1776 to 2026
One Nation Under God: Reflections on 250 Years of Faith and Democracy
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As Southern Baptists, we are first citizens of God’s Kingdom—and that shapes everything about how we live as Americans. We have created these resources and reflections for your church and community to use as we celebrate our nation’s Semiquincentennial.
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One Nation Under God
A collection of essays reflecting on 250 years of faith and democracy
In light of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, the ERLC has put together this collection of eassays so that Christians can reflect, from a Baptist perspective, on how our citizenship in the Kingdom of God informs our lives as American citizens.
Fellows from the ERLC Research Institute, along with ERLC staff, have written a series of essays to help Southern Baptists think about what it means to be a Christian and an American by looking at the past, understanding where we are today, and keeping our eyes on the future.
This project is intended to be a celebration of Baptist involvement in shaping American public life and a reflection on how Baptists should engage the nation today, considering what to do moving forward to ensure that future generations will continue the work of living out our Christian convictions as we fulfill the Great Commission here in the U.S.
As Christians, we are first and foremost citizens of God's Kingdom, and secondly, citizens of this nation.
Free church resources
Religious Liberty Sunday 2026 is on July 5
Bulletin insert and graphics for your church
As the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 declares, “A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.” Baptists’ unwavering commitment to religious liberty has been a defining feature of their history and identity. From Roger Williams and John Leland to Carl F. H. Henry and Billy Graham, the work of Baptists in this nation’s formation is deeply intertwined with America’s past, present, and future.
As you reflect on Baptists’ dedication to religious liberty for the sake of the Great Commission, the free bulletin insert and graphics are available for your church on July 5, 2026.
prayer guide
A Prayer Guide for America
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, we also want to reflect on how God’s Word informed the ideals of our nation’s founding. The most important thing we can do during this commemorative time is pray for the Lord’s mercy on every aspect of our country. Below, you will find prayer prompts with accompanying Scripture passages to help guide you as you cry out to God on behalf of our nation and her citizens. Seven-day and 30-day versions available.
faithful Citizenship
We the people
Democracy in action is what happens when “we the people” take the nation’s ideals, rooted in Scripture, and work toward their realization. Together as Southern Baptists, we’ll reflect on how our citizenship in the Kingdom of God informs our lives in practical ways as American citizens, carrying out the Great Commission and shaping future generations for years to come.
Both “Dual Citizens” and “The Nations Belong to God” were written to help pastors think through a biblical view of political and civic engagement. Get your free church guides here.
A Christian Guide to Political Engagement
A free resource for Christians facing an election year
This Christian guide to political engagement is a starting point for Christians to think...
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Dual Citizens: A Practical Guide to Christian Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Southern Baptists have long defended a free church in a free state Christian citizenship...
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America’s 250th: Reflections on Faithful Christian Citizenship
04/16/26
This July marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As...
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How pastors and churches can model hopeful political engagement
On June 11, 2024, the ERLC had the privilege of hosting Dana Hall McCain and Jon Kelly for a panel...
Read MoreWe are first and foremost citizens of the Kingdom of God—who proclaim Jesus as Lord over all creation and King over all nations.
At the same time, we are citizens of the United States, a unique nation in a particular time and place in human history.
The ERLC is uniquely positioned to be a voice of hope in a chaotic public square, championing public policy that addresses the issues you care about, seeks the good of your community, and is consistent with God’s design for flourishing.
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