A kinder, gentler Christian Civic League of Maine
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I proudly identify myself as a Christian. This was not the case a few years ago. Under the reign of Michael Heath, the Christian Civic League of Maine quite possibly turned more people away from Christianity than it did draw them to it. His public representation of Christianity made some of us uncomfortably flinchy whenever a newscast or presser came about that had anything to do with him. It's not that Heath was not right in what he said, it was the delivery. The Word of God says to speak the truth in love. Heath, unfortunately, often left the love part out.
Fast forward to this past summer. Carroll Conley, Jr. was hired as the new Executive Director of the CCLM, now called the Maine Family Policy Council. While those who staunchly supported Heath as a truth-speaker with no tolerance for pluralism, sin, or anything not deemed of the Christian creed tend to think of the kinder-gentler CCLM/MFPC as Christianity-light. However, I know Carroll and can attest to his faithfulness and deep love of Christ. His focus is, as it should be, on building bridges between sinners and Christ, rather than drawing lines in the sand that alienate anyone from Him. He brings the truth in love and is an unapologetic Apologetic. Under Carroll, the CCLM now has a chance to bring new membership in and expand its reach into important public policy areas that have such grave impacts upon the moral fiber of society like abortion, gambling, and educational choice. I am proud to call Carroll a friend and thrilled that he is the new face of Christianity in Maine.
Thanks for clarifying the name, Bob. The website says two names, and the email I get "The Record," says another. I personally favor the Maine Family Policy Council, though I have a little tug in my gut about not including "Christian" in there somewhere!
The Maine Jeremiah Project began with a desire to see Christians working together to influence public policy and culture in Maine.
There were several key principles that guided the work we have done in the last few years. Those principles included letting the Church be the Church without fear of contradiction or competition from a “para-church” organization.
Another key principles was taken from the example of Jesus in John 1:14 where we read He was “full of grace and truth”. We have seen those two attributes as inseparable. While we have always tried to speak the truth with boldness, we also wanted to speak with grace.
Those who have been part of, and those who have watched from a distance can judge how successful we have been. But I write these things now to say that we have not wavered in our commitment to these principles, even as we join with the Maine Christian Civic League. The Director and the Board of Directors for the Christian Civic League share a commitment to these principles. I am delighted and honored to work with them.
The recent Unity Banquets we held throughout the State showed us that Christians from Mapleton to Cumberland are pleased with what will prove to be a demonstration of unity and efficiency.
I urge all my friends in Maine and around the country to join us in the important work ahead of us. Everyone should know that we are not quitting, we are getting stronger.
The work, and yes, the battles ahead of us will demand our best efforts. We will need to be careful with our resources, generous in our giving and efficient in our strategies. Please join us now. Renew your commitment to improving the culture of Maine.
Revive your efforts to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached and practiced in the civic arena of Maine. Contact the Maine Christian Civic League and let Carroll know you are part of this partnership. Stand with us.
God bless,
Pastor Bob Emrich
Maine Jeremiah Project
I have to say, Bob, that one of the coolest things about CCLM is just knowing that there is a voice for Christians at the halls of the State Capitol!
Just- That is "cool". And it is only one of the good things happening with the CCL.
But they cannot do it alone. I hope many will get on board.
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JustaMainah,
I agree with you about Carroll Conley. He is doing very well already. I enjoy working with him and an confident that he will prove to be a good fit for this ministry. I am pleased to call him my friend as well.
For what it is worth - there has been a lot of confusion about the name but it is still the Maine Christian Civic League. At least for now.:)