and joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (“Cru”) in 2009, working there until 2013. In addition to earning his B.A. and J.D., Charles has also earned Masters degrees in Teaching and Divinity from the University of Southern California and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, respectively, and is currently completing a Masters degree in Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Charles joined the staff of CHBC as a Pastoral Assistant in September of 2014. He and his wife Jamie live on Capitol Hill with their children.
Resources from the Conversation* Read Jeff’s articles on CHBC’s journey + Why I’ve looked forward to church outside during COVID-19 + Explainer: Religious liberty and Capitol Hill Baptist Church’s lawsuit in Washington, D.C. + Update: Capitol Hill Baptist wins in District Court * A Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorney * How do you know if your religious liberty is violated? * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
In recent years, the Chinese government has escalated its persecution of religious minorities. The communist regime is using totalitarian tactics of forced labor, mass sterilization, and pervasive surveillance targeting Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Since 2017, China has detained more than one million Uyghurs in concentration camps. Countering China morally for these atrocities is a key part of the ERLC’s international engagement. To continue that work, Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcomed Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian of Axios to share her reporting on China.
“China is committing a cultural genocide against an ethnic minority and the world is basically, hardly even blinking. And that matters because this shows the kind of government, and the kind of ideology, that is driving what will be the most powerful country later in the 21st century.”– Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, Axios China
Guest BiographyBethany Allen-Ebrahimian is the China reporter at Axios, where she covers China's influence in the United States and abroad. Before joining Axios, she served as the lead reporter for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists' China Cables project, a major leak of classified Chinese government documents revealing the inner workings of mass internment camps in Xinjiang. She also previously worked as a national security reporter for The Daily Beast and as an editor and reporter for Foreign Policy magazine. Allen-Ebrahimian holds a Masters in East Asian studies from Yale University. She is the author of the weekly Axios China newsletter.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with Bethany on Twitter | @BethanyAllenEbr * Sign up for Bethany’s newsletter | Axios China * Read Bethany’s reporting on China’s human rights abuses | U.S. sanctions Chinese officials over Uighur hhuman rights abuses + Disney's Mulan was filmed in Xinjiang amid cultural genocide + China is censoring Hollywood's imagination * Watch ERLC’s webinar | China’s Rising Threat to Human Rights * The U.S. should oppose China’s forced labor practices by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur Muslims by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Michael Sobolik * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcomed California pastor Rolland Slade to the roundtable to talk about his journey from business to the pulpit, his new role as Chairman of the SBC Executive Committee, and how his church in San Diego has built ministry partnerships with their city government officials.
“I think we’re in the middle of something happening to bring us back to being the church God wanted us to be.” – Rolland Slade, Senior Pastor of Meridian Baptist Church and SBC Executive Committee Chairman
Guest BiographyA native of San Diego, California, Pastor Rolland E. Slade has been married to the former Adrienne C. Jewell since 1981, and is the proud father of Rolland “Jay”, Ryan, and Alexandra. Pastor Rolland accepted his call into the ministry in 1987 and he shares that story in our conversation. In January 2004 Pastor Rolland was installed as the Senior Pastor of the Meridian Baptist Church. Since that time the Meridian Church has experienced the revitalization of their membership as well as ministries. The church has become involved in several key community partnerships on initiatives ranging from child welfare, violence prevention, personal health, and now efforts to help house the homeless. In June 2020, Pastor Slade was elected as the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee chairman, making history as the SBC EC’s first African American to serve as chair.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about Rolland Slade, Senior Pastor of Meridian Baptist Church * Read the Baptist Press article about Slade’s election | In historic election, SBC Executive Committee elects first African American chair * Read the San Diego Union Tribune article about their homeless ministry | A village of tiny houses coming to El Cajon church site * Keep up with the ERLC’s work regarding Covid-19 * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Download the Caring Well Hiring Guide * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Israel based journalist and award winning author Matti Friedman to talk about the Middle East after the Abraham Accords.
This episode was recorded at the end of September.
Guest BiographyMatti Friedman is a journalist and contributor to the New York Times Op-Ed Section and the author of multiple award-winning books. His 2016 book, Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier’s Story of a Forgotten War, is a memoir about his time serving in the Israli military and was chosen as a New York Times’ Notable Book and as one of Amazon’s 10 best books of the year. Matti’s first book, The Aleppo Codex, is an investigation into the strange fate of an ancient Bible manuscript, and his most recent book, published in 2018, is the Spies of No Country, the story of Israel’s first intelligence agents in 1948. Friedman is a former Associated Press correspondent, and his work as a reporter has taken him from Israel to Lebanon, Morocco, Moscow, and Washington, D.C. He was born in Toronto and lives in Jerusalem with his family.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about Matti at mattifriedman.com * Check out Matti’s books + The Aleppo Codex + Pumpkinflowers + Spies of No Country * Read ERLC’s Explainer: Israel signs pacts with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Download the Caring Well Hiring Guide * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
This week’s episode was originally scheduled to be an interview with fellow adoption advocate, McLane Layton, on the need for Congress to pass the Adoptee Citizenship Act.
But then, after the passing of Supreme Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the high court vacancy. The ERLC team circled up after the nomination to talk about Judge Barrett’s incredible biography and inspiring career before turning to Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Jeff Pickering’s interview with Layton about this important adoption issue.
Guest BiographyMcLane Layton is the Founder and President of Equality for Adopted Children (EACH). She previously served as Legislative Counsel to former U.S. Senator Don Nickles (R–Okla.) from 1990 to 2005. Layton holds a Juris Doctor from Oral Roberts University and a Masters in Psychology from George Mason University.
Resources from the Conversation* On Judge Barrett and the Supreme Court + ERLC’s Press Release | Russell Moore affirms Amy Coney Barrett as SCOTUS Justice nominee + Explainer: What you should know about Judge Amy Coney Barrett + Read Cheslea’s quote in the New York Times | For Conservative Christian Women, Amy Coney Barrett’s Success Is Personal + Read Jeff’s article | What we can learn from the friendship of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia * On the Adoptee Citizenship Act + ERLC Supports the Adoptee Citizenship Act + Explainer: What you need to know about the Adoptee Citizenship Act + ERLC leads coalition calling for Congress to pass the bipartisan Adoptee Citizenship Act * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Andrew Bunnell of Biblical Ministries Worldwide to the roundtable for a wide ranging conversation on religious freedom. The discussion covers various misconceptions about this freedom and how we can chart a path forward that advances the Kingdom of God and the common good of our neighbors in our country. Andrew speaks with a wealth of experience on the mission field as a church planter and knowledge of the history of how government policy treats this foundational human right.
Guest BiographyAndrew Bunnell has invested his life evangelizing the lost and planting and revitalizing churches in more than forty countries across Eurasia, Africa, and North America. After twenty years with Baptist International Missions, he now serves as General Director Designate at Biblical Ministries Worldwide. Andrew is also pursuing a PhD at the University of Washington at Seattle focused on the global role of religion in shaping culture and politics. In 2000, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sarah. They have three children: Joseph, Jackson and Elizabeth.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with Andrew * Learn more about Biblical Ministries Worldwide * Listen to Andrew’s Podcast Liberty.Earth * Learn more about the Supreme Court cases Travis mentioned: Citing ERLC brief, SCOTUS protects religious liberty * Learn more about navigating the tension of religious liberty during the pandemic: A Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorney * Learn more about John Leland: How a Baptist preacher helped ensure religious liberty * Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Download the Caring Well Hiring Guide * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
If you’re like most pastors or church leaders, you’re probably facing difficult questions this fall. Questions like “How can I advocate for important issues without hindering my gospel witness?” and “What responsibilities do we have to engage in this current moment?” Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcome Daryl Crouch and Catherine Parks to the roundtable to talk about these issues and share about a new free resource from the ERLC, the Courage and Civility Church Toolkit.
This toolkit, with curriculum and sermon drafts, explores how Christians should think through issues of our day as they see the chaotic culture around us. It gives pastors and church leaders a helpful path to walk with their congregations through this polarized moment. Download your free copy today.
Guest BiographyDaryl Crouch currently serves as the pastor of Greenhill Church in Mt. Juliet, TN where he and his wife live with their 3 children. With a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Daryl has a couple decades of ministry experience and writes frequently for several publications, including writing the content in the church kit, as well as frequently on his personal blog, crosstied.org.
Catherine Parks writes and lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband, two children, and a cute dog named Ollie. She's the author of Empowered, Strong and Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships, a collection of biographies for middle-grade readers. You can find more of Catherine’s writing at cathparks.com
Resources from the Conversation* Download the Courage and Civility Church Kit * Read Catherine’s article | Are we teaching our children civility with our lives? * Faith and Healthy Democracy: Introduction with Paul Miller and Brent Leatherwood * White Paper: Faith and Healthy Democracy * Full Report: Faith and Health Democracy * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter
Each August, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. In this last week of summer before Labor Day, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik sits down with Shannon Royce, Esq., who serves in the federal government as the Director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Guest BiographyShannon Royce leads the HHS Partnership Center which was formed in 2001, under the George W. Bush administration, to ensure that faith partners and non-profits faced no barriers and were engaged as full partners in serving the poor and helping the vulnerable. Shannon’s career includes both government and private sector experience. In government, she worked for over seven years on Capitol Hill, including serving as Counsel to Sen. Grassley (R–Iowa). In the private sector, Shannon worked in several faith-based non-profits, including leading the D.C. office of the ERLC. She received her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University School of Law. Shannon is married with two grown sons and enjoys running half-marathons for fun.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about the HHS Partnership Center * Connect with Shannon’s team at partnerships@hhs.gov * Follow Shannon on Twitter @jcnjmama * Royce, former ERLC leader, joins Trump admin. | Baptist Press * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
Each August, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. This week, Jeff Pickering sits down with retired NFL player Benjamin Watson, who is now an author, activist, and documentary filmmaker. Watson is also a man of deep Christian faith and a faithful family man.
Guest BiographyBenjamin Watson and his wife, Kirsten, are the parents of seven children as well as the founders of One More, a foundation aiming to spread the love and hope of Christ by meeting real needs, promoting education, and supporting local charities. As a retired tight end, Watson is now an ESPN and NFL Network and a prolific media cultural commentator. Watson’s illustrious football career included being the 32nd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, a Superbowl 39 champion his rookie season, a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Watson has also authored two books, Under Our Skin and The New Dad’s Playbook, and is the producer of a forthcoming documentary, titled, Divided Hearts of America.
Resources from the Conversation Benjamin Watson’s Website * Benjamin’s books |Under Our Skin +The New Dad’s Playbook* * Benjamin’s documentary | Divided Hearts of America * Listen to a conversation with Watson at MLK50 | The State of Racial Tension in America * Listen to a keynote Watson gave at EFL 2018 | Pro-Life and Pro-Justice * Benjamin’s viral Facebook post from 2014 after the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
Each August, we take a break from our policy focused conversations and host interviews with friends and leaders we admire. This week, Travis Wussow sits down with Bill Wichterman of Covington & Burling LLP. Bill’s story is a fascinating one of following Jesus to the mission field and back into politics. He has enjoyed decades in Wasington, leading in both government and campaigns, and now as an outside expert.
Guest BiographyBill Wichterman is a non-lawyer Senior Advisor in Covington’s Public Policy practice. Prior to joining Covington, Bill served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and as the President’s personal liaison to the conservative movement. Before serving in the White House, he held a number of senior staff-level positions on Capitol Hill, including as Policy Advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and Chief of Staff to Congressman Joe Pitts and Congressman Bill Baker. Mr. Wichterman also has inside experience in congressional and presidential campaigns, serving most recently as a chief advisor to the Santorum 2012 presidential campaign, and has previously been a key staff participant on the Republican Convention's Platform Committee.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about Bill’s work at Covington * Read Bill’s blog | Oakton Foundation * Read Bill’s book | Dying to Live * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. This week, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik sits down with D.J. Jordan, a communications professional with the Pinkston Group.
Guest BiographyD.J. Jordan is a Vice President at Pinkston where he leads a team of experienced strategists, writers and designers in creating and implementing strategic communications campaigns for corporations, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups and individual thought leaders. D.J. has worked for major news outlets as well as in various communications leadership roles in the federal government. Prior to joining Pinkston, D.J. was communications director for a U.S. Senator, communications director for the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, and press secretary for a U.S. Representative. He previously worked at both CNN and Fox News, where as an assignment editor and producer he helped develop coverage of breaking and featured news. D.J. earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from Liberty University, and a master’s degree in public management from The Johns Hopkins University. He has served on the boards of several state and nonprofit agencies focused on family issues, including the Virginia State Board of Social Services and Virginia’s Kids Belong, which advocates for children in the foster care system.
Resources from the Conversation* Connect with D.J. at Pinkston * Watch D.J. at an ERLC event | Caring for the Stranger: Immigrants, Refugees, and the Response of the Church * Watch D.J. at an ERLC event | Be a Voice for Life: Developing a Compelling Pro-Life Message * Subscribe to ERLC’s Policy Newsletter * Subscribe to ERLC’s The Weekly
The 2019-2020 term of the Supreme Court was one for the history books. The justice’s rulings give Christians a lot to consider on issues ranging from religious liberty and civil rights law to abortion jurisprudence and immigration rules. The ERLC filed amicus briefs in a number of these cases and our brief was cited by Justice Alito in the court’s opinion in the Guadalupe religious liberty victory.
Russell Moore and Jeff Pickering joined the Capitol Hill ministry, Faith & Law, for a Friday forum event to reflect on what happened and what’s next.
Faith & Law is a community of congressional staffers and Members of Congress that meet regularly to think deeply about how our faith informs and impacts our calling to the public square. Their mission is to encourage and equip Christian policy-makers to more fully understand the Biblical worldview and its implication in their calling to the public square.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more about Faith & Law * 5 Supreme Court cases you should keep your eye on by ERLC Policy Staff * After the Bostock Supreme Court case by Russell Moore * Bostock Explainer + Top Quotes * Espinoza Explainer + Top Quotes * Guadalupe Explainer + Top Quotes * Little Sisters Explainer + Top Quotes * June Medical Services Explainer + Top Quotes * DACA case Explainer + recent podcast episode with Jose Ocampo
This was a unique summer for the ERLC interns as the program moved online. The students who would have been in the Washington office but interned with us from all over the country, join Jeff Pickering and Brooke Kramer to reflect on their experience. The group discusses their favorite projects, memorable meetings through Zoom, and what it’s like to be a college student during a global pandemic.
Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs with both of our offices in Nashville and D.C.
Guest BiographyIn this episode you will hear from Mary Beth, Julia, Juliana, Carolina, Jackson, Sloan, and Seth – our 2020 summer interns with the ERLC team in Washington, D.C.
Resources from the Conversation* Learn more and apply at ERLC.com/internships * ERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom Strode * Listen to Brooke’s internship episode
Travis Wussow, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Jeff Pickering discuss the policy issues the ERLC team is working on in Washington, D.C. The team talks about the latest developments on immigration policy, including a recent win on international student visas, Phase IV COVID-19 relief negotiations, pro-life policies among appropriations bills, and how a viral video is sparking new attention on China’s human rights atrocities.
Resources from the Conversation* Listen: Jose Ocampo on Dreamers and the Supreme Court’s decision on DACA * Watch: Chris Wallace Fox News Sunday Interview with President Trump * Christianity Today | Evangelical Leaders Ask ICE Not to ‘Mistreat the Foreigner’ With Student Visa Policy * ERLC | Russell Moore Urges Congressional Leaders to Include Churches, Nonprofits & Vulnerable in Next COVID-19 Relief Package * Watch: Griffin’s tweet showing leaked video of China’s atrocities * Wall Street Journal | China’s Main Threat is a Moral One by Russell Moore * Christian Post | Pence meets with Russell Moore, religious freedom advocates to discuss China's abuses * ERLC | Explainer: Chinese officials sanctioned for atrocities in Xinjiang * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Brent Leatherwood and Travis Wussow wrote a statement of principles on contact tracing during the pandemic. They join Jeff Pickering to discuss how church leaders and civic leaders should view themselves as co-equal partners in combating the spread of the virus.
Resources from the Conversation* Read the Statement of Principles of Church–Civic Partnership on Contact Tracing * Listen to NPR’s interview with Russell Moore on the role of church in moment of upheaval * Stay up to date with ERLC’s resources specific to the pandemic at ERLC.com/covid19 * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
On June 18, 2020, the Supreme Court released their decision for the case Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California regarding the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. On this episode, Travis and Jeff speak with Jose Ocampo on his personal experience as a Dreamer and what is next for Dreamers after the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
Guest BiographyJose Ocampo is a “Dreamer” and DACA recipient who has recently graduated from Wingate University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He is currently serving as the worship and youth associate at Iglesia Bautista de Hickory Grove in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Resources from the Conversation* Press Release | Russell Moore says Dreamers’ ‘Entire lives are at stake’ and calls on Congress to protect Dreamers * ERLC article | Explainer: What the Supreme Court decision on DACA means for Dreamers * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast * Past podcast with Jose | Interview with a Dreamer
Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcome attorney and advocate Palmer Williams to the roundtable to talk about how the pandemic uniquely highlights the importance of policies that protect people with disabilities. Palmer also reflects on how her life was changed when President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Beautifully Distinct: Conversations with Friends on Faith, Life, and Culture, edited by Trillia Newbell
Guest Biography Palmer Williams is a founding partner of The Peacefield Group and specializes in legal and policy analysis related to international human rights, sanctity of life, non-profit operations and government affairs. She has extensive experience advocating for human rights on the international stage, including at the United Nations. Additionally, she has worked with government agencies and faith-based organizations to launch statewide initiatives and grassroots organizing campaigns.
Resources from the Conversation * Connect with Palmer Williams * HHS safeguards the rights of persons with disabilities by Palmer Williams * How President Bush changed my life through the Americans with Disabilities Act by Palmer Williams * Read the HHS Office of Civil Rights resolutions | Connecticut hospital visitation and Tennessee triage plans * Local newspaper report on the case | Hospital visitor bans fail disabled patients, complaint says * Listen | Kellee and Stuart Hall’s battle with COVID-19 * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Communist China’s stand against freedom is becoming increasingly aggressive with both the persecution of their own citizens and the forced changes in Hong Kong. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Travis Wussow welcome David Curry of Open Doors USA to the roundtable to discuss these recent developments and how it affects religious freedom in this part of the world.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Beautifully Distinct: Conversations with Friends on Faith, Life, and Culture, edited by Trillia Newbell
Guest Biography David Curry is the CEO of Open Doors USA, which is a non-profit dedicated to providing support for persecuted Christians around the world. For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive regions, empowering and equipping persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries by providing Bibles, training, and programs to help strengthen the church. Since assuming the role of CEO in August 2013, Curry has traveled extensively to encourage those living under persecution and support the work of Open Doors. In addition, Curry is often present in Washington, D.C., advocating for religious freedom at the highest levels of our government. He has testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and met with a wide range of policymakers in Washington from both sides of the aisle, including at the White House, in the Senate and at the U.S. State Department.
Resources from the Conversation * Connect with David Curry * Learn more about Open Doors USA and their World Watch List * China’s pandemic of religious persecution by David Curry * Watch | David Curry interviews Pastor Huang from Wuhan, China * Listen | SPECIAL EPISODE: Travis Wussow from Hong Kong * Is Beijing dropping the hammer on Hong Kong? by Travis Wussow and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * What you need to know about the U.S. announcement that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Stuart Hall and his wife Kellee were, like many of us in early March, wondering what the future held as the coronavirus spread across the globe and our country shutdown. Stuart would soon contract COVID19 and battle the novel disease for weeks in the ICU. The Hall’s story is one of relentless faith and a growing courage as they walked through an unimaginably dark valley. They came out on the other side thanks to a heroic team of doctors and nurses and the love and prayers of their church community.
Their personal story matters deeply for the pandemic politics on the road ahead.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Beautifully Distinct: Conversations with Friends on Faith, Life, and Culture, edited by Trillia Newbell.
Guest Biography Stuart Hall is a lifelong student minister. He serves as Director of Student Leadership and Leadership Networking for Orange (ReThink Group) and also leads INFLUNSR, an organization whose mission is to fuel the next generation of leaders worth following. Stuart speaks to thousands of junior high, high school and college students, as well as parents and student pastors every year through camps and events.
Kellee Hall is founder and director of The Echo Group, a full service management group in itinerant communicators. Borrowing from the famous line from the cinematic epic Gladiator, The Echo Group believes what we do, what we say, how we say it, and how we live and love “echoes in eternity.”
The Halls reside north of Atlanta and are the parents of three young adult children: son Grant (a 2017 Duke University graduate and football letterman), daughter Chandler (a senior basketball player at Rollins College), and daughter Cameron (a freshman soccer player at the University of Florida).
Resources from the Conversation * Video of Stuart’s ICU release * ICU staff help COVID-19 patient stay connected with his family from FOX5Atlanta * Learn more about The Echo Group * Connect with Stuart Hall + Kelle Hall * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Steven Harris, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, Travis Wussow, and Jeff Pickering process the events and protests of recent days following the horrific murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The team discusses the brutality exposed in these stories and the history of race in America that brought us to this moment and how the church can move us forward.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Beautifully Distinct: Conversations with Friends on Faith, Life, and Culture, edited by Trillia Newbell
Resources from the Conversation * Timeline graphic Jeff mentioned | 1526-now: But Slavery Was So Long Ago * Smithsonian museum Steven mentioned | National Museum of African American History and Culture * Books Steven mentioned | The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America by Khalil Gibran Muhammad and Slave Religion: The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South by Albert J. Raboteau * The Weight of Glory in a Time of Blood and Fear by Russell Moore * Southern Baptist leaders issue joint statement on the death of George Floyd * What George Floyd’s Death Should Remind Us About Justice and the Gospel by Russell Moore * Conference Videos | MLK50: Gospel Reflections from the Mountaintop * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
ERLC President Russell Moore joins the roundtable to catch up with Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow, on some of the big stories in American life from the past three months.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Talking Points: Abortion by Dr Lizzie Ling & Vaughan Roberts
Resources from the Conversation * Subscribe to Dr. Moore’s new newsletter and podcast * What should churches do as they consider reopening after the coronavirus? by Daniel Patterson and Jenn Kintner * A Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorney by Jeff Pickering * What George Floyd’s Death Should Remind Us About Justice and the Gospel by Russell Moore * Subscribe to the ERLC’s Capitol Conversations
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Dr. Kevin Smith to the podcast to talk about the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and why Christians should lament this tragedy and work to seek justice in their communities.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Talking Points: Abortion by Dr Lizzie Ling & Vaughan Roberts.
Guest Biography Dr. Kevin Smith leads the staff of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. He has experience as a pastor, chaplain, church planter, conference speaker, and short-term missionary. He has studied at Hampton University, the Church of God Theological Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, subsequently serving on Southern’s faculty for over a decade. In 2015, while serving the Highview Baptist Church in Louisville (KY), he was elected president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Kevin and his wife, Patricia, have three adult children and two great-nephews. His hobbies include whatever sports his kids were playing and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. His ministry is animated by Jesus’ prayer for the unity of His followers in John 17.
Resources from the Conversation * Connect with Dr. Smith on Twitter @smithbaptist * Learn more about the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware * Listen to the New York Time’s The Daily episode on the shooting of Arbery * Listen to Slate’s What Next episode on the corruption of justice in this case * Read the AJC explainer | What we know so far about the Ahmaud Arbery shooting * Read Russell Moore’s article | The Killing of Ahmaud Arbery and the Justice of God * Read Baptist Press report by Diana Chandler | Video of Ahmaud Arbery shooting inflames tensions in south Georgia town * Read The Dispatch explainer by David French | A Vigilante Killing in Georgia * Subscribe to the ERLC’s Capitol Conversations
Over the past two weeks, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two important cases for religious liberty. The court convened via conference call, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as such, the public could listen live for the first time in history. Josh Wester, from the ERLC’s Nashville office, joins Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow, to discuss the cases critical for conscience rights, Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey Berru and Little Sisters of the Poor v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Talking Points: Abortion by Dr Lizzie Ling & Vaughan Roberts
Guest Biography Joshua B. Wester serves as Chair of Research in Christian Ethics. In this role, he provides analysis, content, and counsel on ethical issues to advance the ERLC’s internal and external needs, directs research and content development for the President, and coordinates the ERLC’s academic partnerships. He holds an M.Div from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Th.M. in Public Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Josh is married to McCaffity, and they have two children.
Resources from the Conversation * 5 Supreme Court cases to keep your eye on by Policy Staff * Read Josh’s article | The Supreme Court hears arguments on the ‘ministerial exception’ * Read Jeff’s article | Little Sisters of the Poor ask the Court to protect their religious liberty, again * Check out more of Josh’s articles and podcasts * Learn more about BECKET, a non-profit, public-interest legal and educational institute with a mission to protect the free expression of all faiths. * Subscribe to the ERLC Podcast * Subscribe to the ERLC’s Capitol Conversations
As spring fades to summer, ERLC intern Hannah Daniel joins Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Brooke Kramer to reflect on her experiences. The group discusses favorite projects, memorable meetings on Capitol Hill, and how the coronavirus pandemic changed everything.
Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs in both of our offices in Nashville and D.C. The ERLC is dedicated to seeing each generation engage the culture with the gospel of Christ. For more information and to apply, visit ERLC.com/internships.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Talking Points: Abortion by Dr Lizzie Ling & Vaughan Roberts
Resources from the Conversation * Chelsea’s article on how Christians can care for kids during the pandemic | How the coronavirus is affecting vulnerable children * Hannah and Chelsea’s article | USCIRF releases 2020 annual report on international religious freedom * Learn more and apply for ERLC’s Internship Program * ERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom Strode * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Kim Jong Un has not been seen in North Korea for weeks and rumors are churning with reports about his health and possible death. The 36-year-old supreme leader was notably missing during a national ceremony on April 15, the birthdate of his late grandfather and founder of the communist country, Kim Il Sung. Right now, the world has more questions than answers. Is Kim Jong Un alive? Who would succeed him in power? What does this mean for human rights and religious freedom in this persecuted country? Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome back Olivia Enos, a senior policy analyst in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, to share her insights to this strange situation.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox
Guest Biography Olivia Enos serves as a senior policy analyst in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation specializing in human rights and transnational criminal issues. Enos has published numerous papers on human trafficking in Asia, human rights in North Korea, and reforming the U.S. refugee program and writes a bi-monthly column in Forbes. Her commentary has appeared in The Washington Post, The National Interest, The Diplomat, and Real Clear World, as well as numerous scholarly publications. She has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and the BBC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Patrick Henry College in Virginia, and a master of arts in Asian studies at Georgetown University.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast * Follow Olivia Enos on Twitter * Olivia’s report | Responding to COVID-19 in Southeast Asia * Bruce Klingner’s report | Greet Rumors of Kim’s Demise With Caution and Vigilance * ERLC’s film | Humanity Denied: Religious Freedom in North Korea * Kim Jong-un’s mysterious family tree by Brennan Hoban at the Brookings Institution * 3 Scenarios for Kim Jong Un’s Mysterious Absence by Duyeon Kim, Leif-Eric Easley at Foriegn Policy * Train Spotted at Kim Jong Un’s Wonsan Compound by Martyn Williams, Peter Makowsky, and Jenny Town at 38 North
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, changing industries and technology led to massive shifts in American life. And now, after stay-at-home orders end, we will likely emerge to a different world than the one we once knew. Jesus commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves and churches can help people fight against despair by meeting the needs of their communities. This is something Pastor Travis Lowe and his West Virginia church have experienced first hand. He joins Jeff Pickering to share their stories of facing uncertain times with the hope of the gospel.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox
Guest Biography Pastor Travis Lowe was born and raised in the Appalachian mountains and is proud to call Bluefield, West Virginia home. He is married to the love of his life, Jessi and they have two children Graci and Dayne. Travis is the pastor of Crossroads Church and he also leads REBUILD.REVIVE.THRIVE., a local business owner think tank for the common good. He is a graduate of Maranatha Bible College and is currently completing a Masters of Ministry through Richmont Graduate University.
Resources from the Conversation * Watch this video of Bluefield’s story: “When Coal Stops Burning” * Read Travis’ article | I’ve Seen the Future. It Looks Like Appalachia * Read the Washington Post article | A West Virginia church spends Easter making masks, other PPE using 3-D printers * Connect with Pastor Travis Lowe * Learn more about REBUILD.REVIVE.THRIVE. and Made to Flourish * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Former CIA analyst and White House National Security Council staffer Paul Miller joins Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow to discuss how the early warnings of a pandemic like COVID19 were missed and what this global event means for the future of politics and international relations. Miller is now a professor at Georgetown University and a research fellow with ERLC. He writes frequently on government, military, and international issues.
In Part 1, we discuss Paul’s stunning article, How the Intelligence Community Predicted COVID-19, and why pandemics are ultimately a governance failure.
In Part 2, we discuss how Christians can cling to the hope of Christ during such difficult times, and why the communist government of China bears ultimate blame for the coronavirus pandemic.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox
Guest Biography Paul D. Miller is a professor of the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, and a research fellow with the ERLC. Before his career in academia, Dr. Miller served as Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff; worked as an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency; and served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. Miller holds a PhD in international relations and a BA in government from Georgetown University, and a master in public policy from Harvard University.
Resources from the Conversation * Paul’s articles discussed in this conversation + Providence | Stop Volunteering to Do the Awful Arithmetic for COVID-19 + The Dispatch | How the Intelligence Community Predicted COVID-19 + Foriegn Policy | Yes, Blame China for the Virus * Follow Paul on Twitter @PaulDMiller2 * Check out Paul’s podcast Awkward Conversations * Faith and healthy democracy: Introduction with Paul Miller and Brent Leatherwood * Keep up with the ERLC’s latest resources on coronavirus at ERLC.com/COVID19 * Keep up with the latest CDC news and resources at coronavirus.gov * From The White House | 30 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD * ERLC | Subscribe to the Policy Newsletter * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Former CIA analyst and White House National Security Council staffer Paul Miller joins Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow to discuss how the early warnings of a pandemic like COVID19 were missed and what this global event means for the future of politics and international relations. Miller is now a professor at Georgetown University and a research fellow with ERLC. He writes frequently on government, military, and international issues.
In Part 1, we discuss Paul’s stunning article, How the Intelligence Community Predicted COVID-19, and why pandemics are ultimately a governance failure.
In Part 2, we discuss how Christians can cling to the hope of Christ during such difficult times, and why the communist government of China bears ultimate blame for the coronavirus pandemic.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox
Guest Biography Paul D. Miller is a professor of the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, and a research fellow with the ERLC. Before his career in academia, Dr. Miller served as Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff; worked as an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency; and served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. Miller holds a PhD in international relations and a BA in government from Georgetown University, and a master in public policy from Harvard University.
Resources from the Conversation * Paul’s articles discussed in this conversation + Providence | Stop Volunteering to Do the Awful Arithmetic for COVID-19 + The Dispatch | How the Intelligence Community Predicted COVID-19 + Foriegn Policy | Yes, Blame China for the Virus * Follow Paul on Twitter @PaulDMiller2 * Check out Paul’s podcast Awkward Conversations * Faith and healthy democracy: Introduction with Paul Miller and Brent Leatherwood * Keep up with the ERLC’s latest resources on coronavirus at ERLC.com/COVID19 * Keep up with the latest CDC news and resources at coronavirus.gov * From The White House | 30 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD * ERLC | Subscribe to the Policy Newsletter * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
As the coronavirus pandemic rages across the world, Christians are on the front lines offering medical care to those in need. Jeff Pickering welcomes Edward Graham of Samaritan's Purse to the show talk about how their worldwide aid organization is mobilizing medical volunteers to join local hospitals and government authorities in Italy and New York City to respond to the pandemic.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox
Guest Biography Edward Graham is Assistant to the Vice President of Programs and Government Relations at Samaritan's Purse. He is the youngest son of Franklin and Jane Graham, and the grandson of Billy Graham. Edward graduated from the United States Military Academy where he went on to serve 16 years in the US Army. After multiple combat deployments within Special Operations and serving in various leadership positions, he felt called by the Lord to return home and serve in the ministry starting in the winter of 2018. Edward and Kristy have been married for 14 years, and have one daughter and three sons. They are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina.
Resources from the Conversation * Respond to Coronavirus with Samaritan’s Purse: Two Field Hospitals Deployed: New York City and Italy * CNN | Central Park turns into a field hospital as New York surpasses 1,000 coronavirus deaths * CNBC | Photos of the field hospital being built in New York’s Central Park * Keep up with the ERLC’s latest resources on coronavirus at ERLC.com/COVID19 * Keep up with the latest CDC news and resources at coronavirus.gov * From The White House | 30 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD * ERLC | Subscribe to the Policy Newsletter * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Going into this past weekend with the Senate in session to work on its response to the coronavirus pandemic and economic turmoil, the ERLC called for a two-year, no cap Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD) to encourage charitable giving. Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow discuss why bold action from Washington is needed to propel American generosity during this crisis.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the Oxford Apologetics series. Learn about the titles in this bestselling series here.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC Working to Encourage Charitable Giving to Churches, Non-Profits during the Coronavirus Crisis * Keep up with the ERLC’s latest resources on coronavirus at ERLC.com/COVID19 * Keep up with the latest CDC news and resources at coronavirus.gov * From The White House | 15 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD * A Q&A on coronavirus with an infectious disease specialist * ERLC | Subscribe to the Policy Newsletter * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
The coronavirus has upended our lives and the uncertainty is unsettling. As the country confronts this new reality, Jeff Pickering visited United States Senator James Lankford in his Washington, D.C. office to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s ongoing response to this rapidly developing situation.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the Oxford Apologetics series. Learn about the titles in this bestselling series here.
Guest Biography James Lankford is a United States Senator from Oklahoma. After serving four years in the U.S. House of Representatives, James was elected to the U.S. Senate to complete an unexpired term in November 2014 and re-elected to a full six-year senate term in November 2016. Before Congress, James served students and families for more than 20 years in ministry, including 15 years as the Director of Student Ministry for the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and Director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp. James lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Cindy. They have been married more than 27 years and have two daughters, Hannah and Jordan. He enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard, and reading.
Resources from the Conversation * Sen. Lankford’s Senate website * Keep up with the ERLC’s latest resources on coronavirus at ERLC.com/COVID19 * Keep up with the latest CDC news and resources at coronavirus.gov * From The White House | 15 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD * A Q&A on coronavirus with an infectious disease specialist * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
On Wednesday, March 4, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in June Medical Services vs. Russo, a significant case out of Louisiana dealing with medical standards and patient health as the legislature found that abortion clinics in their state neglect both. Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik bring highlights from the pre-trial press conference with the elected officials and pro-life adovcates are the center of the case. Tom Strode joins at the end to share his reporting from inside the Courtroom about which Justices asked questions and what it might tell us about their impending decision.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the Oxford Apologetics series. Learn about the titles in this bestselling series here.
Guest Biography Tom Strode serves as the bureau chief and Washington, D.C., correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. He is also a pastor at Covenant Community Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Resources from the Conversation * The state of Louisiana is right to protect women by Jeff Pickering * Court weighs state's pro-life effort to protect women by Tom Strode * ERLC urges ruling for abortion doctor requirement by Tom Strode * Chelsea’s interview with Cindy Collins on ERLC Instagram TV * Article on Sen. Katrina Jackson | Louisiana abortion law takes center stage at United States Supreme Court by Greg Hilburn, Monroe News-Star * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Institutions in American public life are not what they used to be. National organizations like political parties and the news media have changed in dramatic ways in their influence on our lives. Political journalist Jon Ward noticed this change a few years ago and began exploring why it is happening and what people are doing to rebuild. Jeff Pickering, Steven Harris, and Travis Wussow welcomed Jon to the Leland House to explore what this all means for Christians in the public square.
This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Sam Allberry’s new book: Why does God care who I sleep with?
Guest Biography Jon Ward is senior political correspondent for Yahoo News, author of Camelot's End: Kennedy v Carter and the Fight that Broke the Democratic Party (Twelve Books, 2019), and host of “The Long Game” podcast. He has covered American politics and culture for two decades, as a city desk reporter in Washington D.C., as a White House correspondent who traveled aboard Air Force One to Africa, Europe and the Middle East, and as a national affairs correspondent who has traveled the country to write about two presidential campaigns and the ideas and people animating our times. He has been published in The Washington Post, The New Republic, Politico Magazine, Vanity Fair, The Huffington Post, and The Washington Times. He and his family live in Washington, D.C.
Resources from the Conversation * Jon’s articles at Yahoo News * Jon’s book Camelot's End: Kennedy vs. Carter and the Fight that Broke the Democratic Party * Jon’s author page * Follow Jon on Twitter @jonward11 * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
On Tuesday, February 25 the U.S. Senate is scheduled to take roll call votes on two significant pro-life bills. The first bill we expect to receive a vote on the floor is th e Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and the second is the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik discuss the legislation, why they matter, and what to expect for the floor debate and votes.
Resources from the Conversation * Senate prepares to act on two pro-life bills by Tom Strode * ERLC Policy Brief supporting the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act * ERLC Policy Brief supporting the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act * ERLC’s 2020 Legislative Agenda * How the ERLC is advocating for Southern Baptists in Washington, D.C. * ERLC Public Policy Team * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
The ERLC publishes a legislative agenda at the beginning of each year to outline the issues and policies we will focus on in our work in Washington, D.C., to serve Southern Baptists and advance the common good. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow discuss specific examples of issues and policies from their 2020 Legislative Agenda and what to expect in the year ahead.
Resources from the Conversation * 2020 Legislative Agenda * How the ERLC is advocating for Southern Baptists in Washington, D.C. * ERLC Public Policy Team * 9 Things You Should Know about George Washington (and his Birthday) * China’s Persecution of Uighur Muslims * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The much anticipated 2020 Iowa Democratic Caucus became an unmitigated electoral mess as the first in the nation contest remained unresolved a day before the New Hampshire primary. Brent Leatherwood joins Jeff Pickering and Steven Harris to talk about what happened, what’s next, and how Christians can be salt and light in a polarized partisan season.
Guest Biography Brent Leatherwood serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Before coming to the ERLC, he served as the executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party from December 2012 to December 2016, where he managed the organization’s campaign apparatus at the federal, state and local levels. In addition, Brent has worked on Capitol Hill as a senior legislative aide to former Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla). He and his wife Meredith have three children and are members of The Church at Avenue South, where Brent serves as a deacon.
Resources from the Conversation * Brent’s Recommendations on journalists to follow + Amy Walter, CPR + Dave Wasserman, CPR + Josh Kraushaar, National Journal + Jonathan Martin, New York Times * Brent’s Recommendations on newsletters to subscribe + Axios + Politico Playbook * POLITICO | 'It’s a total meltdown': Confusion grips Iowa with no official results in sight * New York Times | ‘A Systemwide Disaster’: How the Iowa Caucuses Melted Down * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
We open 2020 with a month-long series On Human Dignity exploring the implications of this theological truth on life, ministry, and the public square.
For the final episode of this series, Jeff Pickering sits down with ERLC president Russell Moore for an extended conversation on human dignity. The conversations finds its way from theology and technology to the future of the pro-life movement and embracing vulnerability.
Resources from the Conversation * Previous Episodes from the series: + Applying the human dignity theology to our work in Washington, D.C. + Janet Durig with stories of transformation from a pregnancy center + Briana Stensrud on standing up for the vulnerable + Jeanne Mancini and the March for Life, plus an extra interview with Russell Moore to discuss President Trump’s appearance at the march. * Why God’s majesty is most clearly seen in every human being: and what this means for the Church and human dignity by Tom Strode * More Resources on Human Dignity from ERLC * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
We open 2020 with a month-long series On Human Dignity exploring the implications of this theological truth on life, ministry, and the public square.
This week we bring you a special episode to mark the 2020 March for Life. On this episode, Jeff Pickering interviews Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, at their offices in downtown D.C. about the story of how the march came to be, it’s history, and the pro-life movement.
Guest Biography Jeanne Mancini is the president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, which hosts its annual march around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. She previously worked at the Family Research Council and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Resources from the Conversation * Join us at the March For Life on Friday, January 24, in Washington, D.C.! * Jeanne’s profile in the Washington Post Magazine * History of the March for Life * Women of the Pro-Life Movement: Nellie Gray * Why God’s majesty is most clearly seen in every human being: and what this means for the Church and human dignity by Tom Strode * More Resources on Human Dignity from ERLC * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
We open 2020 with a month-long series On Human Dignity exploring the implications of this theological truth on life, ministry, and the public square.
On this week’s episode, we continue the conversation by welcoming a longtime friend of the ERLC, Briana Stensrud to share her stories of standing up for the vulnerable. Her career is a testament for how the human dignity ethic connects to more issues than you may think.
Guest Biography Briana Stensrud is the Director of Welcome and lives in Colorado, with her two kids and husband of 11 years. Like many moms, her days consist of balancing work, community involvement and quality time with her family. (Moms with littles know that's professional speak for strategically muting your phone during conference calls, constantly reheating coffee and taking the kids to Chick-Fil-A, a lot). Her passion is to equip the Church to think biblically and pragmatically about exercising a holistic, comprehensive pro-life worldview. Throughout her work in the pro-life movement, Briana continually faced questions from those concerned about immigrants and refugees. Understanding that many concerns were rooted in fear and misinformation, she started a journey to re-discover God's heart for the sojourner. She holds a degree in communications from Iowa State University and a Masters of Biblical & Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Resources from the Conversation * Join us at the March For Life on Friday, January 24, in Washington, D.C.! * Briana’s organization | Welcome * Briana’s Twitter | @BriStenz * Why God’s majesty is most clearly seen in every human being: and what this means for the Church and human dignity by Tom Strode * More Resources on Human Dignity from ERLC * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
We open 2020 with a month-long series On Human Dignity exploring the implications of this theological truth on life, ministry, and the public square.
On this week’s episode, Chelsea welcomes Janet Durig to the Leland House to share stories of Christ’s transformative power for people in need. Janet is the executive director of the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center, a faith based non-profit organization offering help and support to women, men, and their families who are in a crisis pregnancy.
Resources from the Conversation * Join us at the March For Life on Friday, January 24, in Washington, D.C. * Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center * Transforming Your Story: A Path to Healing after Abortion by Wendy Giancola * Why God’s majesty is most clearly seen in every human being: And what this means for the Church and human dignity by Tom Strode * More Resources on Human Dignity from ERLC * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
We open 2020 with a month-long series of episodes on human dignity leading up to the annual March For Life. The conversations will explore the implications of this theological truth on the public square. On this week’s episode, Jeff, Chelsea, Steven, and Travis talk about how they apply the theology of human dignity to issues of public policy in their advocacy work.
Resources from the Conversation * Join us at the March For Life on Friday, January 24 in Washington, D.C. * Karen Ellis keynote at EFL | Pro-Life and Civil Rights: Loving Our Unborn Neighbors * Why God’s majesty is most clearly seen in every human being: and what this means for the Church and human dignity by Tom Strode * More Resources on Human Dignity from ERLC
ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, Steven Harris, and Travis Wussow wrap up 2019 with highlights from our advocacy work and end of year recommendations. Capitol Conversations will be off the air for the next two weeks for Christmas and back in January for a month long series on human dignity leading up to the 2020 March For Life.
Resources from the Conversation * APPLY TODAY for ERLC’s Internship Program * Chelsea’s Recommendations + Article: 3 ways the Church can advocate for birthmothers by Brittany Salmon and Jenn Hesse + Book: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport and The Common Rule by Justin Early + Podcast: Office Ladies with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey + Journalist: David Brooks of The New York Times * Jeff’s Recommendations + Article: How you can pray for those suffering in North Korea by Dani Park + Book: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt + Podcast: The Bulwark Podcast with Charlie Sykes + Journalist: David French of The Dispatch * Steven’s Recommendations + Article: What Does the Gospel have to do with Politics? by Russell Moore + Book: Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi + Journalist: Charles Blow of The New York Times * Travis’s Recommendations + Article: 10 requests for church leaders from a sexual abuse survivor by Susan Codone + Book: Identity by Francis Fukuyama + Podcast: Hacks on Tap with David Axelrod and Mike Murphy + Journalist: Jonah Goldberg of The Dispatch * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
For this two part series, we bring you ERLC president Dr. Russell Moore teaching on the Kingdom of God and what this theology means for Christian engagement in the public square.
The lectures were recorded live in Washington, D.C., as part of the ERLC Academy on the Hill event series earlier in 2019.
In part one, Dr. Moore introduced the theology by teaching on the Kingdom that is to come. And in part two, he teaches how the Kingdom has already come in Christ.
Resources from the Conversation * APPLY TODAY | ERLC Internship * Listen to Part One | Kingdom Theology on Capitol Hill with Russell Moore * Learn more | ERLC Academy * Tom Strode’s article | Kingdom shown in church, Moore says in Hill talk * ERLC article | Political engagement and the Kingdom of God * Subscribe | Capitol Conversation Podcast
For this two part series, we bring you ERLC president Dr. Russell Moore teaching on the Kingdom of God and what this theology means for Christian engagement in the public square.
The lectures were recorded live in Washington, D.C., as part of the ERLC Academy on the Hill event series earlier in 2019.
In part one, Dr. Moore introduces the theology by teaching on the Kingdom that is to come. And in part two, he teaches how the Kingdom has already come in Christ.
Resources from the Conversation * APPLY TODAY | ERLC Internship * Learn more | ERLC Academy * Tom Strode’s article | Kingdom shown in church, Moore says in Hill talk * ERLC article | Political engagement and the Kingdom of God * Subscribe | Capitol Conversation Podcast
For Thanksgiving travels, we wanted to bring you a message on the twin values of civility and courage ERLC president Russell Moore recently gave at Veritas Church in Iowa City. This event was part of the ERLC's Faith and Healthy Democracy project that seeks to help Christians better understand our chaotic public square and engage our current cultural moment.
Resources from the Conversation * APPLY TODAY for ERLC’s Internship Program * Listen to Brent Leatherwood and Paul Miller on Faith and Healthy Democracy * Read the report: Faith and Healthy Democracy by Paul D. Miller * ERLC article: Poll results reveal what evangelicals believe about politics and civility * Lifeway Research article: Heading Into 2020 Elections, Most Evangelicals Want to Play Nice in Politics * Host: Veritas Church * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Travis Wussow is in Hong Kong this week meeting with local leaders, pastors, and government officials, and filming interviews for a project ERLC is working on. The pro-democracy protests remind the world of the dignity of freedom and the dangers of authoritarianism. For a special, second episode for the week, Travis joined Jeff by phone from his 53rd floor airbnb over Kowloon Bay to talk about the week and how Christians ought to think about these events.
Resources from the Conversation * Follow Travis for his photos from Hong Kong | @traviswussow * CC podcast | Olivia Enos on the Hong Kong protests and human rights abuses in China * Millions Are Taking to the Streets in Hong Kong. Here’s What’s at Stake. by Olivia Enos * Council on Foreign Relations | Democracy in Hong Kong * NYT | Hong Kong Violence Escalates as Police and Protesters Clash at University * WSJ | Hong Kong Court Rules Mask Ban Is Unconstitutional * Xinhua Net | New Hong Kong police commissioner appointed * Reuters | China tells U.S. and Britain to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs * Reuters | U.N. decries Hong Kong protesters' violence, calls for calm * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Herbie Newell comes back to the Leland House studio to join Jeff and Chelsea to talk about serving children and families in difficult situations. His experience leading Lifeline Children’s Services with fostercare and adoption as well as parental reconcilation allows him to speak powerfully to the pro-life ethic. November is national adoption month, and this is a timely reflection of what Christian love can look like in that arena.
Guest Biography Herbie Newell is the President/Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and it’s ministry arms including (un)adopted, Crossings, and Lifeline Village. Herbie holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Samford University. He joined the Lifeline staff in 2003 as executive director. From January 2004 – December 2008, he served as the president of the Alabama Adoption Coalition. Herbie was chosen as a Hague Intercountry Adoption evaluator and team leader by the Council of Accreditation and serves in that capacity currently. Under Herbie’s leadership, Lifeline has increased the international outreach to 23 countries, helped Lifeline attain membership in the ECFA (Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability), and led the creation of foster care ministry. Having witnessed the plight of older orphans on many trips overseas, Herbie’s burden for the fatherless was a catalyst for starting (un)adopted during 2009. He worked with WAKM Companies, LLC, a prominent accounting firm, for many years as an independent auditor before being led to Lifeline. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Birmingham, Alabama, and are parents to son, Caleb, and daughters Adelynn and Emily.
Resources from the Conversation * Order Herbie’s Book | Image Bearers: from pro-birth to pro-life * Lifeline Children’s Services * Herbie’s articles, panels, and podcasts with ERLC * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Jeff and Chelsea are joined by friends and coalition partners Miriam Harmer and Brian Walsh to discuss our advocacy work for a bipartisan repeal of the new tax on nonprofits and, for the first time in American history, houses of worship.
Guest biography Miriam Harmer is Director of Congressional Affairs at the Orthodox Union where she works to promote the OU’s interest in energy, education, Israel, and religious freedom issues. A veteran of four presidential campaigns, Miriam has spent much of her professional career with the United States House of Representatives and Senate. As a Hill staffer, Miriam was a Legislative Assistant for Representative Rob Bishop, Counsel for Senator Bob Bennett, and most recently a Legislative Counsel for Senator Mike Lee, where she advised him in his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Prior to her time on the Hill, Miriam clerked in the office of Utah’s Attorney General and with the law firm of Oldaker, Biden & Belair.
Brian Walsh is a Washington, D.C.-based attorney and serves as Executive Director of the Faith & Giving Coalition, a multi-religious, multi-denominational initiative working to protect and promote faith-based and other charitable giving. Walsh previously served as Senior Legal Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and as executive director of an Ethics and Public Policy Center research program on freedom of religion and conscience. Walsh has testified before committees of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives as well as the White House Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. His commentary has appeared in numerous publicans such as USA Today and The Wall Street Journal, and he has been interviewed on multiple networks including CNBC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NPR. Walsh was a commercial litigation associate with the international law firm of Kirkland & Ellis in Washington, D.C., and with Willcox & Savage in Norfolk, Virginia. He served as a law clerk to Judge Pasco M. Bowman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC Supports Technical Fix of Tax Law on Church Parking Taxation * Russell Moore’s article in the Wall Street Journal | Stop the Tax on Houses of Worship * Orthodox Union Advocacy Center * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Historian Thomas S. Kidd stops by the Leland House for a roundtable conversation on evangelicalism and politics with Jeff, Travis, and Chelsea. Dr. Kidd tells the story of evangelicals by providing an in depth look at the beliefs that binds them, the history that formed them, and how politics affects their movement. Most importantly for the ERLC, he tells the story of our office namesake, John Leland.
Guest Biography Thomas S. Kidd teaches history at Baylor University, and is Associate Director of Baylor's Institute for Studies of Religion. He also recently joined the faculty at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Church History. Dr. Kidd writes at the Evangelical History blog at The Gospel Coalition. He also regularly contributes for outlets such as WORLD Magazine, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. His recent books include Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father; George Whitefield: America's Spiritual Founding Father; and Baptists in America: A History, with co-author Barry Hankins. You can find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thomas.kidd and on Twitter @ThomasSKidd.
Resources from the Conversation * Dr. Kidd’s book: Who is an Evangelical? * Dr. Kidd’s author page * Dr. Kidd’s TGC blog * Russell Moore Remembers Billy Graham’s Life and Legacy * The Final Call of John Perkins * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Mindy Belz of World magazine to the podcast to talk about Islamic extremism and the future of ISIS after the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by US Special Forces. We also cover the rising instability in the Middle East as Turkish aggression threatens the Kurdish and Christian people in Syria.
Guest Biography Mindy Belz is senior editor of World magazine and author of They Say We Are Infidels: On the run from ISIS with persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Writing for the publication since 1986, she has covered war in the Balkans, Sudan, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, and has given on-the-ground news coverage from Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, and elsewhere. Her reporting has been published in the United States and overseas. Belz and her husband have four children and live in Asheville, North Carolina. Follow her on Twitter @mcbelz.
Resources from the Conversation * A cruel withdrawal by Mindy Belz * Calling it quits by Mindy Belz * Globe Trot at World Magazine * Mindy’s Book: They Say We Are Infidels: On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East * Explainer: What you should know about the US abandonment of the Kurds by ERLC Staff * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
This week marks a milestone for the ERLC’s podcast from Washington, DC as we publish the 100th episode of Capitol Conversations. Jeff Pickering welcomes the founder and former host Matt Hawkins back to the studio for a top 10 countdown of our favorite episodes.
Guest Biography Matthew Hawkins career spans 18 years at the intersection of religion and politics, including over a decade of broadcasting and podcasting experience and eight years in government relations. Most recently he served in Washington, D.C. as a policy director for the ERLC. After eight years in Washington he is pursuing a PhD in public theology while working as a podcaster, writer, and consultant. Matt remains an Associate Fellow with the ERLC’s Research Institute and serves as a board member for One America Movement, an initiative to bring Americans together across racial, religious, political and geographic divides to address pressing social problems. His writing has appeared at The Wall Street Journal, ERLC.com, and ReligiousFreedomInstitute.org. Matt holds an M.A. in Philosophy (Ethics and Public Affairs) from George Mason University, a B.B.A from Belmont University, and lives with his family in the Nashville area.
Resources from the Conversation * 10 | Bruce Ashford: Letters to an American Christian, published July 2018 * 9 | August Profiles: Justin Giboney on Christian compassion and conviction in politics, published August 2019 * 8 | Meet the staff of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, published June 2018 * 7 | David French on the rise of alt-right white supremacist terrorism, published August 2019 * 6 | Canon & Culture: episode with Syrian Christians * 5 | Kenneth Bae, the longest held U.S. prisoner in North Korea, on hope in a hard labor camp, published July 2019 * 4 | Northern Dreamer, Southern Dreamer, published January 2018 * 3 | Melissa Ohden on Surviving Abortion, published February 2019 * 2 | A conversation about Charlottesville, published August 2017 * 1 | A Story of Criminal Justice Reform: How the First Step Act Became Law, published February 2019 * Matt’s new podcast: Crossing Faiths * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Jeff Pickering welcomes Brent Leatherwood of the ERLC and Paul Miller of Georgetown University to discuss their research project exploring what American adults with evangelical beliefs think about civility and politics.
Guest Biography Paul D. Miller is a professor of the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, and a research fellow with the ERLC. Miller also taught at The University of Texas at Austin and the National Defense University and worked at the RAND Corporation prior to his arrival at Georgetown. Before his career in academia, Dr. Miller served as Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff; worked as an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency; and served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. Miller holds a PhD in international relations and a BA in government from Georgetown University, and a master in public policy from Harvard University.
Brent Leatherwood is no stranger to our podcast but as a refresher, he serves as the ERLC’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. Before coming to the ERLC, he served as the executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and also worked on Capitol Hill as a senior legislative aide. Brent and his wife Meredith have three children and are members of The Church at Avenue South, where he serves as a deacon.
Resources from the Conversation * Read the report: Faith and Healthy Democracy by Paul D. Miller * ERLC Unveils Evangelical Survey Results & Research Project on Faith and Healthy Democracy * ERLC article: Poll results reveal what evangelicals believe about politics and civility * Lifeway Research article: Heading Into 2020 Elections, Most Evangelicals Want to Play Nice in Politics * The Tennessean article: 'What killed American public discourse?' New report, survey examines civility and evangelicals * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Jeff, Chelsea, and Travis welcome back Olivia Enos of The Heritage Foundation to the roundtable to discuss the Hong Kong protests and human rights abuses in China, and how Christians ought to think about these events.
Guest Biography Olivia Enos serves as a senior policy analyst in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation specializing in human rights and transnational criminal issues. Enos has published numerous papers on human trafficking in Asia, human rights in North Korea, and reforming the U.S. refugee program and writes a bi-monthly column in Forbes. Her commentary has appeared in The Washington Post, The National Interest, The Diplomat, and Real Clear World, as well as numerous scholarly publications. She has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and the BBC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Patrick Henry College in Virginia, and a master of arts in Asian studies at Georgetown University. She and her husband Zach currently reside on Capitol Hill.
Resources from the Conversation * Olivia Enos at the Heritage Foundation * Millions Are Taking to the Streets in Hong Kong. Here’s What’s at Stake. by Olivia Enos * Council on Foreign Relations | Democracy in Hong Kong * The Administration Should Be Bold In Condemning Human Rights Abuses In China by Olivia Enos * Wall Street Journal OpEd | China’s Main Threat Is a Moral One by Russell Moore * ERLC Calls for the US Government to Hold China Accountable for Religious Freedom Abuses * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Returning from summer travels, Jeff, Steven, Travis, and Chelsea are back together around the table and to discuss the ERLC’s policy priorities for the fall.
One item from earlier in the year that has yet to recieve a vote in the House is the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This ought to shock the conscience. Today, September 10, Republican members of House are hosting a hearing on this legislation and the moral insanity of leaving these vulnerable infants outside the protection of the law.
Jeff and Chelsea welcome pro-life and adoption advocate Melissa Ohden, who was herself born-alive after a failed abortion attempt at seven months gestation, to Capitol Conversations to share her story. Her story is an awesome testament to God’s grace, the power of forgiveness, and the inherent dignity every person deserves no matter how small.
Guest Biography Melissa Ohden is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977. She’s a pro-life and adoption advocate, and has a Master’s Degree in Social work, and has worked in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence and sexual assault counseling, and child welfare. She’s testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate and the Australian Parliament. Melissa founded the Abortion Survivors Network, which seeks to educate the public about failed abortions and survivors, while providing for emotional, mental, and spiritual support to abortion survivors.
Resources from the Conversation * Melissa Ohden’s Website | MelissaOhden.com * Melissa’s book “You Carried Me” * ERLC | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by Policy Staff * ERLC 2019 National Conference | Caring Well
As the summer wrapped up, the ERLC interns in Washington joined Jeff Pickering to reflect on their experiences. The group discusses their favorite projects, memorable meetings on Capitol Hill, and laughable moments at the Leland House.
Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs in both of our offices in Nashville and D.C. The ERLC is dedicated to seeing each generation engage the culture with the gospel of Christ. For more information and to apply, visit ERLC.com/internships.
This episode was recorded on August 2.
Guest Biography In this conversation you will hear from Kiah, Alyssa, Lacey, Eva, Marcus, Dani, Neal, and Nick – our 2019 summer interns in the ERLC office in Washington, D.C. They came to the Leland House from all over the country and are interested in faith, politics, and how to engage culture as followers of Christ.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC Internship Program Application * ERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom Strode
With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations to bring you interviews with leaders we admire who are shaping the world of Christian political engagement. This week, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik sits down with Jennifer Marshall Patterson of The Heritage Foundation and Reformed Theological Seminary.
Guest Biography Jennifer Marshall Patterson is a senior visiting fellow in the Institute of Family, Community and Opportunity at The Heritage Foundation and a visiting lecturer and director of the Institute of Theology and Public Life at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington. Previously, she served as a vice president of The Heritage Foundation. She has spoken at national and international forums, including many ERLC conferences, testified before Congress, authored the book Now and Not Yet: Making Sense of Single Life in the Twenty-First Century, and appeared on numerous radio and television shows. Marshall is pursuing doctoral studies at The Catholic University of America in moral theology and ethics. She holds masters degrees in religion from Reformed Theological Seminary and in statecraft and world politics from the Institute of World Politics and a bachelor’s degree in French and from Wheaton College.
Resources from the Conversation * Jennifer’s work at The Heritage Foundation * Follow Jennifer on Twitter @MarshallJenA * Jennifer’s work at Reformed Theological Seminary * Jennifer’s book Now and Not Yet: Making Sense of Single Life in the Twenty-First Century * The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Last week’s episode: August Profiles: Justin Giboney on Christian compassion and conviction in politics
With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations to bring you interviews with leaders we admire who are shaping the world of Christian political engagement. This week, Steven Harris sits down with Justin Giboney, founder of The AND Campaign.
Guest Biography Justin Giboney is an attorney and political strategist in Atlanta, Georgia. Giboney has managed successful campaigns for elected officials in the state and referendums. In 2012 and 2016, Georgia’s 5th congressional district elected him as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention and he served as the co-chair of Obama for America’s Gen44-Atlanta initiative. A former Vanderbilt University football player and law student, Giboney served on the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Board of Directors. Additionally, Justin has participated in LEAD Atlanta, Outstanding Atlanta and the Georgia Bar Association’s Leadership Academy. He’s written op-eds for publications such as Christianity Today.
Resources from the Conversation * The AND Campaign * Giboney's speech to be elected as a delegate from Georgia’s 5th Congressional District | Biblical Values WIN at Democrat Election * Giboney’s Christianity Today article | How Urban Christians Failed President Obama * The Church Politics Podcast with Justin Giboney and Michael Wear * The AND Campaign’s YouTube Channel * Follow Giboney on Twitter @JustinEGiboney * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Last week’s episode | August Profiles: Russell Moore on faith, family, and friendships from Mississippi to Washington
With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations to bring you interviews with leaders we admire. We hope to bring you interesting profiles of people shaping the world of Christian political engagement. This week, Jeff Pickering sits down with ERLC president Russell Moore to talk about his faith, family, and friendships along the journey from Mississippi to Washington.
Guest Biography Russell Moore is president of the ERLC. In this role, he leads the organization to connect the agenda of the kingdom of Christ to the cultures of local congregations for the sake of the gospel. He holds a Ph.D. in systematic theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of several books, including Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel and The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home. A native Mississippian, Moore and his wife Maria are the parents of five boys.
Resources from the Conversation * https://www.russellmoore.com * Russell Moore’s YouTube channel * Signposts podcast | Why I’m a Baptist * Signposts podcast | A conversation with Andrew Peterson * ERLC Conference video | Songwriters and Storytellers * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
At the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, the messengers passed a resolution on the anti-gospel of alt-right white supremacy. Among decrying racism, the resolution also made clear our belief that the Kingdom of Christ is made up of a “multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language” in worship of our risen Savior (Revelation 7:9). This past weekend, the United States was hit with more tragic mass shootings, first in El Paso, Texas and then in Dayton, Ohio. The shooter in El Paso claimed allegiance to the evil ideology of white supremacy as the motivation for his attack in the Texas border town. David French joins Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow to discuss how this attack is connected with many others as this ideology is on the rise.
Guest Biography David French is a senior writer for National Review, a contributor to Time, and a New York Times bestselling author. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, the past president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and a former lecturer at Cornell Law School. He has served as a senior counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice and the Alliance Defending Freedom. David is a former major in the United States Army Reserve. In 2007, he deployed to Iraq, serving in Diyala Province as Squadron Judge Advocate for the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He lives and works in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Nancy, and his three children.
Resources from the Conversation * Read David at National Review * Follow David on Twitter | @DavidAFrench * Southern Baptist Resolution, 2017 | On The Anti-Gospel Of Alt-Right White Supremacy * National Review editorial | Crush This Evil * National Review | It’s Time to Declare War on White-Nationalist Terrorism by David French * Article on 8Chan | The El Paso Shooting and the Gamification of Terror * Baptist Press | SBC denounces 'alt-right white supremacy' by Tom Strode * Christianity Today | Jesus, Deliver Us from This Racist Evil Age by Jarvis Williams and Curtis Woods * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
The 2020 presidential election kicked off with double header debates this summer for the Democratic Party’s nomination. As Christians, we want to approach these debates and each election thoughtfully to engage as well-informed citizens. Longtime politico, Brent Leatherwood joins Jeff Pickering around the Capitol Conversations table to talk about his recent article about the history of presidential debates and what we need to know going into 2020.
Guest Biography Brent Leatherwood serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Before coming to the ERLC, he served as the executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party from December 2012 to December 2016, where he managed the organization’s campaign apparatus at the federal, state and local levels. In addition, Brent has worked on Capitol Hill as a senior legislative aide to former Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla). He and his wife Meredith have three children and are members of The Church at Avenue South, where Brent serves as a deacon.
Resources from the Conversation * Article by Brent | What you should know about the presidential debates * ABC News | Here’s how the first 2020 Democratic debates work * Book Review on Jonathan Leeman’s "How the Nations Rage" | How should Christians navigate politics? * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Last week, the State Department held their second annual Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, which turned out to be the largest human rights gathering in the history of the State Department. Nearly 200 foreign delegations and over a thousand of government representatives, religious leaders, survivors of religious persecution and members of civil society convened to discuss the challenges of religious persecution and promote the fundamental human right of religious freedom. In addition to the formal meetings at State, there were over 80 side events hosted by various non-profits, foreign embassies, and coalition groups. The ERLC hosted the only side event on North Korea and its religious liberty and human rights violations. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Steven Harris discuss their experiences from the Ministerial, highlights from the ERLC’s side event and new documentary film, Humanity Denied.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC short film | Humanity Denied: Religious Freedom in North Korea * ERLC podcast | Olivia Enos on North Korea, nuclear summits, and the persecuted church * ERLC podcast | Kenneth Bae, Not Forgotten * ERLC article by Travis Wussow | What it’s like to follow Jesus in North Korea * ERLC article by Joe Carter | 5 Facts about North Korea and its Dictatorial Regime * Memoir of Nadia Murad | The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State * State Department | About the Ministerial
North Korea today remains one of the most repressive regimes on earth restricting the freedom of its own people and considering Christianity a threat to the state. Kenneth Bae is a Christian missionary and American citizen who knows all too well about North Korean oppression. Although it is difficult to enter North Korea, Bae hosted state approved tourism visits from China. Each trip, though a risk, was a successful time of prayer for the Korean people until the country’s security officials arrested Bae after believing he posed a threat to the communist state. He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor and, after two years, became the longest held U.S. citizen to be imprisoned in North Korea. He was released in 2014 returning home on a flight with then Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Kenneth Bae joins Jeff Pickering at the Leland House to share his story of imprisonment and release, holding onto hope in Christ, and his ministry to the North Korean people.
Guest Biography Kenneth Bae is an American citizen, born in South Korea, who serves as a Christian missionary in Seoul, South Korea. Since being released, Kenneth founded the Nehemiah Global Initiative, which is devoted to remembering the 25 million North Koreans and helping North Korean refugees physically and spiritually to rebuild new lives in South Korea. His book Not Forgotten: The True Story of My Imprisonment in North Korea recounts his full story.
Resources from the Conversation * EVENT INVITE | Join the ERLC in Washington, DC, on Thursday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for Humanity Denied: Religious Freedom in North Korea * ERLC podcast | Olivia Enos on North Korea, nuclear summits, and the persecuted church * ERLC article by Travis Wussow | What it’s like to follow Jesus in North Korea * CNN video | Kenneth Bae Interview * New York Times article | Kenneth Bae, Longest Held U.S. Prisoner in North Korea * Washington Times | Kenneth Bae details North Korea prison ordeal, says ‘God’s will” put him there * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
This year, at the 2019 SBC Annual Meeting, 13 resolutions were passed, eight of which relate to key issues and concerns within the ERLC’s public policy work. On this episode, Jeff, Travis, Steven, and Chelsea discuss the importance of these resolutions and the process behind how they are proposed and adopted. Specifically, the D.C. staff explores the eight resolutions relevant to the ERLC’s work in Washington and what implications they hold for the future.
Resources from the Conversation * 2019 SBC Convention Resolutions * Joe Carter: Key Resolutions from the 2019 SBC Annual Meeting * @TrevinWax’s tweet thread about serving on the Resolutions Committee * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
This episode of Capitol Conversations was recorded live in Birmingham, Alabama from the 2019 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. This episode consists of three brief conversations with ERLC staff and local church leaders at the ERLC booth about the value of cooperation as a convention of churches. The episode finishes with highlights from Russell Moore’s address on the floor of the convention.
Guest Biography Daniel Patterson serves as ERLC’s Vice President for Operations and Chief of Staff. In these roles, he directs the executive office of the president, public relations, and helps drive operations across the organization. He completed an MDiv and PhD in systematic theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Molly have been married since 2010, and together they have three children. @DLPatterson
Dean Inserra is the founding and lead pastor of CITYCHURCH, where he leads the vision and preaching. Dean was called to start a church in his hometown of Tallahassee and is passionate to see a worldwide impact made for Jesus. Dean graduated from Liberty University and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He holds a MA in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a D.Min from Southern Seminary. @deaninserra
Ashlyn Portero is originally from Tallahassee and loves calling the city home. She began attending CITYCHURCH in 2009 and joined the staff in 2011, and currently serves as one of the Executive Directors, overseeing and supporting staff and day-to-day ministry operations. Ashlyn graduated from Florida State University in 2010 with a B.A. in English and is currently a student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary online. She loves seeing the Gospel change lives and enjoys helping people connect at CITYCHURCH. @ashlynportero
Resources from the Conversation * 2019 SBC Annual Meeting * Caring Well Initiative * 2019 SBC Resolutions * 2019 SBC ON DEMAND VIDEO: Gospel Above All * Dean & Ashlyn’s church | CITYCHURCH * 10 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About Southern Baptists by Russell Moore * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
On Thursday, June 20, the Supreme Court decided the fate of the Bladensburg Peace Cross, a memorial to the fallen of World War 1 in Maryland. The memorial stands thanks to a 7-2 decision by the justices yet the opinion of the court was fractured. Jeff, Travis, Steven, and Chelsea circle up on the afternoon the opinion came down for this special episode to discuss the case, the opinion, dissent, and what it all means for the future of Establishment Clause.
Resources from the Conversation * SCOTUS | Opinion & ERLC Amicus Brief & SCOTUSblog case page * ERLC press release | ERLC President Russell Moore Commends Supreme Court's Decision to Uphold Bladensburg Cross Memorial * ERLC article | Top quotes from the Bladensburg Cross Supreme Court win * Capitol Conversations episode | Inside the Supreme Court for the Bladensburg cross case * ERLC article | What’s at the Heart of the Bladensburg Cross Supreme Court Case * Runner’s World article | Running of the Interns at the Supreme Court
Jeff, Steven, and Travis welcome national security expert and Asia analyst Olivia Enos from the Heritage Foundation to the Leland House to discuss the latest news from North Korea, especially the plight of the persecuted church. Olivia traveled to Singapore and Hanoi for the nuclear summits between President Trump and Chairman Kim-Jong un. And Steven recently traveled to South Korea as part of ERLC’s religious liberty efforts on the Korean peninsula and visited the DMZ to hear from Christian North Korean defectors.
Guest Biography Olivia Enos serves as a policy analyst in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation specializing in human rights and transnational criminal issues. Enos has published numerous papers on human trafficking in Asia, human rights in North Korea, and reforming the U.S. refugee program and writes a bi-monthly column in Forbes. Her commentary has appeared in The Washington Post, The National Interest, The Diplomat, and Real Clear World, as well as numerous scholarly publications. She has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and the BBC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Patrick Henry College in Virginia, and a master of arts in Asian studies at Georgetown University. She and her husband Zach currently reside on Capitol Hill.
Resources from the Conversation * Olivia Enos at the Heritage Foundation * New York Magazine VIDEO | A Brief History of North Korea in 3 Minutes * Book on DPRK prison camps Olivia mentioned | The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag * U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Freedom Sam Brownback’s speech at Heritage | Human Rights in China * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Steve Aden on overturning Roe v. Wade
This is part three in the series: What’s happening with the abortion debates in America?
Jeff, Travis, and Steven are joined by Steve Aden of Americans United for Life to discuss the legal strategies for protecting life and the possible path to overturn Roe v. Wade. The momentum continues for the pro-life movement as state governments in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri enacted new laws prohibiting abortion. All this attention then catalyzed nationwide conversations about life, women, and the unborn.
Guest Biography Steven H. Aden serves as Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Americans United for Life overseeing all legal operations of America’s most effective pro-life organization. Aden is a highly experienced litigator, having appeared in court against Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry dozens of times and appointed by the attorneys general of six states to defend pro-life laws. Aden secured court victories that upheld Arizona preventing six abortion businesses from offering abortion, applied Missouri’s abortion laws to chemical abortion and upheld the right of Louisiana regulators to shut down dangerous abortion facilities. A prolific author and analyst on sanctity of life issues and constitutional jurisprudence, Aden is bar certified in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Hawaii (inactive), and is a member of the bars at the U.S. Supreme Court, numerous federal circuit and district courts. Aden has practiced law since 1990 and earned his J.D. (cum laude) from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from the University of Hawaii.
Resources from the Conversation * Podcast Episode | Part 1: Dana Hall McCain on Alabama’s pendulum swing * Podcast Episode | Part 2: Trillia Newbell and Daniel Darling on a holistic pro-life ethic * Joe Carter’s article | Explainer: How legal issues make it to the Supreme Court * Evangelicals for Life event message | Travis Wussow and Kristen Waggoner discuss the pro-life policy outlook in 2019 * Clark D. Forsythe’s book Abuse of Discretion | Clark D. Forsythe, Senior Counsel Americans United for Life * Americans United for Life webpage | https://aul.org/ * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
This is part two in the series: What’s happening with the abortion debates in America?
Jeff and Chelsea are joined by Trillia Newbell and Dan Darling to discuss what it means to bring a holistic pro-life ethic to bear on this current cultural moment. The momentum continues for the pro-life movement as state governments in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri enacted new laws prohibiting abortion. All this attention then catalyzed nationwide conversations about life, women, and the unborn.
Guest Biography Trillia Newbell is the director of Community Outreach. Trillia has a degree in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is currently pursuing her M.A. in biblical counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of two books, United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity and Fear and Faith. Trillia lives in the Nashville area with her husband Thern and their two children. @trillianewbell
Daniel Darling is the vice president for Communications. He is a columnist for Homelife and is a regular contributor to In Touch and a contributing editor for Christianity Today's CT Pastors. Dan's work has appeared in USA Today, CNN, Washington Times, Huffington Post, and The Gospel Coalition. Daniel is the host of The Way Home Podcast and an associate pastor at Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. He is the author of several books, including his latest, The Dignity Revolution. He personally blogs at danieldarling.com. @dandarling
Resources from the Conversation Podcast Episode | Part 1: Dana Hall McCain on Alabama’s pendulum swing
Chelsea’s USA Today article | I'm pro-life. That means protecting the unborn from abortion and also caring for women.
Trillia’s RNS article | It’s unfair to say Christians’ pro-life stance ends at birth
Dan’s book | The Dignity Revolution
ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
This is part one in the series: What’s happening with the abortion debates in America?
Jeff interviews Alabama columnist Dana Hall McCain to talk about the headline news made by her state’s new pro-life bill. Last week was momentous for the pro-life movement as state government in Alabama as well as those in Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri enacted new laws prohibiting abortion. All this attention then catalyzed new nationwide conversations about life, women, and the unborn. Dana’s column last week, The abortion pendulum is moving, places the Yellowhammer State bill in the national discussion and makes sense of how the church should engage in this cultural moment.
Guest Biography Dana Hall McCain is a columnist for Alabama Media Group, focusing on topics of faith and politics. Her work appears on the AL.com website, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Birmingham News, and the Mobile Press-Register. She has previously written for a variety of faith-based platforms about issues affecting women’s ministry, marriage and parenting. Dana has served her home church and numerous parachurch ministries as a Bible study leader, Women’s Ministry Director, and small group leader. One of her greatest joys is serving as a mentor to pregnant women at her local Christian pregnancy resource center, Wiregrass Hope Group. Dana and her husband, Greg “Scooter” McCain are parents to two children.
Resources from the Conversation * Dana’s column at AL.com | The abortion pendulum is moving * Dana’s column at AL.com responding to New York’s abortion bill | The abortion pendulum * Baptist Press | Ala. legislators OK abortion ban; Gov. signs bill * ERLC article | Three Southern states move to ban abortion * Karen Swallow Prior’s article at Vox | Abortion will be considered unthinkable 50 years from now * ERLC article | How the ERLC is working to oppose abortion * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and the child welfare system is overwhelmed, especially in the middle of the opioid crisis. Yet many faith-based foster care and adoption providers find themselves defending their very right to exist up against legislation like the Equality Act. These providers and families entered the child welfare system because of their religious convictions to care for the vulnerable. We need as many providers as possible to serve vulnerable children and that means, as Russell Moore argued, letting Catholic adoption agencies be Catholic. Jeff and Chelsea welcome their coalition partner Hillary Byrnes, a religious liberty advocate from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to discuss the future of faith-based child welfare.
Guest Biography Hillary Byrnes is director of Religious Liberty and Associate General Counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, D.C. Hillary staffs the Committee for Religious Liberty, which the U.S. bishops established to address growing concerns over the erosion of freedom of religion in America. Before joining the USCCB, Hillary worked in private practice and served as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, cum laude, where she was an Article Editor of the Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy, and earned her bachelor's in Foreign Service, magna cum laude, from Georgetown University. Hillary is a member of the bars of New York and the District of Columbia and has been admitted to practice before several federal trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC article by James Williams | 10 ways you can get involved in foster care * USCCB Religious Liberty * The legal case Hillary referenced | Sharonell Fulton, et al. v. City of Philadelphia * Blog by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik | Three Ways Christians Can Get Involved In Pro-Life Work * TGC article by Andrew Walker | The Equality Act Accelerates Anti-Christian Bias * USA Today op-ed by Russell Moore | Let Catholic adoption agencies be Catholic. We should focus on finding every child a home. * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
After she and her husband David Kuo were in a car wreck late one Saturday night in 2003, Kimberly waited in the George Washington University Hospital for news of his condition. The newly married couple were at the top of their Washington careers at the time. David worked in the White House as a senior aide to President George W. Bush. Kimberly was an executive downtown having previously worked in the Senate as a top aide for Majority Leader Bob Dole. When David was finally wheeled out of the emergency room, he gave his wife a thumbs down. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given six months to live. Kimberly joined Jeff and Travis at the Leland House to share her family’s courageous story of living life to the fullest when battling a terminal illness and why physician-assisted suicide is not the answer for such a tragedy.
Guest Biography Kimberly Kuo has over 25 years experience as a Communications and Marketing professional in national politics, federal government, corporations and start-ups. Her experience in politics includes time as Press Secretary for Senate Majority Leader and then presidential candidate Bob Dole and vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Communities at Coca-Cola Consolidated. In addition to opinion pieces, she also writes music, poetry and children’s fiction. She loves writing for and teaching young kids at Forest Hill Church in Charlotte, N.C., and her greatest joy is adventuring with her two children.
Resources from the Conversation * Kimberly’s Q Ideas Talk: Six Months To Live * Kimberley’s WORLD Magazine podcast: Cancer, marriage, and refusing to give up * Kimberley’s Christianity Today article: Assisted Suicide and Real Death with Dignity * CC podcast: Ben Mitchell on physician-assisted suicide; Feeling the Bern on religious freedom * ERLC article by Matthew Arbo: How would you counsel someone interested in assisted suicide? * ERLC article by Kathryn Butler: Is physician-assisted suicide ethical? * ERLC explainer by Matthew Hawkins: How to reject physician-assisted suicide * David Kuo’s book: Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
Jeff, Steven, Chelsea, and Travis grieve the recent attack on Christians in Sri Lanka this past Easter Sunday and discuss what to make of the recent surge in terrorism targeting faith communities. This attack on our brothers and sisters in Christ comes after other attacks on people in religious services, including on Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. As people of the cross, we must confront these tragedies with mourning. And then we look to the hope we have in Christ as we consider how best to protect our neighbors and live courageously in a broken world.
Resources from the Conversation Why Church Shootings Don’t Intimidate the Church by Russell Moore
Blasts Targeting Christians Kill Hundreds in Sri Lanka
The Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka podcast episode of The Daily from The New York Times
Blessed are the persecuted by Casey B. Hough
Mosque in New Zealand | New Zealand Shooting Suspect Is Charged With 50 Counts of Murder
Tree of Life Synagogue | 11 Killed in Synagogue Massacre; Suspect Charged With 29 Counts
FBC Sutherland Springs | A stark, white room: Sutherland Springs still struggles with church massacre
7 ways to pray for First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs by The Southern Baptist Convention of Texas
ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
On April 2, the House Judiciary Committee held its first hearing for H.R. 5, the Equality Act. This legislation would reopen the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to redefine “sex” to include “sexual orientation and gender identity” as a federally protected classes. Jeff, Travis, and Chelsea welcome Andrew Walker from the ERLC’s Nashville office to discuss the cultural background of this bill and how the Equality Act would devastate the legal protections for sex, women’s equality, and the country’s first freedom of religious liberty. The group also gives an update on the movement happening with the Born Alive Act in the House.
Guest Biography Andrew T. Walker is the ERLC’s Director of Research and Senior Fellow in Christian Ethics. He researches, speaks, and writes about the intersection of Christian ethics, public policy, and the church’s social witness. He also oversees the ERLC's academic initiatives and directs the ERLC's Research Institute. Andrew holds a B.A. from Southwest Baptist University, and an M.Div., Th.M., and Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Christian, and they have three daughters. He blogs at andrewtwalker.com.
Resources from the Conversation * Andrew’s TGC Article | The Equality Act Accelerates Anti-Christian Bias * Issue Brief | ERLC Opposes H.R. 5 The Equality Act * Advocacy Letters | ERLC joins coalition in opposition to H.R. 5, the Equality Act * House Judiciary Committee Holds Historic First Hearing on the Equality Act * Video | Full House Judiciary Committee Hearing on H.R. 5, the “Equality Act” * ERLC | Capitol Conversation Podcast
On December 11, 2018, House Resolution (H.R.) 390—the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018—became law. David Trimble and Nathaniel Hurd, two people who played a significant role in passing this bill, join Travis Wussow to discuss the almost two year battle to provide emergency aid to persecuted minorities in Iraq and Syria. They also discuss how this bill has been implemented since its passage and what hope we have for the situation on the ground.
Guest Biography David Trimble is Director of the Center for Religious Freedom Education at the Religious Freedom Institute. He is also a Senior Fellow of the RFI Middle East and International Religious Freedom Policy Action Teams. He was formerly a principal at the leading D.C. firm of Van Scoyoc Associates. For many years, David has provided counsel to federal agencies, independent clients, and governments on such varied topics as international affairs, foreign policy, education, and religious liberty. Throughout his career, Mr. Trimble has provided leadership in the field of education – launching seminal programs and driving new policies and innovation. David holds a J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law, M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary, and completed substantial post-graduate studies at Baylor University and Southwestern.
Nathaniel Hurd is a Senior Policy Advisor for the US Helsinki Commission. Hurd joined the Commission in October 2014. His portfolio includes international freedom of religion and humanitarian emergencies. Previously, he was Senior Policy Advisor for Conflicts & Disasters at World Vision and held similar positions at the International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps. His 18-year career has mostly focused on international humanitarian and human rights crises, including those resulting from religious persecution, and his expertise includes the United Nations. Nathaniel has interviewed and spent time with many survivors of violence – in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Somalia – who were forced to flee from their homes and seek refuge in other countries as refugees or were internally displaced in their own. These survivors were from a cross-section of faiths and some were originally targeted for their faith. Nathaniel holds a B.A. in international relations from Hamilton College and Master’s of International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.
Resources from the Conversation * Article | The Iraq and Syria Genocide Bill that just passed Congress * One-pager | ERLC Supports Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act * Article | House OKs Aid for ISIS survivors * Bill Text | H.R. 390
Groups aiding Christians in Iraq and Syria: * World Vision * Samaritan’s Purse * Knights of Columbus | Christian Refugee Relief Fund * Open Doors USA
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments at the end of February on the Bladensburg cross case, in which the Justices must answer the constitutionality of a war memorial in the shape of a cross seated on government-owned property. On this episode, we go inside the courtroom with journalist Tom Strode who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the case. Then Travis, Steven, and Jeff discuss the Establishment Clause and what makes America’s idea of separation of church and state unique.
Guest Biography Tom Strode serves as the bureau chief and Washington, D.C., correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. He is also a pastor at Covenant Community Church in Fredericksburg, Va.
Resources from the Conversation * SCOTUSblog Case Page | The American Legion v. The American Humanist Association * SCOTUS | ERLC Amicus Brief * ERLC article | What’s at the Heart of the Bladensburg Cross Supreme Court Case * Tom’s BP article | Court Signals it May Change Church-State Doctrine
The ERLC policy team gathered for a wide ranging conversation on the last week of February. The group covers the significance of Black History Month, the recent news and response to sexual abuse stories in SBC churches, and the Senate’s failure to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Jeff and Chelsea discuss why this commonsense infanticide bill failed and how the pro-life community should respond.
Resources from the Conversation * Article | 5 Facts about Black History Month by Joe Carter * Bipartisan Policy Center Video | An Interview with Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture * Article | * Southern Baptists and the Scandal of Church Sexual Abuse by Russell Moore * Article | 10 calls to action for Southern Baptists on sexual abuse by Phillip Bethancourt * Article | An update on the Presidential Study on Sexual Abuse by Phillip Bethancourt * Article | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by ERLC policy staff * National Review Article | Senate Fails to Pass Born-Alive Bill by Alexandra DeSanctis * Stand For Life | https://www.standforlife.org * Application for ERLC Internship Program
Ahead of the Senate vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, Jeff and Chelsea welcome pro-life and adoption advocate Melissa Ohden to the roundtable to share her story. Melissa was herself born-alive after a failed abortion attempt at seven months gestation. Her story is an awesome testament to God’s grace, the power of forgiveness, and the inherent dignity every person deserves no matter how small.
Guest Biography Melissa Ohden is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977. She’s a pro-life and adoption advocate, and has a Master’s Degree in Social work, and has worked in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence and sexual assault counseling, and child welfare. She’s testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate and the Australian Parliament. Melissa founded the Abortion Survivors Network, which seeks to educate the public about failed abortions and survivors, while providing for emotional, mental, and spiritual support to abortion survivors.
Resources from the Conversation Melissa Ohden’s Website | MelissaOhden.com
Melissa’s book | You Carried Me
ERLC | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by Policy Staff
ERLC | SCOTUS temporarily blocks abortion regulation by Palmer Williams
ERLC Internship Program
The debate in Washington over infanticide is rightly shocking to many, but tragically, flows from the abortion industry’s recent advocacy in New York and Virginia. Jeff and Chelsea welcome Alexandra DeSanctis of National Review to the table to discuss the unfolding debate over late-term abortion, the radical policies that give way to infanticide, and how the pro-life community should respond.
Guest Biography Alexandra DeSanctis is a staff writer for National Review. She was previously a William F. Buckley Fellow in Political Journalism with the National Review Institute and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.
Resources from the Conversation * Follow Alexandra on Twitter | @xan_desanctis * The Atlantic | Democrats Overplay Their Hand on Abortion by Alexandra DeSanctis * National Review | New Survey Shows Americans Reject Democratic Radicalism on Abortion by Alexandra DeSanctis * ERLC | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by Policy Staff * ERLC | SCOTUS temporarily blocks abortion regulation by Palmer Williams * Alexandra’s baseball articles | Major League Baseball’s Ridiculous Blackout Policy & In Praise of Baseball Season’s Opening Day * ERLC Internship Program
In the final days of the 115th Congress, a significant and bipartisan federal criminal justice reform bill was signed into law at the White House. The First Step Act, which sought both prison and sentencing reforms, enjoyed overwhelming votes in the Senate and House this past December. Yet the bill’s journey to passage was as unlikely as the coalition of conservatives and liberals who supported it.
Heather Rice-Minus of Prison Fellowship was one of the dedicated advocates whose work ensured that this bill became a law. Heather worked at the center of many of the instrumental negotiations on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Heather joined Steven and Jeff at the Leland House to recount the story of what Van Jones called “a Christmas miracle” for criminal justice reform.
Guest Biography Heather Rice-Minus serves as vice president of government affairs at Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. She is a powerful, knowledgeable voice articulating the case for restorative criminal justice solutions. She is also the co-author of Outrageous Justice, a Bible study curriculum and book. A native of Virginia, Rice-Minus resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband and daughter.
Resources from the Conversation * Article by Emily Greene | President Trump signs the FIRST STEP Act into law, ushering in a new era of Criminal Justice Reform * Prison Fellowship’s Second Chance Month * Get Involved with Prison Fellowship | Resources for Churches and Volunteers * Prison Fellowship Advocacy and Public Policy Team * Small Group Curriculum | Outrageous Justice * Video by Steven Harris | Why is criminal justice reform an important issue for pastors and churches to engage? * Video by Heather Rice-Minus | Why should Christians care about criminal justice reform? * Podcast Episode | MLK50 workshop: Pursuing criminal justice reform * ERLC Internship Program
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
A few years ago, two successful corporate executives teamed up to fight human trafficking. Kevin Malone, the former general manager of the L.A. Dodgers, and Geoff Rogers, a former vice president of IBM, founded the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking. Jeff and Travis spoke with Kevin and Geoff during the 2019 Evangelicals for Life conference about how God called them to this fight and their work to build trafficking free zones in local communities.
Guest Biographies Kevin Malone, named “The Best General Manager in the Game” in 1995, retired from professional baseball in 2001 after an illustrious 17 year career in which his teams earned a World Championship and several trips to the postseason. Kevin is the Founder and Executive Director of Protect The P.A.T.H. (People Against Trafficking Humans), and President and Co-Founder of the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking where he currently serves as the director of the board. Malone has been married to his wife Marilyn for 35 years. They relocated to Las Vegas from L.A. in Feb. 2018 to fight child sex slavery. They have two children, Shannon and Shawn.
Geoff Rogers entered the hi-tech corporate world at IBM after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame. In just 7 years’ time, Geoff rose quickly to the rank of Vice President at IBM while running a North American software division. But as his corporate climb continued, the call of God was drawing him closer to ministry, and as he puts it, each rung on the corporate ladder became more and more hollow. Geoff and his wife Kerri co-founded the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking with Kevin Malone, where Geoff serves as the CEO of the organization, applying his vast business skills to the ministry. Geoff and Kerri have been married for 20 years. They place tremendous value on their family and enjoy spending time with their three amazing boys.
Resources from the Conversation * U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking * USIAHT | Trafficking Free Zone * Article from Christian Post | How God prepared former Dodgers GM to fight sex trafficking: It’s spiritual warfare * Article by Joe Carter | 5 Facts about the ‘Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act’ * Video by Dean Inserra | The Problem with Porn: Gospel Hope for Parents and Teens * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
The ERLC hosted it’s Evangelicals for Life conference last week ahead of the annual March for Life. Jeff, Steven, Chelsea, and Lauren gathered around the table back at the Leland House to reflect on the keynotes heard, panel discussions enjoyed, and the constituent advocacy meetings the team hosted on Capitol Hill.
Resources from the Conversation * Video | 2019 Evangelicals for Life livestream replay * Article by Seth Brown | ERLC boosts advocacy through training * Article by Tom Strode | Southern Baptists march for life in Washington * Article by Joe Carter | Explainer: What you should know about the March for Life * Article by Palmer Williams | The next frontier: Taxpayer-funded abortion on demand? * Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
The ERLC publishes a legislative agenda at the beginning of each year to outline the issues and policies we will focus on in our work in Washington, D.C. to serve Southern Baptists and advance the common good. The ERLC policy team, with Lauren Konkol joining the Capitol Conversations roundtable for the first time, talk about our 2019 Legislative Agenda. The team also discusses the new 116th Congress and what to expect in the year ahead.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC 2019 Legislative Agenda * Here’s how the ERLC advocates for you in Washington, D.C. | Article by Jeff Pickering * ERLC Public Policy Team * 2019 Evangelicals For Life
The 2018 ERLC interns join Jeff Pickering to talk about their experience in D.C.
The group discusses their favorite policy projects, memorable meetings on Capitol Hill, and laughable moments at the Leland House.
Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs in both of our offices in Nashville and D.C. The ERLC is dedicated to seeing each generation engage the culture with the gospel of Christ. For more information and to apply, visit ERLC.com/internships.
Guest Biography In this conversation you will hear from Simona, Kelsey, Brooke, Esther, Nathan, Jaston, Scott, Matthew, Amanda, and Zach – our 2018 interns from the ERLC office in Washington, D.C. They came to the Leland House from all over the country and are interested in faith, politics, and how to engage culture as followers of Christ.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC Internship Program Application * ERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom Strode * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
For this special two part series, we bring you ERLC president Dr. Russell Moore teaching on Christian ethics. These lectures were recorded live in Washington, D.C.. at the ERLC Academy on the Hill events earlier in 2018. In part one, which aired last week and is linked below, Dr. Russell Moore gives an introduction to Christian ethics. And in part two this week, Dr. Moore teaches about the role of conscience in battling temptation.
Resources from the Conversation * Podcast Episode | Christian Ethics with Russell Moore Part One * ERLC Academy * ERLC Public Policy Team * How to Develop a Christian Ethic by Russell Moore * Video | Russell Moore on How to Become More Knowledgeable about Christian Ethics * 6 books I recommend for studying Christian ethics by Andrew T. Walker * ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
For this special two part series, we bring you ERLC president Dr. Russell Moore teaching on Christian ethics. These lectures were recorded live in Washington, D.C., at the ERLC Academy on the Hill events earlier in 2018. In part one, Dr. Moore gives an introduction to Christian ethics. And in part two, he teaches about the role of conscience in battling temptation.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC Academy * ERLC Public Policy Team * How to Develop a Christian Ethic by Russell Moore * Video | Russell Moore on How to Become More Knowledgeable about Christian Ethics * 6 books I recommend for studying Christian ethics by Andrew T. Walker * ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
In 2018 our nation said goodbye to four American heroes. This week we mourn the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush. He was preceded in death this year by his wife of 73 years —former First Lady Barbara Bush, U.S. Senator John McCain, and the Rev. Billy Graham. Russell Moore and Dan Darling join Jeff Pickering to reflect on these towering leaders who shaped generations of politics, culture, and world events.
Guest Biography Russell Moore serves as the eighth president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Wall Street Journal has called Moore “vigorous, cheerful, and fiercely articulate.” He was named in 2017 to Politico Magazine’s list of fifty influence-makers in Washington and has been profiled by such publications as the Washington Post, the New Yorker, and the Weekly Standard. A native Mississippian, Moore and his wife Maria are the parents of five sons.
Resources from the Conversation * Dan’s recommended biography on President Bush | Destiny and Power by Jon Meachum * Dr. Moore’s recommended biography on Rev. Graham | A Prophet with Honor by William Martin * 5 facts about George H.W. Bush (1924-2018) * Good Men Are Hard to Find: Lessons from the Life of George H.W. Bush * Barbara Bush, wife and mother of presidents, dies at 92 * 5 facts about John McCain * Billy Graham Bore Witness for 99 Years * 5 Facts about Billy Graham * ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The lame duck session of the 115th Congress is underway. On this week’s episode the ERLC policy team discusses the organization’s legislative priorities which include repealing the new tax on churches that resulted from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the First Step Act, an important criminal justice reform bill that recently gained the support of the White House, and the Conscience Protection Act, a religious liberty protection for healthcare professionals.
Guest Biography Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as a policy director in the Washington, D.C., office of the ERLC. Previously, she worked in the U.S. House of Representatives on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. Chelsea is the author of Longing for Motherhood – Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband Michael.
Resources from the Conversation * Russell Moore’s op-ed in The Wall Street Journal | "Stop the Tax on Houses of Worship" * ERLC article by Joe Carter | "What you should know about the FIRST STEP Act" * ERLC Policy Brief | ERLC Supports Technical Fix of Tax Law on Church Parking Taxation * ERLC letter | Coalition Letter on Tax Repeal * ERLC Podcast episode | Capitol Conversations | Chelsea Patterson Sobolik on childlessness and the church * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Christians are rethinking their relationship with politics as American culture moves away from certain moral Christian principles. Jonathan Leeman, author of How The Nations Rage, joins Steven, Travis, and Jeff at the Leland House to talk about the church, the state, and how to have confidence in this divided age. From the conversation:
“What I’m trying to help readers do is to understand what is the state, what is the church, how to read the bible politically, what is justice, and perhaps most importantly, envigorate, encourage, and inspire with a vision of the the church as this embassy of light, of justice and righteousness that shows a model to the nations of how we can move forward with a happy confidence of what God is doing, whether America gets better or worse.” – Jonathan Leeman
Guest Biography Jonathan Leeman is the editorial director for 9Marks. Jonathan began his career in journalism as an editor for an economics magazine in Washington, D.C. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science, and since his call to ministry, a master of divinity and a Ph.D. in theology. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of D.C. where he serves as an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church. In addition to his work at 9Marks, he’s a seminary teacher, article writer, and author. His recent book, How The Nations Rage, rethinking faith and politics in a divided age, is the topic for this conversation.
Resources from the Conversation * 9Marks | Jonathan’s Writing * Book by Jonathan Leeman | How the Nations Rage: rethinking faith and politics in a divided age * TGC Article | A Reading Plan for Augustine’s ‘The City of God’ * Book by David W. Blight | Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom * Countermoves Podcast Episode | Jonathan Leeman on Religious Liberty and Baptist Ecclesiology * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
America voted. Who won? Who lost? And what does it all mean for the country and for the issues Southern Baptists care about? For this special episode of Capitol Conversations, Jeff Pickering is joined by Travis Wussow and Brent Leatherwood the morning after Tuesday’s elections to discuss what happened in the 2018 midterms.
Resources from the Conversation * ERLC Article | How should Christians approach election day? by Brent Leatherwood * ERLC Article | Why we should follow Paul’s example in our political moment by Patrick Schreiner * ERLC Article | 3 things you need to know about the states voting on abortion referendums by Eric Mayo * Capitol Conversations Episode | State Ballots and Split Juries * Capitol Conversations Episode | The 2018 midterms with Brent Leatherwood * New York Times | Live Election Results Dashboard * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The nation’s eyes are on Congress one week away from the November 2018 elections, but the most consequential changes to public policy which affects your daily life happen on your state and local ballots. For one of those ballot initiatives, the ERLC policy team speaks to a criminal defense attorney in Louisiana leading the campaign to overturn a 138 year old law with critical implications for justice, equity, and race in America.
Guest Biography Ed Tarpley is an attorney in Alexandria, Louisiana, who served as District Attorney for the 35th judicial district from 1991 to 1997. In addition to his law practice and other professional commitments, Ed serves on the Board of Directors of the Cenla Pregnancy Center, is a member of the Steering Committee for the Louisiana Governor's Prayer Breakfast, and previously served on the Board of Trustees for Louisiana College. He is also the author of a resolution adopted by the Louisiana State Bar Association on June 9, 2016, calling for the legislature to restore the unanimous criminal jury verdict in Louisiana.
Resources from the Conversation * Ed Tarpley’s Website | http://edtarpley.com * The Atlantic Article | Florida Felons Want Their Voting Rights Restored * Ballotpedia | Colorado’s Proposition 111 to Limit Payday Loan Charges * Ballotpedia | Alabama’s State Abortion Policy * Ballotpedia | West Virginia’s No Right to Abortion in Constitution * USA Today Article | Fight over abortion comes to Oregon as Republicans target reproductive rights in U.S. * LA Times Article | In Louisiana, a fight to end a Jim Crow-era jury law is on the ballot * Vox Article | Louisiana voters will have a chance to strike down a Jim Crow law this November * ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
How should our theology of human dignity impact our debates of public policy? Dan Darling, author of The Dignity Revolution, joins Travis, Steven, and Jeff to discuss how this rich Genesis 1 truth applies to the complex decisions Christians face in the public square.
Guest biography Dan Darling is the Vice President for Communications at the ERLC. He is a writer whose work has appeared in USA Today, CNN, Washington Times, Huffington Post, and The Gospel Coalition. Dan is the host of another ERLC podcast, The Way Home, and an associate pastor at Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.
Resources from the conversation * Dan’s Book | The Dignity Revolution by Dan Darling * Dan’s Blog | https://www.danieldarling.com * Articles | Resources by Dan Darling * ERLC Podcast Episode | Human dignity and public policy by Senator James Lankford (R–Okla.) * Article | Why we should work to overturn abortion laws by Andrew T. Walker * Video | How does the image of God inform our view about people with disabilities? by Joni Eareckson Tada * Video | All God’s Children: Growing Kids who Embrace a Biblical View of Racial Unity * Event | 2019 Evangelicals for Life * Event | ERLC 2019 National Conference: Gospel Courage
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, the ERLC policy team invites former Republican strategist Brent Leatherwood to the roundtable. Brent offers an insider’s look into the campaign trail, political polling, and the races to watch on election night. The group also offers encouragement to Christians on how to approach conversations about politics with their neighbors in a culture rife with division. We took some time off the air these past few weeks as our team was in transition, and now we’re glad to be back with you!
Guest Biography Prior to joining the ERLC as director of strategic partnerships, Brent Leatherwood served as the executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party, where he managed the organization’s campaign apparatus at the federal, state, and local levels. He also worked in Washington on Capitol Hill as a senior legislative aide to former Rep. Connie Mack (R–Fla.) Brent and his wife Meredith have three children and are members The Church at Avenue South, a church plant of Brentwood Baptist Church, where Brent serves as a deacon.
Resources from the Conversation * Polling | FiveThirtyEight * Polling | Real Clear Politics * Polling | The Cook Political Report * Polling | The Forecast with Harry Enten: CNN Politics * Polling | WSJ/NBC News Polls * Book | The Almanac of American Politics * Book | How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman * ERLC Articles & Podcasts | Resources by Brent Leatherwood * ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt Hawkins, who has served faithfully at the ERLC for 17 years, announced that he is leaving the ERLC to pursue Ph.D. studies. Matt was a brilliant, winsome presence on Capitol Hill and on the airwaves of this podcast. He will be missed. The good news is he is moving to Tennessee and will be close to our Nashville office. For Matt’s final episode as host, Jeff Pickering joins him at the Leland House to reflect on memorable interviews, guests, and advocacy in Washington, D.C.
- Capitol Conversations Episodes by Title
- Matt Hawkins on Twitter
- ERLC Resources from Matt Hawkins
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
In this summer of international religious freedom, Matt Hawkins and Travis Wussow visited the State Department to speak with Ambassador Sam Brownback then welcomed Commissioner Kristina Arriaga to the ERLC Leland House. Brownback serves as Ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom and Arriaga serves as Vice Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The U.S. officials give an update on Pastor Andrew Brunson, the Christian detained in Turkey. The conversations come as a wrap up to the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.
- Article | State Department hosts a first-ever Ministerial on Religious Freedom
- Article | American pastor imprisoned in Turkey transferred to house arrest
- Podcast Episode | Meet the staff of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
- Article | What you need to know about the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
- Article | What is the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act?
- ERLC | Resources on International Religious Freedom
Guest Bios Sam Brownback was sworn in as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom on February 1, 2018. He served as Governor of Kansas from 2011 to 2018, U.S. Senator from 1996-2011, and a U.S. Representative in the House of Representatives from 1995-1996 from Kansas. While a member of the Senate, he worked actively on the issue of religious freedom in multiple countries and was a key sponsor of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
Kristina Arriaga was first appointed to the Commission on May 13, 2016 by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI). Arriaga has worked on the defense of Freedom of Religion or Belief in the United States and internationally for over 20 years as Advisor to the United States delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, an appointee to the Civil Rights Commission, and as the Executive Director of a U.S.-based public interest law firm that defends all religious traditions.
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
In advance of this week’s U.S. State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, the policy team discusses ERLC’s international engagement. Matt Hawkins talks with Steven Harris about his congressional testimony concerning religious liberty in Sudan. Travis Wussow and Jeff Pickering discuss their recent trip to the United Nations in Geneva. Then the team interviews Eugene Yapp, a human rights and religious freedom lawyer in Malaysia. Eugene elaborates on the cultural, political, and religious liberty landscape in Malaysia and how the American church can pray for their fellow believers in Southeast Asia. Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom:
- State Department Event Live Stream, Tuesday-Wednesday, July 24-25
- ERLC Event: Lessons from Southeast Asia, Thursday, July 26
Congressional testimony:
- ERLC Policy Director Steven Harris Gives Oral Testimony before House Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Congressional Testimony: Protecting Civil Society, Faith-Based Actors, and Political Speech in Sub-Saharan Africa
Malaysia:
- Religious Freedom in Malaysia
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt Hawkins and Travis Wussow welcome former Canadian Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett. Their wide-ranging conversation includes religious freedom in the context of diplomacy, Bennett’s current projects with Cardus (the only faith-based think tank in Canada), and the Religious Freedom Institute in Washington. Bennett also services as a deacon in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and he provides Matt (a Baptist) with some insight into that tradition.
- Cardus Law
- Convivium Magazine
- Comment
- Religious Freedom Institute
- Canadian Supreme Court denies religious freedom to Christian law school
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Gary Marx of the Judicial Crisis Network and Madison Strategies joins Matt Hawkins and Jeff Pickering to discuss President Trump’s recent nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court.
- ERLC Coalition Letter from evangelical leaders supporting Kavanaugh
- Press release: Russell Moore calls Kavanaugh “a tremendous choice” for US Supreme Court
- Explainer: What you need to know about Judge Brett Kavanaugh
- Judicial Crisis Network
- Madison Strategies
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Bruce Ashford joins Matt Hawkins to discuss his new book, Letters to an American Christian.
- Follow Bruce on Twitter
- Bruce’s website
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Letters to an American Christian on Amazon
- Bruce’s other books on Amazon
Guest bio
Bruce Riley Ashford is Provost, Dean of Faculty, and Professor of Theology & Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a regular contributor for Fox News Opinion and the Gospel Coalition and has also been featured on National Public Radio, USA Today, and the Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal. He is the author or co-author of five books.
Staff from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom sit down with ERLC policy director Matt Hawkins to discuss their work and the most recent annual report from the Commission. Dwight Bashir serves as Director of Research and Policy; Elizabeth Cassidy serves as Director of International Law and Policy at the Commission.
- USCIRF.gov
- What is the U.S. Commission on IRF? – Matt Hawkins
- 2018 USCIRF Report
- Other special reports from USCIRF including on women and religious freedom
- Follow via @USCIRF
- Current commissioners and staff
Guest bios
Dwight Bashir is Director of Research and Policy at the Commission. For more than 20 years, he has worked in the areas of international human rights, freedom of religion or belief, and conflict resolution. While at USCIRF, Mr. Bashir has led or participated in numerous fact-finding missions internationally and has traveled widely throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Mr. Bashir has been interviewed and his articles featured in major media outlets, blogs, and academic journals, including BBC, CNN, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, PBS NewsHour, National Public Radio, Al Jazeera, the Yale Journal of International Affairs, and the Cairo Review of Global Affairs, among others, and he lectures in the United States and globally on various topics in international affairs, including countering violent extremism, ethnic and sectarian conflict, and global peace and security. Mr. Bashir pursued his Bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations at the University of Richmond and his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in international conflict analysis and resolution at George Mason University.
Elizabeth K. Cassidy is Director of International Law and Policy at the Commission. She manages USCIRF’s annual report process, supervises policy and research staff, and is responsible for a substantive portfolio that includes United Nations issues, international and comparative law issues, and U.S. refugee and asylum policy. Ms. Cassidy has taught courses at the University of Namibia, Princeton University, and Seton Hall University School of Law, and conducted training sessions for U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security officials. She has authored and co-authored several book chapters and numerous journal and online articles, including in the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, OnFaith, and Opinio Juris. In 2014-2015, she served on the U.S. State Department’s Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group. She holds a B.A. in international politics from Wesleyan University, a J.D. from American University's Washington College of Law, and a LL.M in comparative constitutional law from the University of Stellenbosch.
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Joel Rainey, Phd., pastor of Covenant Church in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, joins ERLC policy director Matt Hawkins to discuss how his local church is participating in combating the opioid crisis. Also, what does it look like for a Christian church to engage their neighbors in a multi-faith context while remaining faithful to doctrine?
- Joel’s Twitter
- Covenant Church
- One America Movement
- Conversations about our broken system aren’t enough | Joel Rainey, Aaron Alexander, and Lauren Holtzblatt
- The opioid crisis is the pro-life issue Evangelicals aren’t talking about | Phillip Bethancourt
- Opioid abuse and our neighbors: 3 characteristics our churches need | Peyton Hill
- 3 things I’ve learned from pastoring addicts | David Dunham
- From drugs to redemption: Lindsay Holloway’s story | Kara Bettis
- The challenges of a church-based addiction ministry | David Dunham
Joel Rainey is the lead pastor of Covenant Church. He serves with One America Movement, where he focuses on building partnerships to combat the opioid crisis in local communities. He serves on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries and is the author of three books. Joel is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Jeremy Tedesco, senior council at the Alliance Defending Freedom, joins Matt Hawkins and Travis Wussow to discuss the nuances of the Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
- ERLC Explainer: Supreme Court supports baker in an important religious liberty case
- Top quotes from the Masterpiece Cakeshop Supreme Court win | ERLC Policy Staff
- A good trajectory for the future of Christians in the public square | Andrew Walker
- Press Release: Russell Moore: Ruling ‘A win for all Americans’
- VIDEO: Russell Moore comments at SCOTUS
- VIDEO: Travis Wussow interviews ADF’s Michael Farris at SCOTUS
- Case page at Alliance Defending Freedom
- Case page at SCOTUSBlog
Guest bio
Jeremy Tedesco serves as senior counsel and vice president of U.S. Advocacy and Administration for Alliance Defending Freedom, where he helps oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives and advocacy campaigns. Full bio…
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz joins Matt Hawkins to discuss his work with the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in building partnerships and creating resources to share the gospel and pursue civility. Seltz brings experience in church planting, urban ministry, the nonprofit sector, and academia to Washington, DC to work on behalf of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to advocate in the areas of life, marriage, and religious liberty.
- Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty
- The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
- LCRL Twitter
- LCRL Facebook
Guest bio
Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz serves as the Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Previous to Seltz’s work in Washington D.C., he served as the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour® radio program. Before joining Lutheran Hour Ministries, Seltz served as the Director of the Cross-Cultural Ministry Center, as well as professor of Theology at Concordia University in Irvine, California.
Prior to his work at Concordia, Seltz was the Executive Director of Life’s Journey Ministries, an urban, not-for-profit evangelism ministry in Manhattan, New York. He was also the founding pastor of the first new Lutheran mission start in New York City in more than 40 years (Church For All Nations-LCMS), started a mission church in Dallas, served as pastor of a large congregation in Tampa.
Seltz holds a bachelor’s degree in New Testament-Biblical Languages from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, plus a Master of Divinity in Systematics–New Testament and a Master of Sacred Theology in Systematics and a PhD in Theology and Culture, from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He also was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Concordia University Irvine for his urban work in Dallas, NYC, and Los Angeles, launching churches in the city as well as training over 75 candidates for LCMS-urban Ministry in the United States. He and his wife, Marie Yvette, have one daughter, Devin.
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Travis Wussow and Jeff Pickering join Matt Hawkins to discuss their upcoming trip to the United Nations in Geneva to advocate for Malaysian human rights.
- ERLC’s Malaysia Initiative
- Jeff Pickering’s Twitter
- Travis Wussow’s Twitter
- Resources on International Religious Liberty
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: Pursuing Criminal Justice Reform. Capitol Conversations is pleased to air the audio from a workshop convened the MLK50 conference hosted by the ERLC and the Gospel Coalition in Memphis, TN. ERLC’s Matt Hawkins moderates a panel on criminal justice reform featuring Ed Copeland, James Kirkwood, Heather Rice-Minus and Julie Warren. Special thanks to Right On Crime, the sponsor of this workshop at MLK50.
- Full archive of MLK50 media. Courtesy: The Gospel Coalition
- Right On Crime
- Memphis Christian Pastors Network
- Prison Fellowship
Guest bios
- Pastor James Kirkwood – Presently Executive Director of the Memphis Christian Pastors Network who has lengthy history as both a pastor and a police officer.
- Ed Copeland is Senior Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois, and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition.
- Heather Rice-Minus is Vice President of government affairs at Prison Fellowship Ministries.
- Julie Warren is State Director of Tennessee and Kentucky at Right on Crime. Julie’s career includes work in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. DOJ, as a defense litigator, and in the Attorney General’s office if West Virginia.
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Dr. Marvin Olasky, editor-in-chief of World Magazine, joined ERLC Policy Director Matt Hawkins for an interview. Their conversation included American poverty and compassion, the history and future of compassionate conservatism, the charitable deduction, and Marvin’s longest streak of 10,000 steps a day.
World Magazine
- The Sift
- World Radio
- World Journalism Institute
Marvin’s biography, Unmerited Grace Marvin’s books at Amazon, including…
- The Tragedy of American Compassion
- Renewing American Compassion
- Compassionate Conservatism
Guest bio
Marvin Olasky is editor in chief of the World News Group, dean of the World Journalism Institute, and holder of the Distinguished Chair in Journalism and Public Policy at Patrick Henry College. He worked at The Boston Globe, taught at the University of Texas at Austin from 1983 through 2007, and was provost of The King's College in New York City from 2007 to 2011. He joined WORLD in 1990.
Dr. Olasky has written 20 books, including The Religions Next Door, Standing for Christ in a Modern Babylon, Scimitar's Edge, Renewing American Compassion, Telling the Truth, Central Ideas in the Development of American Journalism, The Press and Abortion, Prodigal Press, and The Tragedy of American Compassion, which Philanthropy magazine deemed one of “eight books that changed America.”
He has written more than 2,000 articles in publications including WORLD, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, and is often referred to as the intellectual father of compassionate conservatism. Dr. Olasky has degrees from of the University of Michigan and Yale University.
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Herbie Newell, president of Lifeline Children’s Services, joins ERLC Policy Director Matt Hawkins to discuss opportunities and challenges facing adoption communities and how local churches can assist.
- Lifeline Children Services
- Lifeline resources for churches
- Book: Adopted for Life by Russell Moore
- Book: The Gospel & Adoption by Russell Moore and Andrew Walker
Guest bio
Herbie Newell is the President/Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and it’s ministry arms including (un)adopted, Crossings, and Lifeline Village. Herbie holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Samford University. He joined the Lifeline staff in 2003 as Executive Director. From January 2004 – December 2008, he served as the president of the Alabama Adoption Coalition. Herbie was chosen as a Hague Intercountry Adoption evaluator and team leader by the Council of Accreditation and serves in that capacity currently. Under Herbie’s leadership, Lifeline has increased the international outreach to 23 countries, helped Lifeline attain membership in the ECFA (Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability), and led the creation of foster care ministry. Having witnessed the plight of older orphans on many trips overseas, Herbie’s burden for the fatherless was a catalyst for starting (un)adopted during 2009. He worked with WAKM Companies, LLC, a prominent accounting firm, for many years as an independent auditor before being led to Lifeline. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Birmingham, Alabama, and are parents to son, Caleb, and daughters Adelynn and Emily.
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
During a spring recess on Capitol Hill, Matt welcomes Congressional staffer and author Chelsea Patterson Sobolik. Their conversation focuses on childlessness and the church, a personal and cultural experience well upstream from policy issues like adoption, foster care, reproductive technologies, surrogacy and more. Chelsea’s first book is Longing for Motherhood: Holding on to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness.
- Longing for Motherhood: Holding on to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness (Amazon)
- Foreward by Russell Moore
- Moody Publishers
- Chelsea’s contributions at ERLC
- Chelsea’s contributions at Desiring God
- Follow Chelsea at @chelspat on Twitter and @chelseasobolik on Instagram
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Kate Anderson from Alliance Defending Freedom joins Matt to discuss the case heard at the Supreme Court this week, NIFVLA v. Becerra. Travis and Jeff join later to discuss the bombings in Austin and the USA’s denial to Iranian refugees. Also, Jeff goes to the White House with the Houston Astros!
Case resources
- ADF’s case resource page
- ERLC’s case explainer
- ERLC’s amicus brief (PDF)
- SCOTUSBlog case page
Guest bio – Kate Anderson
Kate Anderson serves as legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where she is a key member of the Center for Conscience Initiatives. Anderson obtained her law degree magna cum laude in 2009 from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she served on the Gonzaga Law Review. She also completed the ADF leadership development program to become a Blackstone Fellow. Anderson is admitted to the state bars of Arizona and Washington, the U.S. Supreme Court, and several federal district and appellate courts.
Roundtable
- America shouldn't send endangered religious minority refugees back to Iran – Nina Shea
- US Puts Scores of Iranian Christians at Risk of Persecution – Christianity Today
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Greg Glod from Right on Crime joins Matt to discuss criminal justice reform. The DC team chats about current policies on the ERLC’s front burner including the Conscience Protection Act. Jeff and Matt reflect on Billy Graham’s lying in honor at the U.S. Capitol.
Guest segment: Criminal Justice Reform
- Right on Crime
- Prison Fellowship Ministries
- ERLC Supports Criminal Justice Reform
- More ERLC Resources on CJR
- The Justice Declaration
Original DACA deadline passes
- Previous episodes with Dreamers Jose, Elisa and Vanessa
Conscience Protection Act (CPA)
- Previous episode with Melissa Swearingen
- Oped in USA Today by Russell Moore and Cardinal Dolan
Billy Graham
- Russell Moore writes at The Wall Street Journal
- What we can learn from Billy Graham about navigating church and state – Andrew Walker
Guest bio – Greg Glod Greg Glod is the Manager of State Initiatives for Right on Crime and Senior Policy Analyst at Texas Public Policy Foundation. Based in Austin, Glod is an attorney who began his legal career as a law clerk and litigator in Maryland before joining Right on Crime. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with B.A. degrees in Crime, Law, and Justice and Political Science, and with his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt, Steven and Travis check in on a variety of policy items the ERLC is paying attention to as Congress returns to work. Topics include religious freedom in Malaysia; a U.S House vote in the fight against online sex trafficking; foster care reform. The team also discusses recent decisions in court cases DHS v. Regents Of Univ. Of Cal. and Zarda v. Altitude Express.
Malaysia
- ERLC.com/Malaysia
- Religious freedom advocacy encouraged by major court decision in Malaysia
- ERLC short film… stay tuned to Capitol Conversations Podcast and @ERLC on Twitter for future information about film’s release.
Fighting online sex trafficking
- Wagner Trafficking Bill Headed To House Floor
Foster care reform
- Event hosted by AEI: Reforming foster care systems at the state level
- Hosted by Naomi Schaeffer Riley, Remarks from Gov. Matt Bevin
- Jerry Milner, associate commissioner at the Children’s Bureau at HHS
- Ronald Richter, CEO & executive director of the Jewish Child Care Association
- Robin Wilson, Professor of Law at the University of Illinois’ College of Law
- ERLC resources on foster care
Court cases
- Supreme Court Declines To Take DACA Case – NPR
- Zarda v. Altitude Express – Civil Rights Act Protects Gay Workers, Appeals Court Rules – New York Times
- Parental Rights: A Casualty of the Transgender Revolution – Andrew Walker
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The ERLC’s Matt Hawkins and Jeff Pickering reflect on what happened in the Senate debate on immigration reform last week, and look ahead to the next month in Congress.
Senate fails to secure border and resolve Dreamer issue
- What's next for DACA? – The Weekly Standard
- Inside the Senate's ugly immigration breakdown – Politico
- ERLC resources on immigration
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The ERLC’s DC team runs down what to expect in a week of rare activity in the Senate: an open amendment and debate process on immigration reform. Will they secure 60 votes?
DACA & Dreamers
- Previous episode: The team explains family reunification & chain migration
- What you should know about DACA and Dreamers – ERLC
- Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers – ERLC
- 3 reasons why Congress should not wait to pass DACA legislation – ERLC
- January 9 letter to Congress from Evangelical organizations (PDF)
- Previous interviews with DACA recipients:
- Jose Ocampo (North Carolina)
- Vanessa Gutierrez (Michigan) and Elisa Gonzalez (South Carolina)
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The ERLC’s DC team reviews the status of politics and policy in Washington including abortion, immigration, and (yet another) CR week. Also, a quick look at the MLK50 Conference in Memphis, TN on April 3-4.
- David Brooks: The Abortion Memo
- Matt Lewis: SOTU Should Unite Republicans on Immigration Deal
- MLK50 Conference: Gospel Reflections from the Mountaintop – April 3-4, 2018
- MLK50Conference.com
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Travis Wussow, ERLC VP for Public Policy, interviews four panelists during the 2018 Evangelicals for Life conference. The panel, "Politics and the Person: Why Legislation Matters for the Pro-Life Cause" includes Tim Goeglein (Focus on the Family), Charles Camosy (Fordham University), Denise Harle with (Alliance Defending Freedom), and Shannon Royce (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services).
- On Demand Video of 2018 Evangelicals for Life
- More videos: Playlist of Facebook Live content from EFL
- Playlist includes Russell Moore, James Lankford, Joni Eareckson Tada, Rich Stearns, Ann Voskamp, and more.
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
- Explainer via ERLC.com
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt and Travis review the political landscape surrounding a legislative solution for “Dreamers” and DACA recipients. Also, it’s the week of the annual March for Life and the Evangelicals for Life conference.
DACA and Dreamers
- What you should know about DACA and Dreamers – ERLC
- Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers – ERLC
- 3 reasons why Congress should not wait to pass DACA legislation – ERLC
- January 9 letter to Congress from Evangelical organizations (PDF)
- Previous interviews with DACA recipients:
- Jose Ocampo (North Carolina)
- Vanessa Gutierrez (Michigan) and Elisa Gonzalez (South Carolina).
Conscience Protection Act (CPA)
- Melissa Swearingen on the Conscience Protection Act – Capitol Conversations
It’s March for Life week!
- March for Life
- Evangelicals for Life conference
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt welcomes Vanessa Gutierrez (Michigan) and Elisa Gonzalez (South Carolina) who share what it’s like to be “Dreamers” and DACA recipients.
- What you should know about DACA and Dreamers – ERLC
- Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers – ERLC
- 3 reasons why Congress should not wait to pass DACA legislation – ERLC
- January 9 letter to Congress from Evangelical organizations (PDF)
- Don’t miss our previous podcast interview with Jose Ocampo
Vanessa Gutierrez, Office administrative assistant, Sinclair Recreation, Holland, Mich.
“I am from the city of Monterrey in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. I came to the U.S. at the age of 3 years old. I went to school and graduated with my diploma at West Ottawa High School and diploma in biblical studies at Leaders for Christ Training Center (International School of Ministry) in Holland, MI. I also studied part time at Grand Rapids Community College and desire to continue pursuing a college degree. I live in Holland, MI and work as the administrative assistant and customer service for a private company. In the future my goals are to become a U.S citizen, travel abroad, and become a published author.”
Elisa Gonzalez, Intern Development Director, Urban Hope, Spartanburg, S.C.
“I was born in Quaretaro, Mexico, but my mother brought me to the United States when I was eight months old. I have lived in the Spartanburg, South Carolina for 18 years where I graduated from Spartanburg High School. I'm currently a Sophomore at Converse College, double majoring in Business International and Spanish. I also work at a nonprofit in Spartanburg called, Urban Hope where I organize events for the specific programs, handle social media, and fundraising. Our mission is to connect youth who come from broken and low income families to Christ. When I graduate I hope to work with an organization that creates stability for low income neighborhoods, specifically in Spartanburg.”
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Lauren and Michael McAfee stop by the Leland House on Capitol Hill to chat about the Museum of the Bible with Matt and Travis. The Museum of Bible is now open in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and National Mall. The museum was built to invite all people to engage with the Bible through its history, narrative, and impact.
Museum of The Bible
- The Museum's Website
- Have you heard about the new Museum of the Bible?
- Guide to Visiting the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
Guests
- Lauren McAfee’s Website
- Michael McAfee’s Website
Matt and Jeff welcome Melissa Swearingen from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to discuss the Conscience Protection Act.
Conscience Protection Act
- To be really pro-choice, you must protect each doctor's choice to not perform abortions – USA Today – Cardinal Dolan & Russell Moore
- Expand Scope of Conscience Protection Act of 2017 – National Review
- Conscience Protection Act: What It Is and Why It’s Needed – Speaker Ryan
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
What happened inside SCOTUS? Matt and Travis catch up with attorneys Michael and Jonathan Whitehead to hear what they witnessed during the oral arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop Supreme Court case. Michael Whitehead formerly served as counsel for the ERLC in the early 1990s. Jonathan currently serves on the ERLC’s board of trustees. Both contributed amici in the Masterpiece case.
Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado
- Case page via Alliance Defending Freedom
- Case page via SCOTUSBlog
- Why the impact of Masterpiece Cakeshop at the Supreme Court matters – Andrew Walker
- Video: Russell Moore at the Supreme Court during oral arugments
Guests
- Law Offices of Jonathan R. Whitehead
- Whitehead Law Firm, LLC
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt and Travis welcome Jose Ocampo, a “Dreamer” and DACA recipient, alongside Walter Strickland, First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention and Assistant Professor of Systematic and Contextual Theology at Southeastern Theological Seminary.
- What you should know about DACA and Dreamers – ERLC
- Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers – ERLC
- 3 reasons why Congress should not wait to pass DACA legislation – ERLC
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in End show notes for web
Matt, Travis and Jeff discuss the previous week’s Capitol Hill drama surround the attempted elimination of the Adoption Tax Credit. The Conscience Protection Act gains momentum, and an update on how the DACA conversation is going. And, the ERLC is now accepting applications for internships for spring and summer 2018.
Conscience Protection Act
- To be really pro-choice, you must protect each doctor's choice to not perform abortions – USA Today – Cardinal Dolan & Russell Moore
- Expand Scope of Conscience Protection Act of 2017 – National Review
- Conscience Protection Act: What It Is and Why It’s Needed – Speaker Ryan
Adoption Tax Credit
- Why the Adoption Tax Credit Matters – ERLC
- Dear Republicans, Save the Adoption Tax Credit – National Review
- SBA List on House GOP Tax Reform Bill
- Save the Adoption Tax Credit! – Focus on the Family
- Why Would Republicans Scrap the Adoption Tax Credit? – The Weekly Standard
- Take Action – March For Life Action
- Save the Adoption Tax Credit (video) – Erick Erickson (text)
Coverage of ATC drama
- Pro-life lawmaker urges GOP to save the adoption tax credit – Congress – WORLD
- Push to restore adoption credit gains steam | TheHill
- 3 reasons the adoption tax credit shouldn’t be cut from the Republican tax plan | America Magazine
- House Bill Would Strip Adoption Tax Credit – WSJ
- Tax reform: GOP debates proposal to eliminate federal adoption tax credit – USA Today
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Adoption Tax Credit
- Why the Adoption Tax Credit Matters – ERLC
- Dear Republicans, Save the Adoption Tax Credit – National Review
- SBA List on House GOP Tax Reform Bill
- Save the Adoption Tax Credit! – Focus on the Family
- Why Would Republicans Scrap the Adoption Tax Credit? – The Weekly Standard
Conscience Protection Act
- Expand Scope of Conscience Protection Act of 2017 – National Review
- Conscience Protection Act: What It Is and Why It’s Needed – Speaker Ryan
Matt Hawkins and Travis Wussow discuss the plight of Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and the Trump Administration’s decision to lift sanctions on Sudan with Gavin Gramstad of The Nehemiah Group.
Plight of Religious Minorities in Iraq and Sudan
- Guest: Gavin Gramstad of The Nehemiah Group
- ERLC Policy Brief: Advocating relief for victims of the Islamic State genocide
- House OKs aid for ISIS survivors – ERLC
- A brief introduction to the just war tradition: Just war and terrorism – ERLC
- Religious persecution a sad reality: State Department releases 2016 IRF report – ERLC
- Pray for the persecuted church in Sudan and South Sudan – ERLC
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt, Steven, and Travis catch up on latest federal policy developments including a legislative solution for Dreamers, Criminal Justice Reform, and two big wins for religious freedom at HHS and DOJ.
Dreamers/DACA
- Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers – Join us!
- ERLC.com/immigration
Criminal Justice Reform
- JusticeDeclaration.org – Join us!
Religious freedom wins at the agencies
- ERLC’s Russell Moore calls HHS religious liberty exemption ‘crucial achievement’
- Reversal of HHS Contraceptive Mandate is Good News for Religious Liberty
- Back to the future: religious liberty reaffirmed
- Why the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Guidance Matters
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matthew Hawkins, Steven Harris, and Travis Wussow discuss Washington politics of the last week of September, including possible legislative solutions for Dreamers and the Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36).
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Legislative proposals to date:
- Graham/Durbin – DREAM Act
- Tillis/Lankford – SUCCEED Act
- Curbelo/Coffman – RAC Act
Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act
- Video: Kevin McCarthy announce vote on H.R. 36
- Bill text: H.R. 36
- Evangelicals for Life (previous conference video)
- Evangelicals.life – Info and registration for January 2018
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Senator Ben Sasse joins Russell Moore to discuss parenting, education, and vocation in an era of historic disruptions in the workforce. The conversation was recorded live at the ERLC’s 2017 National Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
ERLC National Conference
- Full video: Russell Moore and Ben Sasse via Facebook Live
Hurricane Harvey
- Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Hurricane Harvey
- From the Flooded Grounds of Houston – Jeff Medders
- How to help victims of Hurricane Harvey – ERLC
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
ERLC D.C. staffers Matt, Travis, and Steven share a conversation as they process the events in Charlottesville and the bold revival of racism and anti-Semitism in America. Where do gospel-believing churches go from here?
Charlottesville
- VIDEO: Russell Moore on CNN with Jake Tapper
- SBC Resolution On Sensitivity And Unity Regarding The Confederate Battle Flag
- SBC Resolution On The Anti-Gospel Of Alt-Right White Supremacy
- When white supremacists come to town | ERLC.com
- AUDIO: The Horror in Charlottesville | The Ben Shapiro Show
-
AUDIO: A Brief Biblical Theology of Race by Jemar Tisby | Pass the Mic
-
AUDIO: Jemar Tisby | Jon Ward’s The Long Game
- Six reasons why Christians should reject anti-Semitism | ERLC
- VIDEO: Vice documentary: Charlottesville: Race and Terror
- Be advise: caution for language.
ERLC resources
- VIDEO: ERLC Leadership Summit on Racial Reconciliation
- More video on race from ERLC
- Gospel for Life book: The Gospel and racial reconciliation
- Light Magazine on racial reconciliation
- More resources at ERLC.com on race and racial reconciliation
- April 2018: MLK50 Conference in Memphis
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt Hawkins moderates a panel discussion on human trafficking with Kimberly Merida, Ashleigh Chapman, Natasha Robinson, and Travis Wussow. The panel was part of the 2017 Evangelicals for Life conference. Human Trafficking
- Video: Panel discussion as heard on podcast
- Resources from ERLC
- International Justice Mission
Guest links
- Kimberly Merida, @KimMerida
- Ashleigh Chapman, @EngageTogether
- Natasha Robinson, @ASISTASJOURNEY
Evangelicals for Life conference
- 2017 conference videos
- 2018 info and registration
- March for Life 2018
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt Hawkins welcomes Andrew Walker to discuss his new book God & the Transgender Debate: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gender Identity?
Christian compassion and the Transgender Debate
- Amazon: God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker
- 5 Things Every Christian Must Know About the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker
- Book review by David Prince:
- “Christians now have gospel counsel on transgenderism in accessible terms for layman and pastor alike. This book is must-read material for those wanting to hear what the Bible says about transgenderism and for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ needing to be prepared to give a defense for our hope in the midst of a gender-confused world.”
Roundtable
- Russell Moore commends appointment of Sam Brownback as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
- Rep. Ann Wagner’s bipartisan bill: Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Jeff Pickering and Matt Hawkins interview the ERLC’s 2017 team of D.C. interns to share a glimpse into life and vocation in Washington, D.C. The interns share their favorite experiences and what it’s like to work in the ERLC’s D.C. office.
ERLC Internships
- Join us in Nashville, Tenn. or Washington, D.C.
- Information and application.
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt, Travis, and Steven discuss the latest from Capitol Hill including: rumors about the effort to defund Planned Parenthood; prayer for the persecuted church; State Department international religious freedom policy); and the role out of the Democrat’s new populist branding.
- Why Didn’t the Planned Parenthood Videos Change the Abortion Debate? – The Gospel Coalition
- Series: Prayer for the persecuted church
- Tillerson’s Grand Renovation Plan in State Department Gets Assistance
- Democrats Set to Announce New Agenda
Subscribe iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matt and Steven give a rundown of the Congressional landscape in the weeks leading up to the August recess. Includes: updates to human trafficking law, pro-life measures in appropriations, gender reassignment surgery in the military, and healthcare in the Senate. Also, the chatter among Evangelicals and Eugene Peterson.
Congressional activity
- House Passes Several Bills to Combat Human Trafficking – ERLC, The Weekly
- McCain's absence exposes McConnell's shaky health vote math – FoxNews
Eugene Peterson
- Should we still read Eugene Peterson? by Russell Moore
- Actually, Eugene Peterson Does Not Support Same-Sex Marriage – Christianity Today
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Travis Wussow moderates a panel event on Capitol Hill to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s opinion in Trinity Lutheran. Cohosted by the ERLC and the Alliance Defending freedom, the conversation features attorney David Cortman, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), Kevin Smith of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, and Russell Moore.
Guest bios
- David Cortman, ADF
- Rep. Vicky Hartzler, U.S. House of Representatives
- Russell Moore, ERLC
- Kevin Smith, BCM/D
Case resources
- Trinity Lutheran content via ERLC.com
- Top quotes from the Trinity Lutheran Supreme Court win
- Previous podcast episode on Trinity Lutheran with ADF attorney Erik Stanley
- Case explainer from ADF
- Case coverage by SCOTUSBlog
- ERLC’s amicus brief (PDF)
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Senator Lankford on physician assisted suicide
- Senator Lankford, Oklahoma (webpage)
- Explainer: How to reject physician-assisted suicide – ERLC.com
- Extended podcast interview with ethicist Ben Mitchell on assisted suicide – ERLC.com
- What I said to my state's legislators about assisted suicide – ERLC.com
- SBC Resolutions related to assisted suicide and sanctity of life
Russell Moore on Criminal Justice Reform
- Justice Declaration including full white paper – Prison Fellowship
- SBC Resolutions on the growing prison population (2013) and capital punishment (2000)
- Justice reform resources from Prison Fellowship
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The ERLC D.C. team analyzes the draft health care bill revealed by the Senate.
Trinity Lutheran wins, 7-2, at the Supreme Court
- Why Trinity Lutheran Matters – Russell Moore
- Explainer via ERLC
- Top quotes from the Trinity Lutheran Supreme Court win – ERLC
- Russell Moore calls Trinity Lutheran Supreme Court ruling “triumph for religious freedom”
- Case resource page via Alliance Defending Freedom Full case log via SCOTUSBlog
EVENT: Capitol Conversations Live, cohosted with ADF
The ERLC and Alliance Defending Freedom host a conversation about the implications of the Trinity Lutheran Supreme Court decision. Free registration. Panelists include:
- Russell Moore – President, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
- David Cortman – Senior Counsel and Vice President of U.S. Litigation, Alliance Defending Freedom
- Kevin Smith, Executive Director, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware
- Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4)
Senate’s discussion draft of healthcare bill in motion
- The final-ish countdown…revisions and CBO score out today… – Examiner
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Russell Moore interviews Pastor Nathan Carter of Immanuel Baptist Church in Chicago. Immanuel Baptist is facing unlawful zoning restrictions and seeks relief under The Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act (RLUIPA). Also, Russell Moore’s report to the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Interview with Pastor Nathan Carter
- Chicago church sues over stalled building purchase – Baptist Press
- What is RLUIPA? – Mauck & Baker (representing Immanuel Baptist Church)
- Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (2000)
- A bipartisan bill passed unanimously by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
- Immanuel Baptist Church
Event
- Capitol Conversations Live with ADF: Supreme Court Opinion in Trinity Lutheran
- Thursday June 29 • 7:00PM • Washington, DC
- Location: TBA (on or near Capitol Hill)
- Info and Registration
- Panelists include:
- Russell Moore – President, ERLC
- David Cortman – Litigator for Trinity Lutheran; ADF
- Kevin Smith, Executive Director, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware
- Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4)
- Previous podcast episode with Erik Stanley of ADF
- ERLC amicus brief (PDF)
- More case info at SCOTUSBlog
Special thanks to SBC Tapes for providing the audio for this episode from SBC 2017.
Subscribe here iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matthew and Travis welcome Ben Mitchell, PhD to discuss physician-assisted suicide and the biblical ethics that inform a Christian view of the issue. The roundtable reviews domestic religious freedom items including Senator Bernie Sanders’ religious test for public office, a Southern Baptist church facing zoning restrictions in Chicago, and recent ERLC meetings with Executive Branch officials as they seek to correct breaches of religious freedom by federal agencies.
Physician-assisted suicide
- Bio – Ben Mitchell, Ph.D., Graves Professor of Moral Philosophy at Union University
- Book: Christian Bioethics: A Guide for Pastors, Health Care Professionals, and Families
- Doctors must not help patients commit suicide – The Jackson Sun
- Ethics & Medicine: An International Journal of Bioethics edited by Dr. Mitchell
- Explainer: How to reject physician-assisted suicide – ERLC.com
- Relevant SBC Resolutions from 1992 and 1996.
- ERLC content on assisted suicide and end of life issues.
- 5 facts about physician-assisted suicide in America – ERLC.com
- The “Will to live” document (by state) from National Right to Life
“Feel the Bern” of religious discrimination
- Bernie Sanders's Religious Test for Christians in Public Office – The Atlantic
- Press release: Russell Moore criticizes Senator Bernie Sanders’ comments, calling them a religious test for office
- Chicago church sues over stalled building purchase – Baptist Press
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
If you are a parent, a pastor, a student pastor, you will want to attend our ERLC National Conference on Christ-Centered Parenting. Use the discount code NATIONAL20 for an additional 20% off.
Matthew Hawkins and Steven Harris welcome Lori Windham, Senior Counsel at Becket to review the leaked draft of a new rule from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Travis Wussow explains how the DOJ could help Southern Baptist plaintiffs in the HHS lawsuits and Jeff Pickering highlights the plans for the ERLC’s summer DC interns. Also, non-hockey fans talk hockey and reveal we don’t know what we’re talking about.
Leaked HHS rule The “HHS mandate” presently requires employer to facilitate all FDA approved contraceptives, abortion-causing drugs, and sterilization procedures as a part of their health insurance. Sufficient exceptions do not yet exist for organizations who object to such products on moral or religious grounds.
- Becket.org
- Bio: Lori Windham
- The “leaked” rule draft (PDF)
- HHS Info Central via Becket
- Here we stand: Southern Baptists and the HHS Mandate
- Past HHS mandate content from ERLC.com
Roundtable * Internships at ERLC * What’s Best Next? How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done – by Matt Perman
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
The ERLC welcomes David French for a conversation over lunch, ranging from terrorism to pronouns to The Rock for President. Policy Associate Jeff Pickering joins to discuss an adoption crisis in Ethiopia.
Lunch with David French
- The World Is Too Comfortable with Terror – David French
- Chelsea Manning and the Problem with Pronouns – David French
- Why We Love — and Need — The Rock – David French
Refugees
- Content about refugees from ERLC
- Video: Ministering to refugees and immigrants – Evangelicals for Life
ERLC Academy sample videos (via Facebook Live)
- Framework for Christian Ethics (part 1)
- Framework for Christian Ethics (part 2)
- Decision Making
Roundtable
- Did the Turkish President’s Security Detail Attack Protesters in Washington? What the Video Shows – NY Times
- Study: Smartphones could be changing the way we make moral decisions
- Book: 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You – Tony Reinke
- Podcast: Russell Moore with Andy Crouch on family and technology – Signposts
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matthew Hawkins and Travis Wussow interview Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4) about policies assisting victims of genocide (H.R. 390) and curbing global promotion of abortion (expanding “Mexico City” policy). Steven joins the roundtable as the team analyses the Congressional landscape.
Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
- H.R. 390 – Library of Congress
- Smith-Eshoo Bill Will Provide Emergency Relief to Christians and Other Religious Minorities Who Survived ISIS Genocide
- Rep. Smith address at World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians
Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Policy
- Trump’s Expansion of Mexico City Policy Is a Major Victory in Protecting Life – Chris Smith
- ERLC Explainer
iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Tune in
Matthew Hawkins and Travis Wussow venture outside the office to downtown Washington, D.C., to talk about the international landscape of religious persecution, including an interview with our friend Kent Hill of the Religious Freedom Institute.
World Summit in Defense of Christians
- Christian persecution focus of global summit – BP News
- PHOTOS: World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians
- Remarks by Vice President Pence at the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians
Religious Freedom Institute
- Special guest Kent Hill, Executive Director
- Kent Hill joined the RFI after six years as Senior Vice President at World Vision, one of the largest faith-based relief and development organizations in the world. He also served for eight years as Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), responsible for U.S. foreign assistance to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and, subsequently, all USAID health programs worldwide. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hill was President of Eastern Nazarene College, and President of D.C.'s Institute on Religion and Democracy.
Will religious minorities find true support among Muslim leaders? – ERLC.com
Matthew Hawkins and Travis Wussow welcome Andrew Walker to analyze the religious liberty executive order and pro-life items in the House-passed health care reform bill and the FY17 federal budget.
Religious Liberty Executive Order
- 5 Facts About President Trump’s Executive Order on Religious Liberty – ERLC
- ADF Press Release
- Executive Order on Religious Freedom Is a Beginning, Not an End – ADF
- Religious Liberty Reincarnation – WSJ
- Trump’s Executive Order on Religious Liberty Is Worse Than Useless – David French
- Trump’s Johnson Amendment Executive Order Does Not Say What He Said it Said – The Surly Subgroup
- Ryan Anderson’s take
- On signed EO
- On February leaked (unsigned) EO
- Congress must act to strengthen Trump's order on religious liberty – The Hill
Johnson Amendment
- History of the Johnson Amendment – ADF
- The FAQs: The Johnson Amendment and Political Speech in Churches – Joe Carter
Andrew Walker publications
- God and the Transgender Debate
- Gospel for Life Series
- AndrewTWalker.com
Bonus: Mental Model: Hanlon’s Razor – Farnam Street
Appropriations
- Explainer: How to reject physician-assisted suicide – ERLC.com
Charitable giving
- Background: (2014) Tax reform proposal threatens charities – Baptist Press
- Southern Baptists Serving Their Neighbors – ERLC
- Information from Charitable giving Coalition
International
- 2016 USCIRF Report
- What is USCIRF? – ERLC.com
Book
- You Are What You Love – James K.A. Smith
- May 2 event: Living in a Post-Truth World: Conversation with Russell Moore & Journalists
- Travis’ Facebook Live from SCOTUS
Trinity Lutheran Supreme Court case
- Case explainer from ADF
- Guest bio: Erik Stanley
- Case coverage by SCOTUSBlog
- ERLC’s amicus brief (PDF)
The Roundtable
- ERLC hires Brent Leatherwood
- Marriage is worth the wait by Brent and Meredith Leatherwood
- A Sense of Belonging – Coverage from inside Egypt
- Friday Prayers for Egypt: Palm Sunday
- When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself – Amazon
- Cultivated Podcast with Mike Cosper
Justice Gorsuch confirmed
- Russell Moore applauds Senate confirmation of Neil Gorsuch for the U.S. Supreme Court – ERLC.com
- Previous episode with court expert Carrie Severino – Capitol Conversations
- Russell Moore assembles evangelical leaders to support Judge Gorsuch for U.S. Supreme Court appointment – ERLC.com
- Other Gorsuch content – ERLC.com
A Senator Ben Goes to Indianapolis
- Ben Sasse addresses The Gospel Coalition – Acton Powerblog
ERLC Events
- ERLC.com/events
- May 22-23, 2017 ERLC Academy – Nashville
- Aug 24-26, 2017 ERLC National Conference – Nashville
- 2018: MLK50 Conference – Memphis
- 2018: Evangelicals for Life – Washington, DC
The latest on Planned Parenthood
- Latest video from Center for Medical Progress
- A Quick And Easy Guide To The Planned Parenthood Videos – The Federalist (2015)
- California Wants To Imprison Pro-Lifers For Committing Journalism – The Federalist
- Congress Overturns a Rule that Forced States to Fund Planned Parenthood – ERLC’s The Weekly
- Pence breaks tie in Senate vote targeting Planned Parenthood funding – Politico
- Representative Diane Black and Senator Joni Ernst on H.J. Res. 43 – Washington Examiner
- Why it’s so difficult to defund Planned Parenthood – ERLC.com
The “1 Thing Thing”
- Predatory payday lending: 2014 SBC Resolution and Predatory lending content at ERLC.com
- Chicago church sues over stalled building purchase – Baptist Press
- What is “RLUIPA”? – Justice.gov
- Solution Sundays featured on CNN with Sens. Tim Scott (SC) and James Lankford (OK)
Abortion and health care drama
- 2017 ERLC Policy Agenda
- How the GOP’s Health Care Bill Affects Abortion and Conscience Rights
Gorsuch
- Guest: Carrie Severino (bio) @jcnseverino, Judicial Crisis Network, @judicialnetwork – ConfirmGorsuch.com
- Russell Moore assembles evangelical leaders to support Judge Gorsuch for U.S. Supreme Court appointment – ERLC.com
- Other Gorsuch content – ERLC.com
The “one thing thing”
- Pumpkin Flowers (book) – Amazon.com
- Sign the Statement: Truth Seeking, Democracy, and Freedom of Thought and Expression – A Statement by Robert P. George and Cornel West
- Conversations w/ Bill Kristol
Subscribe here iTunes
A preview of a new podcast from the ERLC. Capitol Conversations is hosted by Matthew Hawkins and Travis Wussow from the ERLC offices in Washington, D.C.