Policies that matter to Southern Baptists
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission works to build consensus with officials across our federal government on issues related to life, religious liberty, marriage and family, and human dignity.
The following 2024 ERLC Public Policy Agenda is an outline of this year’s core public policy priorities for this Commission.
Why does our voice in Washington matter?
Our consistent advocacy enables us to effectively represent our Southern Baptist churches while bringing the hope of the gospel to an increasingly polarized Washington, D.C. Whether our issues are popular or not, we have the opportunity to bear witness, to seek to persuade, and to build the bridges necessary to make a difference for the good of our neighbors.
In addition to our work with the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, the ERLC will continue advocacy before the judicial branch on matters consistent with our mission. Follow along with the Supreme Court cases we’re engaging on behalf of Southern Baptists this year. Furthermore, we will continue to work in partnership with Baptist state conventions and state advocacy groups on issues of missional priority that are of national importance.
Download our 2024 State Policy Agenda for examples of policies at the state level that capture the concerns of Southern Baptists.
OUR ISSUES
What we stand for
With origins dating back to 1908, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission represents a concerted effort on the part of Southern Baptists to bring the gospel to bear on issues of moral importance in the culture. We represent Southern Baptist interests in public policy matters through advocacy and provide resources to help Southern Baptists think biblically about cultural issues.
From our offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., our work is rooted in the truths of Scripture and can be categorized in four main areas: life, religious liberty, marriage and family, and human dignity.
Life
The ERLC promotes a culture of life that sees immeasurable value in every person, from conception to natural death, because all individuals are created in God's image.
Religious Liberty
Religious liberty is a Baptist principle rooted in the belief that a “free church in a free state” serves our churches, provides for the common good, and allows believers to share the gospel freely.
Marriage and Family
We desire to see policies enacted that allow men, women, and children to flourish according to God’s good design for sexuality and family.
Human Dignity
True human dignity, rooted in the imago Dei, motivates the ERLC to stand for the displaced, the trafficked, the preyed upon, and the persecuted—wherever they might be.
More hope, less noise
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Latest resources
What are the latest policy debates at the state and federal levels? How is abortion being regulated in our country? And how can I get involved? You can find up-to-date information on these questions and other important matters related to our policy lanes as you seek to bring hope to your community and our nation. If you’re looking for past policy work, view past policy agendas.
Explainer: How Southern Baptists became pro-life
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How Baptists became champions of religious liberty
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Explainer: ERLC calls for listing Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern
Since 2021, the ERLC has advocated for the addition of Nigeria to the State...
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Explainer: What does the SBC resolution on IVF and human life say?
Here is what you should know about what the SBC resolution says about IVF...
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Explainer: Supreme Court fails to resolve challenge to Idaho pro-life law
A ruling on Idaho and Moyle, et al. v United States
On June 27, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court decided on a vote of 5-4...
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Abortion and the pro-life movement two years after Dobbs
Two years after Dobbs, the abortion landscape in the United States has changed dramatically....
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Explainer: Supreme Court upholds protections for vulnerable individuals facing domestic violence
A decision in United States v. Rahimi
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in the case United States v....
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