ERLC Unveils 2025 Public Policy Agenda Focused on Core Baptist Values

January 17, 2025

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has announced its 2025 Public Policy Agenda, outlining its strategic priorities for the upcoming year. This agenda is designed to address key issues that are significant to Southern Baptists, organized into four main focus areas: Life, Religious Liberty, Marriage and Family, and Human Dignity. Each section of the agenda is supported by quotations from the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and corresponding Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) resolutions, reflecting the collective stance of Southern Baptists on these critical issues.

Life

Emphasis on the Sanctity of Life

The ERLC’s agenda places a strong emphasis on the sanctity of life, particularly in countering the abortion industry and addressing bioethical issues. The organization is committed to ending the proliferation of chemical abortions and supporting policies like the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance. This policy aims to prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding abortions overseas, aligning with the Southern Baptist belief in the inherent value of all human life.

As part of its commitment to protecting life, the ERLC engages in initiatives and supports legislation that uphold the dignity and worth of every human being, from conception to natural death. By advocating for stricter regulations on the distribution of chemical abortion pills and promoting alternatives that protect the unborn, the ERLC aims to reduce the number of abortions and support women facing unplanned pregnancies. This comprehensive approach includes educational campaigns to raise awareness about the sanctity of life and the negative impacts of abortion on society.

Defunding Planned Parenthood

One of the key strategies in the Life section is the effort to defund Planned Parenthood. The ERLC supports legislative measures to redirect federal funds away from abortion providers and towards community health centers that do not perform abortions. This approach is seen as a way to protect the lives of the unborn while ensuring that women have access to essential health services. By shifting funding priorities, the ERLC believes that it can promote a culture of life and provide better support for women and families in need.

In addition, the ERLC works closely with lawmakers to develop policies that limit the resources available to organizations like Planned Parenthood, which are involved in the abortion industry. By advocating for budget reallocations and supporting pro-life legislation at both the federal and state levels, the ERLC seeks to create an environment where all human life is valued and protected. This holistic strategy aims to address the root causes of abortion and support women in making life-affirming choices.

Legal Actions and Advocacy

The ERLC is also involved in legal actions, such as the Medina v. Planned Parenthood case, which advocates for states’ rights to withhold Medicaid funds from abortion providers. By engaging in these legal battles, the ERLC aims to uphold the sanctity of life and ensure that state governments have the authority to make decisions that reflect the values of their constituents. Legal advocacy is a crucial component of the ERLC’s strategy, as it works to defend pro-life policies and challenge regulations that threaten the protection of the unborn.

Through its efforts in the courtroom, the ERLC partners with other pro-life organizations and legal experts to mount robust defenses against policies and practices that undermine the sanctity of life. By actively participating in high-profile cases and submitting amicus briefs, the ERLC aims to shape legal precedents that support the pro-life cause. This collaborative approach ensures that the voices of Southern Baptists and other pro-life advocates are heard in legal proceedings and that their values are represented in the judicial system.

Religious Liberty

Free Church in a Free State

Religious liberty is a cornerstone of the ERLC’s agenda, with a focus on maintaining a free church in a free state. The organization believes that religious freedom is crucial for human flourishing and is committed to defending the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This act protects individuals and organizations from government actions that substantially burden their exercise of religion. By emphasizing the importance of religious liberty, the ERLC seeks to create an environment where individuals can practice their faith without interference from the state.

The ERLC’s commitment to religious liberty extends to advocating for policies that safeguard the rights of religious institutions and individuals to live according to their beliefs. This includes opposing government mandates that compel religious organizations to act against their convictions, such as requirements to provide services or funding that violate their principles. By working to preserve a clear separation between church and state, the ERLC aims to ensure that religious freedom remains a fundamental right for all Americans.

Opposition to Anti-Religious Liberty Regulations

The ERLC opposes regulatory actions that are perceived as threats to religious liberty. This includes efforts to challenge policies that compel individuals or organizations to act against their religious beliefs. By advocating for the protection of religious freedom, the ERLC seeks to ensure that individuals can live out their faith without fear of government interference. This proactive stance involves monitoring proposed regulations and engaging in public discourse to highlight the potential impact on religious freedom.

In addition to opposing specific regulations, the ERLC works to raise awareness about the broader implications of policies that infringe on religious liberty. Through educational initiatives and public statements, the organization aims to inform the public and policymakers about the importance of protecting religious rights. By fostering a culture that values and respects religious diversity, the ERLC contributes to building a society where individuals of all faiths can coexist and thrive without facing discrimination or coercion.

International Religious Freedom

In addition to domestic issues, the ERLC is also concerned with international religious freedom. The organization supports the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe Christian persecution. By highlighting these issues on the global stage, the ERLC aims to draw attention to the plight of persecuted Christians and advocate for their protection. This international focus underscores the ERLC’s commitment to defending religious freedom for all people, regardless of their location or circumstances.

The ERLC collaborates with international organizations and government agencies to advocate for policies that protect religious minorities and promote human rights worldwide. By participating in global forums and supporting initiatives that address religious persecution, the ERLC seeks to influence international policy and encourage other nations to uphold religious freedom. Through these efforts, the ERLC aims to create a world where individuals can practice their faith freely and without fear of persecution.

Marriage and Family

Opposition to Gender Ideology

The ERLC’s agenda includes a strong stance against gender ideology, advocating for the preservation of foundational gender distinctions based on biological sex. The organization supports laws like Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1, which restricts procedures that affirm identities inconsistent with biological sex. This stance is rooted in the belief that gender is a God-given characteristic that should not be altered. By promoting policies that uphold traditional gender roles, the ERLC aims to maintain the integrity of the family unit.

The ERLC’s opposition to gender ideology also involves addressing the cultural and educational influences that promote non-traditional views of gender. By advocating for policies that support parental rights and oppose the inclusion of gender ideology in school curricula, the ERLC seeks to protect children from confusing and potentially harmful messages. Through public campaigns and partnerships with like-minded organizations, the ERLC works to foster a societal understanding of gender that aligns with biblical principles and supports the well-being of individuals and families.

Protecting Women’s Sports

Another key focus in the Marriage and Family section is the protection of women’s sports. The ERLC supports proposals to ban gender transition surgeries and ensure that women’s sports remain fair and competitive. By advocating for these policies, the ERLC aims to protect the integrity of women’s athletics and uphold the principle of fairness in sports. This effort is seen as crucial to preserving opportunities for female athletes and ensuring that they compete on a level playing field.

In addition to legislative advocacy, the ERLC works to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining fair competition in women’s sports. By highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by female athletes, the ERLC aims to garner support for policies that protect their rights. Through partnerships with sports organizations and advocacy groups, the ERLC seeks to create an environment where women can pursue athletic excellence without facing unfair disadvantages due to policy changes related to gender identity.

Pro-Family Tax Policies

The ERLC also pursues pro-family tax policies to support the economic stability of families. This includes advocating for tax credits and deductions that benefit families and policies that promote work-life balance. By supporting these measures, the ERLC seeks to strengthen families and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. Pro-family tax policies are seen as a way to alleviate financial pressures on families and encourage the growth of healthy, stable households.

By engaging with policymakers and promoting legislation that provides economic support to families, the ERLC aims to create a more family-friendly tax system. This advocacy includes supporting child tax credits, dependent care deductions, and other financial incentives that help families manage the costs of raising children. By prioritizing the needs of families in tax policy discussions, the ERLC works to ensure that families have the financial stability required to flourish in today’s economy.

Human Dignity

Political Processes and Common Good

The ERLC recognizes the importance of political processes in organizing societal lives for the common good within a Christian framework. The organization aims to equip Christians to engage in community-based citizenship while adhering to their faith. This involves promoting policies that reflect Christian values and contribute to the overall well-being of society. By encouraging active participation in the political process, the ERLC seeks to cultivate a community that upholds human dignity and pursues justice and equality for all.

Through educational programs, resources, and events, the ERLC provides tools and guidance for Christians to navigate the political landscape effectively. By fostering informed and principled civic engagement, the ERLC aims to influence public policy in ways that align with Christian ethics and promote the common good. This approach acknowledges the role of believers in shaping a just and compassionate society, grounded in the teachings of their faith.

Restricting Gambling and Marijuana Use

As part of its commitment to human dignity, the ERLC opposes the expansion of gambling and marijuana use. The organization believes that these activities can have detrimental effects on individuals and communities and advocates for policies that restrict their availability. By taking a stand against these issues, the ERLC aims to promote a healthier and more ethical society. The organization highlights the social and economic harms associated with gambling and marijuana use, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.

The ERLC’s efforts in this area include supporting legislation that limits the accessibility of gambling venues and marijuana dispensaries, as well as advocating for public health campaigns that educate the public about the risks involved. By addressing these issues at both the policy level and through community outreach, the ERLC seeks to reduce the negative impacts on vulnerable populations and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. This holistic approach aims to protect individuals and families from the adverse effects of gambling and substance abuse.

Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has revealed its 2025 Public Policy Agenda, highlighting its strategic priorities for the forthcoming year. This agenda aims to tackle significant issues that resonate with Southern Baptists, structured into four primary focus areas: Life, Religious Liberty, Marriage and Family, and Human Dignity. Each segment of the agenda is bolstered by quotations from the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, as well as corresponding resolutions from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This reflects the united perspective of Southern Baptists on these vital matters.

The agenda not only provides a roadmap for addressing these core issues but also emphasizes the ERLC’s commitment to advocating for values deeply embedded in Southern Baptist beliefs. By aligning their efforts with foundational Baptist documents and resolutions, the ERLC ensures that their 2025 Public Policy Agenda remains true to the faith’s doctrinal teachings. These focus areas will guide the ERLC’s advocacy efforts, aiming to influence public policy in ways that reflect the convictions and values of Southern Baptists.

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