Tony Perkins
Anthony Richard Perkins (born March 20, 1963) is an American politician and evangelical
lobbyist. He is president of the Family Research Council, a Christian conservative policy and lobbying organization based in Washington, D.C. Perkins, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor,
was previously a police officer and television reporter, served two terms as a Republican
member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2002. On May 14, 2018, he was appointed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Perkins has a sordid political history, having once purchased Klansman David Duke’s mailing list for use in a Louisiana political campaign he was managing. In 2001, Perkins gave a speech to a Louisiana chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens, a white supremacist group.
lobbyist. He is president of the Family Research Council, a Christian conservative policy and lobbying organization based in Washington, D.C. Perkins, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor,
was previously a police officer and television reporter, served two terms as a Republican
member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2002. On May 14, 2018, he was appointed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Perkins has a sordid political history, having once purchased Klansman David Duke’s mailing list for use in a Louisiana political campaign he was managing. In 2001, Perkins gave a speech to a Louisiana chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens, a white supremacist group.
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The Dramatic Rise of Anti-Semitism and a Call for Evangelical Action A dramatic surge in anti-Semitism has gripped U.S. college campuses, with Hillel International, an organization dedicated to supporting Jewish students, reporting that “anti-Semitic incidents on campus reached their highest-ever level during the 2024-2025 school year.” The organization documented 2,334 incidents, a staggering 10-fold increase compared to the 2022-2023 academic year. This escalation also coincides with heightened tensions following the outbreak of war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas on October 7, 2023. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) further underscored the crisis, noting over 10,000 anti-Semitic incidents across the U.S. within a year of the attack. On Thursday, during a private event at Family Research Council that focused on the topic of anti-Semitic awareness, FRC President Tony Perkins addressed the alarming rise in anti-Semitism, noting its prevalence not only from expected sources like the political Left but also from unexpected quarters, including some on the Right. “[F]rom an evangelical perspective,” Perkins stated, “Scripture warns against this. And that’s where I think part of our problem is.” He expressed cautious optimism about younger generations, particularly Gen Z, observing “a return to the … Bible.” However, he voiced concern that not all teachings align with biblical accuracy, stating, “Not everyone is teaching the Bible the way they should.” (Washington Stand 8/1/25) READMORE>>>>> FRC's Tony Perkins, Governor Jeff Landry, & Christian Leaders to Hold Sunday 'Prayer for the Nation' Broadcast Following New Orleans Attack This Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. CT, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, a Louisiana resident and former state representative, will hold a one-hour broadcast "Pray for the Nation" in response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Christian leaders including Pastor Carter Conlon, Pastor Jack Hibbs, Michele Bachmann, Dr. David Goza, Troy Miller, and Pastor Art Reyes will also be a part of the prayer event. Mike Clark, a chaplain with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association who has been in New Orleans ministering to those affected by the attack, will join the broadcast to pray. (Yahoo 1/4/24) READMORE>>>>> 10 Evangelical reactions to Trump's guilty verdict: 'A very sad day' Tony Perkins, the president of the Evangelical conservative advocacy group Family Research Council, shared his thoughts on the verdict in an X post Thursday, saying: “Our Republic only thrives when justice is blind, it dies when justice is blinded by politics and power. This is a sad day for our Republic.” (Christian Post 6/22/23) READ MORE>>>>> Trump's Bible endorsement draws mixed reactions from Christians: 'Syncretistic expression' Tony Perkins, president of the Washington-based Christian conservative advocacy organization Family Research Council, told The Christian Post that he supports Trump's promotion of the Bible if it encourages someone to read it. "That is great news!" Perkins said. "The truths of the Bible transform lives. A daily dose of the Bible is the best anti-anxiety medicine you will find. For those getting into the Word, I'd recommend checking out Family Research Council's daily Bible reading plan, which will take you through the Bible in two years." (Christian Post 3/30/24) READ MORE>>>>> April 20, 2023: Reuters: Trump keeps edge among evangelicals, but there is an opening for challengers
Prominent evangelical leaders such as Franklin Graham and Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, have said they are not endorsing Trump or any other candidate at the moment as the race moves forward. Mar 30, 2023: Religious News Service: Can DeSantis break Trump’s hold on the religious right?
Christian conservative power broker Tony Perkins told Alberta he’s dismayed that DeSantis isn’t exploiting the fact that Trump laid the blame for disappointing 2022 midterm election results on the anti-abortion movement. “What we’re looking for, quite frankly,” Perkins said, “is a cross between Mike Pence and Donald Trump.” Pence is Protestant and DeSantis is Catholic; otherwise, from the tight hair to the anti-media venom, DeSantis is a pretty good match. Oct 7, 2016: Religion News Service: Questions for Falwell, Perkins, Franklin Graham et al.
Can you live with yourself as an apologist for this man? Presidential candidate Donald Trump has donated $100,000 for flood relief to a Louisiana Baptist church where Family Research Council President Tony Perkins is serving as interim pastor. The Republican nominee and his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, stopped at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church during an Aug. 19 visit to Baton Rouge, La., to survey damage and meet with victims and relief workers a week after a storm flooded much of central Louisiana. Also in attendance was Franklin Graham, president of the Christian international relief agency Samaritan’s Purse. Apr 7, 2015: Christian Examiner: 21 days of prayer launched about Supreme Court decision on marriage
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council is asking Christians to start today to pray and fast through April 28 when the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the issue of marriage. Jan 30, 2015: Right Wing Watch: Tony Perkins: Gays 'Persecute' Christians By Making Them View Photos Of Gay People On Facebook
-Family Research Council President Tony Perkins invited his colleague Peter Sprigg on to “Washington Watch” yesterday to discuss an Idaho state legislative committee’s decision not to include protections for LGBT people in a proposed nondiscrimination law. June 28, 2013: WBRZ: Tony Perkins temporarily at pulpit in Baton Rouge Perkins is temporarily leading the congregation since Pastor Dennis Terry left. Terry made controversial statements from the pulpit during the presidential campaign last year |
 Zorek Richards
February 24, 2024: Luke 6:31-36
Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Family Research Council director, Tony Perkins, posited an article to Newsmax titled "Biden's Anti-Faith Climate Fuels Hostility to Churches." In the article he claims that "growing anti-faith rhetoric of the Left, led by the Biden administration’s own bigotry toward Christians, has made it open season on churches. After just 55 acts of hostility in 2020 under Donald Trump, the aggression has skyrocketed from 96 (2021) to 195 (2022) to a staggering 436 acts last year." Perkins offers no evidence, just some stats that for all I know could have been pulled out of the air. He just doubles down and writes "Under the Biden administration, there’s one common denominator between the growing religious persecution abroad and the rapidly increasing hostility toward churches here at home: our government’s policies." Perkins may be one of those people who believe that Democrats cannot be Christian because, well, they are "socialist." Though I used to think that as a former right winger, I now know that is not true. In fact I have met Christians who claim to be Democrat who are far better than many Christians I have met. One, apparently repeated poster (Crimsonis) wrote this: Dementia Joe hates all protestant, Baptist, Puritan Berean etc...any church but the Vatican. Don't you remember Dementia Joe running to the Vatican begging forgiveness (actually getting his orders from papa). Nancy Pelosi also ran to Vatican (to get her marching orders as well). Obama is insane - has mental illness. That's just a horrible judgement with no foundation. Then he goes full Christian Nationalist and writes: America is a Christian nation. Separation of church & state was for Christians protections, so we wouldn't become like Europe who got their marching orders from papal authority owning all countries. If they didn't comply - wars! By those same kings. Founders also said NOT TO GET INVOLVED IN FOREIGN ENTANGLEMENTS. Europe always in wars. Mind our own business. (Hitler trained his SS after Jesuits.) President Eisenhower warned the American. This is right wing extremism at it's best. Lots of attacks and judgements....and topped off by a platitude implying Christian Nationalist ideas are the only ones that are right. This is where we are. |
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins delivered his 'State of Faith, Family & Freedom' address last night, correcting the record on President Joe Biden's
handling of all issues related to faith, family, and freedom. The address was given at FRC's headquarters one day before President Biden is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address. FRC President Tony Perkins' remarks stated, in part:
"Ladies and gentlemen, special and honored guests...welcome to Family Research Council here in Washington, D.C. I can say the state of faith, family, and freedom is already stronger simply because you're here. "[Among] our many guests joining us are pastors from 19 different states...I introduced these pastors to several members of Congress who are standing for faith, family, and freedom. We were hosted by my Louisiana
colleague, Steve Scalise, the Majority Leader in the House. We met in the Lincoln Room, which is located just outside the House chamber. The room served as the House post office when Abraham Lincoln was serving in the House, but he used it as a place to huddle with colleagues to plot their way forward. "While we were there in the Lincoln Room, I thought about just how significant the divide is in our nation today. We've not been this divided since Abraham Lincoln's day. I thought of Mr. Lincoln's "House Divided" speech
that he gave in 1858. He was speaking to the bitter division of the nation over slavery when he quoted the Bible, saying: 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' "I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. "I do not expect the Union to be dissolved--I do not expect the house to fall--but I do expect it will cease to be divided.
"It will become all one thing, or all the other. "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."Two
weeks ago, in speech celebrating the 50th anniversary of the now-overturned Roe v. Wade decision, Vice President Kamala Harris said this: 'America is a promise ... It is a promise of freedom and liberty--not for some, but for all. A promise we made in the Declaration of Independence that we are each endowed with the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'
"But [today], President Biden is likely to say that he and his administration have stood up for 'reproductive rights' and so-called 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' in public life. We, in turn, are grieved that abortion, aided by abortion drugs, is on the rise again. "I am
certain there will be at least one place of semi-agreement. President Biden is fond of saying America is at an inflection point. It's at more than an inflection point--it is at a crossroads, a place of choosing.
"This time, I believe something is different. This time, the conflicts are absolutely fundamental. This time, the conflict goes deeper and points to severe fractures in the fault lines of worldview--how we see the world, how we respond to the truth. No society can remain healthy--or survive long--with such fractures. Red lines are being crossed. "Americans are a patient and tolerant people, but we have seen the signposts on the road to perdition. We are ready to turn, and we won't wait for Washington.
"[Today], let us recognize and be emboldened that this is our government, and we, the people under the authority and direction of God, will determine the future of this nation. "We will not wait for Washington," concluded PerkinsTo read the full address, please visit:https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF23B10.pdf
handling of all issues related to faith, family, and freedom. The address was given at FRC's headquarters one day before President Biden is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address. FRC President Tony Perkins' remarks stated, in part:
"Ladies and gentlemen, special and honored guests...welcome to Family Research Council here in Washington, D.C. I can say the state of faith, family, and freedom is already stronger simply because you're here. "[Among] our many guests joining us are pastors from 19 different states...I introduced these pastors to several members of Congress who are standing for faith, family, and freedom. We were hosted by my Louisiana
colleague, Steve Scalise, the Majority Leader in the House. We met in the Lincoln Room, which is located just outside the House chamber. The room served as the House post office when Abraham Lincoln was serving in the House, but he used it as a place to huddle with colleagues to plot their way forward. "While we were there in the Lincoln Room, I thought about just how significant the divide is in our nation today. We've not been this divided since Abraham Lincoln's day. I thought of Mr. Lincoln's "House Divided" speech
that he gave in 1858. He was speaking to the bitter division of the nation over slavery when he quoted the Bible, saying: 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' "I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. "I do not expect the Union to be dissolved--I do not expect the house to fall--but I do expect it will cease to be divided.
"It will become all one thing, or all the other. "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."Two
weeks ago, in speech celebrating the 50th anniversary of the now-overturned Roe v. Wade decision, Vice President Kamala Harris said this: 'America is a promise ... It is a promise of freedom and liberty--not for some, but for all. A promise we made in the Declaration of Independence that we are each endowed with the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'
"But [today], President Biden is likely to say that he and his administration have stood up for 'reproductive rights' and so-called 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' in public life. We, in turn, are grieved that abortion, aided by abortion drugs, is on the rise again. "I am
certain there will be at least one place of semi-agreement. President Biden is fond of saying America is at an inflection point. It's at more than an inflection point--it is at a crossroads, a place of choosing.
"This time, I believe something is different. This time, the conflicts are absolutely fundamental. This time, the conflict goes deeper and points to severe fractures in the fault lines of worldview--how we see the world, how we respond to the truth. No society can remain healthy--or survive long--with such fractures. Red lines are being crossed. "Americans are a patient and tolerant people, but we have seen the signposts on the road to perdition. We are ready to turn, and we won't wait for Washington.
"[Today], let us recognize and be emboldened that this is our government, and we, the people under the authority and direction of God, will determine the future of this nation. "We will not wait for Washington," concluded PerkinsTo read the full address, please visit:https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF23B10.pdf
Tony Perkins
“I am grateful for the vision and courage of Pat Robertson. My first formal introduction into the world of government and political action was in the wake of his run for president and the creation of the Christian Coalition. It was a shaping experience to serve as chairman of the coalition in Baton Rouge many years ago. Pat’s vision and legacy as a man of God and a man of action will live on and continue to inspire.” --Tony Perkins; Newsmax; 6.8.23.
Tony Perkins
"Now is the time for every God-fearing Christian in America to draw a bright red cultural line. You cannot be a spectator watching this and remain in step with the Lord and His word.
In this, President Biden is right: There is a battle for the soul of this nation and its children, and we need to realize that it has eternal significance and consequences.
Frankly, we live in a time that’s unprecedented in all of human history. Never has the world seen this type of attack on children and on the rights of parents to protect them, as God has intended us to do — to teach them, to train them, to nurture them. The time has come for parents to rise up and reclaim their rightful role. In other words, “There is no retreat from here. You must fight where you stand.” --Tony Perkins; Newsmax; 6.20.23.
In this, President Biden is right: There is a battle for the soul of this nation and its children, and we need to realize that it has eternal significance and consequences.
Frankly, we live in a time that’s unprecedented in all of human history. Never has the world seen this type of attack on children and on the rights of parents to protect them, as God has intended us to do — to teach them, to train them, to nurture them. The time has come for parents to rise up and reclaim their rightful role. In other words, “There is no retreat from here. You must fight where you stand.” --Tony Perkins; Newsmax; 6.20.23.
Tony Perkins
“Mike (Johnson) has been a friend for a long time, and I believe God has answered our prayers with his election. Mike will be the America First Speaker we need and will lead with spiritual insight and political courage. Join me in giving thanks to God and covering our new Speaker in prayer.” --Tony Perkins; Twitter 10/25/23
Tony Perkins
"We now have an opportunity in the United States to see this issue back into the hands of lawmakers and the people. That's what we're seeing happening in states across the nation. And our message is very clear: there's still a federal role. There is now an opportunity to protect the unborn in this country, and this is a responsibility of elected officials at every level, whether it's a county level, the city level the state level, or the federal level......We have the opportunity to get back to that point where we protect unborn human life. And I'm optimistic we'll get there." -Tony Perkins; Newsmax; 6.23.22
June 16, 2020: Perkins became the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom vice chair.
December 10, 2020: Perkins signed a letter from the Conservative Action Project asking state legislatures in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Michigan to exercise their plenary power under the Constitution to overturn Joe Biden's victory by appointing pro-Trump slates of electors to the Electoral College.
June 17, 2019: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom elected Perkins as chair for the commission.
May 14, 2018: “I know they’ll mock at that idea, but look, if you are a male – genetically you are a male, biologically you’re a male – and you say, ‘Well, I’m not a male. I’m a female.’ I mean, what’s to keep you from saying that you’re an animal?”
– Tony Perkins on being transgender on his “Washington Watch” radio show.
– Tony Perkins on being transgender on his “Washington Watch” radio show.
January 26, 2016: Politico reported: Tony Perkins, the evangelical president of the Family Research Council, has endorsed Ted Cruz for president.
Speaking to Megyn Kelly on Fox News’ “The Kelly File” on Tuesday night, Perkins said, “Ted is a constitutional conservative who will fight for faith, family and freedom. He will defend our right to believe and live according to those beliefs. Our families will be protected and freedom will once again mean something in America.”
Speaking to Megyn Kelly on Fox News’ “The Kelly File” on Tuesday night, Perkins said, “Ted is a constitutional conservative who will fight for faith, family and freedom. He will defend our right to believe and live according to those beliefs. Our families will be protected and freedom will once again mean something in America.”
Tony Perkins
We do not claim the right to speak for everyone, but we do claim the right to speak. And speak we will to the millions of Americans who share our values. Our voice is just as legitimate as the voice of others. --Tony Perkins
Tony Perkins
Americans will not give their blood and treasure to prop up new Islamic fundamentalist regimes. Religious freedom is not just 'an important element' of democracy; it is its cornerstone. Religious persecution leads inevitably to political tyranny. Five hundred years of history confirm this. Americans have not given their lives so that Christians can be put to death. --Tony Perkins
What we are saying tonight is that as American citizens, we should not have to choose between believing what is in this book and serving the public.--Tony Perkins
Family Research Council president Tony Perkins told Washington Watch listeners last Friday that they should oppose gay equality because it will lead to the end of humanity.
Perkins agreed with a caller who said that gay people should be asked how they could exist “if it were not for physical relationship, intimacy between a man and a woman,” a point which followed a long rant about how President Obama is a Muslim under the influence of the Devil.
The FRC head responded that “the human race would be extinct within time if [homosexuality was] normal.”
Yes, because treating homosexuals with dignity and giving them legal rights means all humans everywhere will become gay. Apparently gay marriage is just so awesome that if people have the choice between it or regular marriage, regular marriage just doesn’t stand a chance. --Little Green Footballs; Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins: Gay Rights Will Lead to the Extinction of Humanity; Jan 2014
Perkins agreed with a caller who said that gay people should be asked how they could exist “if it were not for physical relationship, intimacy between a man and a woman,” a point which followed a long rant about how President Obama is a Muslim under the influence of the Devil.
The FRC head responded that “the human race would be extinct within time if [homosexuality was] normal.”
Yes, because treating homosexuals with dignity and giving them legal rights means all humans everywhere will become gay. Apparently gay marriage is just so awesome that if people have the choice between it or regular marriage, regular marriage just doesn’t stand a chance. --Little Green Footballs; Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins: Gay Rights Will Lead to the Extinction of Humanity; Jan 2014
May 9, 2014: Baptist Press reported: HGTV cancels show; stars called 'anti-gay'. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said of HGTV’s tweet announcing the cancelation, “That’s a lot of cowardice packed into 140 characters.”
Sept 13, 2014: Politicus USA reported: Tony Perkins Rejects First Amendment, Claims Islam Tears at the Fabric of Our Democracy
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council is that guy the Founding Fathers warned you about. According to Perkins, members of ISIL are Muslims “practicing their faith,” as opposed to all those peaceful, live-and-let-live Muslims you and I are all familiar with. Peaceful, says Perkins, because they are not practicing the Qur’an.
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council is that guy the Founding Fathers warned you about. According to Perkins, members of ISIL are Muslims “practicing their faith,” as opposed to all those peaceful, live-and-let-live Muslims you and I are all familiar with. Peaceful, says Perkins, because they are not practicing the Qur’an.
Z-News Notes: Dec 27, 2013: A writer who only identifies himself/herself as "Heather" from Crooks & Liars published an article tonight about Tony Perkins and his conversation with Shannon Bream on Fox News tonight after A&E announced they would reinstate Phil Robertson and Duck Dynasty would go on. Of course, she/he labeled Perkins a "homophobe" and suggests that we will now see "the homophobes come out of the woodwork to celebrate." Get used to it. Anyone who agrees with Phil Robertson or opposes organizations like GLAAD will be called a homophobe. No big deal, really, as people who oppose President Obama are called "racist," the labels are losing their sting and now border on the humorous when used in the context that they use them in. It really amounts to a problem with literacy and an inability to think through an issue and understand what exactly they are arguing against.
Mar 20, 2012: Greenwell Springs Baptist Church pastor Dennis Terry introduced presidential candidate Rick Santorum and Family Research Council president Tony Perkins tonight in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a rousing speech railing against liberals and non-Christians and condemning abortion rights, "sexual perversion," same-sex marriage and secular government.
August 13, 2012: Perkins Press Conference: “Let me be clear, Floyd Corkins was responsible for firing the shot yesterday that wounded one of our colleagues Leo Johnson, but Corkins was given a license to shoot an unarmed man by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center that have been reckless in labeling organizations ‘hate groups’ because they disagree with their public policy. And I believe the Southern Poverty Law Center should be held accountable for their reckless use of terminology that is leading to the intimidation and what the FBI has categorized as an act of domestic terrorism.”
April 26, 2005: An article in The Nation, Max Blumenthal reported that while managing the unsuccessful U. S. Senate campaign of Woody Jenkins in 1996, Perkins "paid former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke $82,500 for his mailing list." Perkins denied knowing about the purchase. A document authorizing the payment was reported to contain Perkins' signature. The incident resurfaced in the local press in 2002, during Perkins' unsuccessful Senate run.
May 17, 2001: Perkins gave a speech to the Louisiana chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens, a white supremacist group that has described black people as a "retrograde species of humanity". Perkins claims he did not know the group's ideology at the time.
October 21, 1995: Perkins won an open seat in the Louisiana House representing District 64 (the eastern Baton Rouge suburbs, including part of Livingston Parish) when he defeated Democrat Herman L. Milton of Baker 63% to 37% in the nonpartisan blanket primary.