September 12, 2023

Dear Friends,

According to a report by LFF ally Liberty Institute regarding religious liberty in the states, Louisiana ranks 27th when it comes to how well the state safeguards religious freedom. 

The report assesses every state based on 34 items grouped into seven categories of protections. These safeguards were selected for their capacity to defend religious freedom, as demonstrated by at least one of the 50 states. The chosen safeguards were additionally narrowed to those that could be assessed objectively.

The major categories include Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Employer Exemption from the Contraceptive Mandate, Provisions for Religious Ceremonial Life, Accommodations for School-Aged Children, Exemptions for Marriage & Wedding Participation, and Exemptions for Health-Care Providers. 

Louisiana received an overall score of 42%. The state’s lack of exemptions for marriage participation and exemptions for health-care providers impacted the overall score significantly. 

See Louisiana’s scorecard here.

A paper published in the medical journal The Lancet Microbe assessed the rationale behind COVID-19 responses such as social distancing, lockdowns, mask-wearing, and quarantines, and found the restrictions to be ineffective.

The reason behind these protocols was that experts cautioned that even in the absence of symptoms, a person could potentially infect others. However, the primary revelation in this medical paper is that individuals who were not displaying symptoms usually did not spread the virus.

This study is among the most comprehensive investigations into the spread of COVID-19, as it was a "challenge study," in which researchers exposed individuals to the virus for research purposes. The participants were intentionally infected with COVID-19 and then placed in controlled environments where their condition was closely observed. The study was conducted by experts from the Imperial College of London, who compiled the research findings.

Prior to experiencing symptoms, only 7% of their emissions were found to be infectious. These emissions were tracked in various contexts, including those occurring behind masks, on surfaces, in the air, and on the subjects' bodies.

In other words, nearly all the guidance we received regarding lockdowns, social distancing, and quarantines was deeply flawed. This is why emergency orders – especially those that infringe upon fundamental rights – should be used sparingly. 

A "Yes" vote on Amendment #2 on the October ballot will end the debate on government's emergency powers! LouisianaVoterGuide.Org available September 23^rd!

Archaeologists working in Jerusalem recently discovered a set of steps leading down into the Pool of Siloam, where, according to Biblical accounts, Jesus healed a blind man. 

This discovery came as part of an ongoing excavation project within the ancient city of the Middle East. This collaborative effort involves the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Israel National Parks Authority, and the City of David Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of this historic city and its surroundings.

In recent weeks, archaeologists uncovered a series of eight steps at the excavation site, roughly equivalent in size to two Olympic swimming pools. These steps date back to the time when Jesus and many others utilized the pool as an ancient ritual bath.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus and His disciples come across a man who has been blind from birth. The disciples inquire if the man's blindness is a result of his actions or those of his parents. Jesus responds, explaining that neither the man nor his parents are responsible for his blindness. Instead, the man was born blind so that God's work could be manifested through him.

Jesus applied a mixture of clay, crafted from the earth, and His saliva onto the blind man's eyes. He instructed the man, saying, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” The man did as he was told, and his vision was restored. 

Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, spoke about the significance of discovering the Pool of Siloam. “Theologically, it affirms scripture, geographically it affirms scripture, and politically, it affirms Israel’s unquestionable and unrivaled link to Jerusalem. Some discoveries are theoretical,” he said. “This one is undeniable. It is proof of the story of the Bible and of its people, Israel.”

Archeological discoveries continue to show that Biblical accounts are not just a matter of faith, but a matter of fact!

Friends, Christian Post reports that while church attendance is on the rise, it still remains below pre-pandemic levels. This means that many have become less culturally engaged. Let’s change the trajectory of our nation. Christian involvement has Kingdom implications! 

One way you can engage in impacting Louisiana decision makers is by sponsoring & attending LFF’s Silver Anniversary Gala on September 28th. Special guests include Family Research Council's Tony Perkins and American Family Association's Abe Hamilton!  We will honor pro-life and pro-family champions from the 2023 legislative session. Please join us in celebrating 25 years of impact and join us in taking a stand for life, liberty, and limited government! More information can be found here.

In His Service,

Gene Mills
President, Louisiana Family Forum

P.S. Twenty-two years later, we will never forget…