On July 31, 2015, the Center for Law and Culture was part of an inspiring event featuring 2016 presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The RISE Initiative conference in Tinley Park, Illinois, was hosted by Freedom’s Journal Institute (FJI). Founded by Dr. Eric Wallace, FJI is dedicated to equipping Christians and churches to engage in the political process and to shape public policy. With an emphasis on empowering the black community, FJI’s RISE principles include Responsible government, Individual liberty and fidelity, Strong family values, and Economic empowerment.
The July 31 RISE Initiative conference celebrated the sanctity of life and featured presentations throughout the day by nationally known pro-life speakers, leaders, and pastors. During the luncheon portion of the day, Governor Mike Huckabee spoke with conviction and eloquence about the trouble our country faces economically, internationally, and morally. He called upon followers of Christ to be active in taking up the mantle of returning America to its biblical foundation. The RISE conference concluded with a powerful panel discussion featuring several Chicago-area pastors. These pastors spoke passionately about the need for churches to proclaim biblical truth in addressing key issues of our time, particularly when it comes to the sanctity of life and marriage.
The Center for Law and Culture sponsored a table at the RISE luncheon. Center Executive Director Dr. Charlie Emmerich, Center Creation Care Director Dr. Susan Emmerich, and Center Director Zach Bohannon, represented and promoted the Center and Olivet Nazarene University, alongside like-minded organizations, such as Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Right to Life, among others.
The Center for Law and Culture’s sponsored table attendees pictured here, along with Drs. Susan and Charlie Emmerich and Zach Bohannon of the Center. To the far right are FJI Founder and President Dr. Eric Wallace and his wife, Jennifer.
