|
Dear Faith Leader
Holy Week has now passed, but the truth it proclaims remains as powerful as everโChrist is risen.
As the war in Iran reaches a ceasefire, let us as faith leaders be faithful to prayโfor our leaders, for God’s wisdom in decision-making, and for peace around our world.
The NFAB team prays that this Easter season continues to renew and strengthen you, and anchor your heart in the unchanging truth of the Gospel.
Jeremiah 29:7 says, โAlso, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.โ
LEARN about the White House’s Easter proclamation, the landmark Supreme Court decision on ‘Conversion Therapy,’ a district court dismissal on a challenge to the Johnson Amendment, top news and more BELOW!
| The White House Proclaims “He is Risen!” | |
White House Easter Proclamation: โHe Is Risenโ
The President issued a powerful Easter proclamation, joining Christians across the nation and the world in celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message centered on Christโs victory over sin and deathโand the hope of eternal life found in Him.
WHAT:
The President and First Lady released an Easter message highlighting the core truth of the Gospel.
-
Declared: โChrist has risenโฆ evil and death have been conquered foreverโ
- Emphasized redemption, grace, and reconciliation with God
-
Cited Scripture: โBy His wounds we are healedโ
-
Affirmed Christโs Resurrection as โour everlasting hopeโ
THE WHY:
The proclamation connects faith to both individual salvation and our nation’s story.
- The Gospel has helped shape Americaโs story for generations
- Christโs love has guided the nation through both blessing and trial
This proclamation is a declaration of living hope through Jesus Christ.
He is risen!
See the Proclamation, HERE.
| White House Hosts Faith Leaders for Easter Lunch | |
White House Hosts Easter Luncheon with Faith Leaders
The White House Faith Office hosted a special Easter luncheon this week, bringing together faith leaders from across the country to celebrate the hope of the Resurrection. The gathering included White House Senior Advisor Pastor Paula White-Cain and other national faith leaders, marking a continued emphasis on faith in public life.
What You Need to Know:
President Donald Trump addressed attendees, reflecting on the meaning of Easter and the power of Christโs sacrifice.
- Gathered faith leaders from across the nation
- Hosted by the White House Faith Office
- Centered on the message of the Gospel and Resurrection
โOn Good Friday, the Son of God was nailed to the cross, crucified, and He died for all of us. It was a day of darkness, but it wasn’t the end.โ
โ President Donald J. Trump
Why it Matters:
The luncheon served as a reminder that the message of Easter is not just historicalโit is living and transformative.
- Faith continues to play a vital role in shaping leaders and the nation
See the event photo gallery, HERE.
| |
Faith in Orbit: Artemis II Astronaut Points to Godโs Creation
As the Artemis II mission prepares to take astronauts farther from Earth than ever before, pilot Victor Glover is using the moment to point people back to something greater. When asked about Easter, Glover spoke openly about his faith and the wonder of Godโs creation.
WHAT:
Astronaut Victor Glover reflected on faith while preparing for a historic mission around the moon.
-
Described Earth as a โspaceshipโฆ created to give us a place to liveโ
- Emphasized the uniqueness and beauty of life on Earth
- Reminded listeners: โYou are specialโ in Godโs creation
THE WHY:
Even at the edge of space, the message remains clear:
- Creation points to a Creator
- Humanity holds unique value and purpose
As Glover has said previously:
- โWe need Jesusโฆ He is the bridge that spans sin.โ
WHERE AND HOW:
As we reflect during Holy Week, this moment serves as a powerful reminderโwhether on Earth or beyond it, truth and hope are found in Christ.
READ MORE about this story, HERE.
| Victory for Free Speech at the Supreme Court | |
Supreme Court Backs Free Speech, Religious Liberty in Landmark Counseling Case
Quick Look: In a major victory for religious liberty and free speech, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a Colorado law restricting certain counseling conversations with minors. In an 8โ1 decision, the Court affirmed that the First Amendment protects speechโeven in the counseling room.
In the court’s opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the law โcensors speech based on viewpoint,โ warning that the Constitution protects against efforts to enforce โorthodoxy in thought or speech.โ
Here’s What You Need to Know:
The Supreme Court ruled against a Colorado law banning certain โconversion therapyโ practices.
- Case involved a Christian counselor (Kaley Chiles)
- Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Law restricted what counselors could say in conversations with minors
Court findings:
- Counseling conversations are protected speech
- Government cannot favor one viewpoint over another
- Case sent back to lower courts under strict constitutional scrutiny
ADF Chief Legal Counsel Jim Campbell said, โThese lawsโฆ are viewpoint-based discrimination thatโs an egregious affront to the First Amendment.โ
(WATCH the full conversation with Campbell HERE.)
Why It Matters:
This ruling goes far beyond Colorado. It sets a national standard for free speech and religious liberty.
- The government cannot control or limit conversations based on belief
- Faith-based counselors must be free to speak truth without fear of punishment
- Parents and families must have access to counseling aligned with their convictions
This legal victory is a reaffirmation of freedom of conscience in America.
Next Steps: The case now returns to lower courts, but the precedent is clear. Similar laws across the country are likely to face serious legal challenges.
Your Part: Stay informed and in prayer as this ruling shapes the future of free speech, faith, and family in America.
READ MORE about this decision, HERE.
| |
Freedom of Speech for Churches | |
Challenge to Johnson Amendment Continues After Court Dismissal
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Johnson Amendment (a longstanding IRS policy restricting churches and nonprofits from engaging in political candidate advocacy– like endorsing a candidate). The case is expected to continue on appeal, as broader questions around free speech and religious liberty remain unresolved.
The Facts:
A lawsuit challenging the Johnson Amendment was dismissed by a federal judge.
- Plaintiffs included:
- National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)
- Sand Springs Church (TX)
- First Baptist Church of Waskom (TX)
- Law restricts churches from:
- Endorsing or opposing political candidates
- Plaintiffs argued it violates:
- Free speech
- Religious freedom
Key developments:
- Case dismissed on procedural grounds
- Plaintiffs plan to appeal to the 5th Circuit
- U.S. Department of the Treasury plans to issue new guidance
Why This Case Is Important to Faith Leaders:
This case raises important questions about the role of the Church in public life.
- Should pastors be free to apply Scripture to all areasโincluding civic issues?
- Does the current law lead to self-censorship among churches?
- How should faith and free speech be protected under the Constitution?
What’s Next?
The case now moves toward appeal, while federal agencies consider updated guidance that could impact how the law is enforced.
We encourage you to stay informed and in prayer as this issue continues to shape religious liberty and free speech in the public square.
READ MORE about this case, HERE.
| Upcoming Religious Liberty Commission Meeting | |
Religious Liberty Commission to Host Capstone Hearing on Apr. 13
The Religious Liberty Commission will hold its capstone hearing, focused on the past, present, and future of religious liberty in America.
What:
The Commission, established by President Trump, is working to produce a national report on religious freedom.
- Examining the foundations of religious liberty
- Highlighting current threats
- Recommending ways to protect it for future generations
Why:
Religious liberty is one of our nationโs most essential freedoms.
- It protects the right to live out our faith openly
- It allows the Church to speak and lead without fear
This is about preserving freedom for generations to come.
Be a Part:
You can contribute to this effort.
- Attend in person on April 13
-
Interested in providing testimony? Submit issue briefs, stories, or testimony ideas to: [email protected]
When: April 13 from 8:30am to 2:00pm
Where: World Stage Theatre, Museum of the Bible (400 4th St SW 5th floor, Washington, DC 20024)
RSVP to attend in person HERE or below.
| | |
Mark Your Calendars
NFAB holds weekly 20 minute conference calls to unite people of all denominations, backgrounds and from every state to PRAY together to answer the call to truly be one nation under God and to share information on the many timely issues facing our country.
We invite you to join the NFAB “America Prays” prayer calls.
When: Tuesdays at 4pm ET/ 1pm PT.
Dial In Info:
(305)224-1968
Meeting ID: 942 5347 6500
| Join the Movement and the Legacy! | |
Would you like to get more involved with NFAB?
Churches and non-profits are joining the movement weekly.
We are seeing how our collective voice is making an impact on policy and culture, leaving a legacy for future generations.
If you have been wondering how to engage with NFAB at a deeper level, consider joining the Association of Churches. Our NFAB team would love to connect with you!
LEARN MORE, HERE.
| ICYMI: Policy Wins to Celebrate | Top News for Faith and Freedom | | |
Share with 5 Faith Leaders
Did you find this publication helpful? We invite you to share this message with five faith leaders! New leaders can fill out our sign-up form HERE to receive the latest updates from our team.
| If you believe pastors and faith leaders must have a voice in shaping the future, help us expand our reach. Consider donating to NFAB and becoming a partner with us. | | | | |