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A state and nation where God is honored
John L. Rustin, Guest Column
October 17, 2016
6 MIN READ TIME

A state and nation where God is honored

A state and nation where God is honored
John L. Rustin, Guest Column
October 17, 2016

Friends, I am fully convinced that Nov. 8 may be one of the most critical elections we have faced in the history of our state and our nation.

I believe the outcome of the impending General Election will have more of an impact on the future of religious liberty, the sanctity of human life, the stability and prosperity of families across our country, and the fundamental character of our nation than any election in our lifetimes. We must all strengthen our resolve, join hands across the state, and work together to preserve and protect all that we hold dear!
The N.C. Family Board of Directors recently adopted a new Vision Statement to help us all stay focused on why our work, advocating for policies that protect and preserve the family, is so vital.

This vision is: “A state and nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished.” We deeply value this statement because it encapsulates in one simple sentence why we do all that we do. And when I say “we,” I mean all of us working together as partners in relentless pursuit of this vision.

But the very ideals envisioned in this statement are at risk in the upcoming election! North Carolina stands as a stronghold in the effort to safeguard the future of religious liberty in our nation.

We are the only state that has successfully stood up against the radical social agenda and bully tactics of those who want to give men a free pass to enter restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and changing rooms with women and children – even in our public schools.

Therefore, the outcome of North Carolina’s gubernatorial and legislative races will be pivotal in determining the future of religious liberty in the United States! I don’t say this as an endorsement of any candidate.

Rather, it is a foregone conclusion that if elected officials who support the common sense bathroom safety bill, House Bill 2 (HB2), lose re-election, the national media will blame it on their defense of HB2, which has been so vehemently mischaracterized by activists and the media. But, if these brave men and women are victorious, it will show that our elected leaders can courageously stand for what is right and survive unwarranted political attacks like we’ve seen here. Believe me, political leaders from across the nation are watching North Carolina, and they will act based on what happens this election.

Furthermore, the North Carolina General Assembly – which has done more in the past six years to bolster families, protect unborn babies, advance parental choice in education and defend religious freedom in our state than in any time in recent history – is up for election this year as well.

From a national perspective, consider that the next president will appoint up to four new justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. With all the cases currently pending in federal courts – and others certain to come – with implications for religious freedom, human sexuality, bathroom privacy, abortion, end-of-life issues, parental rights and other human liberties, the stakes for North Carolina families could not be higher.
Sitting this election out is not an option – there is far too much at stake!

That is why N.C. Family is fully engaged this election season, helping churches do all they can within the bounds of the law.

N.C. Family has produced half-a-million 501(c)(3)-compliant General Election Voter Guides for distribution in churches, civic organizations, and neighborhoods across the state!

In order to produce this 24-page, nonpartisan Voter Guide, we surveyed over 340 candidates on their positions on religious liberty, bathroom privacy, abortion and life issues, school choice, gambling, tax policy and more, because we want to make sure North Carolina voters have the information they need to make informed decisions when they go to the polls. Voters can also access this critically important information online via the N.C. Family Voter Guide website at ncfamily.org.

Additionally, our sister organization N.C. Family Action (a 501(c)(4) nonprofit) is engaged in a statewide voter education and mobilization effort to urge conservative Christian voters to exercise their right and responsibility to vote. Through this effort, we will communicate directly with hundreds of thousands of North Carolina voters who otherwise might stay home on Election Day. In recent years, we have seen far too many Christians sit out elections, and this simply cannot happen again!

Friends, we have a unique opportunity to step up and be leaders for our nation. Just like Esther in the Bible, I truly believe we all have been called for such a time as this. Because North Carolina is one of the top battleground states in the U.S., each of these efforts are vital to our future, but we need your help!

Here are several ways you can make a difference:

  • If you hurry, there is still time to order 2016 Voter Guides to distribute in your church, civic organization, and neighborhood. Place your order at ncfamily.org to help ensure the people in your community have access to the valuable information in these Voter Guides!
  • Go through your email address book and send your contacts a link to our online Voter Guide at ncfamily.org. They can view and download the 2016 Voter Guide, then take it to the polls with them.
  • Use your favorite social media to get the word out that this valuable resource is available. We have several posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that you can share!

Thank you so much for your time, for your support, and most importantly, for your prayers. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to partnering with you to make sure North Carolina remains a state we are proud to call home! Thank you so much and God bless you and your family!

(EDITOR’S NOTE – John L. Rustin is President of N.C. Family, also known as the North Carolina Family Policy Council. The N.C. Family mission is to “equip North Carolina families to be voices of persuasion for family values in their communities.”)