Recently I had a conversation with someone about the difference they experienced between living in Rhode Island and other Midwest states that are more conservative. They remarked that the culture in New England is darker and more oppressive, and they can feel the difference. Why is that?
Well, it seems that when Christian values dominate a geographical area, they bring light and life to their surroundings. There is a bible verse that validates this, and it’s often found on Christmas cards this time of year. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned,” Matthew 4:16 states. That verse is a quote from the prophet Isaiah describing the effect the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would have on the ungodly cosmopolitan area around him where he lived and would preach.
Darkness and light are metaphors often used to describe the impact those living by godly values have on the ungodly culture around them. The mission of the Family Policy Alliance is to protect, preserve, and promote those godly values in Rhode Island as well as in 40 other states. And we are making a difference!
Our Alliance is heavily involved in the current efforts to overturn Roe V. Wade with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case debated in the Supreme Court earlier this month. This case challenges the Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks. We have also been strategically involved with the recent pro-life victory in Texas regarding their heartbeat bill. Nicole Hudgens, Government Affairs Director of Family Policy Alliance, said in a statement recently: “Today, the Court has ensured that more Texas children will have the chance to celebrate a birthday. We celebrate today’s victory with our friends in Texas, and eagerly await the day when every child across America has a chance to celebrate a birthday. By dismissing the Biden-Harris administration’s attack on preborn children – and the attacks of many others – the Court has sent a clear signal that life is winning!”
It is the Bible that sheds light on the truth that God is the Creator of life. Evolution darkens our understanding of life, devalues it, and affects so many aspects of the family and society. The efforts of Family Policy Alliance in Rhode Island next year will be to continue fighting for life as well as other areas affecting family values, morality, parental rights, and religious freedom.
A few years ago, the Barna Research group found that of The 10 Most Post-Christian Cities in America, Providence ranked #3. That means there is a lot of darkness that we must shine the light on. This coming year we will once again work with legislators to expose bills and policies that adversely affect families and our freedoms. We will provide them with resources to pass bills that will honor God, cause religious freedom to flourish, and help families thrive and cherish life. We are growing and we need your help. If you have never given to the Family Policy Alliance, would you consider doing so and join our ‘Year End Matching Gift Campaign.’
For Faith and Family in Rhode Island,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Advisors – Rhode Island
