Clergy For A Conservative Court

Michigan’s Future is Hanging in the Balance!

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Clergy for a Conservative Court is a Michigan consortium of church and lay leaders who recognize the critical importance of and work toward the election of “rule-of-law” vs. “activist” judges at all levels of the judiciary.

Arguably, the courts have done more damage to traditional and Judeo-Christian values in America than both the legislative and executive branches combined. For decades, and now more than ever, we have seen our basic and God-ordained freedoms threatened by those who sit on the bench. The Supreme Court is our last line of defense from liberals who seek to circumvent the legislative and executive branches of government for the sake of their destructive agenda.

To defend our values and preserve our priceless freedoms, we must engage the church community. If faith leaders and their followers fail to embrace the importance of electing rule of law judges, the strong constitutional foundation and rule of law framework that has made our country great will continue to weaken and ultimately result in our demise as a free and prosperous people.

In 2000 Citizens for Traditional Values (CTV) spearheaded a successful campaign, Clergy for a Conservative Court. This campaign played a vital role in electing rule of law judges to the state’s highest court and through their efforts helped establish a conservative majority. CTV used a vast database to communicate with clergy all over the state, educating them and seeking a leader from within their congregations to serve as the church liaison. CTV also produced educational literature and a video, hosted briefing events, and updated the church liaisons as to next steps they should take.

To not implement this crucial program in this hour in our culture, with a voting base that can drastically influence elections, could have grave consequences.

WHAT’S AT STAKE - NOW

Why now? On November 6, 2012 Michigan voters will visit the polls and be asked to decide on a number of races, including three seats on the Supreme Court.

Sadly, judicial races are often overlooked for a couple of reasons. For one, because of their non-partisan status and position on the ballot, voters dismiss their importance. But their neglect is primarily due to a lack of education on the importance of these seats for a healthy justice system. If they do understand the importance, they lack the resources for how to make an impact. For the preservation of rule of law courts, we must educate and encourage voters to pay attention to these races and vote on every portion of the ballot. Afterall, how well this part of the ballot does could influence what our fundamental rights are in the future!!

Also, there is now an unprecedented concern among people of faith about the over-reach of government, the promulgation of homosexual marriage and the violation of conscience being mandated through the federal health care law. Now is the time to engage pastors while they realize that their religious freedoms are within grasp of permanently slipping away.

We have seen an increase of engagement among conservative and religious citizens, for example, with the growth of the tea party movement. But we cannot assume that momentum will continue or be successful for all our causes come Election Day 2012. A proactive and ongoing educational effort must start as soon as possible to identify, equip and engage leaders who have the ability to influence this life-threatening scenario.


WHY THIS PROJECT

To mobilize this community effectively, it takes time for education and relationship building. Unlike a partisan campaign, yard signs, bumper stickers, mass mailings and robo calls at the last minute are not sufficient. To effectively and appropriately engage this community, it takes time, relationships, credibility and the right message.

Because this community has lacked for decades in a true understanding of their freedoms, how the governing process works and their individual responsibilities to hold their government leaders accountable, the re-educating will take a process.

This voting bloc, including both leaders and church members, is very hesitant of anything political. Specifically addressing church leadership, historically they are reluctant and/or resistant to engaging in electoral politics. And when the leader is tepid on an issue, their followers are likely to be more so. Therefore both entities must understand the courts are non-partisan. Both leader and member will find initiation to engage when motivated by fundamental issues vs. party agenda.

But, there is also a higher chance of influence with this community if they are approached through trusted sources. Persuading them to engage will be best conveyed through personal relationships within their churches, their church leadership, or organizations that have long established credibility. And this takes time, a strategic approach and concentrated focus.

CTV has been building bridges for over 25 years between the church voters and the political leaders; Clergy for a Conservative Court is an ideal program to implement.

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