EDITOR'S NOTE: Timothy Faber serves as the legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention. Currently, through Missouri's initiative petition process, pro-abortion advocates are laboring to enshrine the murder of pre-born children in Missouri's Constitution. Read more here. After numerous amendments and attempts at amendments, and after a 20-plus hour filibuster and much grand-standing, the Missouri Senate has finally passed SJR74 (Coleman – R, 22). With much less fanfare, the … [Read more...]
The devil’s in the details of state legislation
Life would be so much easier if everything was plain and evident, if there was a direct line from A to B. But Satan is a master at slight of hand, of doing things in secret. That old lion that prowls about, looking for someone to devour (1 Pet 5:8) is also master at hiding in the weeds, ready to pounce on unsuspecting pilgrims. One scheme he often uses is to get us so distracted that we don’t see what he is up to. Like a magician using slight of hand to deceive us and divert our attention … [Read more...]
Legislators fight to restrict marijuana within Missouri
EDITOR'S NOTE: Timothy Faber serves as legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention. JEFFERSON CITY – Every battle involves both offense and defense. Even in sports there is both offense and defense. But it seems all to often that in the culture war the people of God have been fighting on defense while allowing evil to fight on offense. But with rare exceptions – like a game winning interception in football – battles are not won by defense. Defense may slow the loss, but it will … [Read more...]
FIRST-PERSON: Pro-lifers should reject political compromise, choose faithfulness to God
Some claim that the abortion issue is hurting Republicans, that it is costing them votes. And with that claim they are attempting to persuade Republicans to soften their stance on abortion in order to win elections. This may be a good strategy if all one cares about is winning elections. But for those who care more about the sanctity of human life and about abiding by the revealed truth and will of Holy God, such counsel is tantamount to selling the lives of those yet to be born for the … [Read more...]
Equality Act hurts women, children, people of faith
While I typically address issues occurring within our own state of Missouri, I think it necessary to address an issue that, though happening in Washington DC, is of great impact to all Missourians. On June 21, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced HR15, better known as the “Equality Act”. There are 214 co-sponsors of the Equality Act, all of them Democrats, and among them are Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Emanual Cleaver, both from Missouri. While the Equality Act has a nice sounding name, it … [Read more...]
Refuge for the unborn
The Lord instructed Israel to set aside “cities of refuge” (Numbers 35 and elsewhere) for the protection and preservation of life for those who were guilty of manslaughter. A person could flee to these cities and be protected from the avenger of blood. In 19th century America, there was a network of “stations” in an intangible “underground railroad” that provided protection and safe passage for slaves seeking freedom. In recent years some cities have declared themselves sanctuaries for … [Read more...]
Legislative recap: Gambling bill fails, Bible bill and SAFE Act succeed
The legislative session is over for this year. Our Missouri Legislature, is restricted by our state constitution to adjourn on May 30th of each year. However, the constitution also says that any bills not passed by “6pm on the first Friday after the second Monday in May are tabled.” Of course, being tabled means those bills die since the session adjourns on the 30th and there is no other opportunity to vote on bills. So, for all intents and purposes, the session has ended for this year. … [Read more...]
Do you want to defend parental rights?
EDITOR'S NOTE: Timothy Faber serves as legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention. There are several bills in our state legislature this session that call for establishing a “Parental Bill of Rights.” Among them are HB627, Sb4, SB89, SB318, SB451, and SJR29. Each of them have some very good aspects. The final outcome will likely be some combination of these bills. It should be abundantly clear, however, that simply making a law does not solve the problem. In Scripture, we … [Read more...]
Missouri Senator aims to add sexual orientation, gender identity to state’s Human Rights Act
JEFFERSON CITY – The simple act of refusing to bake a cake landed Jack Phillips in trouble. The Colorado Human Rights Commission accused him of unlawful discrimination because he did not want to be a part of celebrating the “wedding” of a gay couple. Their push to force him to bake that celebratory cake was based on Colorado law, which prevents discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Missouri statute does not read the same. The Missouri Human Rights Act (as … [Read more...]
Missouri a battleground for next generation
EDITOR'S NOTE: Timothy Faber is Legislative Liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention. The 2023 legislative session is in full swing. ... In fact, at times they are in overdrive. One committee in the House began a hearing on several bills related to LGB and transgender issues in our public schools. The hearing lasted for over nine hours – until 2 o’clock in the morning! To the casual observer, it would simply seem that politicians are inefficient and cannot accomplish anything. But one … [Read more...]