Explainer: A history of presidential proclamations and Second Chance Month

On March 31, President Biden declared April to be Second Chance Month. In his proclamation, Biden said that Second Chance Month is a time for us to “reaffirm the importance of helping people who were formerly incarcerated reenter society. America is a Nation of second chances, and it is critical that our criminal and juvenile justice systems provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption.”

Are you ready for the Supreme Court decision on abortion?

Right now, the Supreme Court is considering the most important abortion case in a generation: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. As we prepare for the ruling in this case, we want to be faithful to pray.

This free Dobbs prayer guide contains a list of 48 specific prayer requests to guide you, your family, and your church in your prayers over the coming weeks and months.

This Week in Washington, D.C.

As the tragic war in Ukraine continues to unfold, the world is becoming increasingly aware of the horrors that have taken place in the conflict. We also know that times of war tend to most negatively impact those who were already vulnerable before the war. One group that certainly falls into that category is Ukrainian orphans.

On Capitol Conversations, Chelsea Sobolik had a conversation with Dr. Rick Morton, the vice president of engagement for Lifeline Children’s Services, to discuss how the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacts orphans, vulnerable children, and families in the process of adopting. They discuss how the war harms vulnerable children and ways the church can get involved in caring for vulnerable children.

You can listen to the conversation and learn more about how to support vulnerable children in Ukraine here.

Featured Podcasts

On this week's episode of the ERLC Podcast, Brent and Lindsay discuss Ketanji Brown Jackson and the Senate confirmation, Oklahoma’s news on the abortion front, and news concerning SBC presidential candidates. They also talk about a seminary dean gunned down in Ukraine and opening day for MLB.

On the Digital Public Square podcast, Trevin Wax, the vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board, joins Jason Thacker to talk about GK Chesterton and defending the Christian faith.

From The Public Square

Pills are the next big abortion battleground
Axios

As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the fate of Roe v. Wade, advocates on both sides of the fight are already positioning themselves for the next battle, over medication abortions or so-called abortion pills.

House passes legislation decriminalizing marijuana
ABC News

The House of Representatives voted Friday to approve legislation that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level and remove criminal penalties for certain cannabis-related offenses by a vote of 220-204. Three Republicans joined almost all Democrats in voting for the legislation.

Florida Republican pledges to make gender transition-related medical care for minors felony child abuse
Politico

A Florida state House Republican pledged to introduce legislation to criminalize gender-affirming care for minors throughout the state, a proposal similar to a measure backed by Arkansas Republicans last year that was condemned by LGBTQ rights advocates.

Arizona, Idaho among states that saw action on abortion this week
CNN

Anti-abortion advocates had a lot to celebrate this week, including the passage of what a Republican bill sponsor in Kentucky dubbed one of the "most significant" pieces of anti-abortion legislation "in a generation."

What You Need to Read

Lindsay Nicolet with Remember those who are in prison: An interview with Brenna Norwood about The Heart of Texas Foundation, prison ministry, and the power of Jesus

The good news of Jesus in the hearts of men and women creates ripple effects of his goodness and order. The men and women we serve consistently begin to reach out to their children in a new and unselfish way, Every crime creates a ripple effect — the victim of the crime, the family of the victim, the family of the perpetrator, and society. Studies show that 7-8 out of 10 children will follow their parent into prison. The gospel can change that. We have witnessed that many, many times.

Marissa Postell with What is abortion tourism?

Even if the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs allows states to make abortion illegal, abortions will continue in other states that welcome abortion tourists with open arms. States like New York are preparing for the new wave of abortion tourism that could come if Roe is overturned. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has promised that New York will welcome women into their abortion clinics who can’t have abortions in their home states — much like they did in the early 1970s.

Alex Ward with What can we learn John Leland’s life? An interview with Eric Smith about religious liberty, cultural engagement, and evangelism

Leland engaged in politics largely to ensure that Americans would enjoy the freedom to preach and to respond to this gospel. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not want the state’s assistance in establishing churches; he also did not fear the changes in American society, or the diversification of the American population. To the end of his life, Leland maintained that if the gospel is simply turned loose in a free marketplace of ideas, it will prove itself compelling, time and time again.