JULY 2025
“On Monday the IRS filed a motion in federal court acknowledging that churches and ministers are free to address social and political issues from a biblical point of view.
The motion helps bring clarity to the First Amendment freedoms of pastors and churches.
Many people believe state and federal law prevents churches and pastors from addressing “politics,” but churches and ministers actually have always had tremendous leeway to talk about legislation, campaign issues, and even candidates.
Churches and ministers are free to address social and moral issues — even if some people consider those issues “political.”
That means they are free to stand up against abortion, promote biblical marriage, encourage responsible citizenship, support laws that protect children from sex-change procedures, and so forth. Churches can spend an insubstantial amount of money lobbying for or against legislation or ballot issues as well.
Historically, churches have hosted voter registration drives. They have been free to hold candidate forums and educate voters about candidates and elections.
Legal experts generally have agreed the IRS rules — also known as the Johnson Amendment — let ministers support or oppose candidates.
However, on Monday the IRS filed a court motion reinforcing that churches have tremendous leeway when it comes to free speech and religious liberty. The motion says,
When a house of worship in good faith speaks to its congregation, through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith in connection with religious services, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith, it neither “participate[s]” nor “intervene[s]” in a “political campaign,” within the ordinary meaning of those words. . . . Bona fide communications internal to a house of worship, between the house of worship and its congregation, in connection with religious services, do neither of those things, any more than does a family discussion concerning candidates. Thus, communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.
The IRS says this is in keeping with its traditional interpretation of federal tax rules governing churches.
Our friends at Liberty Counsel say this means that “if a house of worship endorsed a candidate to its congregants, the agency would view that not as campaigning but as a private matter, like ‘a family discussion concerning candidates.’”
All of this underscores that churches and ministers have tremendous freedom when it comes to talking about morality, social issues, candidates, and political campaigns.”
APRIL 2025
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JANUARY 2025
https://www.livingwallarkansas.com/
What is the Living Wall to the Unborn?
The Living Wall to the Unborn monument being constructed on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds in Little Rock is a profound expression of faith and respect for the lives entrusted to us by the Creator.
Embracing the symbolism of a living “green” wall, this monument intertwines living plants in a vertical structure, echoing the interconnectedness of all life .
Much like the green wall enriches the environment and brings forth beauty, the Living Wall to the Unborn stands as a living testament, a sanctuary of prayer and reflection, symbolizing the sanctity of every soul created by the Creator of all, Jesus.
Colossians 1:16
Who is funding the project?
The monument, dedicated to celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade and honoring God’s gift of life, relies on the generosity of individuals like YOU.
Your private donations fuel our mission to commemorate and cherish the precious lives of unborn children, ensuring their memory endures for generations to come.
There are two different ways to GIVE to this project. Online through the Arkansas Right to Life website or via Mail with a written check to the Secretary of State Trust Fund for the Unborn Children Display Fund.
How do my donations help with the project?
The Monument to Unborn Children Display Act, as detailed in Senate Bill 307,\ ( ACT ), establishes the Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund.
This fund, managed by the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, is designated to receive gifts, grants, and donations for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a monument on the State Capitol grounds in Arkansas.
The monument commemorates unborn children aborted during the era of Roe v. Wade.
The selection of the artist, design of the monument with input from pro-life groups in Arkansas will be overseen by the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission, with final approval from the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State is authorized to accept gifts, grants, and donations for the fund, enter into contracts for the design and construction of the monument, and ensure its ongoing maintenance and repair.
LIVING WALL LOCATION:
ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL
500 Woodlane St
Little Rock, AR 72201
CONTACT ARKANSAS RIGHT TO LIFE:
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For up-to-date information on Arkansas legislation, visit ARKLEG.STATE.AR.US.
Additional information can be found at: https://conduitnews.com
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 America’s Golden Age Begins!  “The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.”–President Donald J. Trump  With your help, we will restore an American promise and we will rebuild the nation that we love. And we love it so much.” –President Donald J. Trump  President Trump is delivering results from Day One—and he’s just getting started! 42 Executive Orders, Memoranda, & Proclamations 115 Personnel Actions Over 200 Executive Actions 60 Minutes of Press Q&ATrump Administration First Week DebriefOn Monday, January 20th, Americans witnessed a historic moment as Donald J. Trump was sworn in for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. President Trump wasted no time getting straight to work for the American people, vowing to usher in a “Golden Age” after the failures of the Biden-Harris administration.Now, one week into his second term here’s a debrief of all the key actions and achievements from his first week in office.Executive OrdersPresident Trump signed over 40 Executive Orders on his first day in office, kickstarting his commitment to the America First Agenda. Throughout his first week, he continued to take decisive action to deliver on his promises. Here are some of the most significant steps he took: Rescinding Harmful Executive Orders & Actions Of Biden AdministrationRestoring Freedom of Speech & Ending Federal CensorshipProtecting the American People From InvasionProtecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety ThreatsDeclaring a National Emergency At The Southern Border Of The United StatesWithdrawing The United States From the World Health OrganizationRequiring Employees Of The Executive Branch Work In-PersonDeclaring a National Energy Emergency ConfirmationsMarco Rubio – Secretary of StatePete Hegseth – Secretary of DefenseJohn Ratcliffe – Secretary of Homeland SecurityKristi Noem – Director of The CIA In The NewsTrump to visit battered North Carolina towns “The Democrats don’t care about North Carolina. What they’ve done with FEMA is so bad. FEMA is a whole [other] discussion, because all it does is complicate everything,” Trump said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, his first White House interview since his inauguration. Read the full article on Foxnews.com Politics Colombian leader quickly caves after Trump threats, offers presidential plane for deportation flights Colombian President Gustavo Petro offered his presidential plane to repatriate migrants coming back from the U.S. on Sunday in response to stern warnings made by President Donald Trump. Read the full article on Foxnews.com Trump calls on Putin to make a deal, end its war against Ukraine or face more economic pressure Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, told “America Reports” earlier this month that he’d like to see the war come to an end within 100 days of Trump taking office. Read the full article on Foxnews.com ICYMI Arkansas leaders are stepping up to take the gavels in Washington, D.C.   Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Spoke at Trump’s Inaugural Event(Click HERE to see the full video) |
| A Message from the President We Won, Now What? |
 Victory Is Just the Beginning! Our historic victory of winning both the White House (popular vote and electoral) and Congress is a mandate from the American voters. Their show of trust demands action. They are not just giving Republicans power – they’re giving us marching orders. Our victory presents not just an opportunity, but also a responsibility to deliver on American voters’ trust. Success in elections must be transformed into successful legislation and policy implementation. Now the real work begins! The American voters have given us the momentum needed to restore American Exceptionalism, and NFRW members stand ready to help turn campaign promises into enacted legislation. Each NFRW member has a vital role to play, beginning with staying informed on critical issues. NFRW will continue to keep members current on strengthening border security, combating inflation, boosting economic growth, protecting parental rights, protecting women’s sports and spaces, and preserving 9 Justices on the Supreme Court. NFRW empowers our members through weekly publications, virtual programs featuring Republican leaders and experts, and our in-person meetings – all focused on keeping our dedicated membership updated on issues that put America First. Now is the time to strengthen our voice and grow our membership! The American system of government works best when citizens, particularly engaged NFRW members, are actively involved between elections, not just during them. Our elected leaders need to hear NFRW’s strong, unified voice, understand our conservative priorities, and feel our encouraging support as they work to move legislation forward. The future of America depends not just on who holds office, but also on how engaged NFRW members remain in supporting their efforts to govern with an America First agenda. |
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| The RPA RecapDecember 16, 2024 Edition |
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| Arkansans Leading in Committee Chairmanships This past week Congressman French Hill (AR-2) was elected the next Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services. Hill joins fellow Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-4) who will chair the House Committee on Natural Resources. As Republican have regained control of the Senate, Arkansas Senator John Boozman (R-AR) will wield the gavel of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. One thing is for certain going into 2025: Arkansas is well represented by leadership roles in the 119th Congress! |
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| ICYMI: 2025-2026 RPA Officers Elected Congratulations again to the newly elected Republican Party of Arkansas officers for 2025-2026, representing all four congressional districts: Joseph K. WoodFayetteville | Chairman Sharon WrightTexarkana | First Vice Chairman John NabholzConway | Second Vice Chairman Sharon StuthardFayetteville | Secretary Nelda SpeaksMountain Home | Treasurer |
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| Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) Discusses Syria, China, and NATO Paying Their Fair Share Fox & Friends| Fox NewsWatch Full Interview Here |
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| The Year of Celebrating Teachers AR Education Sec. Jacob Oliva | Democrat Gazette Read Full Op-Ed Here |
| Rep. French Hill (R-AR) Statement on House Financial Services Committee Chairmanship Read Full Statement Here |
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Republicans have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Let us count our blessings. Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours!
President Trump improved his support among our nation’s youth in 2024. Our local youth showed up to show their enthusiasm for our Republican candidates. Way to go, Guys. We appreciate you!
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If you haven’t already done so, please add Ben Berquam to your list of trusted journalists. In his own words:
“For the past several years, I have been traveling the country, exposing the left and inspiring/mobilizing Christian conservatives to stand up for what we believe in: Christ, Family, and Country. Now with the introduction of Frontline Radio, and this website, I invite you to join me in this fight to restore the Nation’s identity once again to One Nation Under God.”
Find Ben’s work at: https://frontlineamerica.com/
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https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
Sources: Michel W Smith July 4, 2015, Clinton McKain November 11, 2015
Hot Springs Village Republican Women's Club 