NAE update

Here are excerpts from a recent National Association of Evangelicals Update.

Supreme Court Rules on Marriage

On June 26, the Supreme Court issued two sharply divided decisions affecting marriage—deeming Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which provided that for federal laws “marriage” refers to the union of one man and one woman, unconstitutional, and ruling that California’s Proposition 8 defenders did not have legal standing. The NAE put together a brief summary of what the rulings mean. (learn more)

Contraception Rule Misses Mark

The Department of Health and Human Services issued final rules on contraceptive coverage in the Affordable Care Act. The NAE has closely followed the policy’s development and advocated for strong religious freedom protections for those who object on religious grounds to include contraception in their company health plans. ­NAE President Leith Anderson said, “The final rule still leaves many religious employers unprotected. The government should not compel any of its citizens to violate their consciences.” (read more)

Political Engagement Among Evangelicals in 10 Years

Evangelical engagement in U.S. politics has ebbed and flowed through the years, especially rising to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s with the growing concern about protecting human life and strengthening families. Since then, the evangelical agenda has broadened and evangelical engagement in social justice issues has blossomed. But with disillusionment in the political process on the increase, what will become of evangelical engagement in the future? (read more)

Upgrade Anti-trafficking Office to Bureau Level

Past and current members of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, including NAE President Leith Anderson, wrote a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Senate and House leadership encouraging support for legislation that would upgrade the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to a State Department Bureau. (read the letter)

NAE Commends President Obama on Proposed Nuclear Policy

In mid-June, President Obama pledged to pursue new negotiations with Russia and other countries aimed at reducing the risks of nuclear proliferation, terrorism and war. The NAE applauds the proposals as important steps toward reducing these threats. (read more)

Event Spotlight: Pray4Reform Evangelical Day of Prayer & Action

Following Senate passage of bipartisan immigration reform legislation, attention now shifts to the House of Representatives. On July 24, evangelical leaders will gather in the nation’s capitol for a day of prayer and action on immigration reform, including a press conference, worship service and meetings with congressional representatives.