Our Values
Biblical Worldview
Palmetto Family Council is committed to a biblical worldview that explains the world through God’s Word for God’s image bearers. It is an all-encompassing perspective on history based on Scripture that includes Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Our worldview guides our understanding, shapes our values, and informs our decisions
Marriage
We believe one’s sexuality is sovereignly chosen by God and all men and women stand before Him equally in creation. We believe marriage is created by God as a covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:21-24). The sexual relationship reserved for marriage is God’s gift for both relational blessing and procreation. Children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3) and the family is the first and foundational unit for a stable culture and society.
The Value of Life
We believe all of mankind is created by God (Psalm 139:13-16) in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27) though fallen in sin (Romans 5:12) and endowed with an eternal soul (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4; Ecclesiastes 11:5). The uniqueness of mankind is seen in God becoming a man through the incarnation of Christ (John 1:1,14) by His miraculous conception from a virgin. The value of a single human soul is immeasurable and worth more than the entire world (Mark 8:36) Therefore, we believe all of life is God’s gift, from conception to natural death, and should be protected and treated with dignity.
Educational Freedom
We believe education is the responsibility of parents. As such, parents should be empowered to provide the best education possible for each individual child. Laws which provide parents the freedom to utilize broad educational choice should be fostered and encouraged. In addition to professional and life skills, education should promote and emphasize critical thinking and character development built on moral and ethical values to ensure a thriving society.
Human Flourishing
We believe mankind has a divine mandate to rule the earth (Genesis 1:28; 9:1-10) and to steward it through honorable work, wise care and fruitful productivity. All resources are God’s blessings for the purpose of meeting our needs, giving generously, and expanding and investing for growth. (Ephesians 4:28).
Just Government
We believe government is instituted by God (Romans 13:1-2) and citizens are required to be subject to and support its authority. A just government restrains evil, enacts laws to govern a peaceful society and promotes judges who fairly uphold the law. Laws should promote, protect and strengthen religious liberty for individuals, churches and faith-based organizations.
Church and the Gospel
We believe at the heart of a biblical worldview is the Church and the Gospel. Their origin is before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:19-20). The Church was purchased by Christ on the cross (Acts 20:28). God’s work is the establishment of His church in all nations through the preaching of the Gospel. As a spiritual entity, the church derives its authority from God and not government. We believe the church should influence government and culture for righteousness.
Our History
Under the leadership of G. Steven Suits, M.D. of Spartanburg, Palmetto Family Council received its charter as a non-profit organization in 1993, and opened an office in Columbia in the fall of 1994. Working in association with Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, we began “defending and strengthening the family” in South Carolina.
Over the years, Palmetto Family has remained on the front lines of the fight to keep biblical values a consideration in the culture at large and in public policy decisions. As the only organization in South Carolina focused full-time on the entire range of issues facing families, we have helped the Palmetto State realize hundreds of wins for faith, family and freedom.
Our research and publications promote positive change that help make South Carolina a better place to live and raise a family. We have earned a reputation as a clear, credible voice on cultural and policy issues affecting the family.
Palmetto Family is the most effective faith-based organization fighting for a South Carolina where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished.