A great way to reach those in our communities is to utilize public parks and other public meeting places.  The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly held that Christians have the same right to access public spaces as non-Christians.  Whether it’s to picnic, play ultimate Frisbee, or even assemble with others to engage in public discussions, Christians have equal access to public sidewalks.

While it might be difficult to bring the unsaved into our churches, there is no law stopping us from going out into our communities with the Gospel message.  Well – at least there should be no law.  Some of our clients at ADF have found out that at times, Christians are not given the same equal access to public sidewalks as others.  Voices of Mercy Outreach Ministries is one such client.

VOM held a Sunday school program for at-risk youth in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.   They obtained permission from the East Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission to use Cadillac Street Park for its Sidewalk Sunday School ministry outreach in 2005.  This ministry impacted many young lives with not only a message of hope, but also food for the stomach as well.   Five years after granting permission to use the park, the commission notified the ministry that its outreach events violated a policy that prohibits all religious use of parks the commission operates. The Park Use Policy states, “Under no circumstances can a public park be used for…religious…purposes.”

VOM has not been permitted to use the park since then. This prevents the group from ministering to the youth living in the low-income communities surrounding Cadillac Street Park and has greatly diminished the ministry’s outreach.

The Alliance Defense Fund recently filed suit in federal court to protect their constitutional rights to spread the gospel. Faith-based groups shouldn’t be singled out for discrimination–especially a group like this that has provided such selfless service to at-risk youth and their parents for many years.  The Sidewalk Sunday School program has the same constitutionally protected right as any other community group to hold its activities at a public park. There’s no constitutional basis to throw them out, and it’s a mystery why the commission would even want to do so in light of the valuable work this group does for the community.

If you are a Christian ministry, rest assured that you have the same access to sidewalks as other groups.  If you are denied this right, please contact us at ADF so we can assist you in spreading the Good News.

Comprehensive survey shows support for marriage remains high despite recent, flawed polls that create illusion of momentum against it

Source: TellADF.org

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Results from what is likely the most extensive national research survey of its kind show that 62 percent of Americans believe that “marriage should be defined only as a union between one man and one woman.” Fifty-three percent of Americans strongly agreed.

The scientific survey, sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund and completed by Public Opinion Strategies May 16-19, was part of a comprehensive examination of American attitudes toward marriage.  In addition to the national survey, the research included 14 focus groups completed across the country.

“Americans recognize that marriage provides a strong foundation for a thriving society,” said ADF Senior Counsel Brian Raum. “The union between husband and wife benefits society–especially children–in unique ways that cannot be duplicated by any other relationship. Throughout history, diverse cultures and faiths have recognized this universally defined ideal as the best way to promote healthy, natural families for the good of future generations.”

The survey results mirror American voter behavior when faced with the decision to either affirm marriage in their state constitutions or leave it open to legal challenges or other attacks.

“These numbers are not surprising,” said Public Opinion Strategies partner, and the survey’s director, Gene Ulm. “More than 63 million Americans in 31 state elections have voted on constitutional marriage amendments. Forty million Americans in all—63 percent of total voters–have voted to affirm marriage as a union between a man and a woman.”

“Americans strongly affirm the lifelong, faithful union of a man and a woman as the fundamental building block of civilization,” said Raum. “This survey, along with the nearly 80 percent win rate in ADF marriage cases, shows the opposition has created an illusion of momentum but not a real base of support or track record of victory in the courts.”

POS is a nationally-known public opinion research firm. In addition to polling for Fortune 100 companies, 80 members of Congress, 19 senators, and six governors, the firm’s partners (in conjunction with two other firms) poll for NBC News/Wall Street Journal and National Public Radio.

Other Resources:
Map: Legal battles in the defense of marriage

Marriage amendment vote percentages across the U.S.

Marriage survey results summary

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Alliance Defense Fund – Q&A with Dr. Wayne Grudem talking about his new book “Politics according to the Bible” Question #5

Question: Should Christians be involved in politics & government?

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http://www.SpeakUpMovement.org/Church

Stay tuned every Thursday for a new Q&A video with Dr. Wayne Grudem

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