As we reflect on 2021, in many ways it has been more challenging for churches than 2020. Most of us have lost loved ones to COVID, and pastors continue to face challenges in dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. Although pastors are, no doubt, familiar with the situation of being criticized no matter which decision they make for the church, the pandemic has created more of those “opportunities.”

We are grateful that Citizen Impact had a strong year. Our Pastors & Ministry Leaders’ Day in February and our Annual Conference in August were both great successes, especially considering all the limitations with COVID. We made strides at the state capitol during the legislation session here in Georgia, in part, collaborating with like-minded organizations on bills. In September, we made a trip to Washington, DC for the first time since September 2019.

Citizen Impact team members with Rep. Dominic LaRiccia who is presenting Citizen Impact with a Resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives.

When the Georgia General Assembly goes into session in January, we will be focusing on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which Gov. Kemp has promised to sign. Click here for a helpful video explaining RFRA. We have also spoken with a state legislator and the GBI about introducing legislation to tighten the obscenity laws as it relates to children. We will continue to fight against the expansion of state-sponsored gambling, as Georgia becomes the focus of the gambling lobby.

Citizen Impact is committed to assisting ministries in whatever ways we can. The pandemic has shown us how easy our religious freedoms can be taken away if we are not diligent in protecting them.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Citizen Impact to help us finish the year financially strong. You can click here to send your gift.