NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 1, 2018—Stand for Life, an online pro-life group, is now a new initiative of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
What started as a grassroots movement and is now a catalyst for social change, Stand for Life seeks to engage, educate and equip communities to understand the significance of human dignity through storytelling. Its popular social media accounts have 30,000 followers on Instagram and 42,000 followers on Facebook.
“I couldn’t be happier about continuing the outstanding work of Stand for Life as an ERLC initiative,” said Russell Moore, ERLC president. “Those serving vulnerable women in this ministry have taught the rest of us so much about what it means to stand with both conviction and kindness. I look forward to what the future holds as we continue to advocate together for the dignity of all human life.”
Stand for Life started on August 6, 2015, after founder Jess Barfield posted an image of herself and her son on social media with the word “LIFE” across their photo as a filter. As a result, #standforLIFE went viral and people all over the world began posting photos with the LIFE filter and sharing their own stories about why they value life.
Jess Barfield commented on the new partnership and initiative:
“On behalf of the Stand For Life team and board of directors, we are thrilled to announce and celebrate our new partnership with the ERLC! We are confident the mission, resources and staff at the ERLC will enable Stand For Life to further its reach, as well as point countless more toward making life-affirming decisions.
“As we’ve seen over the past three years, the sharing of stories inspires change on a heart level and moves readers to value every single life. Stories truly spur on meaningful change. We couldn’t be more excited for the ERLC to take this story-telling ministry to new heights in the coming days. Please join the ERLC as they continue to share stories of life and spread the good news made possible through Christ alone.”
Dan Darling, vice president of communications for the ERLC, also commented on the partnership between the ERLC and Stand for Life.
“We are inspired by the creative, passionate and gospel-centered digital ministry of Stand for Life,” said Darling. “Their ministry and messaging are in alignment with the mission of ERLC, and we are eager to connect their audience with the actionable steps they can take to advocate for the most vulnerable among us.”
