Released: Tuesday, May 01, 2018

VAIB| Virginia Voice

April 25, 2018

Future Conference Dates:

• September 27-28, 2018 • September 26-27, 2019

• September 24-25, 2020 • September 23-24, 2021

Strengthen: General Assembly Special Session

The General Assembly’s 2018 Special Session began on April 11. The purpose was to pass a budget, but VAIB essentially had no budgetary concerns. As of April 9, the governor had signed, amended, or vetoed any remaining bills. Regarding bills of concern to VAIB, the 2018 session is complete. In summary, we are pleased that there have been no negative impacts on churches or religious liberties as a result of 2018 legislation.

Educate: Religious-Exempt Day Cares & Fingerprint Checks

If your church maintains a religious-exempt day care, you should now be receiving notices from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) regarding fingerprint background checks for your staff and volunteers. VAIB advises that you have these fingerprint checks completed for your workers and that your church pay for the checks and not allow VDSS to pay for them! If you receive state or federal money, even for fingerprint checks, you may be obligated for more than you think. Your day care ministry could then be required to follow certain nondiscrimination policies in opposition to your religious convictions. If you need further clarification, feel free to call the VAIB office. Failure to perform fingerprint background checks for all staff and volunteers could result in serious consequences for your day care! All background checks must be completed before September 30, 2018. If your day care has had scheduling issues with Fieldprint, please contact the VAIB office.

Involve: Elections

VAIB is not a political organization. We do not endorse candidates or political parties. We do, however, ask you to vote and stay in touch with elected officials regarding important issues. Personally, I’d like to see more of our people run for office or work in government for the godly influence they could have. Too often we criticize government but are unwilling to be part of the solution.

Candidates are even now campaigning for their parties. You can help determine those candidates by being involved in the process. Let’s step up and encourage good candidates to run. Then pray and vote for those you believe will stand for biblical values.

Closing Thoughts

April is a month of hopeful expectation for some and dread for others. The onset of spring brings new growth and beautiful flowers. But it’s also when federal taxes are due. For me, April is when I’m back at full speed visiting churches. It’s such a blessing to be back at supporting churches, some of which I haven’t been able to visit for four or more years. We’re also excited to be in new churches, meeting new brothers and sisters in Christ, encouraging them to consider helping shoulder the financial needs of VAIB.

If you or your church does not yet support VAIB, I want you to know that your donation would be greatly appreciated in helping strengthen our voice at the General Assembly. VAIB has been vital in upholding the religious liberties we all enjoy as believers here in Virginia.

Our 2018 schedule still has some openings, especially in the fall, and we are also now scheduling for 2019. Please call today to schedule a meeting (804-299-3986).

Your voice for Christian liberties!

Eddy Aliff

Executive Director

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