Faith & Family

State Rep. Byrd Proposes Bill to Allow Concealed Guns on Religious Grounds

Published

4 years ago

February 15, 2021

Florida House Representative Cord Byrd (R-11). Photo: WJCT.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Cord Byrd (R-11) introduced a new bill to the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives that would allow individuals with a concealed firearm permit to carry a gun while on the premises of a religious institution, whether a mosque, synagogue, or church, if the institution allowed it.

“Over the last decade, we have seen attacks on houses of worship and people of faith. In 2015 we saw the attack on a church in South Carolina. In 2017 we saw an attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas; in 2018 a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in 2019 an attack on a mosque in New Zealand,” said the chairman of the subcommittee, Representative Byrd when he presented the bill.

After the attack on Sutherland Springs, the state of Texas passed a bill allowing concealed weapons in church. “This bill follows in Texas’ steps to carry concealed weapons in a religious institution unless that institution prohibits it.”

The bill would amend the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Parkland School act that allows only public schools to hire armed security officers to include private and parochial schools as well.

Trish Nealey, of the League of Women Voters, intervened in the hearing to voice her opposition to the bill.

“Carrying guns in house of worships ad schools is not appropriate, and make no mistake, we believe that when or if this bill passes, it will have set precedent to allow guns in schools,” she said. “As a country, we have done a very poor job in keeping guns out of the hands of crazy people, because crazy people often times look just like you and me. Do we really want children and people in church wondering whether the person sitting next to them has a gun?”

Nealey added that the debate reminded her of the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union competed in nuclear weapon stocks.

“They had nuclear weapons, well we need to have more. I believe that smart people can craft smart solutions without starting a new arms race. Single entry and exit points and trained security guards are a far better answer,” she added.

Officer Luis Valdez, of Gun Owners of America, argued that this bill would ensure the peace of Floridians going to a place of worship.

“[The State Constitution] argues that Floridians have the right to practice their religious beliefs in peace. Part of that peace is having the right to defend themselves. Restricting the right to defend ourselves restricts that religious belief. Current law lists any religious institution that has a school or leases property to a school can forbid Floridians to carry a gun.”

“As tragically proven by the shootings at the Pittsburgh synagogues and the Sutherland Springs church, criminals will attack good people in houses of worship. Concealed carry prevents criminals from hurting good people. As a 15-year veteran law enforcement officer, I know that when seconds count, officers are minutes away…Do the right things and repeal the gun-free zones,” he said.

Dawn Stuart of the Florida Parents and Teachers Association also opposed “any legislation that allows anyone, and I mean anyone, other than a sworn trade certified law enforcement officer to be armed at school property…I can tell you from personal experience, you would not want me to carry a concealed weapon in those meetings.”

Maryann Hammer of the Unified Sportsmen of Florida and the National Rifle Association, said that “the state has no more right to strip away the property right of religious institutions of child care that it has for you and me to prohibit gun ownership while we babysit our grandchildren or homeschool our home children. This bill is about restoring the private property rights of religious institutions and the same rights of people going shopping or into a business or onto any other property.”

The bill received 14 favorable votes and four against during the session.

_____________________________________________________

Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Faith & Family

Happy Easter from Florida National News

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2025

Hidekel Griffin

In celebration of Easter, Florida National News and the FNN Faith & Family Show extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As the Easter weekend arrives, all of us at Florida National News and the FNN Faith & Family Show extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.

Florida National News Wishes Floridians a Joyful and Restorative Easter Weekend

Whether you are gathered around the dinner table with family, attending church services, enjoying the springtime outdoors, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, we hope this weekend brings you a renewed sense of peace, purpose, and connection.

Faith & Family: Florida National News Celebrates Easter with Warm Wishes and Gratitude

Easter is a time of hope and transformation—a reminder of new beginnings and the power of faith, love, and community. It’s also a time to reflect on what truly matters: compassion, togetherness, and giving thanks for life’s blessings.

We are deeply grateful to be part of your lives and to serve the people of Florida each day. Your continued support allows us to uplift, inform, and inspire communities across the state.

From our family to yours—Happy Easter, Florida!

___________________________________________________

FNN Faith & Family
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Faith & Family

Exponential 2025 Unites over 5,000 Global Church Leaders to Experience “Greater Things”

Published

4 weeks ago

March 26, 2025

Hidekel Griffin

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Exponential 2025 united over 5,000 passionate church leaders from 25+ countries, representing 100 networks, denominations, and churches, for a powerful gathering at First Orlando Baptist Church. The annual conference, focused on church growth and multiplication, inspired attendees through dynamic worship, thought-provoking teachings, and a shared mission to spread the Gospel.

Photo by Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin

Exponential: Empowering Leaders for Church Growth and Multiplication

Exponential is a global movement dedicated to accelerating church multiplication by equipping leaders with actionable strategies, resources, and training. The conference featured renowned speakers including Christine Caine, Drew Hyun, Derwin Gray, Jennie Allen, Joby Martin, Sarah Jackson, Dan Owolabi, J.D. Greear, Ed Stetzer, Gui Franco, Moses Mukisa, Tom Jackson, and Noemi Chavez.

Throughout the event, leaders engaged in worship, strategic discussions, and networking to advance their mission of multiplying healthy, reproducing faith communities.

Photo by Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin

The “16% Mission”: Transforming U.S. Churches for Exponential Growth

A central theme of Exponential is the “16% Mission”, which aims to reach a tipping point where at least 16% of churches in the U.S. actively engage in multiplication. The organization provides resources such as:

A comprehensive digital library with multiplication tools
Online courses and leadership training
Year-round conferences and networking opportunities

Photo by Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin

Looking Ahead: Exponential 2026 Announces “You’re A Multiplier” Theme

The momentum continues into Exponential 2026, with the theme “You’re A Multiplier” aimed at empowering leaders to take bold steps in church multiplication.

For those looking to multiply their churches and make a greater impact, registration is now open at www.exponential.org.

_____________________________________________________________

Hidekel Griffin, Digitial Reporter
FNN Faith & Family
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Faith & Family

NRB 2025 Convention in Grapevine Brings Together Over 5,800 Christian Media Professionals for Key Industry Discussions

Published

2 months ago

March 6, 2025

Hidekel Griffin

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS (FNN) — The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Association welcomed over 5,800 Christian media professionals, including 345 international attendees from 52 countries, to the highly anticipated 2025 NRB International Christian Media Convention. Held in Grapevine, Texas, from February 24–27, the convention served as a leading global platform for Christian communicators to network, engage in industry discussions, and witness the latest developments in the faith-based media sector.

Covering the event for FNN Faith & Family, reporter Hidekel Griffin highlighted the major discussions and milestones from the convention, which featured 58,000 square feet of exhibits and 271 exhibitors, including 62 first-time exhibitors. The event offered a comprehensive look at the impact of Christian media globally, underscoring the ongoing evolution of media platforms and communication tools, especially in the context of new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Opening Session Highlights Key Themes for 2025

At the Opening Session of NRB 2025, Troy A. Miller, NRB President & CEO, addressed the packed room of Christian broadcasters and media professionals, emphasizing the organization’s continued role in advancing Christian communications. Miller’s speech underscored the NRB’s 80-year history in fighting battles for Christian media through the transition from traditional radio to digital platforms, streaming, and the emerging world of artificial intelligence (AI). He remarked:

“This organization has been on the forefront for Christian communicators, fighting the battles that will keep you doing the ministry that God has called you to do,” said Miller. “For eighty years, this organization has fought continuously as we have transitioned from radio into television, to satellite, to digital, to streaming, to internet, and soon, into all things AI.”

The 2025 NRB Convention saw a remarkable increase in international engagement, with attendees from around the world coming together to explore issues of media influence, censorship, pro-life values, and the ongoing fight for Christian values in public life. Miller’s address was a powerful reminder of the essential role of Christian media in modern society.

Spotlighting Key Sponsors and Partners

The NRB 2025 Convention was made possible through the support of Gloo AI, a Platinum Sponsor, and other key partners such as Patriot Mobile (Silver Sponsor) and Ignite America, Prime Video, and Wonder Project (Bronze Sponsors). These sponsors played a pivotal role in helping to create an environment where Christian communicators could expand their reach and advance their missions in the face of an ever-changing media landscape.

For a full list of NRB Convention sponsors and their roles in supporting the event, attendees were encouraged to visit the official NRB website.

Educational Panels and The Great Commission Forum

Throughout the event, NRB hosted a packed schedule of panels, talks, and networking opportunities. One of the most anticipated events was the Great Commission Forum, which offered insights into the global impact of Christian media. Featured speakers included Rev. Samuel Rodríguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and musical artist Mimy Cifuentes. The forum provided a space for attendees to explore the power of media in spreading the Christian message across borders and cultures.

Discussions on local broadcasting, values-driven media, censorship, and pro-life and pro-family values were also central themes during the week, showcasing the challenges and opportunities for Christian communicators navigating the complex media ecosystem.

Honoring Israel and Leadership in Media

On Wednesday, February 26, the convention began with the annual sold-out Breakfast to Honor Israel. This event was a poignant moment for attendees to come together and support the Jewish community in the U.S. and abroad. The breakfast included performances of the U.S. and Israeli national anthems by Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings, and a keynote address by Livia Link Raviv, the consul general of Israel to the Southwest U.S.

Additionally, the event featured a fireside chat with David Parsons, vice president and senior spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Elan Isaacson, head of security for the Eshkol Region, who shared firsthand accounts of the difficulties faced by Israeli citizens amidst the ongoing conflict. The breakfast was sponsored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Magen David Adom (MDA).

The Media Leadership Dinner and Keynote Remarks

On the evening of Wednesday, February 26, the convention hosted its annual Media Leadership Dinner—an invitation-only event for presidents and leaders of NRB member organizations and their guests. This exclusive gathering provided an opportunity for high-level networking and collaboration among Christian media professionals.

The highlight of the dinner was the keynote speech delivered by **Jonathan Turley, a nationally recognized legal scholar and professor at J.B. & Maurice C. Shapiro of Public Interest Law and at George Washington University Law School. The dinner was sponsored by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM).

The NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention concluded on Thursday, Feb. 27, with another full day of affiliate events, workshops, talks, exhibits, and networking opportunities. The Closing Gala featured a musical performance by The Erwins, the presentation of the annual Special Service Awards, and a keynote address from Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor at First Baptist Dallas. The Gala was sponsored by Evangelism Explosion International.

Recipients of the Special Service Awards included:

Hall of Fame Award | Richard (Rich) P. Bott, Bott Radio Network

William Ward Ayer Award | Roger Kemp, RK Media

Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications | Samaritan’s Purse

Milestone Award | David Benware | KALS 97.1FM | Moody Radio | Joe Battaglia

NextGen Award | Dallas Jenkins

President’s Award | Lauren Libby

Chairman’s Award | Anne Graham Lotz

Board of Directors Award | Candace Cameron Bure