Building a Culture of Life One Resolution at a Time

Abortion, , , , ,

In 2021, Arkansas passed a law affirming that municipalities may adopt resolutions declaring themselves to be pro-life. The legislature updated the law in 2023 not only to acknowledge that municipalities may pass a pro-life resolution, but also counties, school districts, political subdivisions, and any other publicly governed entity like a fire district. To date, twenty three counties and fifteen municipalities have passed resolutions declaring themselves to be pro-life. This has been an excellent way to stand for life and affirm Arkansas’ rank as the most pro-life state in the nation. 

Some may inquire why these resolutions are necessary while others may ask what good they do. After all, a resolution is not legally binding, is not enforceable, and does not require anyone to do anything. But here are other questions to ask: Why shouldn’t they be passed? Isn’t messaging a huge part of changing the culture? 

Passing pro-life resolutions puts a stake in the ground by issuing a bold statement in support of life from local governments that reflects the convictions of thousands of pro-life Arkansans. For decades, pro-lifers have worked to defend the sanctity of life through advocacy, public policy, personal outreach, and compassionate support for women facing crisis pregnancies. One of the biggest goals of the pro-life movement is to win hearts and minds for the truth that life is valuable and worth protecting. As communities across Arkansas declare their pro-life stance, our state will continue to lead our nation in reducing the demand for abortion and in respecting the disabled and the elderly. A resolution follows the excellent laws that the state legislature has passed in Arkansas, and it also gives legislators backup and support from their district.

Though Arkansas is the most pro-life state in the nation, America still has many pro-abortion states. Passing pro-life resolutions in Arkansas may encourage other states to have their elected officials do the same.

If you have a passion for the cause of life and are looking for a way to spread awareness, please consider a pro-life resolution in your community. Contact your local government officials to begin the process. Help your local school district become the first to pass a pro-life resolution in the state! You can always reach out to our office and we would be happy to help provide guidance and connections in your pro-life efforts. 
Even though abortion is no longer legal in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother, it does not mean we should halt all efforts to protect life. Passing a pro-life resolution is a practical and unique way to make the case for the sanctity of life.

Family Council has created a free toolkit to assist anyone who is interested in securing passage of a pro-life resolution in Arkansas. Anyone who wants to begin efforts for the passage of a resolution should find this toolkit helpful. Be a part of this growing movement and help your community pass a pro-life resolution!

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Equipping Christians for the Ballot

Elections,

Early voting is underway and candidates are making their final push to reach the voters before Election Day arrives. The rush of election season can be a demanding process as voters and candidates get to know one another and discuss the issues of the day. 

Voting is a right and responsibility. It is something many men and women have fought and died for to preserve. Though many Christians exercise this right, others choose not to participate. 

According to a George Barna survey conducted in 2024, 56% of self-identified Christians voted but 44% did not. Although turnout was historically high overall, millions of Christians still did not participate. This can always be approved upon. 

The American electoral process gives millions of Americans the opportunity to choose who leads federal, state, and local government. It is important to vote wisely. This is one reason Family Council produces the Arkansas Voter’s Guide. Many of the issues that are important to Christians are decided at the ballot box and that is one more reason Christians should engage in the political process.

The voter’s guide is a non-partisan, educational resource that shows voters where candidates stand regarding the issues that matter most to them. Candidates get the opportunity to answer a survey with a wide variety of issues and Family Council publishes their answers. Simply put, Family Council provides an impartial resource and voters get to decide who they want to represent them. 

Since Family Council first began publishing the Voter’s Guide in 1990, staff members have contacted hundreds – if not thousands – of candidates and distributed millions of guides to churches, individuals, civic groups, libraries, and others across Arkansas. Countless supporters have contributed to this effort because they recognize it as a vital resource for voters. 

Founding Father Samuel Adams once wrote in the Boston Gazette, 

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual – or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”

Christians are accountable for many things, including how they steward voting. May it not be a responsibility that is taken lightly.

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Initiative Launched to Directly Confront Obergefell SCOTUS Ruling

Marriage, ,

Many people remember the dark day of the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States and the dramatic effects it had on America and the world.

God’s design for marriage, a fundamental staple of society, had been blatantly devalued by the highest court in the land.

Advocates for traditional marriage were left wondering what implications this ruling would have on society. Unfortunately, many of those fears came to pass.

County clerks have been expected to issue same-sex marriage licenses, while marriage and parenthood have been dramatically redefined.

Human life has been devalued through commercial surrogacy to provide children for homosexual couples.

Children’s greater good has been put second to adults’ feelings, wants, and desires.

The deeper roots of the ruling have reached levels many never dreamed of. Same-sex marriage has given way to transgenderism, which has caused many children to question their gender identity.

Obergefell and its tragic effects have hurt society, but it has also created permanent victims in the law and culture — namely, children.

Family Council along with countless other organizations, individuals, elected officials, and parent advocates have consistently spoken the truth about Obergefell and its consequences.

In 2021, Arkansas passed the first law protecting children from puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex-change surgeries. As of today, at least twenty-five other states have passed a similar law protecting kids!

Arkansas lawmakers have also passed laws protecting women’s safety in showers, locker rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, and sleeping quarters in schools, government buildings, jails, and shelters. They have also protected fairness in women’s sports and clarified the meaning of “sex,” “male,” and “female” in state code. These legislative and cultural wins have been huge victories for the side of truth and common sense! 

There is a new initiative that launched just last month that will directly confront Obergefell. It is called the Greater Than Movement and according to their website, this is “A coalition of parents, students, researchers, think tanks, influencers, and citizens who are willing to state the self-evident but costly truth: children need, deserve, and have a right to their mother and father. Marriage is and always has been the most effective tool to secure that right.”

This new coalition is a direct response to the tragedies that Obergefell has left on society. Family Council is grateful to be a part of this growing movement. 

As Christians, we know God, in the creation order, made male and female to represent his beauty in the earth. As image bearers it is our responsibility to do our best to defend, protect, and preserve it. And that includes protecting the next generation. Will you join us?

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