The Biden administration unleashed an unprecedented wave of progressive policies that reshaped America in ways many found alarming. Schools were inundated with LGBT-themed curricula, and Pride flags appeared in places like the White House, where they were never meant to be. Transgender ideology surged, with children increasingly targeted by its agendas. Former Vice President Kamala Harris fixated on abortion as a central talking point, and instances of Christians facing unjust punishment for exercising their rights raised concerns. Meanwhile, millions of illegal immigrants crossed the border, straining resources, contributing to crime, and accessing benefits meant for American citizens.
And yet, as troublesome as four years under the Biden-Harris administration were, they served as a wake-up call for many. The 2024 presidential election proved this, with President Donald Trump securing a resounding victory in both the popular and electoral votes. The message from Americans was unmistakable: they demanded a new direction. And that change has begun.
In the past six months, the Trump administration has moved decisively, strengthening border security, protecting women’s and girls’ sports, and advancing the pro-life cause with significant victories. A Republican-controlled Congress, with majorities in both the House and Senate, has boldly pushed legislation reflecting Christian and conservative values. Recent Supreme Court rulings have further bolstered these efforts, safeguarding children from pornography, so-called “gender-affirming care,” and ideologically driven curricula in schools. Notably, South Carolina has been spared from being forced to use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions through Medicaid.
But despite these encouraging developments, the work is far from complete. The need for enduring, transformative change remains urgent. Enter the social conservative movement — a rising force of individuals determined to secure lasting impact. This movement isn’t content with minimal progress; it seeks to boldly advance truth in the public square and cement its rightful place in shaping culture and policy.
This past week, the 2025 Social Conservative Policy Conference (SoConCon) convened in Indianapolis, Indiana, where policy leaders from nearly 40 state family policy councils gathered to “debate ideas, develop strategies and action steps, and cast fresh vision to increase our impact in government and culture.” The driving force behind SoConCon is clear: “social conservative policies are often sidelined by the media and relegated to a sidebar conversation.” But this movement refuses to be marginalized, prioritizing faith, family, and freedom at its core.
Family Research Council (FRC) proudly partnered with Family Policy Alliance and sponsored SoConCon to amplify truth and shape a future that upholds these values. Tony Perkins, FRC president, and Craig DeRoche, president and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, kicked off the conference with a conversation about the state of the conservative movement, including the posture of government and thought leaders toward biblical values today.
“Now is not the time to rest on our laurels,” declared Perkins “This is a time to work and to do what the Lord has called us to do, to be salt and light.”
Perkins was later joined by DeRoche for a live “Washington Watch” episode at the conference. “It’s not the most creative name in the world,” DeRoche quipped, “but it’s one that I hope your guests can remember. … The idea was that we go to a lot of conservative conferences, but they kind of pat us on the head, and fiscal conservatism and some of these other ideas tend to dominate.” SoConCon, however, unites Christians and conservatives, because, as DeRoche emphasized, “We believe … that we’re better together.” Reflecting on their efforts, he added, “Looking back, God has been with us.”
Perkins underscored the concrete nature of truth, noting, “The truth never changes.” This bedrock principle anchors Christians and the social conservative movement alike. “You might not be in vogue today,” Perkins acknowledged, “but … eventually, the truth is going to prevail. And so, if you just stand on truth, you’re going to be in the right place.”
Reflecting on the 2024 election, DeRoche highlighted its deeper significance. “It’s sinking into America right now that this wasn’t a political victory. This is a moral victory for America. And it will be durable.” These moral victories, he suggested, could take root and lead to lasting transformation. Perkins agreed, stressing the urgency of the moment: “While we have this opportunity, we need to make sure that we change laws and policies so that we don’t revisit this area again and [continue moving] our nation back to transcendent truth.”
In separate remarks at SoConCon, Perkins offered timeless wisdom for the movement’s adherents. “What we have to do in this process,” he said, “is be in the political world, but not of the political world. We’ve got to be able to operate in that environment, but in no way compromise our core values in truth. … [T]hat’s the moment we’re in right now.” Unity, he emphasized, is critical. Social conservatives must “double down with what you’re doing” and remain humble, recognizing that “we should not ever become prideful for thinking that we have political weight. It’s the Lord’s work that we’re doing. It is the Lord that’s bringing the increase.”
And this mission extends beyond America’s borders. A SoConCon panel of experts addressed global efforts, with FRC’s Travis Weber noting that Christians, “who are placed here by God to convey His views, His voice, His word,” are called to do so “both here and around the world. It is right and proper for us to be thinking … of Nigeria, of Ghana, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, of Colombia, Nicaragua, China, Taiwan, Pakistan, India,” and beyond.
As Perkins declared, the path forward is clear: “We just have to be faithful to the call that He’s given us and never, ever surrender truth or compromise because of conflict or because of the contention that comes from standing for that truth.” Such contention is inevitable — those who stand for God’s truth often face backlash, even persecution. And Perkins expressed deep gratitude to those who persevere. “Thank you for showing up,” he said. “Not just in this room [at SoConCon], but in the policy trenches, in the statehouses, in the courtroom. Standing for truth when it is costly, when it’s lonely, and when the odds feel stacked against us.”
Christians and social conservatives, Perkins added, are “often … the minority voice. Often without applause of the world.” And yet, we’re “always with the approval of heaven. … We may not have all of the political muscle and the monetary backing that others boast. We don’t have the media empires echoing our convictions or the Fortune 500 companies financing our causes. But the King of Kings says, ‘I know.’ He sees our obedience.”
Perkins continued, “He sees our devotion not to parties, not to politicians, but to Him. And He honors that divine opportunity. He opens doors that no man can shut. When we hold fast to the word of God and maintain our public allegiance to Jesus Christ, we’re not walking in weakness as the world would define it. We’re walking in supernatural, God ordained strength.” Ultimately, for those in Christ, “We’re not called to chase power. We’re called to persevere in the truth.”
The true victory, as Perkins explained, “is not found in fleeting political winds or temporary influence, but in remaining faithful to the word of God and unashamed of the name of Jesus Christ. Even when the headlines shift and the polls fluctuate, He remains the same, and He sees your faithfulness as well.” America’s future is not contingent upon “money, media, or momentary majorities.”
No, Perkins concluded, the future of this nation “will turn on men and women who live and leave with eternity in view, who keep their eyes on the One who opens the doors that no one can shut. So, my encouragement to you … is to hold fast to what is true. Don’t be shaken by setbacks or seduced by short-term gains. Stay rooted in the eternal and walk with confidence through every door that opens before you” for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.
This article appeared originally here.
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