To Our FPIW Defenders!
As we move into the second half of the Legislative Session, I wanted to share with you that more Action Alerts will be coming soon. As always, you can register on our website here, or on your Washington Defender App.
I also would like to discuss FPIW’s “Open-hand vs. Closed-fist” policy approach toward legislation. FPIW has always staunchly supported “The Four Core Tenants” of our faith: Life, Marriage, Parental Rights, and Religious Liberty. We will not compromise on these values. We will always stand against any proposed legislation that does not support the fact that:
• Life begins at conception;
• Marriage is the union of one man and one woman;
• Parents, not schools nor the government, are responsible for the upbringing of their children; and
• We are free to gather, worship, and express our faith without government interference.
These are our closed-fist policy priorities.
Beginning this year, FPIW chose to monitor multiple other legislative issues that impact the family. We have added 14 additional legislative categories that we now follow, including transportation, housing, public safety, and education to name a few. These are our open-hand policy issues. See our Policy Issues booklet here.
We will always try to support those positions that most reflect biblical principles; however, there are many bills within these categories where there is no specific biblical position, and so practical, well-reasoned positions for the common good are up for honest debate. We aim to abide by the great formula: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
We understand that, at times, you will disagree with our policy position … and that is OK. Upon receiving a comment from one of our Defenders who did not agree with our PRO recommendation on a specific bill, CEO Brian Noble responded this way: “Thanks for your input, and thanks for doing your research. I am so glad we are part of a movement that does not demand uniformity. We make room for differences of opinion. Please always vote your conscience. Keep up the good fight, and let’s keep making changes for the glory of God.”
Let me be clear: FPIW welcomes all who defend biblical values in the public square. “When the world is on fire, we need each other,” said the great Christian thinker Francis A. Schaeffer. We understand that in a Left-leaning state such as Washington all conservatives must work together if we are to turn this ship around. And with your faithful engagement in this Legislative Session, we aim to do just that.
Defending the family,
Brad Payne, President
FPIW Action
