USCIRF releases 2021 annual report on international religious freedom

On April 20, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its 2021 annual report. As the report mentions, USCIRF was created as a result of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA). USCIRF “is an independent, bipartisan U.S. government advisory body, separate from the U.S. Department of State, that monitors religious freedom abroad and makes policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state, and Congress.”

A Note From the Editor

Immigration remains one of the most important and intense political questions of our time. But in our heated debates about policy, the real people affected by this issue are often forgotten. As we continue to seek sensible solutions to the many questions about immigration, I'd like to invite you to attend this free, virtual event featuring President George W. Bush, Dr. Russell Moore, and Yuval Levin taking place on May 6th. You can register and find more details here.
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This Week at the ERLC

What You Need to Read

Julie Masson with COVID didn't stop this pregnancy resource center from saving lives

In the initial aftermath of city-wide closures, the clinic had to close for two weeks. However, during that time and through the rest of the year, volunteer nurses and staff members maintained ongoing communication via text with the women who had been coming to the clinic.

Jason Thacker with How Social Media Can Impede Our Witness: The Disconnect of the Digital Life

There is often a significant disconnect between how we portray ourselves online and then personally with others. This is notable because social media and digital culture tends to bifurcate our lives, giving us the impression that we have an “online” life and a “real” life.

Jill Waggoner with How to raise children who honor human dignity

Before a person can show honor to someone else, they have to live with a sense of personal dignity. Our children must understand that God made them, loves them, and sent his Son to redeem them. It’s important for Christian parents to prioritize this teaching alongside the biblical teachings of depravity and sin, not emphasizing one more than the other.

This Week in Washington, D.C.

Adoption, foster care, and other related child welfare issues are a priority of the ERLC’s work, both in policy advocacy and family ministry. Recently on the Capitol Conversations podcast, Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow talk about three current adoption issues you should be aware of. Our government has an important role to play in ensuring the protection and welfare of children. You can listen to this episode here.

First, the team covered the effects of the pandemic on adoption and families. For example, for families adopting internationally the process of bringing their children home was interrupted by COVID-19. Domestically, over this past pandemic year, family courts were slowed which prolonged a child’s foster care time and delayed reunification with their biological parents. For more, see this article from Sobolik last April.

Next, the team turned to an important bill before Congress, the Adoptee Citizenship Act. This bill closes a loophole left open by previous legislation to provide immediate citizenship to children already adopted by U.S. citizens. This legislation has large bipartisan and bicameral support. The ERLC is engaged with a broad coalition invested in child welfare to urge members of Congress to swiftly pass it. For more, see this explainer.

Finally, the team wrapped the conversation by highlighting a significant case for child welfare providers under consideration by the Supreme Court, Fulton v. Philadelphia. This is 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. This case matters for vulnerable kids in need of a safe and loving home, and those families eager to care for them, throughout the country. For more, check out this podcast episode with Lori Windham, the attorney who argued the case before the justices.

Featured Podcasts

On WeeklyTech, Jason Thacker is joined by Dr. Matthew Shadle, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Marymount University to talk about ethics, autonomous weapons, and cyber warfare.

On the ERLC Podcast, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent discuss Derek Chauvin’s verdict, fetal tissue research, and the first flight on Mars. Virginia Roberson also joins the podcast for a conversation about life and ministry.

From The Public Square

DC health officials reject church’s request for ‘COVID-immune’ seating section
WTOP News

A request from a D.C. church for a “COVID-immune” section for fully vaccinated parishioners that would have allowed more than 300 people to gather without social distancing requirements has been rejected by D.C. health officials. The request was submitted by Capitol Hill Baptist Church, asking for the special section of up to 328 people. The request did not ask to do away with masks.

Biden begins to undo Trump-era ban on abortion referrals
Associated Press

The Biden administration on Wednesday began to undo a Trump-era ban on clinics referring women for abortions, a policy that drove Planned Parenthood from the federal family planning program and created new complications for women trying to get birth control.

Christian College Sues HUD Over Interpretation of Fair Housing Act
Religion Clause

Suit was filed last week in a Missouri federal district court challenging a Directive issued last month by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development interpreting the Fair Housing Act as barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Biden administration reverses Trump restrictions on fetal tissue research
Politico

The Biden administration on Friday moved to unwind strict Trump-era restrictions on federal-funded medical research using fetal tissue obtained by abortions, reversing policies that scientists warned would devastate the development of treatments for a broad range of diseases.