Current Events Archives

Jim Daly Praises New Religious Freedom Task Force

We are pleased by Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement of the creation of a new Religious Liberty Task Force within the Department of Justice designed to promote and protect the freedom of people of faith.

Freedom of religion is considered to be our “first freedom,” not simply because it is the first guarantee contained in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, but also because it is the freedom upon which our nation was founded and the national heritage that gives deeper meaning to our other freedoms.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, religious liberty July 30, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did Prayer Deliver the Boys in the Cave?

The agonizing 18-day ordeal and successful 3-day rescue of 12 school-age boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand has captivated the world’s attention. In fact, there is news out today that corporate executives are already negotiating book and movie rights to the story. You can be sure that both will be blockbusters, maybe even by next summer.

Throughout the nearly three-week ordeal, both social and traditional media were replete with calls for prayer – for the boys, their coach and the Navy Seals who ultimately coordinated and assisted in their dramatic rescue.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, pop culture July 11, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Focus President Jim Daly on the Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh

Focus on the Family is pleased to support the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh as an Associate Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. As a former law clerk to the retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, with a long resume of public service as well as private legal experience, Judge Kavanaugh is a top-drawer candidate to replace his former boss on the nation’s highest court.

A graduate of Yale and Yale Law School, Judge Kavanaugh has served in the Solicitor General’s Office, as well as in the George W.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, pop culture July 9, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Focus on the Family President Jim Daly on the Retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy

We congratulate Justice Anthony Kennedy on the announcement of his retirement, and note with appreciation his 30 years of service to the country as Associate Justice, and the nearly 13 years prior to that serving on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

After becoming Focus’ President, I had the privilege of meeting with Justice Kennedy. Although we occasionally differed on the issues, sometimes strongly so, when we met I found him to be quite personable and was impressed with his dedication to the Court and to his duties there.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy June 27, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: A Win For Life and Free Speech at the Supreme Court

We’re grateful to learn of today’s Supreme Court decision in the free speech case of NIFLA v. Becerra.

This case was a textbook example of government overreach. Thankfully, the court overturned a dangerous encroachment of our time-honored First Amendment freedoms of speech and religion.

No person should be compelled by government to speak a message contrary to their beliefs. Yet, that is exactly what the California legislature did, in an attempt to force pro-life pregnancy care centers to promote the availability of free and low-cost abortions.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy, pro-life, religious liberty June 26, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Thoughts on the Border Crisis

The controversy at the southern border continues to churn. Like many of you, I’ve been following its many twists and turns, straining to gather reliable information and, at times, struggling to separate the fact from the fiction. There is a lot of bad and biased information out there. To be sure, emotions are running high on both sides, a consequence of the very real human concern and the highly partisan nature of our times.

As I’ve previously indicated, separating children from their parents can be harmful and traumatic.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, policy June 19, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Video: Our Trip to the Masterpiece Cake Shop

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, homosexuality, policy, religious liberty June 13, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

2 Minute Video: Explaining the Masterpiece Cake Shop Ruling

I’m currently on a plane flying back home from a visit with friends of the ministry. While I was changing planes in Chicago, I asked my colleague, Bruce Hausknecht, to break down in shirt-sleeve English Jack Phillips’ victory today at the Supreme Court.

Without a doubt, today’s Supreme Court decision recognizes that religious freedom is still entitled to its pre-eminent place among our constitutional guarantees.

I’ve been saying for some time that the conflict between LGBT rights and religious freedom doesn’t have to be a win-lose.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy, religious liberty June 4, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Masterpiece Cake Decision is a Victory for Religious Respect

I’m delighted to hear of the 7-2 Supreme Court victory today for Jack Phillips and his bakery, Masterpiece Cakeshop.

It’s been a long time in coming.

No one should be forced to violate their faith in order to earn a living, and Jack, who I’ve met and consider a friend, just wants to be free to live out his faith in his chosen profession.

As Jack has said on several occasions, this case was never about refusing to serve gay people.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy, religious liberty June 4, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

An Open Letter to the People of Ireland

Dear Ireland:

As the son of an Irish father and as the president of America’s largest Christian family ministry, I write this letter with a heavy heart.

Based on the snapshots of your jubilant and celebrating citizens that American media outlets are currently publicizing, one might think congratulations are in order.

But they would be wrong.

In fact, rather than offering my compliments for a victory, I am offering my deepest condolences.

Last week’s landslide vote to overturn your country’s abortion prohibition marks the tragic beginning of a culture of death for the Emerald Isle.

Topics: Current Events Tags: policy, pro-life May 30, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura