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  • Spotlight on Civil Society: “Courageous” Film Highlights Importance of Fathers

    One need look no further than the latest sitcom or celebrity pronouncement to witness the strained state of fatherhood in American culture. As men have become expendable in the eyes of pop culture, fewer adults see the necessity of ensuring their children are raised in intact, married families, where they … More

    Fathers Matter: Involved Dads Get an A+ for Increasing Academic Achievement

    Spending on education has skyrocketed over the past five decades, more than tripling since the 1960s. But despite the ever-increasing taxpayer investment in education, American students’ academic achievement has flatlined. While continuing the status quo of excessive spending does not increase educational gains, social science points to a strong correlation … More

    A Marshall Plan for Marriage – Rebuilding Our Shattered Homes

    Marriage in America is in serious trouble. More Americans are cohabitating, fewer are marrying, and if they do wed it is at a much later age than previous generations. Although divorce rates have declined slightly over the past 20 years, pervasive no-fault divorce laws allow marital dissolution to continue plaguing … More

    Continued Faith in God Signals Good News for Civil Society

    A new Gallup poll released today reports that more than nine in 10 Americans believe in God. The number of believers has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s, with 91 percent of respondents affirming a belief in a higher power and almost three-quarters of adults firm in their belief in … More

    Civil Union Law Forces Catholic Charities to Drop Adoption Service

    Yet another faith-based organization has fallen victim to a state government’s refusal to defend religious liberty. After more than 100 years serving the most vulnerable children in Illinois, the Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockford will cease its state-funded adoption and foster care services today. The diocese decided to … More

    National Foster Care Month: Churches Help Children Find Families

    A few weeks ago, President Obama declared May to be National Foster Care Month, reminding Americans that “the best path to success we can give [foster children] is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive.” Thanks to churches and other faith-based organizations, thousands … More

    Government and Nonprofits Work to Stop Sex Trafficking

    Every month, 400 adolescent girls are sold on Internet sites, on street corners, and in the backroom deals of sex traffickers. An estimated 300 such transactions occur every day. The girls come from every socioeconomic background: Many are runaways or abused children; some are kidnapped. The average age of entry … More

    Faith-Based Organizations Respond to Tornado Victims

    Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano surveyed the damage of the tornado-ravaged South this weekend, promising federal supplies and aid to help victims of one of the deadliest storm systems in U.S. history. But before FEMA or government leaders stood in the wreckage, local community groups and church congregations … More

    Virginia Protects Religious Liberty in Adoption and Foster Care

    Virginia residents witnessed a significant victory for religious liberty this week. On Wednesday, Virginia’s State Board of Social Services voted 7–2 to reject a controversial policy that could have forced faith-based institutions to abandon their beliefs and cost Virginia many effective adoption agencies. Governor Bob McDonnell (R) is expected to … More

    Conscience Rights: The New Frontline in the Culture War

    Last week’s congressional tussle over defunding Planned Parenthood demonstrates that national deliberation on controversial moral debates is far from over. While federal funding of abortion is currently in the media spotlight, a new fight is being waged in the culture war over individuals’ right of conscience. As new Heritage research … More