Here at FPIW, we often share about defending and advancing Biblical values in the public square. That is our central mission. But what are those values, and what issues do they apply to culturally and politically? In hopes of answering that question, we have been working on a new booklet so that you can gain a better understanding of our mission and the “why” behind our political stances.
This week, we will be introducing the 18 issues under FPIW’s purview through a two-part blog series that overviews the recently released “Issues” booklet, which you can access here. Part Two of the series can be accessed here. Next week, we will begin to examine these issues in light of cultural events and how they apply to your life and Washington state.
INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM
We believe genuine freedom is a condition in which human flourishing can thrive. Freedom within a civil society is possible only if it is based on the virtues and values of religious tradition and ultimately rooted in the truth of Christ. FPIW believes citizens should be allowed the freedom to pursue their highest potential without undue government interference. Freedom from sex trafficking. Freedom from indoctrination. Freedom from tyranny.
Biblical Worldview:
- “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” –Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)
PUBLIC SAFETY
We believe Washington communities need law enforcement to protect our law-abiding citizens, their children, and their property. Likewise, we advocate for lawful protection of our businesses, schools, entertainment venues, and our places of worship. While working to keep chaos and evil at bay, our civil rights and liberties must be honored.
Biblical Worldview:
- “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” –Romans 13:4 (NKJV)
LEGAL IMMIGRATION
We support a lawful and orderly immigration policy. We welcome people who desire to become Americans and adopt our ways of living — those immigrants who respect and celebrate our culture and customs, and those who uphold our treasured values of Western Civilization that have been the source of our strength, prosperity, and moral leadership as a force for good, “a city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14, KJV).
Biblical Worldview:
- “One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.” –Exodus 12:49 (NKJV)
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
FPIW supports responsible development while still conserving areas of natural beauty. We reject the notion that development within the state always undercuts the environment. Conversely, the wealth created by creative business ventures affords us time and resources by which we can care for the environment. We must remember we are only stewards, taking care of God’s world on His behalf. One day we will be called to give an account for our stewardship. Our interactions with the environment should aim at improving human life and alleviating human suffering.
Biblical Worldview:
- “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.” –Psalm 24:1 (NKJV)
PROPERTY RIGHTS
We believe that property owners have been taken advantage of in our state. Even though Washington has a strong eminent domain clause in its constitution, stunning abuse has occurred. We call on lawmakers to ensure laws are changed to reflect court rulings; that laws which promise to pay for confiscated property, be fully funded or the property returned to the landowners; and that overreaching state agencies are not allowed to shut down entire communities and their economies with questionable science and hidden agendas.
Biblical Worldview:
- “You shall not steal.” –Exodus 20:15 (NKJV)
- “You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark (boundary).” –Deuteronomy 19:14 (NKJV)
QUALITY EDUCATION
We believe in school choice for all children, and we advocate for parents and locally-elected school boards to have authority over school policies and curriculum. Children deserve an education that is free from woke ideology, graphic sexual materials, the promotion of abortion, and a curriculum that fosters confusion regarding their sexual orientation and gender. We support educators who wish to refrain from teaching non-biblical material.
Biblical Worldview:
- “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” –Matthew 18:5–6 (NKJV)
PARENTAL RIGHTS
We believe parents know their children best and have the right to choose how to raise their children. From educational choice to vaccine exemptions, we oppose government efforts to force parents into decisions, with which they do not agree.
Biblical Worldview:
- “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” –Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)
- “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” –Psalm 127:3–5 (NKJV)
HEALTHCARE FREEDOM
We believe that healthcare professionals, health insurance companies, hospitals and employers have the right to live out their faith in their practice of medicine. We defend the right of employers to deny coverage for procedures opposing their religious convictions. We support policies to protect taxpayers from being forced to fund abortion and gender procedures and oppose legislation that forces merging hospitals or medical facilities to provide these procedures. .
Biblical Worldview:
- “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” –Acts 24:16 (NKJV)
- “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” –Isaiah 1:17 (NKJV)
ELECTION INTEGRITY
We believe in the necessity of promoting election integrity. We desire to enhance civics education and be a respected resource for combating disinformation while bolstering trust in our electoral processes. We advocate for election laws that protect ballot security and the rights of registered voters, while restricting voter rights for unregistered citizens, convicted criminals, and illegal immigrants.
Biblical Worldview:
- “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” –Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)
- “You shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” –Exodus 18:21 (NKJV)
Click here to view Part II of this series, where we overview the last nine issues in our newly released booklet.
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These issues are of utmost importance to us at FPIW, and we hope you share our sincere passion in defending and advancing these Biblical values in the public square.
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