Dr. David K. Bernard, an advocate for Apostolic Pentecostals in politics, shares insights on civic engagement for believers. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining Christian values while venturing into the political arena. The discussion highlights the role of the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference in addressing crucial issues like religious freedom and parental rights. Bernard also tackles the challenges Christian colleges face with legislation on LGBTQ+ rights, stressing the need for activism grounded in faith.
Apostolic Pentecostals are encouraged to engage politically to advocate for religious freedom and uphold moral values without partisan bias.
The National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference aims to defend churches' rights and values through legislative advocacy, highlighting the importance of Christian participation in democracy.
Deep dives
Engagement in Political Advocacy
Apostolic Pentecostals are actively involved in advocating for religious freedom, moral values, and parental rights within the political landscape. The National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference (NACLC) plays a significant role in this engagement by uniting various apostolic groups to address shared concerns. Recent examples include supporting lawsuits that defend parental rights when it comes to children's decisions on gender identity and protecting donor privacy for churches against potential harassment. This collective effort emphasizes the importance of political participation to uphold fundamental values without endorsing specific political parties or candidates.
Defending Moral Values and Rights
The NACLC is focused on defending the rights of churches and Christian institutions to operate according to their moral teachings, while also recognizing the pluralistic society they inhabit. This includes opposing legislation that could impose secular moral standards on Christian colleges and organizations, such as requirements to accommodate transgender students in dormitories. Additionally, the conference raises concerns over the potential loss of federal tax exemptions for churches and the implications of new regulations on Christian values in adoption processes. By collaborating with groups like Alliance Defending Freedom, they aim to protect these rights through legal means and legislative advocacy.
Encouraging Active Participation in Democracy
The importance of Christian involvement in the democratic process is highlighted, encouraging believers to register and participate in elections thoughtfully. While the church avoids endorsing specific candidates, it emphasizes the need for Christians to influence governance based on moral clarity and adherence to biblical principles. Historical examples from the Bible showcase believers who held influential positions in government, suggesting that modern Christians can, and should, uphold their values in public service. This engagement not only reinforces the church's role in society but also supports the preservation of rights that allow for the free practice of faith and expression of moral beliefs.
Dr. David K. Bernard explains why it is important for Apostolic Pentecostals to engage in the political arena and how ordinary believers can make a difference politically without alienating those they are trying to reach with the gospel.
You can learn more about the work of the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference at naclc.org.
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