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The Weekly is a highlight of the work the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is doing to strengthen you and our churches for God’s glory.

Explainer: What you should know about the persecution of Kachin Christians

What just happened?

Last month the United Nations (UN) released a 440-page report examining the “infringement of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful association, and the question of hate speech” of minority groups in Myanmar. This report highlighted the problem of genocide perpetrated against the Rohingya people (see also: What you should know about the Myanmar genocide). But it also shines a spotlight on the persecution of Kachin Christians in the war-torn country.

“Although international attention has focused overwhelmingly on the situation in Rakhine State,” notes Marzuki Darusman of the UN, “the report also sets out the findings of its detailed investigation into violations perpetrated in the northern states of Shan and Kachin. The report finds that the actions of the Tatmadaw in both Kachin and Shan States since 2011 amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

This Week at the ERLC

This week, the ERLC made an exciting announcement: The popular pro-life online group Stand for Life is now an initiative of the ERLC, allowing us to expand our work engaging, equipping, and educating communities to understand the significance of human dignity. Read our press release for more details.

ERLC Executive Vice President Phillip Bethancourt joined FamilyLife for a Facebook Live interview on issues ranging from mass shootings to sexual harassment and an array of other hot topics today. Be sure to watch as Phillip discusses how parents should engage their children about these topics.

Dan Darling has a piece in The Washington Post about the migrant caravan and how the Bible calls us to treat all people with dignity. Read his article here.

Don’t miss Russell Moore’s sermon on Race, Grace, & the Church that he delivered in Washington, D.C. to discuss how we can cultivate multi-ethnic churches that better reflect the diverse body of Christ.

Jason Thacker is at Christianity Today with an article about artificial intelligence, war, and how an understanding of human dignity should shape the way we use AI tools. Read his article here.

Andrew T. Walker has a new article on The Gospel Coalition about the Transgender Memo and what The New York Times got wrong. Check it out here.

What You Need to Know

How should Christians approach election day? Should we avoid it? Or argue with our opponents, instead? Brent Leatherwood helps us think through our responsibility in his latest article. Read it here.

I was recently asked how Christians should think about the elections and how we should engage this moment. My answer: Be informed, not ignorant; be discerning about politics, not dogmatic; and dialogue without dehumanizing.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court recently overturned the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian sentenced to death for “defiling the name of the Prophet Muhummed.” Casey B. Hough writes about this religious liberty victory here.

As Christians reflect on the details of this case, we must remember that not everyone's case ends with acquittal . . . Many unnamed victims suffer substantial oppression from intolerant governments around the world. . . . How, then, can we care for those who are persecuted?

Are you unsatisfied? Amy Simpson says that can actually be a blessing in your life. She lays out 10 ways God uses our dissatisfaction to mature us. Find out what they are here.

Don’t get me wrong—our lack of satisfaction is not a God-given gift; it’s a tragic result of our rebellion against our Creator. Yet in his sovereign power, infinite wisdom, and unstoppable grace, God uses even curses to bless us.

News From Capitol Hill

In the final days before the 2018 elections, the nation’s eyes are on Congress, but the most consequential changes voters can make to public policy that will affect their daily lives are often decided on their state and local ballots. This week on Capitol Conversations, the ERLC policy team goes beyond the politics of the midterms in Washington to look at the decisions before voters regarding a few key issues on state ballots.

Florida will vote on whether or not to restore voting rights to felons.

Colorado is considering limits to payday loan charges.

Three states are voting on abortion policies. Alabama, West Virginia, and most interestingly, Oregon will decide whether or not to ban the use of public funds for the practice.

​These state ballot initiatives have considerable consequences for millions of people, and Christians ought to be aware of what’s at stake.

Featured Podcasts

Do you think your friendships are shallow? On The Way Home, Dan Darling talks to Catherine Parks about her new book, Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships, and how we can cultivate authentic relationships. Tune in here.

Marriage has morphed in our culture, but should it in our churches? Jen Wilkin, Daniel Patterson, Randy Stinson, Todd Wagner, and Susie Hawkins discuss the gospel and the future of marriage on the latest episode of the ERLC Podcast. Listen here.

From The Public Square

White House pushes for biological definition of ‘sex’
Kiley Crossland, WORLD

The Trump administration’s memo argues key government agencies need a uniform definition “on a biological basis that is clear, grounded in science, objective and administrable,” the Times reported.

Judge Bans Enforcement of California Law Requiring Pro-Life Groups to Promote Abortion
Kevin Daley, Daily Signal

A federal judge in San Diego has permanently barred enforcement of California’s Reproductive FACT Act, which requires pro-life crisis pregnancy centers to disseminate information about abortion.

Asia Bibi: Pakistan acquits Christian woman on death row
BBC

A Pakistani court has overturned the death sentence of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy, a case that has polarised the nation.

Why Conservative Christians Should Care More about Refugee Protection
Igor Sabino, Providence

Conservative Christians’ reluctance to get involved with refugee protection may harm one of their most important agendas: international religious freedom.

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