Capitol Conversations

Chelsea Sobolik welcomes David Jimenez, manager of government affairs for Prison Fellowship. They discuss what Second Chance month is and why it is important for churches and communities to remember those in prison. They also discuss ongoing efforts to reform our prison and criminal justice systems in ways that promote the biblical ideas of justice, proportionality, and human dignity – without compromising public safety.Guest BiographyDavid Jimenez serves as the manager of government affairs for Prison Fellowship's advocacy and public policy team, where he oversees federal and state legislative campaigns. His background is in public policy advocacy and institution building, most recently as a primary manager for the American Enterprise Institute's outreach to college students, faculty, and administrators. As an undergraduate at Bowdoin College in Maine, Jimenez studied history and political theory. After graduating, he participated in the Hudson Institute's Political Studies Fellowship and was a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Romania.A proud alumnus of Prison Fellowship's internship program, he first became passionate about criminal justice reform while serving urban youth in New Jersey, where he saw up close the urgent need for restorative approaches to incarceration, law enforcement, and violence. He is passionate about theology, social policy, ethics, and culture. A Pittsburgh native, Jimenez lives in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C.Resources from the ConversationFollow Prison Fellowship's workSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

As Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine, the most vulnerable people are suffering, including vulnerable children and children in need of safe, permanent, and loving families.Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Dr. Rick Morton, the Vice President of Engagement for Lifeline Children's Services to discuss how the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacts orphans, vulnerable children, and families in the process of adopting. They discuss how the war harms vulnerable children, and ways the church can get involved in caring for vulnerable children. Guest BiographyAs Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the Lifeline Children's Services outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry's commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Holding both the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Rick taught on the faculty of his alma mater as well as the faculties of Bryan College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 26 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption from Ukraine. Resources from the ConversationLifeline Children's ServicesOrphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care by Rick Morton and Tony MeridaKnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology by Rick MortonChristians, remember the vulnerable children of UkraineSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSponsorsDobbs Resource Page Prayer Guide | Right now, the Supreme Court is considering a major Mississippi abortion case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The ERLC and other pro-life organizations filed an amicus brief in this case urging the Supreme Court to overturn the disatrous Roe v. Wade decision. Members of our team also joined pro-life advocates on the steps of the Supreme Court when oral arguments were heard last December. As we approach the Supreme Court's final decision in June of this year, it's important for Christians to pray for this landmark case and begin preparing our churches to serve vulnerable women and children in a potential post-Roe world. Download our free prayer guide at ERLC.com/Dobbs. That's ERLC.com/Dobbs.Dobbs Resource Page | Many Christians are aware that an important case about abortion is being decided at the Supreme Court this June. But for many, this case is confusing and wrapped in a lot of legal jargon. The ERLC wants to help with that, so we've created a resource page that will help you and your church understand what this case means, what could happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned, and how your church can prepare to serve vulnerable women and children in the aftermath. To learn more about the Dobbs case and how you can pray, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs. That's ERLC.com/Dobbs.

This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with David Curry, President and CEO of Open Doors USA. They discuss the release of Open Door's 2022 World Watch List, and where it's the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. David shares ways that Christians can pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.Guest BiographyOpen Doors USA President and CEO David Curry advocates on behalf of those who are persecuted for their Christian faith. He provides leadership to Open Doors in its mission to strengthen and equip Christians who live under extreme restrictions, while encouraging these believers to remain strong in their faith.For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppressive regions, empowering and equipping persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries by providing Bibles, training, and programs to help strengthen the church.Since assuming the role of CEO in August 2013, Curry has traveled extensively to encourage those living under persecution and support the work of Open Doors. In addition, Curry is often present in Washington, D.C., advocating for religious freedom at the highest levels of our government. He has testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and met with a wide range of policymakers in Washington from both sides of the aisle, including at the White House, in the Senate and at the U.S. State Department.Curry appears frequently on Fox News and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. He has also been published or featured in sources such as CBS News, CNN, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, USA Today, The Christian Post, and other news outlets.Prior to coming to Open Doors, Curry served as CEO and president at Christian organizations that serve homeless and neglected children in several countries, including India and Peru.Curry is the author of four books and holds a bachelor's degree from Northwest University in Seattle and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Faith Evangelical College and Seminary based in Tacoma, WashingtonResources from the ConversationOpen Doors USA World Watch ListSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The WeeklySponsorPrison Fellowship — Second Chance Month // Every person has dignity and potential. But one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things they need to reach that potential. Join Prison Fellowship this April as they celebrate "Second Chance Month”. Find out how you and your church can help unlock second chances for formerly incarcerated people who have repaid their debt to society. Learn how at prisonfellowship.org.

This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life. They discuss how and why the March began, this year's theme and how Christians can get involved in caring for women and their preborn children.Guest BiographyJeanne Mancini was appointed to the role of President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund in the fall of 2012. In this capacity she proudly directs the small non-profit organization committed to restoring a culture of life in the United States, most notably through the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., held on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.Previously Jeanne worked with the Family Research Council (FRC), where she focused on issues related to the inherent dignity of the human person, including abortion, women's health, and end-of-life issues. Prior to FRC Jeanne worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Secretary. Her federal government experience includes global health policy, as well as domestic and international health care issues. Before working in public policy, Jeanne worked for the Catholic Church in a variety of positions involving educating on life issues, human sexuality, marriage, and family.Jeanne has made frequent media appearances including interviews on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, and others. Jeanne's writings have appeared in The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, USA Today, the Washington Post and numerous others publications.Jeanne holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from James Madison University and a Master's degree in the theology of marriage and family from the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Jeanne resides in northern Virginia with her husband, David.Resources from the ConversationFollow March for Life's workLive stream the March for LifeEquality Begins in the Womb | 2022 March for LifeVirtually attend March for LIfe's “Capitol Hill 101”Subscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The WeeklySponsorsThe Big Wide Welcome // This episode was brought to you by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Big Wide Welcome by Trillia Newbell. Building on the popular book God's Very Good Idea, The Big Wide Welcome inspires kids to be like Jesus and love others. Grab your copy and some free coloring sheets at thegoodbook.com.Prison Fellowship — Second Chance Month // Every person has dignity and potential. But one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things they need to reach that potential. Join Prison Fellowship this April as they celebrate "Second Chance Month”. Find out how you and your church can help unlock second chances for formerly incarcerated people who have repaid their debt to society. Learn how at prisonfellowship.org.

Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Ambassador John Cotton Richmond, the former U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021 to human trafficking, forced labor, how Christians can get involved in caring for vulnarble people, and how the Lord led Ambassador Richmond into this work.Listen to part one here.Guest BiographyAmbassador Richmond's career has taken him to the front lines in the global battle against human trafficking. As a Partner at Dentons, the world's largest law firm, he focuses on the intersection between business and human rights. John advises companies on how to keep their supply chains free of forced labor and their workforces free of sex trafficking.Before joining Dentons, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed John, and he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021. Serving in the nation's highest-ranking position dedicated to human trafficking, John led U.S. foreign policy related to modern slavery and coordinated the U.S. government's response to the crime.Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, John served for over a decade as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, where he prosecuted numerous victim-centered labor and sex trafficking cases. He also co-founded the Human Trafficking Institute and lived in India for three years pioneering International Justice Mission's slavery work.John has received numerous honors and commendations, including being named a “Prosecutor of the Year” and receiving the David Alred Award for exceptional contributions to civil rights. His work caused the former head of the FBI's human trafficking program to call him “every trafficker's worst nightmare.”John received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington and his law degree from Wake Forest University. Ambassador Richmond is a writer and frequent speaker on topics of faith, justice, vocation, and parenting and is a Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute. He lives outside Washington, D.C., with his “Lovely and Talented” wife and their three robust and remarkable children.Resources from the ConversationJohn Cotton Richmond's WebsiteDownload 10 Things Everyone Should Know About Human TraffickingSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Ambassador John Cotton Richmond, the former U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021 to human trafficking, forced labor, how Christians can get involved in caring for vulnarble people, and how the Lord led Ambassador Richmond into this work.Guest BiographyAmbassador Richmond's career has taken him to the front lines in the global battle against human trafficking. As a Partner at Dentons, the world's largest law firm, he focuses on the intersection between business and human rights. John advises companies on how to keep their supply chains free of forced labor and their workforces free of sex trafficking.Before joining Dentons, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed John, and he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021. Serving in the nation's highest-ranking position dedicated to human trafficking, John led U.S. foreign policy related to modern slavery and coordinated the U.S. government's response to the crime.Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, John served for over a decade as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, where he prosecuted numerous victim-centered labor and sex trafficking cases. He also co-founded the Human Trafficking Institute and lived in India for three years pioneering International Justice Mission's slavery work.John has received numerous honors and commendations, including being named a “Prosecutor of the Year” and receiving the David Alred Award for exceptional contributions to civil rights. His work caused the former head of the FBI's human trafficking program to call him “every trafficker's worst nightmare.”John received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington and his law degree from Wake Forest University. Ambassador Richmond is a writer and frequent speaker on topics of faith, justice, vocation, and parenting and is a Fellow at the C.S. Lewis Institute. He lives outside Washington, DC with his “Lovely and Talented” wife and their three robust and remarkable children.Resources from the ConversationJohn Cotton Richmond's WebsiteDownload 10 Things Everyone Should Know About Human TraffickingSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with Herbie Newell of Lifeline Children's Services to discuss National Adoption Month, how the church can care for vulnerable children, and how we can be preparing for a post-Roe world.Guest BiographyHerbie Newell is the President/Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services and it's ministry arms including (un)adopted, Crossings, and Lifeline Village. Herbie holds a Master's degree in Accounting from Samford University. He joined the Lifeline staff in 2003 as Executive Director. From January 2004 to December 2008, he served as the president of the Alabama Adoption Coalition. Herbie was chosen as a Hague Intercountry Adoption evaluator and team leader by the Council of Accreditation and serves in that capacity currently. Under Herbie's leadership, Lifeline has increased the international outreach to 23 countries, helped Lifeline attain membership in the ECFA (Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability), and led the creation of foster care ministry. Having witnessed the plight of older orphans on many trips overseas, Herbie's burden for the fatherless was a catalyst for starting (un)adopted during 2009. He worked with WAKM Companies, LLC, a prominent accounting firm, for many years as an independent auditor before being led to Lifeline. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Birmingham, Alabama, and are parents to son, Caleb, and daughters Adelynn and Emily.Resources from the ConversationLifeline Children ServicesLifeline resources for churchesBook: Adopted for Life by Russell MooreOrder Herbie's Book | Image Bearers: from pro-birth to pro-lifeLifeline Children's ServicesHerbie's articles, panels, and podcasts with ERLCSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

The digital age promised deep connections, rich communication, and more access to information than we could ever imagine. But while technology has brought incredible benefits and conveniences into our lives, it also has led to countless unintended consequences and deep ethical challenges that push us to consider how to live out our faith in a technological society.This week, Chelsea Sobolik's ERLC colleague Jason Thacker joins her to discuss his new project, the digital public square and important tech policies that you need to know about.Guest BiographyJason serves as chair of research in technology ethics at the ERLC. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of philosophy, ethics, and worldview at Boyce College in Louisville, KY. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Following Jesus in the Digital Age with B&H Publishing, as well as The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity with Zondervan. He also serves as the editor of a forthcoming volume with B&H Academic on Christian ethics and the digital public square, focused on content moderation and online governance. He is the project leader and lead drafter of Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles, and his work has been featured at Slate, Politico, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and World Radio.Resources from the ConversationFollow Jason Thacker's workThe Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity by Jason Thacker Preorder: Following Jesus in a Digital Age by Jason Thacker Subscribe to the Digital Public SquareSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

ERLC's acting director of public policy, Chelsea Sobolik shares the top three stories from Washington, D.C., that you need to know about, shares how Christians ought to think about these issues, and ways Christians can get involved. Resources from the ConversationSend Relief and World Relief work together to resettle Afghan refugeesWhy the U.S. should provide Priority 2 refugee status for Afghans fleeing persecutionEvangelical Leaders Call on the Biden Administration to Stand with Afghan AlliesERLC disapproves of efforts to strip Hyde Amendment, other protections in federal fundingExplainer: What you should know about the Texas Heartbeat Act and the Supreme CourtSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

As the United States departed from Afghanistan, there remains an urgent humanitarian crisis in the country, both for the U.S.'s Afghan allies and those fearing persecution from the Taliban.Chelsea Sobolik welcomes Matthew Soerens, the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief to discuss how and why Christians can serve Afghans who qualified for the Special Immigrant Visa Program and the Refugee Resettlement Program.Guest BiographyMatthew Soerens is the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization for World Relief, where he helps evangelical churches to understand the realities of refugees and immigration and to respond in ways guided by biblical values. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values.Matthew previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited legal counselor at World Relief's local office in Wheaton, Illinois and, before that, with World Relief's partner organization in Managua, Nicaragua. He's also the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016).Resources from the Conversationad: Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis by Stephan Bauman, Matthew Soerens and Dr. Issam SmeirRead: Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny YangSend Relief's Response to the Afghanistan Refugee CrisisLearn more about World ReliefSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. This week, Chelsea Sobolik sits down with Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute.Levin's work in recent years have been instrumental to many of us here at the ERLC in thinking well about what has gone wrong in the public square and to see clearly why now is a time to build toward renewal.Guest BiographyYuval Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. The founding and current editor of National Affairs, he is also a senior editor of The New Atlantis and a contributing editor to National Review.Dr. Levin and scholars in the Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies research division study the foundations of self-government and the future of law, regulation, and constitutionalism. They also explore the state of American social, political, and civic life, while focusing on the preconditions necessary for family, community, and country to flourish.Dr. Levin served as a member of the White House domestic policy staff under President George W. Bush. He was also executive director of the President's Council on Bioethics and a congressional staffer at the member, committee, and leadership levels.In addition to being interviewed frequently on radio and television, Dr. Levin has published essays and articles in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Commentary. He is the author of several books on political theory and public policy, most recently A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream (Basic Books).He holds an MA and PhD from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago.Resources from the ConversationRead: A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream by Yuval LevinRead: Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants - President George W. BushListen: Yuval Levin on the fractures in American public life and the path to renewalSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

We are in a season of transition at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission after Russell Moore's move to Christianity Today. The team in D.C. is changing as well, and so we wanted to bring you a final show with the current team: Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow.This show will air in two parts with reflections on the ERLC's work in Washington and a conversation with David French of The Dispatch about religious liberty, pro-life policy, and January 6th. Listen to part one here.The motivating aim of Capitol Conversations was to foster a new evangelical imagination for political engagement and we hope it's done that for you. On behalf of all of us at the ERLC in Washington, thanks for listening.In the meantime, stay subscribed to Capitol Conversations as there will surely and soon be something new on this channel. And be sure to check out The ERLC Podcast as well, with new episodes from Nashville released every Friday.Guest BiographyDavid French is senior editor of The Dispatch. He's also a columnist for Time. He's the author of Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can't Ignore, and Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation, among others.Resources from the ConversationConnect with David French's work at The DispatchRead issues of David's newsletter, The French Press, on the topics discussedLiberty Gained and Power Lost from January 10, 2020Punitive Intolerance Is No Way to Preserve Pluralism from July 6, 2021How To Be Pro-Life in Joe Biden's America from February 7, 2021The Institutionalist Case for Reversing Roe v. Wade from July 27, 2021Only the Church Can Truly Defeat a Christian Insurrection from January 10, 2021January 6 and the Awesome Power of Republican Cognitive Dissonance from July 1, 2021Read 4 important SCOTUS cases for life and religious liberty: looking back and looking ahead by Chelsea Patterson SobolikWatch ERLC's event from July 29, 2021: Baptists and the Court: A Review of Recent SCOTUS DecisionsWatch the NYT video about January 6th that David recommended: Inside the Capitol Riot: An Exclusive Video InvestigationListen to the short podcast series from The Dispatch that Travis recommended: The Hangover with Chris StirewaltWatch Russell Moore's conversation with Jeff Pickering about January 6th: Chaos at the Capitol: A Conversation about Conspiracies and ViolenceRead How the ERLC advocates on the Hill by Chelsea Patterson SobolikSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

We are in a season of transition at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission after Russell Moore's move to Christianity Today. The team in D.C. is changing as well, and so we wanted to bring you a final show with the current team: Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow. This show will air in two parts with reflections on the ERLC's work in Washington, D.C., and a conversation with David French of The Dispatch about religious liberty, pro-life policy, and January 6th.The motivating aim of Capitol Conversations was to foster a new evangelical imagination for political engagement and we hope it's done that for you. On behalf of all of us at the ERLC in Washington, D.C., thanks for listening.In the meantime, stay subscribed to Capitol Conversations as there will surely and soon be something new on this channel. And be sure to check out The ERLC Podcast as well, with new episodes from Nashville released every Friday.Guest BiographyDavid French is senior editor of The Dispatch. He's also a columnist for Time. He's the author of Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can't Ignore, and Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation, among others.Resources from the ConversationRead David French's work at The DispatchRead How the ERLC is advocating for Southern Baptists in Washington, D.C. by Jeff PickeringRead How the ERLC advocates on the Hill by Chelsea Patterson SobolikRead Why do we send advocacy letters in D.C.? by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Jeff PickeringListen to our favorite episodesChelsea: Melissa Ohden on Surviving AbortionJeff: Kenneth Bae, the longest held U.S. prisoner in North Korea, on hope in a hard labor campTravis: Matti Friedman on the Middle East after the Abraham AccordsInterns: Staff Roundtable with our spring 2020 intern on her semester in D.C. and how the pandemic changed everything and the episode when Brooke was an intern Year in Review with the 2018 InternsRead about the issues we highlightedChelsea: China's Main Threat Is a Moral OneJeff: Citing ERLC brief, SCOTUS protects religious libertyTravis: SBA issues new safe harbor for small Paycheck Protection loansSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Brooke Kramer are joined by the Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero to discuss why Christians should care about ending the payday debt trap and how the Faith for Just Lending (FJL) coalition is advocating against payday lending. Salguero is the pastor at The Gathering Place, a Latino-led multi-ethnic Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando and also the president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NALEC).“Payday lending is a form of economic predation and grinds the faces of the poor into the ground. As Christians, we are called by Jesus, by the prophets and by the apostles to care for the poor, individually, and also about the way social and political and corporate structures contribute to the misery of the impoverished. Groups across this diverse coalition don't agree on every issue in the public square, but I am happy to work together on this issue to stand against unchecked usury and work for economic justice, human dignity and family stability.” — Russell MooreGuest BiographyThe Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero is pastor at The Gathering Place, a Latino-led multi-ethnic Assemblies of God congregation in Orlando, Florida. Salguero is also the president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NALEC), a coalition of several thousand evangelical congregations in the United States. He was the former Director of the Hispanic Leadership Program (HLP), and the Institute for Faith and Public Life at Princeton Theological Seminary. Salguero has been named as one of the nation's most prominent Latino evangelical leaders by the New York Times, NBC Universal, Univisión, and many other outlets. In addition, his leadership on issues of young male education and criminal justice reform has been featured by the Discovery Channel and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Rev. Salguero has served on the White House Faith-Based Advisory Council, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), and the National Advisory Council of the My Brother's Keeper Alliance. Salguero holds a BA in Spanish and History from Rutgers University, and M.Div (magna cum laude) from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, he pursued a Ph.D in Christian Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, and holds a Doctorate in Divinity from Eastern Nazarene College. Rev. Salguero lives together with his wife, the Rev. Jeanette Salguero and their two sons in Orlando, Florida.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about the Faith for Just Lending CoalitionLearn more about the National Latino Evangelical CoalitionERLC supports the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit ActERLC opposes the OCC's “True Lender” ruleFaith Leaders Applaud Congress' Decision to Challenge OCC's ‘True Lender' RuleSBC Payday Lending Resolution5 facts about Payday LendingSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Matthew Soerens of World Relief, a refugee resettlement agency, to the roundtable to talk about what happened with President Biden's decision on the refugee admissions ceiling. The group also discusses the Evangelical Immigration Table advocacy both for refugee policy and for solutions to the ongoing migration humanitarian crisis at the U.S. southern border.“Rhetoric is no refuge for the persecuted — we need action. The refugee resettlement ceiling should be raised immediately so our nation can welcome those we already vetted. … We know the program is a secure and thorough process by which America can serve as a beacon of freedom and safe harbor for the oppressed, including persecuted Christians and other imperiled religious minorities.” — Russell Moore on April 16, 2021“I'm thankful President Biden revised his decision on the refugee ceiling. This action is the first step in bringing admissions back to the historical average and our nation back to our own ideals as a beacon of freedom.” — Russell Moore on May 4, 2021Guest BiographyMatthew Soerens serves as the U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition of evangelical organizations of which both World Relief and the ERLC are founding members. He previously served as a Department of Justice-accredited immigration legal counselor for World Relief's local office in suburban Chicago. Matthew is the co-author of Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (Moody Publishers, 2016) and Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate (InterVarsity Press, 2018). Matthew earned his Bachelor's degree from Wheaton College (IL), where he also has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership graduate program. He also earned a Master's degree from DePaul University's School of Public Service. Originally from Neenah, Wisconsin, he now lives in Aurora, Illinois with his wife Diana and their four children.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about World ReliefLearn more about the Evangelical Immigration TableCheck out Matthew Soerens' books about seeking refuge and the immigration debateRead EIT's advocacy statements to President BidenEvangelical Leaders Urge President Biden to Revise Refugee Resettlement Ceiling Immediately, April 16, 2021Evangelical Leaders Commend President Biden for Raising Refugee Ceiling, May 4, 2021Listen to previous episodes on immigration and refugeesLaura Collins on immigration and border policy solutionsJonathan Hayes on how our government shelters unaccompanied migrant childrenRead Jeff's article at Providence: A Case for Rebuilding the US Commitment to RefugeesRead the ERLC and EIT's series on Thinking Biblically about ImmigrationSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

This week, Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow are honored to welcome Gayle Manchin, Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom to discuss USCIRF's recently released annual report.Comprised of nine commissioners, USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal body that is principally responsible for reviewing the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and making policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives appoint USCIRF Commissioners.Guest BiographyGayle Manchin is an educator who has worked in Marion County Schools at the secondary level, on the faculty of Fairmont State University in Developmental Education, and was the Director of the university's first Community Service Learning Program. From 2005-2010, Gayle Manchin served as West Virginia's First Lady. She was appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the State Board of Education, where she also served as President. She also served for one year as West Virginia's Cabinet Secretary for the Office of Education and the Arts. At the national level, Gayle Manchin has been President of the National Association of State Boards of Education. She was appointed by then Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to the Federal Improvement for Post-Secondary Education Board in 2010. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of The Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C. Gayle Manchin has spoken at the state and national levels on the challenges of rural education, poverty, and student achievement. She holds a Master of Arts in Reading and a Bachelor of Arts in Language Arts and Education from West Virginia University, and a master's specialization in Educational Technology Leadership from Salem International University.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about USCIRF Chair Gayle ManchinCheck out USCIRF's 2021 Annual ReportLearn more about USCIRF's Prisoners of Conscience ProjectUSCIRF releases 2021 annual report on international religious freedom by ERLC Policy StaffSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering welcomes back Heather Rice-Minus of Prison Fellowship to talk about the church, criminal justice reform, and why Christians value second chances. This episode comes as we are engaged in Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort each April to raise awareness about barriers to reentry and unlock brighter futures for people with a criminal record.This conversation was recorded on Friday, April 16, the week before the verdict was announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Guest BiographyHeather Rice-Minus serves as Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Church Mobilization at Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. She is a powerful, knowledgeable voice articulating the case for restorative criminal justice solutions. She is also the co-author of Outrageous Justice, a Bible study curriculum and book. A native of Virginia, Rice-Minus resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband and daughter, and they welcomed a second child as foster parents in 2020.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about Second Chance Month with Prison FellowshipRegister for the Second Chance Month Gala on April 29Read Heather's article What the Bible says about second chancesListen to the previous episode with Heather A Story of Criminal Justice Reform: How the First Step Act Became LawLearn more about the EQUAL ActHere are the articles Jeff recommended in the introductionThe George Floyd Trial and the Longing for Justice by Russell MooreHow I'm Talking to My Kids About the Derek Chauvin Verdict by Esau McCaulley at the New York TimesGeorge Floyd and Me by Shai Linne at TGCSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Adoption is a priority of the ERLC's work, both in policy advocacy and family ministry. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow talk about three adoption issues you should be aware of. They cover the effects of the pandemic on adoption, the Adoptee Citizenship Act, and an important case at the Supreme Court for child welfare providers.At the end of the episode, the crew is joined by our awesome audio engineer, Gary Lancaster to wish him a farewell, say thanks, and reflect on his decade with the ERLC. anniversary Resources from the ConversationListen to the podcast by Lifeline Child Services: COVID: One Year LaterRead Chelsea's article: How the coronavirus is affecting vulnerable childrenListen to the podcast on the Fulton case: Lori Windham on Fulton v. Philadelphia, the Supreme Court foster-care caseSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Phillip Bethancourt, now lead pastor of Central in College Station, Texas and former ERLC executive vice president, joins Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow to discuss how Christians can engage conversations on COVID vaccine hesitancy. Bethancourt's church recently served their community as a vaccination site.Guest BiographyPhillip Bethancourt is lead pastor of Central in College Station, Texas. Before he was called to pastor Central, he served as the Executive Vice President of the ERLC team for seven years. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 2004, and he then went on to earn an MDiv and PhD in Systematic Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Phillip and his wife, Cami, have been married since 2005, and have four boys. Phillip's authored books and curriculum include: Exalting Jesus in Genesis, Christ-Centered Parenting: Gospel Conversations on Complex Cultural Issues, and Religious Liberty: How the Gospel Shapes Our First Freedom.Resources from the ConversationConnect with Phillip BethancourtRead the AP story where Phillip is quoted: Vaccine skepticism runs deep among white evangelicals in US by David CraryListen to the episodes we referenced: NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins on the COVID-19 vaccines + Russell Moore on the ethics of the COVID-19 vaccinesRead Dr. Moore's Washington Post op-ed co-authored with Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals: Not the mark of the beast: Evangelicals should fight conspiracy theories and welcome the vaccinesSee more COVID19 related resources from the ERLCSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

We want to help you think well about immigration, especially as the surge in unaccompanied children at the U.S. southern border leads to greater public debate of these issues. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome Jonathan Hayes, a former federal official, to the roundtable to explain how our government shelters unaccompanied migrant children. Hayes served as Director of the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement, the agency responsible for caring for unaccompanied migrant children.“Yet again, the situation at the southern border ought to remind us that unaccompanied migrant children are not a mere problem to be solved. They bear the image of God, and are endowed by him with dignity and worth. Jesus loves them, and so should we. These kinds of problems will persist at our border for as long as our immigration system is allowed to languish in incoherence. A better path forward will require government leaders — both in Congress and the administration — coming together in an honest search for solutions based on long-term strategies. In the meantime, we should do everything we can do, through both Christian ministry and government policy, to help alleviate the suffering of those who are attempting to flee violence in their home countries.” – Russell Moore on March 18, 2021Guest BiographyJonathan Hayes served as the director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Administration for Children & Families at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services until March 2020 when he transitioned to the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response until January 2021. Prior to joining HHS, Jonathan served as chief of staff to two members of Congress spanning over eight years. Additionally, he has experience in the private sector working in broadcast television, sales and marketing, business development, international trade and customs and commercial airline operations. Jonathan received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and minor in political science from Florida State University. Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and raised in Panama City, Florida, he now lives in northern Virginia with his wife Tammy and their five children. He is also an elder at McLean Presbyterian Church.Resources from the ConversationListen to Laura Collins on immigration and border policy solutionsRead ERLC's Explainer: The crisis of unaccompanied minors at the borderRead EIT's letter to President Biden | Evangelical Leaders Urge Compassionate Response to Vulnerable Children at the BorderRead Time Magazine piece | How Foster Families Are Stepping Up to House Unaccompanied Children Arriving at the U.S.-Mexico Border by Jasmine AguileraSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

How should we think about the ethics of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine? Russell Moore joins Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow to explain why it is ethical to take this shot. And specifically for pro-life Christians, taking the vaccines will help preserve life and end the pandemic suffering.The round table also reflects on the one year anniversary of the pandemic and what it all means for the church going forward. Resources from the ConversationRead Dr. Moore's ethics article: Is the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Unethical?Read Dr. Moore's Washington Post op-ed co-authored with Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals: Not the mark of the beast: Evangelicals should fight conspiracy theories and welcome the vaccinesListen to the episode Jeff referenced: NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins on the COVID-19 vaccinesListen to the episode Chelsea referenced on institutions: Yuval Levin on the fractures in American public life and the path to renewalSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

In an 8-1 victory for religious liberty, the Supreme Court ruled Monday in Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski that governments can be held accountable for past violations of First Amendment freedoms. Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome lawyer and free speech advocate Casey Mattox to the roundtable to talk about the decision and why it matters.Guest BiographyCasey Mattox is vice president for legal and judicial strategy at Americans for Prosperity, where he advocates for a legal system that respects the rule of law and protects individual liberty. For over fifteen years before joining Americans for Prosperity, Casey's legal career focused on defending the First Amendment rights of students, faculty, families, healthcare workers and religious organizations. He has litigated in 35 states and also testified three times before congressional committees. Casey has a J.D. from Boston College School of Law and a B.A. in Government and History from the University of Virginia.Resources from the ConversationFind Casey on Twitter at @CaseyMattox_Read ERLC's Explainer on the Uzuegbunam caseRead the Top Quotes from the Uzuegbunam OpinionsSee Russell Moore's comment on the caseCheck out the ERLC's amicus briefCheck out American's for Prosperity's amicus briefSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

We want to help you think well about immigration, especially as news reports grow over potential surges of unaccompanied minors at the U.S. southern border. How do we care for immigrants well and celebrate immigration as important to America while also not creating a magnet for a border crisis? Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Laura Collins to the roundtable to help answer that question.Guest BiographyLaura Collins serves as Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. Collins previously served as the Director of Immigration Policy at the American Action Forum. She has experience in politics, working as a Senior Research Analyst at the Republican National Committee for the 2012 election cycle and in the Texas House of Representatives for the 82nd Legislature. A former practicing attorney, Collins earned a JD from The University of Texas School of Law and a BBA from the University of Oklahoma.Resources from the ConversationConnect with Laura and her work at the Bush InstituteRead Laura's January 2019 op-ed: Border challenges are real and urgent, but solutions are more complexRead the Bush Center's White Paper: Smart Border Policy For The 21st CenturyCheck out former President George W. Bush's new book, Out of Many, OneGuaranteeing Secure National Borders: Thinking Biblically about Immigrants and Immigration Reform Series by ERLC Policy StaffSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

The ERLC's public policy advocacy includes supporting good legislation while also opposing bills that are harmful to the common good. Jeff and Chelsea welcome their friend Katie Glenn from Americans United for Life to discuss how the promotion of justice for life-affirming laws requires both.Guest BiographyKatie Glenn serves as Government Affairs Counsel at Americans United for Life. Her work to enact pro-life laws at the state and federal level includes writing and testifing on all of AUL's issue areas across the United States. She is an associate editor of Defending Life 2020, and plays an integral role in AUL's growing advocacy in Latin America. Prior to AUL, she worked with legislators, faith leaders, and religious institutions to protect religious freedom for all Americans, while traveling across the country to assist in the legislative process. She graduated with honors from Tulane University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University Of Florida Levin College Of Law.Resources from the ConversationConnect with Katie at AULRead more: ERLC opposes H.R.5 the Equality ActGo deeper: What is the Equality Act? by ERLC Policy StaffWatch the Super Bowl ad on US Paralympian Jessica LongCheck out the 2 reports Katie referenced Unsafe, a 50-state investigative report on America's abortion industry conditions and Defending Life 2021Subscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff, Chelsea, and Travis discuss three big international stories for Christians to consider. They cover an update on the Chinese Uyghur genocide, how Christians are often left out of Middle East peace accords, and what we can learn about the fragility of democracy from the coup in Myanmar. This episode was sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Being the Bad Guy by Stephen McAlpine.Resources from the ConversationChelsea's story: 'Their goal is to destroy everyone': Uighur camp detainees allege systematic rape / GenocideGo deeper with this article: U.S. announces genocide determination for the ongoing attrocities committed against Uyghurs by Chelsea Patterson SobolikTravis' story: Abraham's Missing Child: ChristiansGo deeper with this ERLC podcast episode: Matti Friedman on the Middle East after the Abraham AccordsJeff's story: Myanmar coup: What is happening and why?Go deeper with this NPR podcast episode: Myanmar Explained: How A Coup Followed Unproven Allegations Of Voter FraudAll 10 living former defense secretaries: Involving the military in election disputes would cross into dangerous territoryInternational religious liberty: The ERLC's work in Geneva by Jeff PickeringGenocide: The power of words and the obligation to “do something” by Travis WussowERLC led letter urging the State Department to designate Rohingya persecution as genocideJoin ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFEVisit The Good Book Company to check out Being the Bad Guy by Stephen McAlpineSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

As we step into a new year, as well as a new administration in Washington, D.C., we want to join together to discuss this important moment in the pro-life movement. We believe that the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case which will occur in January of 2023 will mark a significant moment in time for the pro-life movement. We have a powerful opportunity now to begin 2021 discussing the future of the pro-life movement and begin casting a vision for the next three years—what we are calling the “Road to Roe50”.This panel first aired during the ERLC's Evangelicals for Life conference on Thursday, January 28, 2021.This episode was sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Being the Bad Guy by Stephen McAlpine.Guest BiographiesDenise Harle serves as senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom. Denise focuses her litigation efforts on defending the First Amendment freedoms of pro-life health care professionals and pregnancy resource centers. She also works to defend pro-life legislation around the nation. Since joining ADF, Harle took the primary role in drafting the briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court in NIFLA v. Becerra, resulting in a free speech victory for California pro-life pregnancy centers.Steven Aden serves as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for Americans United for Life. Aden is an experienced litigator, having appeared in court against Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry dozens of times and appointed by the attorneys general of six states to defend pro-life laws securing numerous victories.Resources from the ConversationWatch EFL 2021Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFEVisit The Good Book Company to check out Being the Bad Guy by Stephen McAlpineSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff, Chelsea, and Travis discuss President Biden's first week of executive actions, both those which are praiseworthy and others which raise concern. This flurry of policy-making from the White House also shows how far we've strayed from the constitutional structure of our federal government.Then, our colleague Elizabeth Graham joins the roundtable for the first time to introduce the ERLC's Psalm 139 Project which places life-saving ultrasound machines in pregnancy care centers. The ERLC's efforts to Stand For Life take a big step forward this year as we launch our Road to ROE50 initiative at our annual Evangelicals For Life conference.Guest BiographyElizabeth Graham serves as Vice President of Operations and Life Initiatives for the ERLC. She provides leadership, guidance and strategy for life and women's initiatives and provides oversight to other strategic projects as needed. Additionally, she directs the leadership, management and operations for all ERLC events. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is married to Richmond, and they have a son and a daughter.Resources from the ConversationThe team's favorite Bernie Sanders memesTravis: Bernie in Dr. Moore's officeChelsea: Bernie in The Office conference roomJeff: Bernie at Joe's thingElizabeth: Bernie in the choir loftRead more: President Biden's first week of executive actions by Policy StaffRead more: Why Christians can celebrate the peaceful transition of power by Jeff PickeringListen to the podcast about the book Travis mentioned: Yuval Levin on the fractures in American public life and the path to renewalGo deeper: ERLC's 2021 Public Policy AgendaLearn more about the ERLC's Psalm 139 ProjectListen to learn about Lifeline Children's Services: Herbie Newell on the pro-life ethicPsalm 139 Project to donate 10 ultrasound machines to pregnancy resource centers across AmericaWatch: The Pearl Brown Story + Eric Brown's EFL KeynoteRegister for EFL on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021Join ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFEVisit ERLC.com/STORE to download “A Parent's Guide to Teaching Your Children About Gender: Helping Kids Navigate a Confusing Culture”Subscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow are back together for the start of a new year in D.C. The team reflects on the two historic Wednesdays at the U.S. Capitol and what it all means for our democracy, our public policy work, and for Christians in the public square. January 6th was a day of chaos. January 20th is a day that will see the inauguration of a new president amidst unprecedented security and pandemic precautions. Both are meaningful for the work of the ERLC.Resources from the ConversationWatch the interview: Chaos at the Capitol: A Conversation about Conspiracies and Violence with Russell MooreRead Moore's newsletter from Jan. 11: The Roman Road from InsurrectionRead Moore's newsletter from Nov. 16: Looking for Truth in Post-Election AmericaRead Moore's article from Nov. 7: Christians, Let's Pray for President-Elect Joe BidenRead Senator Ben Sasse's essay on leadership and counting the Electoral College votesJoin ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFERegister for EFL on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021Visit ERLC.com/STORE to download “A Parent's Guide to Teaching Your Children About Gender: Helping Kids Navigate a Confusing Culture”Subscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

We begin 2021 with a conversation between Jeff Pickering and Russell Moore about the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and not just that as a lone event but all that led up to it. The constant assault on the truth and reality of the 2020 presidential election, that Joe Biden won and Donald Trump lost, stirred up the worst of partisan passions and led to an unimaginable assault on our democracy and a historic tragedy on Wednesday, January 6.The interview was hosted as an ERLC webinar on Friday, January 8, 2020.Resources from the ConversationWatch the interviewRead Moore's newsletter from Jan. 11: The Roman Road from InsurrectionRead Moore's newsletter from Nov. 16: Looking for Truth in Post-Election AmericaRead Moore's article from Nov. 7: Christians, Let's Pray for President-Elect Joe BidenJoin ERLC as we STAND FOR LIFE at ERLC.com/STANDFORLIFEVisit ERLC.com/STORE to download “A Parent's Guide to Teaching Your Children About Gender: Helping Kids Navigate a Confusing Culture”Subscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

All of the hosts from the ERLC podcasts are together for one big crossover episode to wrap up 2020 with highlights, favorite things, and the banter that turns co-workers into friends.This MEGACAST joins the ERLC Podcast crew–Josh Wester, Lindsay Nicolet, and Brent Leatherwood–with the Capitol Conversations team–Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow–and Jason Thacker of the WeeklyTech podcast. Thanks be to Gary Lancaster, our fearless producer and America's most elite audio engineer!This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Resources from the ConversationERLC Podcast with Josh Wester, Lindsay Nicolet, and Brent LeatherwoodCapitol Conversations with Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis WussowWeeklyTech with Jason ThackerThis Week's PromosCheck out The Good Book CompanyLearn more and apply at ERLC.com/internshipsMake an end of year donation at ERLC.com/donateFrom the Highlights ConversationWhat Hong Kong reveals about the future of China by Travis WussowThe tension of technology: Hope and fear in the digital age by Jason ThackerHidden in Plain Sight: a call to bring hope and help to victims of abuse, winter edition of LIGHT MagazineWatch The Pearl Brown DocumentaryLooking for Truth in Post-Election America by Russell MooreFavorite BooksBrent | A Time to Build by Yuval LevinChelsea | Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund + A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph LoconteLindsay | Spy Novels by Daniel SilvaTravis | The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III by Peter Baker and Susan GlasserJason | The Technological Society by Jacques EllulJosh | Politics after Christendom by David VanDrunenFavorite PodcastsBrent | The RemnantChelsea | Office LadiesLindsay | Crime JunkieJeff | The Jamie Weinstein ShowJason | In Machines We TrustJosh | More PerfectFavorite NewslettersJeff | Axios Sports by Kendall BakerTravis | Jonah Goldberg's Friday G-FileJason | The Economist Espresso

With the first COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer being delivered throughout the U.S., we wanted to bring you a discussion about the vaccines between Dr. Russell Moore and Dr. Francis Collins, the Director of the National Institutes of Health.Dr. Collins is one of our nation's key scientific leaders battling the pandemic. In this conversation, he shares insights about the development of the vaccines, misconceptions about them and what it will take to get our church life back to "normal."This discussion was hosted as an ERLC webinar on December 3, 2020.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Guest BiographyFrancis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. was appointed the 16th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate. He was sworn in on August 17, 2009. On June 6, 2017, President Donald Trump announced his selection of Dr. Collins to continue to serve as the NIH Director. In this role, Dr. Collins oversees the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world, spanning the spectrum from basic to clinical research.Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist noted for his landmark discoveries of disease genes and his leadership of the international Human Genome Project, which culminated in April 2003 with the completion of a finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book. He served as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH from 1993-2008.Before coming to NIH, Dr. Collins was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the University of Michigan. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007, and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. In 2020, he was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (UK) and was also named the 50th winner of the Templeton Prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity.Resources from the ConversationDuring the webinar, Dr. Collins mentioned a website where you can find more information about joining vaccine or clinical trials or donating plasma to help win the fight against COVID-19. Click here to learn more: combatcovid.hhs.govRead more: Why We Plan to Get Vaccinated: A Christian Moral Perspective by Matthew Arbo, C. Ben Mitchell, and Andrew T. WalkerWatch the original webinarCheck out The Good Book CompanyStay up to date on ERLC's resources regarding COVID-19Subscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Travis Wussow are both back around the table with Jeff Pickering for a wide ranging policy conversation about the ERLC's priorities for the Lame Duck Congress and then the Biden Administration.Then on the second half of the show, China expert Michael Sobolik joins us for a deep dive on Chinese Communist Party politics, history of the U.S. China relationship, and what it means for human rights advocacy today.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Guest BiographyMichael Sobolik is a Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foriegn Policy Council. His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America's alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Michael also serves as editor of AFPC's monthly newsletter Indo-Pacific Monitor. His analysis has appeared in The Diplomat, The Hill, Jane's Defence Weekly, The National Interest, National Review, Newsweek, Providence, and RealClearDefense. Prior to joining AFPC, Michael served as a Legislative Assistant to Sen. Ted Cruz from 2014 to 2019 and managed his Indo-Pacific policy portfolio. While in the Senate, Michael drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and U.S.-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.Resources from the ConversationConnect with Michael Sobolik at AFPCSign up for Michael's monthly newsletter, the Indo-Pacific MonitorRead more: How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur Muslims by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Michael Sobolik Listen: Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian of AXIOS on China's rising influence and the threat to human rightsRead the EIT Press Release: Evangelical Coalition outlines Immigration Policy Priorities for new Congress, Biden AdministrationCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

This was a unique year for the ERLC interns as the program moved online. Rather than working together in the Leland House, the ERLC's Capitol Hill office, students joined the policy team from all over the country. For this week's episode after Thanksgiving, the interns joined Jeff Pickering and Brooke Kramer to reflect on their favorite projects, memorable meetings through Zoom, and what it's like to be a college student during a global pandemic.Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs with both of our offices in Nashville and D.C.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the advent family devotional, A Better Than Anything Christmas. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Guest BiographyIn this episode you will hear from Justin, Sam, Jackson, and Seth – our 2020 fall interns with the ERLC team in Washington, D.C.Resources from the ConversationLearn more and apply at ERLC.com/internshipsERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom StrodeCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Thanksgiving is a great American holiday and welcoming refugees to our country has been, and should be again, a great American tradition. Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome John Cusey to the roundtable to talk about one of his career passions, caring for refugees. John is currently the Vice President of Communications at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He has a rich career of government service throughout Washington across multiple administrations and in Congress. Most recently John served in the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the Department of Health and Human Services.America's refugee resettlement program has fallen short of our ideals in recent years by turning inward due to a rising trend of nationalism in our politics. Jeff, Travis, and John believe that Christians can lead the revitalization of America's commitment to be a beacon of freedom and safe harbor for the endangered and persecuted.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the advent family devotional, A Better Than Anything Christmas. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Guest BiographyJohn Cusey is the Vice President of Communications at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He has a long record of government service including working for multiple presidential administrations and members of Congress. In 2019, John served in the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the Department of Health and Human Services. In his time on Capitol Hill, he served as the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-life Caucus for five years with Congressman Chris Smith and as the Legislative Director and Press Secretary for Congressman Gary Miller for two years. Prior to working in DC, John worked for three different Members of the California State Legislature where he focused on budget issues.Resources from the ConversationCheck out Governor Herbert's letter notifying President Trump of Utah's desire to welcome more refugees and the letter refugees who resettled in Utah wrote to Governor HerbertCheck out the Sriracha documentary John mentionedHow the Refugee and Asylum System Works in the US by Joe CarterSouthern Baptists: A History of Refugee Care by Travis WussowLets Demand Honesty in Refugee Rhetoric by Matt Hawkins7 Ways to Serve our Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors During a Pandemic by Eric CostanzoCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcome back ERLC president, Russell Moore, to the podcast to talk about his new book, The Courage To Stand, and what we can learn about truth and tribalism from the 2020 presidential election. The message of Dr. Moore's newest book is timely for this fearful and anxious year as he helps readers see where Christ-empowered courage comes from, from the way of the cross.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of the advent family devotional, A Better Than Anything Christmas. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Resources from the ConversationGet Russell Moore's new book | The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear without Losing Your SoulRead Russell Moore's article from his newsletter on truth and tribalism: Looking for Truth in Post-Election AmericaSubscribe to Moore to the PointCheck out the book Jeff recommended: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane OrtlundCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fulton v. Philadelphia, a crucial religious liberty case whose outcome could determine the ability of faith-based foster care and adoption providers to continue serving consistent with their convictions. The ERLC filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case in support of Catholic Social Services. In this episode, Jeff Pickering, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Travis Wussow welcome Lori Windham, the Becket attorney who argued before the Court on behalf of foster moms and Catholic Social Services, to discuss the case.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com. Guest BiographyLori Windham is Senior Counsel at Becket Fund, where she has represented clients on cutting-edge religious freedom issues since 2005. She has represented parties before the Supreme Court, including Becket's victories in Hosanna-Tabor, Hobby Lobby, and Little Sisters of the Poor. Lori is a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned her B.A. summa cum laude at Abilene Christian University.Resources from the ConversationConnect with the Lori Windham on Twitter | @LoriWindham1Connect with the Becket Fund on Twitter | @becketlawRead more: Explainer: What you need to know about Fulton v. PhiladelphiaGo deeper: What happened at the SCOTUS case on foster care and religious liberty?Read more: Christians, Let's Pray for President-Elect Joe Biden by Russell MooreCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

The right to vote is at the heart of our nation's grand pursuit of a more perfect Union. Though restricted at the founding, this right was secured more fully through the dedicated advocacy of suffragettes and civil rights activists. In 2020, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which secured the right to vote for women.“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. . . . Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” - Amendment XIX, Constitution of the United States of AmericaOn this episode of Capitol Conversations on Election Day 2020, Chelsea Paterson Sobolik commemorates this centennial with interviews covering the history, the role of faith, and the meaning of the Women's Suffrage movement. The conversations with a historian, a seminarian, and a lawyer also highlight inspirational role models and why it's important for women to be engaged in the public square.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com. Guest BiographyAndrea Turpin is an Associate Professor of History at Baylor University. She is the author of A New Moral Vision: Gender, Religion, and the Changing Purposes of American Higher Education, 1837-1917. Dr. Turpin received an A.B. at Princeton University, an M.A. at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame. Missie Branch is the Assistant Dean of Students to Women and Director of Graduate Life at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). Years ago, Missie and her husband, Duce, co-planted a church in Philadelphia, PA where she served as a pastor's wife, a children's ministry director, and a women's ministry leader. Missie and Duce have four children.Palmer Williams is a Founding Partner of The Peacefield Group where she specializes in legal and policy analysis related to international human rights, sanctity of life, non-profit operations and government affairs. She earned her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt Law School and her B.A. in Political Science and Community Development from Vanderbilt University. Palmer and her husband, Joseph, have two sons, Jack and Henry, and live in Nashville, TN.Resources from the ConversationRead more: What we can learn from the road to the 19th Amendment by Palmer WilliamsGo deeper: How the Gospels show that Jesus values women by Rebecca McLaughlinLearn more about the 19th Amendment from the National Constitution CenterLearn more about Missie Branch's work at Women around Southeastern SeminaryLearn more about Dr. Andrea Turpin's work at Baylor University's History Department Download the Courage and Civility Church KitCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Sobolik welcome Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) to the roundtable to talk about the fractures in America public life and the way forward. Levin's work in recent years have been instrumental to many of us here at the ERLC in thinking well about what has gone wrong in the public square and to see clearly why now is a time to build toward renewal.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Matthis. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com. Guest BiographyYuval Levin is the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. The founding and current editor of National Affairs, he is also a senior editor of The New Atlantis and a contributing editor to National Review. He holds an MA and PhD from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago. Dr. Levin served as a member of the White House domestic policy staff under President George W. Bush. He was also executive director of the President's Council on Bioethics and a congressional staffer at the member, committee, and leadership levels. In addition to frequent radio, television, and podcast appearances, Dr. Levin regularly publishes essays and articles in a range of outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Commentary. He is the author of several books on political theory and public policy. And our conversation today is rooted in his most recent two books, most recently “A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream” (Basic Books).Resources from the ConversationLearn more about Yuval Levin and his work at AEICheck out Levin's booksA Time to BuildThe Fractured RepublicDownload the Courage and Civility Church KitCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Charles Hedman, a pastor and elder from Capitol Hill Baptist Church, to the show to talk about the journey this church took to meet again in D.C. during the pandemic. This conversation also happens to come while the U.S. Senate is considering the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Charles is also an attorney, and a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, where, you guessed it, Amy Coney Barrett was one of his professors. So we had to start today's conversation about his experiences with Judge Barrett.Guest BiographyCharles Hedman was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. After growing up a devout Catholic, Charles came to a definitive understanding and belief in the gospel during his senior year in college at the University of Notre Dame. After graduation, Charles attended Notre Dame Law School and, later, worked as a corporate litigation attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Called into ministry, Charles left the practice of law and joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (“Cru”) in 2009, working there until 2013. In addition to earning his B.A. and J.D., Charles has also earned Masters degrees in Teaching and Divinity from the University of Southern California and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, respectively, and is currently completing a Masters degree in Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Charles joined the staff of CHBC as a Pastoral Assistant in September of 2014. He and his wife Jamie live on Capitol Hill with their children.Resources from the ConversationRead Jeff's articles on CHBC's journeyWhy I've looked forward to church outside during COVID-19Explainer: Religious liberty and Capitol Hill Baptist Church's lawsuit in Washington, D.C.Update: Capitol Hill Baptist wins in District CourtA Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorneyHow do you know if your religious liberty is violated?Download the Courage and Civility Church KitSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

In recent years, the Chinese government has escalated its persecution of religious minorities. The communist regime is using totalitarian tactics of forced labor, mass sterilization, and pervasive surveillance targeting Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Since 2017, China has detained more than one million Uyghurs in concentration camps. Countering China morally for these atrocities is a key part of the ERLC's international engagement. To continue that work, Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcomed Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian of Axios to share her reporting on China.“China is committing a cultural genocide against an ethnic minority and the world is basically, hardly even blinking. And that matters because this shows the kind of government, and the kind of ideology, that is driving what will be the most powerful country later in the 21st century.”– Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, Axios ChinaGuest BiographyBethany Allen-Ebrahimian is the China reporter at Axios, where she covers China's influence in the United States and abroad. Before joining Axios, she served as the lead reporter for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists' China Cables project, a major leak of classified Chinese government documents revealing the inner workings of mass internment camps in Xinjiang. She also previously worked as a national security reporter for The Daily Beast and as an editor and reporter for Foreign Policy magazine. Allen-Ebrahimian holds a Masters in East Asian studies from Yale University. She is the author of the weekly Axios China newsletter. Resources from the ConversationConnect with Bethany on Twitter | @BethanyAllenEbrSign up for Bethany's newsletter | Axios ChinaRead Bethany's reporting on China's human rights abuses | U.S. sanctions Chinese officials over Uighur hhuman rights abuses + Disney's Mulan was filmed in Xinjiang amid cultural genocide + China is censoring Hollywood's imaginationWatch ERLC's webinar | China's Rising Threat to Human RightsThe U.S. should oppose China's forced labor practices by Chelsea Patterson SobolikHow the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur Muslims by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Michael SobolikDownload the Courage and Civility Church KitSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcomed California pastor Rolland Slade to the roundtable to talk about his journey from business to the pulpit, his new role as Chairman of the SBC Executive Committee, and how his church in San Diego has built ministry partnerships with their city government officials.“I think we're in the middle of something happening to bring us back to being the church God wanted us to be.” – Rolland Slade, Senior Pastor of Meridian Baptist Church and SBC Executive Committee ChairmanGuest BiographyA native of San Diego, California, Pastor Rolland E. Slade has been married to the former Adrienne C. Jewell since 1981, and is the proud father of Rolland “Jay”, Ryan, and Alexandra. Pastor Rolland accepted his call into the ministry in 1987 and he shares that story in our conversation. In January 2004 Pastor Rolland was installed as the Senior Pastor of the Meridian Baptist Church. Since that time the Meridian Church has experienced the revitalization of their membership as well as ministries. The church has become involved in several key community partnerships on initiatives ranging from child welfare, violence prevention, personal health, and now efforts to help house the homeless. In June 2020, Pastor Slade was elected as the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee chairman, making history as the SBC EC's first African American to serve as chair.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about Rolland Slade, Senior Pastor of Meridian Baptist ChurchRead the Baptist Press article about Slade's election | In historic election, SBC Executive Committee elects first African American chairRead the San Diego Union Tribune article about their homeless ministry | A village of tiny houses coming to El Cajon church siteKeep up with the ERLC's work regarding Covid-19Download the Courage and Civility Church KitDownload the Caring Well Hiring GuideSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Israel based journalist and award winning author Matti Friedman to talk about the Middle East after the Abraham Accords. This episode was recorded at the end of September.Guest BiographyMatti Friedman is a journalist and contributor to the New York Times Op-Ed Section and the author of multiple award-winning books. His 2016 book, Pumpkinflowers: A Soldier's Story of a Forgotten War, is a memoir about his time serving in the Israli military and was chosen as a New York Times' Notable Book and as one of Amazon's 10 best books of the year. Matti's first book, The Aleppo Codex, is an investigation into the strange fate of an ancient Bible manuscript, and his most recent book, published in 2018, is the Spies of No Country, the story of Israel's first intelligence agents in 1948. Friedman is a former Associated Press correspondent, and his work as a reporter has taken him from Israel to Lebanon, Morocco, Moscow, and Washington, D.C. He was born in Toronto and lives in Jerusalem with his family.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about Matti at mattifriedman.comCheck out Matti's booksThe Aleppo CodexPumpkinflowersSpies of No CountryRead ERLC's Explainer: Israel signs pacts with Bahrain and the United Arab EmiratesDownload the Courage and Civility Church KitDownload the Caring Well Hiring GuideSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

This week's episode was originally scheduled to be an interview with fellow adoption advocate, McLane Layton, on the need for Congress to pass the Adoptee Citizenship Act. But then, after the passing of Supreme Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the high court vacancy. The ERLC team circled up after the nomination to talk about Judge Barrett's incredible biography and inspiring career before turning to Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Jeff Pickering's interview with Layton about this important adoption issue.Guest BiographyMcLane Layton is the Founder and President of Equality for Adopted Children (EACH). She previously served as Legislative Counsel to former U.S. Senator Don Nickles (R–Okla.) from 1990 to 2005. Layton holds a Juris Doctor from Oral Roberts University and a Masters in Psychology from George Mason University. Resources from the ConversationOn Judge Barrett and the Supreme CourtERLC's Press Release | Russell Moore affirms Amy Coney Barrett as SCOTUS Justice nomineeExplainer: What you should know about Judge Amy Coney BarrettRead Cheslea's quote in the New York Times | For Conservative Christian Women, Amy Coney Barrett's Success Is PersonalRead Jeff's article | What we can learn from the friendship of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin ScaliaOn the Adoptee Citizenship ActERLC Supports the Adoptee Citizenship ActExplainer: What you need to know about the Adoptee Citizenship ActERLC leads coalition calling for Congress to pass the bipartisan Adoptee Citizenship ActSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Jeff Pickering and Travis Wussow welcome Andrew Bunnell of Biblical Ministries Worldwide to the roundtable for a wide ranging conversation on religious freedom. The discussion covers various misconceptions about this freedom and how we can chart a path forward that advances the Kingdom of God and the common good of our neighbors in our country. Andrew speaks with a wealth of experience on the mission field as a church planter and knowledge of the history of how government policy treats this foundational human right.Guest BiographyAndrew Bunnell has invested his life evangelizing the lost and planting and revitalizing churches in more than forty countries across Eurasia, Africa, and North America. After twenty years with Baptist International Missions, he now serves as General Director Designate at Biblical Ministries Worldwide. Andrew is also pursuing a PhD at the University of Washington at Seattle focused on the global role of religion in shaping culture and politics. In 2000, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sarah. They have three children: Joseph, Jackson and Elizabeth.Resources from the ConversationConnect with AndrewLearn more about Biblical Ministries WorldwideListen to Andrew's Podcast Liberty.EarthLearn more about the Supreme Court cases Travis mentioned: Citing ERLC brief, SCOTUS protects religious libertyLearn more about navigating the tension of religious liberty during the pandemic: A Q&A for churches on government restrictions with a religious liberty attorneyLearn more about John Leland: How a Baptist preacher helped ensure religious libertyDownload the Courage and Civility Church KitDownload the Caring Well Hiring GuideSubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

If you're like most pastors or church leaders, you're probably facing difficult questions this fall. Questions like “How can I advocate for important issues without hindering my gospel witness?” and “What responsibilities do we have to engage in this current moment?” Jeff Pickering and Chelsea Patterson Sobolik welcome Daryl Crouch and Catherine Parks to the roundtable to talk about these issues and share about a new free resource from the ERLC, the Courage and Civility Church Toolkit.This toolkit, with curriculum and sermon drafts, explores how Christians should think through issues of our day as they see the chaotic culture around us. It gives pastors and church leaders a helpful path to walk with their congregations through this polarized moment. Download your free copy today.Guest BiographyDaryl Crouch currently serves as the pastor of Greenhill Church in Mt. Juliet, TN where he and his wife live with their 3 children. With a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Daryl has a couple decades of ministry experience and writes frequently for several publications, including writing the content in the church kit, as well as frequently on his personal blog, crosstied.org.Catherine Parks writes and lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband, two children, and a cute dog named Ollie. She's the author of Empowered, Strong and Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships, a collection of biographies for middle-grade readers. You can find more of Catherine's writing at cathparks.comResources from the ConversationDownload the Courage and Civility Church KitRead Catherine's article | Are we teaching our children civility with our lives?Faith and Healthy Democracy: Introduction with Paul Miller and Brent LeatherwoodWhite Paper: Faith and Healthy Democracy Full Report: Faith and Health Democracy Subscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

Each August, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. In this last week of summer before Labor Day, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik sits down with Shannon Royce, Esq., who serves in the federal government as the Director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).Guest BiographyShannon Royce leads the HHS Partnership Center which was formed in 2001, under the George W. Bush administration, to ensure that faith partners and non-profits faced no barriers and were engaged as full partners in serving the poor and helping the vulnerable. Shannon's career includes both government and private sector experience. In government, she worked for over seven years on Capitol Hill, including serving as Counsel to Sen. Grassley (R–Iowa). In the private sector, Shannon worked in several faith-based non-profits, including leading the D.C. office of the ERLC. She received her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University School of Law. Shannon is married with two grown sons and enjoys running half-marathons for fun.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about the HHS Partnership CenterConnect with Shannon's team at partnerships@hhs.govFollow Shannon on Twitter ⁦‪@jcnjmama‬⁩Royce, former ERLC leader, joins Trump admin. | Baptist PressSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

Each August, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. This week, Jeff Pickering sits down with retired NFL player Benjamin Watson, who is now an author, activist, and documentary filmmaker. Watson is also a man of deep Christian faith and a faithful family man.Guest BiographyBenjamin Watson and his wife, Kirsten, are the parents of seven children as well as the founders of One More, a foundation aiming to spread the love and hope of Christ by meeting real needs, promoting education, and supporting local charities. As a retired tight end, Watson is now an ESPN and NFL Network and a prolific media cultural commentator. Watson's illustrious football career included being the 32nd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, a Superbowl 39 champion his rookie season, a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Watson has also authored two books, Under Our Skin and The New Dad's Playbook, and is the producer of a forthcoming documentary, titled, Divided Hearts of America.Resources from the ConversationBenjamin Watson's WebsiteBenjamin's books | Under Our Skin + The New Dad's PlaybookBenjamin's documentary | Divided Hearts of AmericaListen to a conversation with Watson at MLK50 | The State of Racial Tension in AmericaListen to a keynote Watson gave at EFL 2018 | Pro-Life and Pro-JusticeBenjamin's viral Facebook post from 2014 after the Michael Brown shooting in FergusonSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

Each August, we take a break from our policy focused conversations and host interviews with friends and leaders we admire. This week, Travis Wussow sits down with Bill Wichterman of Covington & Burling LLP. Bill's story is a fascinating one of following Jesus to the mission field and back into politics. He has enjoyed decades in Wasington, leading in both government and campaigns, and now as an outside expert.Guest BiographyBill Wichterman is a non-lawyer Senior Advisor in Covington's Public Policy practice. Prior to joining Covington, Bill served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and as the President's personal liaison to the conservative movement. Before serving in the White House, he held a number of senior staff-level positions on Capitol Hill, including as Policy Advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and Chief of Staff to Congressman Joe Pitts and Congressman Bill Baker. Mr. Wichterman also has inside experience in congressional and presidential campaigns, serving most recently as a chief advisor to the Santorum 2012 presidential campaign, and has previously been a key staff participant on the Republican Convention's Platform Committee.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about Bill's work at CovingtonRead Bill's blog | Oakton FoundationRead Bill's book | Dying to LiveSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

With Congress in August recess, we take a break from our usual policy focused conversations and host interviews with leaders we admire. This week, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik sits down with D.J. Jordan, a communications professional with the Pinkston Group.Guest BiographyD.J. Jordan is a Vice President at Pinkston where he leads a team of experienced strategists, writers and designers in creating and implementing strategic communications campaigns for corporations, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups and individual thought leaders. D.J. has worked for major news outlets as well as in various communications leadership roles in the federal government. Prior to joining Pinkston, D.J. was communications director for a U.S. Senator, communications director for the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, and press secretary for a U.S. Representative. He previously worked at both CNN and Fox News, where as an assignment editor and producer he helped develop coverage of breaking and featured news. D.J. earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications from Liberty University, and a master's degree in public management from The Johns Hopkins University. He has served on the boards of several state and nonprofit agencies focused on family issues, including the Virginia State Board of Social Services and Virginia's Kids Belong, which advocates for children in the foster care system.Resources from the ConversationConnect with D.J. at PinkstonWatch D.J. at an ERLC event | Caring for the Stranger: Immigrants, Refugees, and the Response of the ChurchWatch D.J. at an ERLC event | Be a Voice for Life: Developing a Compelling Pro-Life MessageSubscribe to ERLC's Policy NewsletterSubscribe to ERLC's The Weekly

The 2019-2020 term of the Supreme Court was one for the history books. The justice's rulings give Christians a lot to consider on issues ranging from religious liberty and civil rights law to abortion jurisprudence and immigration rules. The ERLC filed amicus briefs in a number of these cases and our brief was cited by Justice Alito in the court's opinion in the Guadalupe religious liberty victory.Russell Moore and Jeff Pickering joined the Capitol Hill ministry, Faith & Law, for a Friday forum event to reflect on what happened and what's next.Faith & Law is a community of congressional staffers and Members of Congress that meet regularly to think deeply about how our faith informs and impacts our calling to the public square. Their mission is to encourage and equip Christian policy-makers to more fully understand the Biblical worldview and its implication in their calling to the public square.Resources from the ConversationLearn more about Faith & Law5 Supreme Court cases you should keep your eye on by ERLC Policy StaffAfter the Bostock Supreme Court case by Russell MooreBostock Explainer + Top QuotesEspinoza Explainer + Top QuotesGuadalupe Explainer + Top QuotesLittle Sisters Explainer + Top QuotesJune Medical Services Explainer + Top QuotesDACA case Explainer + recent podcast episode with Jose Ocampo

This was a unique summer for the ERLC interns as the program moved online. The students who would have been in the Washington office but interned with us from all over the country, join Jeff Pickering and Brooke Kramer to reflect on their experience. The group discusses their favorite projects, memorable meetings through Zoom, and what it's like to be a college student during a global pandemic.Our internship program exists to prepare students and young professionals with a gospel-centered, kingdom-focused perspective on the issues of everyday life. We offer semester and year-long programs with both of our offices in Nashville and D.C.Guest BiographyIn this episode you will hear from Mary Beth, Julia, Juliana, Carolina, Jackson, Sloan, and Seth – our 2020 summer interns with the ERLC team in Washington, D.C.Resources from the ConversationLearn more and apply at ERLC.com/internshipsERLC internships: Investing, life-changing by Tom StrodeListen to Brooke's internship episode