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  • Family and Religion

    Restore the family as the primary institution of civil society, and reclaim the fullness of religious liberty in America’s civic life.

    Price of Unwed Births Far Greater than the Hospital Bills

    A recent piece in The Wall Street Journal noted that “Unintended pregnancies likely cost the federal and state governments more than $11 billion a year,” based on research published by the Brookings Institution. A major reason for the cost to government, notes the author, is that “women who unintentionally get … More

    Veteran Chaplains Speak Out for Conscience

    A prominent group of retired military chaplains has written a letter to current chief chaplains in the Armed Forces urging them to support conscience protection for currently serving chaplains and service members regarding homosexual behavior. The 22 chaplains, each of whom has held a leadership post as an endorsing agent … More

    Another Christian Adoption Agency Burdened by State-Sponsored Intolerance

    The list of cases illustrating conflicts between homosexual rights and religious freedom continues to grow. According to a story published earlier this month, a Catholic adoption agency in the United Kingdom has been told that if it wishes to provide adoption services, it must be willing to facilitate adoptions involving … More

    Moral Principles and the Budget Debate

    In America, it’s not hard to find religious voices criticizing proposals to cut government spending. Especially if those proposals call for reforming welfare or entitlement programs, they’re attacked for “balancing the budget on the backs of the poor.” That’s why it’s refreshing to see two prominent public voices recently engage … More

    Good News on Lasting Marriages

    While tabloid fare on marital fiascos (such as the recent demise of the Schwarzenegger–Shriver marriage) tends to dominate headlines, breaking news actually bodes well for marriage in America. According to a report based on census data released Wednesday, marriages are lasting longer, with three in four couples who married after … 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

    Protecting Ineffective Programs Doesn’t Protect the Poor

    On Saturday, Speaker of the House John Boehner (R–OH) delivered the commencement address at the Catholic University of America. In advance of his speech, a group of Catholic academics sent a public letter to Boehner, who is a practicing Catholic, accusing him of going against the teachings of his Church. … More

    China: “A Serious Crisis Between State and Church That Is Still Unfolding”

    Nineteen Chinese pastors have joined together to send a remarkable petition to the National People’s Congress on behalf of one of Beijing’s largest underground churches. The Shouwang church is the most recent target of Communist authorities’ crackdown on the unauthorized house church movement that now numbers some 50–70 million Chinese … More

    U.N. Day of the Family: A Reminder of Civil Society’s Cornerstone

    Sunday, May 15, is the 2011 United Nations International Day of Families. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the wide-ranging role that the family plays in the well-being of our society. One important first step would be for the U.N. to recognize the benefits associated with family centered on … More

    Cal Thomas on Bob Woodson: Look Who’s Winning the War on Poverty

    Columnist Cal Thomas writes today about his site visits this week in the D.C. area with longtime advocate for grassroots community initiatives Bob Woodson: I spent last Tuesday riding around Washington and Waldorf, Md., visiting housing projects Woodson’s organization supports and studying his success. I met former drug addicts, dealers, … More