Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said he lives in a town of 2,500 people, and the most influential person in the community is his pastor.
“Pastors need to speak on moral issues and let people know biblical principles,” he said. “And they must let their congregation know who their legislators are. We must pray for those who represent us, and we must contact them about issues of concern.”
Riley spoke at the annual Alabama Citizens Action Program board meeting at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions facility in Prattville on Feb. 24. He recalled working with the late executive director Dan Ireland during Riley’s term of office.
Importance of influence
“Dan would talk to legislators and ask how they planned to vote on upcoming moral legislation,” Riley said. “If he didn’t get the answer he wanted, he’d say, ‘I’m coming to your church and tell them where you stand!’”
“We can’t beat lobbyists with money, but we can beat them with influence,” Riley said.
Riley encouraged board members to do four things: support ALCAP, talk to legislators, talk with other pastors and humble themselves before God and pray.
In his report, ALCAP President Greg Davis talked about influence as well.
“We have 3,500 to 4,000 churches who support us,” he said, “and we have 59 board members from all over the state who expand our influence. We are all advocates.”
Davis lamented that legislators don’t often hear from constituents, and that many church members don’t know who their state house member or senator is. ALCAP’s website has a link through which state officials are identified.
Other guests
Several other guests addressed the group.
Matthew Clark of the Alabama Center for Law and Liberty spoke on sexual orientation and gender identity issues, noting that those who manage facilities, rent properties and host weddings should be watching the cultural and political landscape.
“The biggest threat is restroom facilities,” he said. “The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently ruled on religious exemption, so our churches are protected for now. But we do recommend public vigilance.”
Becky Gerritson, executive director of Eagle Forum of Alabama, spoke about the Parental Rights in Children’s Education Act which she believes will get a hearing in the upcoming state legislative session. The law would establish a $6,000 fund parents could use at their discretion. This amount is the average the state pays to public schools per student.
Christine Carr, an advocate and registered nurse, spoke about the proposed Drug Free Babies Act.
In other business, board member Michael Ethridge presented the financial report, noting that ALCAP sold its building on Valleydale Road in Birmingham and is now leasing space at Summit Parkway in Birmingham for a substantial savings. The 2023 budget is $371,650.
Nominating chair John Killian presented six recommendations for new board members who were approved.
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