Released: Monday, August 30, 2021

VAIB | Virginia Voice

Volume 8 | August 30, 2021

Governor’s recent mandate

Gov. Northam’s announcement on August 12 regarding a mask mandate for schools makes no changes for churches. Unfortunately, it does require all schools (and day cares in some instances), public and private, to follow the updated mask guidelines requiring all children two years old and up to wear masks in certain settings. There are penalties for those who fail to follow the guidelines. I encourage any ministry impacted by this change to contact legal counsel for guidance.

Virginia March for Life—September 17

One of the most important issues of concern to VAIB is support for the unborn. The Virginia March for Life will occur on Friday, September 17. Come and stand with others who believe all life should be protected, especially the unborn. You can register here: https://p2a.co/CKul51Q

Pastors, I encourage you to arrange transportation to bring groups from your churches. The rally begins at noon at the Virginia Capitol, and the march begins at 1 p.m. from the same location. More information can be found at https://marchforlife.org/virginia-march-for-life/

Ready to Vote?

Virginia is one of two states that have elections this year on November 2nd. I believe voting is an important responsibility and an opportunity to have a voice in government. Every vote matters.

To help you better understand the candidates and their positions on areas of concern to VAIB, I’ve prepared a voter guide in collaboration with Rev. Byron Foxx of God and Country Ministries. Elections this year are for the following state offices:

• Governor
• Lt. Governor
• Attorney General
• House of Delegates (all 100 seats)

Are you registered?

Voter registration ends October 12. You can register to vote online at GodandCountry.me. Pastors, you can help by encouraging voter registrations at church after each service until October 12. Have someone with a laptop available after each service who is logged in to GodandCountry.me to assist folks with registrations. Every vote matters.

Vote Early!

In-person early voting begins September 17 and ends Saturday, October 30. I believe voting early would protect your vote. Go in person to your local registrar’s office to vote. Encourage friends in your district to go with you. Pastors, you can help by arranging transportation for those who need rides to their registrar’s office. You will need to check with your localities’ registrars’ offices to see if they are providing Sunday voting hours. Then, you could announce that a bus, van, or other transportation will be available to take people to vote after Sunday morning service. Every vote matters.

Be a voice.

During our country’s early years, pastors would often preach sermons to remind their congregations of their responsibility to vote for candidates who followed biblical principles. Some, like Elder John Leland, were active in the political arena, holding voter drives and influencing men like James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Pastor, are you doing the same? I urge you to be a voice like John Leland’s to your congregation. Remember—Every vote matters.

ONE Voice for Liberties Conference

The ONE Voice for Liberties conference will be here soon—September 23. Register by September 8 if you want to have meals onsite. Register at https://vaib.org/education/one-voice-for-liberties-conference/

Sincerely,

Rev. Eddy Aliff
Executive Director

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