Blog
A Well-Intentioned Law That Threatens the Independence of Christian Schools
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America Christian schools share North Carolina’s concern about students struggling with depression, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts. Protecting vulnerable young people is not a partisan issue, and...
Bloodless Martyrdom: When the State Seeks to Destroy a Ministry
by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org “Thou shalt not kill” forbids the deliberate and unjust taking of innocent human life. Yet Christ teaches that the evil addressed by this commandment begins before blood is shed. Anger, contempt, hatred, and the desire to remove...
Guardrails Under Pressure: Critical Issues Before the North Carolina General Assembly
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America The North Carolina General Assembly is approaching what may be one of its final periods of activity for the 2025–2026 legislative session. Several consequential matters remain unresolved, while other...
The Old Temperance Pledge Christians Need to Read Again
by Rev. Mark CreechRevMarkCreech.org Recently, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a video of a prominent pastor with a national following. Displayed on the platform beside him were various alcoholic beverages—beer, wine, and liquor. His message was...
General Assembly Adjourns with Important Business Unfinished
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned on July 2 and is scheduled to reconvene at noon on Monday, July 27. During that session, lawmakers may address vetoes, budget-related legislation, conference...
North Carolina Budget Sent to Governor: Several Moral Policy Concerns Deserve Attention
by Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America The North Carolina General Assembly has now passed and sent Governor Josh Stein a roughly $34 billion State Budget. After a prolonged budget standoff, the final votes came Thursday, July 2, with the...
Lumbee Voters Rejected a Casino — and They Were Right
by Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return AmericaThe Lumbee people have spoken, and they have done so with remarkable clarity. In a historic tribal vote, Lumbee voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed casino gambling and a...
Alcohol, HB 198, HB 921, and the Courage to Do What Is Right
by Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America There are many troubles afflicting America today, but few are as tolerated, excused, celebrated, and politically protected as the destructive use of alcohol. Alcohol is not a minor social concern. It...
When Big Brother Comes to North Carolina Highways
By Rev. Mark Creech RevMarkCreech.org North Carolina lawmakers are considering making a highway surveillance program permanent, which allows automatic license plate readers on state road rights-of-way. At first glance, that may sound like a routine law enforcement...
Bills Return America Has Addressed, the Case Made, and Other Legislation Being Monitored
By Dr. Mark CreechDirector of Government RelationsReturn America The following is a summary of bills that Return America has been monitoring more recently during the legislative session, including measures for which we have tracked committee activity, reviewed...