Capitol Conversations

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments at the end of February on the Bladensburg cross case, in which the Justices must answer the constitutionality of a war memorial in the shape of a cross seated on government-owned property. On this episode, we go inside the courtroom with journalist Tom Strode who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the case. Then Travis, Steven, and Jeff discuss the Establishment Clause and what makes America’s idea of separation of church and state unique. Guest Biography Tom Strode serves as the bureau chief and Washington, D.C. correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. He is also a pastor at Covenant Community Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Resources from the Conversation SCOTUSblog Case Page | The American Legion v. The American Humanist Association SCOTUS | ERLC Amicus Brief ERLC article | What’s at the Heart of the Bladensburg Cross Supreme Court Case Tom’s BP article | Court Signals it May Change Church-State Doctrine

The ERLC policy team gathered for a wide ranging conversation on the last week of February. The group covers the significance of Black History Month, the recent news and response to sexual abuse stories in SBC churches, and the Senate’s failure to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Jeff and Chelsea discuss why this commonsense infanticide bill failed and how the pro-life community should respond. Resources from the Conversation Article | 5 Facts about Black History Month by Joe Carter Bipartisan Policy Center Video | An Interview with Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Article | Southern Baptists and the Scandal of Church Sexual Abuse by Russell Moore Article | 10 calls to action for Southern Baptists on sexual abuse by Phillip Bethancourt Article | An update on the Presidential Study on Sexual Abuse by Phillip Bethancourt Article | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by ERLC policy staff National Review Article | Senate Fails to Pass Born-Alive Bill by Alexandra DeSanctis Stand For Life | https://www.standforlife.org Application for ERLC Internship Program

Ahead of the Senate vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, Jeff and Chelsea welcome pro-life and adoption advocate Melissa Ohden to the roundtable to share her story. Melissa was herself born-alive after a failed abortion attempt at seven months gestation. Her story is an awesome testament to God’s grace, the power of forgiveness, and the inherent dignity every person deserves no matter how small. Guest Biography Melissa Ohden is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977. She’s a pro-life and adoption advocate, and has a Master’s Degree in Social work, and has worked in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence and sexual assault counseling, and child welfare. She’s testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate and the Australian Parliament. Melissa founded the Abortion Survivors Network, which seeks to educate the public about failed abortions and survivors, while providing for emotional, mental, and spiritual support to abortion survivors. Resources from the Conversation Melissa Ohden’s Website | MelissaOhden.com Melissa’s book | You Carried Me ERLC | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by Policy Staff ERLC | SCOTUS temporarily blocks abortion regulation by Palmer Williams ERLC Internship Program

The debate in Washington over infanticide is rightly shocking to many, but tragically, flows from the abortion industry’s recent advocacy in New York and Virginia. Jeff and Chelsea welcome Alexandra DeSanctis of National Review to the table to discuss the unfolding debate over late-term abortion, the radical policies that give way to infanticide, and how the pro-life community should respond. Guest Biography Alexandra DeSanctis is a staff writer for National Review. She was previously a William F. Buckley Fellow in Political Journalism with the National Review Institute and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Resources from the Conversation Follow Alexandra on Twitter | @xan_desanctis The Atlantic | Democrats Overplay Their Hand on Abortion by Alexandra DeSanctis National Review | New Survey Shows Americans Reject Democratic Radicalism on Abortion by Alexandra DeSanctis ERLC | What’s happening with the debate on infanticide in Congress? by Policy Staff ERLC | SCOTUS temporarily blocks abortion regulation by Palmer Williams Alexandra’s baseball articles | Major League Baseball’s Ridiculous Blackout Policy & In Praise of Baseball Season’s Opening Day ERLC Internship Program

In the final days of the 115th Congress, a significant and bipartisan federal criminal justice reform bill was signed into law at the White House. The First Step Act, which sought both prison and sentencing reforms, enjoyed overwhelming votes in the Senate and House this past December. Yet the bill’s journey to passage was as unlikely as the coalition of conservatives and liberals who supported it. Heather Rice-Minus of Prison Fellowship was one of the dedicated advocates whose work ensured that this bill became a law. Heather worked at the center of many of the instrumental negotiations on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Heather joined Steven and Jeff at the Leland House to recount the story of what Van Jones called “a Christmas miracle” for criminal justice reform. Guest Biography Heather Rice-Minus serves as vice president of government affairs at Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. She is a powerful, knowledgeable voice articulating the case for restorative criminal justice solutions. She is also the co-author of Outrageous Justice, a Bible study curriculum and book. A native of Virginia, Rice-Minus resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband and daughter. Resources from the Conversation Article by Emily Greene | President Trump signs the FIRST STEP Act into law, ushering in a new era of Criminal Justice Reform Prison Fellowship’s Second Chance Month Get Involved with Prison Fellowship | Resources for Churches and Volunteers Prison Fellowship Advocacy and Public Policy Team Small Group Curriculum | Outrageous Justice Video by Steven Harris | Why is criminal justice reform an important issue for pastors and churches to engage? Video by Heather Rice-Minus | Why should Christians care about criminal justice reform? Podcast Episode | MLK50 workshop: Pursuing criminal justice reform ERLC Internship Program

A few years ago, two successful corporate executives teamed up to fight human trafficking. Kevin Malone, the former general manager of the L.A. Dodgers, and Geoff Rogers, a former vice president of IBM, founded the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking. Jeff and Travis spoke with Kevin and Geoff during the 2019 Evangelicals for Life conference about how God called them to this fight and their work to build trafficking free zones in local communities. Guest Biographies Kevin Malone, named “The Best General Manager in the Game” in 1995, retired from professional baseball in 2001 after an illustrious 17 year career in which his teams earned a World Championship and several trips to the postseason. Kevin is the Founder and Executive Director of Protect The P.A.T.H. (People Against Trafficking Humans), and President and Co-Founder of the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking where he currently serves as the director of the board. Malone has been married to his wife Marilyn for 35 years. They relocated to Las Vegas from L.A. in Feb. 2018 to fight child sex slavery. They have two children, Shannon and Shawn. Geoff Rogers entered the hi-tech corporate world at IBM after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame. In just 7 years’ time, Geoff rose quickly to the rank of Vice President at IBM while running a North American software division. But as his corporate climb continued, the call of God was drawing him closer to ministry, and as he puts it, each rung on the corporate ladder became more and more hollow. Geoff and his wife Kerri co-founded the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking with Kevin Malone, where Geoff serves as the CEO of the organization, applying his vast business skills to the ministry. Geoff and Kerri have been married for 20 years. They place tremendous value on their family and enjoy spending time with their three amazing boys. Resources from the Conversation U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking USIAHT | Trafficking Free Zone Article from Christian Post | How God prepared former Dodgers GM to fight sex trafficking: It’s spiritual warfare Article by Joe Carter | 5 Facts about the ‘Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act’ Video by Dean Inserra | The Problem with Porn: Gospel Hope for Parents and Teens ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life

The ERLC hosted it’s Evangelicals for Life conference last week ahead of the annual March for Life. Jeff, Steven, Chelsea, and Lauren gathered around the table back at the Leland House to reflect on the keynotes heard, panel discussions enjoyed, and the constituent advocacy meetings the team hosted on Capitol Hill. Resources from the Conversation Video | 2019 Evangelicals for Life livestream replay Article by Seth Brown | ERLC boosts advocacy through training Article by Tom Strode | Southern Baptists march for life in Washington Article by Joe Carter | Explainer: What you should know about the March for Life Article by Palmer Williams | The next frontier: Taxpayer-funded abortion on demand? Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life

The ERLC publishes a legislative agenda at the beginning of each year to outline the issues and policies we will focus on in our work in Washington, D.C. to serve Southern Baptists and advance the common good. The ERLC policy team, with Lauren Konkol joining the Capitol Conversations roundtable for the first time, talk about our 2019 Legislative Agenda. The team also discusses the new 116th Congress and what to expect in the year ahead. Resources from the Conversation ERLC 2019 Legislative Agenda Here’s how the ERLC advocates for you in Washington, D.C. | Article by Jeff Pickering ERLC Public Policy Team 2019 Evangelicals For Life

The 2018 ERLC interns join Jeff Pickering to talk about their experience in D.C. The group discusses their favorite policy projects, memorable meetings on Capitol Hill, and laughable moments at the Leland House. Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs in both of our offices in Nashville and D.C. The ERLC is dedicated to seeing each generation engage the culture with the gospel of Christ. For more information and to apply, visit ERLC.com/internships. Guest Biography In this conversation you will hear from Simona, Kelsey, Brooke, Esther, Nathan, Jaston, Scott, Matthew, Amanda, and Zach – our 2018 interns from the ERLC office in Washington, D.C. They came to the Leland House from all over the country and are interested in faith, politics, and how to engage culture as followers of Christ. Resources from the Conversation ERLC Internship Program Application ERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom Strode ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life

For this special two part series, we bring you ERLC president Dr. Russell Moore teaching on Christian ethics. These lectures were recorded live in Washington, D.C.. at the ERLC Academy on the Hill events earlier in 2018. In part one, which aired last week and is linked below, Dr. Russell Moore gives an introduction to Christian ethics. And in part two this week, Dr. Moore teaches about the role of conscience in battling temptation. Resources from the Conversation Podcast Episode | Christian Ethics with Russell Moore Part One ERLC Academy ERLC Public Policy Team How to Develop a Christian Ethic by Russell Moore Video | Russell Moore on How to Become More Knowledgeable about Christian Ethics 6 books I recommend for studying Christian ethics by Andrew T. Walker ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World

For this special two part series, we bring you ERLC president Dr. Russell Moore teaching on Christian ethics. These lectures were recorded live in Washington, D.C., at the ERLC Academy on the Hill events earlier in 2018. In part one, Dr. Moore gives an introduction to Christian ethics. And in part two, he teaches about the role of conscience in battling temptation. Resources from the Conversation ERLC Academy ERLC Public Policy Team How to Develop a Christian Ethic by Russell Moore Video | Russell Moore on How to Become More Knowledgeable about Christian Ethics 6 books I recommend for studying Christian ethics by Andrew T. Walker ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World

In 2018 our nation said goodbye to four American heroes. This week we mourn the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush. He was preceded in death this year by his wife of 73 years —former First Lady Barbara Bush, U.S. Senator John McCain, and the Rev. Billy Graham. Russell Moore and Dan Darling join Jeff Pickering to reflect on these towering leaders who shaped generations of politics, culture, and world events. Guest Biography Russell Moore serves as the eighth president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Wall Street Journal has called Moore “vigorous, cheerful, and fiercely articulate.” He was named in 2017 to Politico Magazine’s list of fifty influence-makers in Washington and has been profiled by such publications as the Washington Post, the New Yorker, and the Weekly Standard. A native Mississippian, Moore and his wife Maria are the parents of five sons. Resources from the Conversation Dan’s recommended biography on President Bush | Destiny and Power by Jon Meachum Dr. Moore’s recommended biography on Rev. Graham | A Prophet with Honor by William Martin 5 facts about George H.W. Bush (1924-2018) Good Men Are Hard to Find: Lessons from the Life of George H.W. Bush Barbara Bush, wife and mother of presidents, dies at 92 5 facts about John McCain Billy Graham Bore Witness for 99 Years 5 Facts about Billy Graham ERLC 2019 National Conference | Gospel Courage: Truth And Justice in a Divided World

The lame duck session of the 115th Congress is underway. On this week’s episode the ERLC policy team discusses the organization’s legislative priorities which include repealing the new tax on churches that resulted from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the First Step Act, an important criminal justice reform bill that recently gained the support of the White House, and the Conscience Protection Act, a religious liberty protection for healthcare professionals. Guest Biography Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as a policy director in the Washington, D.C., office of the ERLC. Previously, she worked in the U.S. House of Representatives on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. Chelsea is the author of Longing for Motherhood - Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband Michael. Resources from the Conversation Russell Moore’s op-ed in The Wall Street Journal | "Stop the Tax on Houses of Worship" ERLC article by Joe Carter | "What you should know about the FIRST STEP Act" ERLC Policy Brief | ERLC Supports Technical Fix of Tax Law on Church Parking Taxation ERLC letter | Coalition Letter on Tax Repeal ERLC Podcast episode | Capitol Conversations | Chelsea Patterson Sobolik on childlessness and the church ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life

Christians are rethinking their relationship with politics as American culture moves away from certain moral Christian principles. Jonathan Leeman, author of How The Nations Rage, joins Steven, Travis, and Jeff at the Leland House to talk about the church, the state, and how to have confidence in this divided age. From the conversation: “What I’m trying to help readers do is to understand what is the state, what is the church, how to read the bible politically, what is justice, and perhaps most importantly, envigorate, encourage, and inspire with a vision of the the church as this embassy of light, of justice and righteousness that shows a model to the nations of how we can move forward with a happy confidence of what God is doing, whether America gets better or worse.” - Jonathan Leeman Guest Biography Jonathan Leeman is the editorial director for 9Marks. Jonathan began his career in journalism as an editor for an economics magazine in Washington, D.C. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science, and since his call to ministry, a master of divinity and a Ph.D. in theology. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of D.C. where he serves as an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church. In addition to his work at 9Marks, he’s a seminary teacher, article writer, and author. His recent book, How The Nations Rage, rethinking faith and politics in a divided age, is the topic for this conversation. Resources from the Conversation 9Marks | Jonathan’s Writing Book by Jonathan Leeman | How the Nations Rage: rethinking faith and politics in a divided age TGC Article | A Reading Plan for Augustine’s ‘The City of God’ Book by David W. Blight | Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Countermoves Podcast Episode | Jonathan Leeman on Religious Liberty and Baptist Ecclesiology ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life

America voted. Who won? Who lost? And what does it all mean for the country and for the issues Southern Baptists care about? For this special episode of Capitol Conversations, Jeff Pickering is joined by Travis Wussow and Brent Leatherwood the morning after Tuesday’s elections to discuss what happened in the 2018 midterms. Resources from the Conversation ERLC Article | How should Christians approach election day? by Brent Leatherwood ERLC Article | Why we should follow Paul’s example in our political moment by Patrick Schreiner ERLC Article | 3 things you need to know about the states voting on abortion referendums by Eric Mayo Capitol Conversations Episode | State Ballots and Split Juries Capitol Conversations Episode | The 2018 midterms with Brent Leatherwood New York Times | Live Election Results Dashboard ERLC Conference | 2019 Evangelicals For Life