Minnesota Family Council

Minnesota Family Council (MFC) is an American Christian organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1983. MFC is a family policy council affiliated with Focus on the Family and Alliance Defending Freedom. It is aligned with the Christian right in the United States. After registering as a political action committee in 2011, MFC has lobbied against abortion and same-sex marriage, and in favor of single-sex school bathroom and changing facility policies.[3]

Minnesota Family Council
Founded1983
FounderThomas W. Prichard
TypeNonprofit Corporation
41-1863170 (EIN)
PurposeLobby in support of families and biblical principles
Location
  • 2855 Anthony Lane South
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
Key people
John Helmberger, CEO[1]
Revenue
$216,514 (2016)[2]
Employees
6
Volunteers
20
Websitemfc.org

History

Origins

Minnesota Family Council was founded in 1982 and was originally known as the Berean League.[4] MFC has been active in politics, representing religious conservatives since at least 1994.[5]

MFC describes itself as "a non-partisan, grassroots, Christian organization dedicated to strengthening the family – the bedrock of society – by advancing foundational biblical principles in churches, the media, government, and the public square throughout the state of Minnesota."[6]

Lobbying

In 2011, MFC registered as a political action committee (PAC) in its efforts for lobbying against same-sex marriage.[7] MFC's CEO, John Helmberger is a registered lobbyist for the organization.[8]

Positions

The Minnesota Family Council has been an active participant in the social values dialogue in the United States (US). The organization is notable for its conservative positions on prayer in public schools, LGBT rights, abortion rights and a school voucher system.[9] MFC's stated mission is "to strengthen the families of Minnesota by advancing biblical principles in the public arena."[10]

Abortion

MFC is opposed to abortion, stating that "human life is sacred from conception to natural death and must be protected by government".[10] MFC has advocated for a heartbeat bill which would ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat can be detected.[11]

Same-sex marriage

MFC is opposed to same-sex marriage and domestic partner benefits. It spent $349,857.25 on the failed 2012 effort to amend the Minnesota constitution to ban such unions.[12][13]

Affiliated organizations

MFC's educational subsidiary, Minnesota Family Institute (MFI) provides training, research and non-partisan voter education for their church network and grassroots constituents. MFI in turn operates the Northstar Legal Center, which provides legal education for attorneys and networks oriented toward upholding biblical principles and religious liberty in the courts.[14]

MFC is locally affiliated with Focus on the Family,[15] Family Policy Alliance,[16] Alliance Defending Freedom, and Family Research Council.[17]

See also

References
  1. Lea, Albert (October 3, 2006). "Religious group targets DFLer over gay marriage; In Minnesota and other states, a Christian group is urging clergy to highlight such issues. Others say voters have more vital concerns". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN.
  2. "Minnesota Family Council 2016 IRS Form 990". Pro Publica Nonprofit Explorer. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  3. ""Transgender Policies: True and False"". mfc.org. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  4. Birkey, Andy. "Minnesota's homegrown Christian right: meet the Minnesota Family Council". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  5. Balz, Dan (September 15, 1994). "Minnesota Race Slows Momentum of Religious Right". Washington Post.
  6. "Who We Are". Minnesota Family Foundation. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  7. Grovum, Jake (August 11, 2011). "What's happening at the Minnesota Capitol: Iowa debate tonight: Dayton admin movements". St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report. Minnesota.
  8. Grovum, Jake (December 13, 2011). "What's happening at Minnesota Capitol: Vekich to work on GOP finances, Sawalich to run for chair". St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report. Minnesota.
  9. Smith, Dane (January 13, 1996). "GOP conservative McKigney seeks Bertram's Senate seat". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN.
  10. "Our Mission". Minnesota Family Foundation. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  11. Bauman, Christine (May 21, 2018). ""New Legislation Would Prohibit Abortion When Fetal Heartbeat Is Detected"". Alpha News. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  12. "Who is funding the marriage amendment fight". Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  13. "ElectionResults2012". Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  14. "What's the Difference Between Minnesota Family Council and Minnesota Family Institute?". Minnesota Family Foundation. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  15. Roberts, William (October 19, 2006). "Republicans Falter in Bid to Mobilize Christian Conservatives". Bloomberg. Focus on the Family operatives plan to distribute 250,000 voter guides in Minnesota churches to reach social conservatives, said Tom Prichard, 47, president of the Minnesota Family Council, a local affiliate of Dobson's group. "It's really a volatile election situation," Prichard said.
  16. ""Allies"". familypolicyalliance.org. Family Policy Alliance. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  17. ""Family Policy Councils"" (PDF). frc.org. Family Research Council. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
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