The FAMiLY LEADER President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats is issuing a public invitation to Mayor Pete Buttigieg to join him in a public discussion at TFL’s annual Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines on July 12.
Buttigieg is the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and is exploring running for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States in 2020. In speeches and public appearances recently, Buttigieg has raised several questions about the intersection of faith, politics, and sexuality, including a claim that his same-sex marriage has moved Buttigieg “closer to God.”
Vander Plaats leads The FAMiLY LEADER, a Christian ministry from Iowa that has a significant voice in the Iowa presidential caucuses and seeks to inspire Christ-like leadership in the home, the Church, and the government. Vander Plaats has also become an advocate for civility in public discourse, drawing national headlines over his “unlikely friendship” with the late Donna Red Wing, a prominent LGBTQ activist.
Vander Plaats and Red Wing met privately in genuine friendship, despite their political differences. They also appeared together on several occasions, speaking to college students and others about restoring civility in America, particularly between people who disagree on deeply personal issues.
In this spirit of civility, Vander Plaats welcomes Buttigieg to join him on stage at The Family Leadership Summit for an open discussion of 20 minutes or more on some of the big questions Buttigieg’s comments raise – questions such as, “How do we rightly understand the Word of God and His will for our lives?” “What does it mean to live out your faith, particularly in the political realm?” and, “How can people who disagree demonstrate civility, even in the public eye?”
The Family Leadership Summit is an annual event hosted by The FAMiLY LEADER that invites a variety of speakers to address the tagline, “Principle over Politics.” It’s designed to be an encouraging, inspiring, and thought-provoking event that includes national leaders in the fields of faith, government, and more.
Click here to reserve YOUR space in line for tickets to the 2019 Family Leadership Summit now.
