How ultrasounds help moms choose life

The monitor turns on and a gentle thumping of a heartbeat appears. With every thump of the heartbeat, the handiwork of the Father is seen by a mother who is given the opportunity to choose life. With every beat, the baby’s life says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am being knit together, I am seen and known by God.”

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

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

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

This Week in Washington, D.C.

Last night, Congress approved a one week Continuing Resolution (CR) to avert a government shutdown and fund the government at current levels until December 23. This one week extension will give lawmakers additional time to finish work on a massive omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2023.

The originally released versions of these appropriations bills omitted longstanding pro-life riders like the Hyde and Weldon amendments and increased funding for pro-abortion family planning and abortion travel. Each year, the ERLC is actively engaged in the appropriations process, working alongside committee and leadership offices to ensure that important pro-life, religious liberty, and conscience protections are included.

You can read more about ERLC’s concerns with this year’s appropriations bills and our advocacy for life and religious liberty here.

Featured Podcasts

This week on the Digital Public Square podcast, Dr. Russ Shafer-Landau joins Jason Thacker to talk about on moral philosophy and questions of metaethics.

From The Public Square

Texas Sues HHS To Invalidate Rule on LGBTQ Discrimination by Adoption Agencies
Religion Clause

Suit was filed yesterday in a Texas federal district court challenging a rule adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services that prohibits adoption and foster care agencies receiving federal funds from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Do Gen Z’s views on religion put the future of religious freedom at risk?
Deseret News

The latest Religious Freedom Index from Becket reveals that Gen Z is less supportive of religious freedom than other generations.

Biden forms interagency group to draft antisemitism strategy
Zeke Miller

Amid a surge in hateful rhetoric and violence, President Joe Biden on Monday formed a new interagency group to develop a national strategy to combat antisemitism.

Why You Should Be Worried About the Split in the Methodist Church
Politico

Last weekend, over 400 Methodist churches in Texas voted to leave the United Methodist Church (UMC). Their decision followed the mass exodus of Methodist congregations in other Southern states, including North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas and Florida.

What You Need to Read

Hannah Daniel with What a visit to the border taught me about Advent

Advent is a time of waiting. It is a time in which we both remember the great anticipation with which the people of Israel awaited the Messiah’s arrival and simultaneously look ahead to Christ’s second coming. It is a time where we often see the brokenness of our world more acutely and yearn with greater urgency for Jesus’ return when all will be made right. It is a time of both immense grief at what is and great hope of what is to come.

Kate Hox with Overcoming four challenges in family devotions

I believe we need a revival of family worship in our homes, creating space to disciple our kids, teach them the Bible and doctrine, and have tough conversations about how to live as Christ-followers in our ever-changing culture. Some of the best conversations we’ve had with our kids have happened during this set-aside time.

ERLC Staff with Ten good news stories from 2022 you might have missed

While 2022 had its share of controversies, division, and tragedies, there were also a number of positive developments that have occurred. As we close out this year and usher in a new one, here are 10 stories to encourage you.