“To hold forth a lively experiment
that a most flourishing civil state may stand
and best be maintained with full liberty
in religious concernments.”
This is an inscription on the South Portico of the Rhode Island State House. It would seem the “lively experiment” is being put to the test with the ongoing confirmation hearings to appoint Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Barrett is an originalist. In the very first question put to her in Day 2 of her Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Judge Amy Coney Barrett was asked to define, “in English,” the meaning of the legal concept of originalism. Here is what she said:
“In English that means that I interpret the Constitution as a law,” she said, “and that I interpret its text as text, and I understand it to have the meaning that it had at the time people ratified it. So that meaning doesn’t change over time and it’s not up to me to update it or infuse my own policy views into it.”
This is a welcome relief to anyone who calls themselves a conservative, and it should have us doubling down on praying for her appointment. If she is appointed, Americans (including people of faith) could begin to see some welcome relief from a court that has looked more like the legislative branch of government rather than the judicial branch it’s supposed to be.
But even while we await further developments in the judicial branch, we have the power to vote on the legislative and executive branches starting now!
If you live in Rhode Island, here is some important voting information.
Early voting period November General Election: October 14 – November 2
In the 20 days leading up to Election Day, you can vote in person at your city or town hall during their regular business hours. This is a great option if you are unable to vote at your usual polling place on Election Day, or if you have run out of time to request a mail ballot (that deadline was October 13). Voting early in-person is very similar to voting on Election Day. All the steps are clearly spelled out here and many feel it is preferable to mail-in ballots.
David Closson from Family Research Council recently wrote that Christians are called to honor God in every area of their lives. Therefore, we should seek to submit everything to the Lord, including our political engagement. Engaging in politics is an opportunity to obey God and show love to our neighbors. American Christians, with our right to vote, have a unique opportunity and duty to affect the political process. To that end, our goal is to help Christians filter issues, candidates, and party platforms through a biblical worldview and encourage God-honoring, faithful engagement in the public square.
If you’re trying to decide how to honor God with your vote in the presidential race, or you know someone else who’s deciding, Family Policy Alliance also has a new resource to assist voters: our 2020 Presidential Voter Guide, which covers key issues affecting the family today. Please take advantage of it.
Sincerely,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Directors – Rhode Island
