Current Events Archives

Look to the Family for Answers in Our Current Crisis

Our hearts break for what the country is experiencing. From Monday’s Supreme Court ruling that added sexual orientation and gender identity to a list of protected classes in the 1964 Civil Rights Act, to ongoing racial tensions and continued physical and economic suffering related to COVID-19, we’re living through difficult days.

As president of a world-wide organization dedicated to the preservation of the home, and setting apart things like a virus, which are outside our control, I want to address what I believe is a major part of our problem – the breakdown of the nuclear family.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events June 17, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

6 Supreme Court Justices Brazenly Proclaim Themselves Legislators in Landmark Decision

I’m extremely disappointed to learn that the U.S. Supreme Court today took it upon itself to brazenly rewrite a federal employment statute to add sexual orientation and gender identity to a list of protected classes contained in the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

When that landmark civil rights statute was enacted by duly elected representatives of the people, Congress never imagined or intended that “sex” meant anything other than biological males and females.

Yet in this opinion six justices have done what Congress never intended to do and has explicitly rejected many times over the years since 1964.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events, supreme court June 15, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Call for Peace in a World Ready and Raring to Fight

As heated protests continue to roil and rock America in the aftermath of the heartbreaking George Floyd killing, what does the pathway toward peace and healing look like?

A lot like America, I hope – a broad array of races, diverse in ethnicity but united in belief that our nation’s motto means what it says – E pluribus unum – out of many, one.

In other words, though a melting pot in both background and ideology, our survival as a country is dependent upon our ability to work together.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events June 10, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Senator Tim Scott Says Solution to Racism and Riots are Prayer and Change of Heart

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death and multiple days of rioting and looting across America, I could think of no better person to join us on the Focus on the Family Broadcast today than my friend Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).

I’ve long felt a special connection with South Carolina’s junior senator, but not only because he is a fellow believer in Christ. We have something else in common. Growing up poor in the Palmetto State, Tim Scott never had a father in his life.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events June 4, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Tragedy of George Floyd and the Way Forward to Peace and Racial Justice

The terrible circumstances of George Floyd’s death last week in Minneapolis while in police custody, along with the accompanying multi-city protests and riots of the last few days and nights, leaves many more questions than answers.

Progress in the area of race relations all too often seems painfully slow.

How can we move forward – boldly, swiftly and thoughtfully, helping the disenfranchised remain both hopeful and encouraged?

We look at the headlines and the images on television and the internet and have to think, surely there is a better way.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events May 31, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Honoring the Sacrifice for Freedom

One million.

It’s a big number. Today, that number takes on even greater significance.

Today is Memorial Day, the day we remember over one million Americans who have died in war on behalf of us all.

That figure is even more sobering when you reflect on this: behind every number is a name, and behind every name is a family whose entire world changed forever because that soldier didn’t come home. Every number represents the loss of a husband, a son, a brother, or a wife, a daughter, a sister.

Topics: Current Events Tags: memorial day May 25, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Yes, Churches are Essential

Are houses of worship an “essential” part of American life? President Trump believes they are, and I couldn’t agree more.

Friday’s announcement from the White House that the Centers for Disease Control will be changing the COVID-19-inspired classification from “nonessential” to “essential” is long overdue. The president will also be calling on governors to allow churches, synagogues and mosques to open “right now.”

Thank you, Mr. President.

I’m not suggesting every church should swing open wide their doors, but as the rest of the country transitions back to a semblance of normalcy, they should have the right to make that determination for themselves.

Topics: Current Events Tags: religious freedom May 22, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Are Liquor Stores & Pot Shops Allowed to Open But Not Churches?

There is news out of Chicago that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker will be imposing fines on three churches for meeting for worship services this past weekend.

According to the statewide stay-at-home order, churches are considered “nonessential.”

I understand that believers can worship everywhere, anywhere and at any time – but why are churches considered “nonessential” but liquor stores and pot shops deemed essential?

Illinois isn’t the first state to be so heavy handed and employ a double standard when dealing with people of faith.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events, religious freedom May 21, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is Exhibiting Civility and Common Sense in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

As all but a handful of states begin the long and careful process of reopening their economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, strong opinions abound on both sides of the aisle.

Prudence dictated widespread closures early in the crisis, especially given the horrific death toll projections. But as the economy has cratered resulting in over 36 million people out of work, a rising suicide rate and the deaths of people who are forgoing healthcare out of fear of leaving their homes, it makes good sense to find our way forward in a responsible and measured manner.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events May 15, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Join Us for a Special Online Concert Featuring Toby Mac, Lauren Daigle, Lecrae – and More!

Are you a member of a small church congregation?

Every house of worship is feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, of course, but the extended closure and quarantine has put many smaller churches on the brink of closing their doors for good.

I spoke with my friend Benjamin Watson a few weeks ago about his efforts to help raise funds for these congregations. The former NFL star has a real heart for helping those on the margins.

This COVID-19 Church Relief Fund is being administered by the National Christian Foundation (NCF), a trusted organization that Focus on the Family has collaborated with for decades. Through this campaign, 100% of proceeds will go to churches that are the most at risk. NCF is distributing $3,000 grants to churches as funds are available.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events May 11, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura