The Wisdom of This World
Dear CWA of Washington Member,
Words have influence to persuade and even re-train our minds. As I’ve listened and read all the words about redefining God’s creation of marriage between a man and a woman, the following verses have come to mind:
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one glory in men.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-21
We’re warned in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, yet when we live out our faith with words and actions, we are called names and belittled for our faith. For example, consider these recent public statements: “You people need to get over your religious feelings about this (marriage) issue.” “People who oppose same-sex marriage are cowards.” “The minority should not be controlled by the whims of the majority.” Or calling those who oppose sinful behavior “a small and shrinking minority.”
Our response must be with kindness and agape love, praying that we plant seeds for Christ that others will water and God cause to grow and flourish. Please, when you communicate with your friends and legislators, do your best to be a good witness for Christ Jesus. A challenge, but the only way we prove we have been transformed by the renewing of our minds! Once again, I thank God for those first pilgrims who sailed from the Old World to the New World to plant the flag for God’s Word and religious liberty and for the founders who understood that they needed to plant the seed of this nation upon God-given rights from His Word rather than man’s capriciousness.
LEGISLATION
Deadlines are approaching for all bills; the next one is February 14 which is the last day to consider bills in the house of origin.
FAMILY
SB 6239/HB 2516 re “marriage equality”
The Senate passed 6239 last week, and the House passed that same bill Wednesday, February 8. The bill will now be sent to Gov. Gregoire for her signature, making it Washington State law. Several amendments were added, which you may read at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6239&year=2011. Defeated amendments included a referendum to the people, protection for citizens of faith who own businesses and a one-month residency requirement to be married in our state. It is inevitable that a referendum or initiative will now be filed by opponents of the bill. Please be in prayer about that effort and for the protection of the people involved in that campaign.
HB 2193 re third-party visitation rights
Washington’s two previous statutes regarding third-party visitation have been declared unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that parents have a fundamental right to raise their children without state interference. Fit parents, whether married or single, must be allowed to determine who has visitation rights. While family disputes may impact such decisions, parental rights must still be respected first. Passage will burden the courts with personal disputes which are better worked out between those involved. This bill was voted out of committee and is headed to the House for a floor vote. Please consider this issue and then contact your legislators. CWA OPPPOSES this bill.
SANCTITY OF LIFE
SB 6185/HB 2330 re mandated abortion coverage in all insurance policies
This is a religious liberty issue as well as about the sanctity of life. These bills would force all businesses and entities to provide abortion coverage for all employees. Both bills have added a new section stating “It is the intent of the legislature that nothing in this act affect the right of objection based on conscience or religion as set out in RCW 48.43.065 or 70.47.160.” While that is an improvement, the issue is still about terminating the lives of unborn children. In addition, there are still pharmacy owners and pharmacists fighting in court for freedom of conscience at great expense, so can we trust that new section/disclaimer to protect freedom of conscience and religious liberty?
Both bills have passed out of committee and are headed to the floor of their respective houses for a vote. Please call your three legislators and ask them to OPPOSE these bills.
EDUCATION
HB 2448 re daycare regulations and a new entitlement program
In the House Bill Report available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2448&year=2011, the statements are made that this bill is “to coordinate, consolidate, and integrate child care and early learning programs in order to administer programs and funds efficiently” and “DEL (Dept of Early Learning) must encourage and support the inclusion of family home childcare and childcare centers in the delivery of high-quality preschool programs.”
ANY and ALL religious instruction, activities, symbolism, and control or influence are absolutely forbidden. Remember, when government funds are received, government influences rules. This means the eventual disappearance of all religion-based preschools and childcare centers. Are you ready for the same consequences of a God-stripped public school system in early childhood programs?
The bill has passed and is on its Rules 2 Review which means it’s headed to the House floor for a vote. Remember, this is a religious liberty issue as well as an education and parental rights issue. CWA OPPOSES this bill. Please contact your three legislators!
HB 2380 re to modifying the goals of a basic education
This bill did not move out of the House Education Committee by last Friday, so it is considered dead for the session.
HB 2381 re public access to instructional materials used in public schools
This bill is an excellent bill to improve accountability from our public schools to the public they are intended to serve. It is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Education Committee on February 16 at 8:00 a.m. CWA SUPPORTS this bill! Consider going to Olympia to testify in favor of this bill if you are able! Please contact your three legislators to encourage them to support this bill.
Contact information: Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000. Individual legislators: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx
Please contact us at the state office if you need more information or if you would like to become an active member of CWA of Washington. And thank you for your prayers, for educating yourselves and others on issues of concern to citizens of faith and for your interaction with your state representatives for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
May we be found worthy of representing our Lord. May God bless you abundantly as you serve Him.
In His Service,
Maureen Richardson, State Director
Concerned Women for America of Washington
425-869-1923
P. O. Box 143, Woodinville, WA 98072