FAITH: June is set aside as Fidelity Month

June is Fidelity Month—an observance dedicated to the importance of fidelity to God, spouses and families, and our country and communities.”  Founded by Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, Fidelity Month focuses on our relationships with God, family, and country, and highlights the fact that “…we all find fulfillment not in selfish pursuits but in the steadfast bonds we form with others.”

Monthly initiatives in America emphasize causes, values, and communities.  Black History Month is in February, Women's History Month is in March, National Autism Awareness Month is in April, and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October. Each emphasis provides opportunities for individuals, organizations, and communities to celebrate, learn, and advocate for important issues.

Fidelity month started when Professor George read a 2023 article in the Wall Street Journal

stating that only 39% of Americans say religion is very important, only 30% say having children is very important, only 27% say community involvement is very important, and only 38% say patriotism is very important.

The grassroots movement of Fidelity Month is taking off.  Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed it Fidelity Month in Arkansas.  Governor Spencer Cox and US Senator Mike Lee (R) did the same thing for Utah.  Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Professor Andrew Walker posted on X, “It’s June 1, the start of @FidelityMonth.  “So here is to recommitting ourselves to the timeless truths of fidelity to family, fidelity to country, and fidelity to God. All are worthy of love and of being loved in the right way and in the right order.”  CEO and chief counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, Kristen Waggoner described Fidelity Month as “a time to recommit to faithfulness toward God, family, and country” that “reflects the spirit of America at its best.”

When I think about Fidelity Month, I am reminded of an exchange that a clergyman had with President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.  When the clergyman said to the president that he “hoped the Lord was on our side,” Lincoln responded, “I am not at all concerned about that; for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right.  But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.”

I encourage you to use this month to talk with your family about Fidelity Month and what it is.  Go to www.fidelitymonth.com to find more about the movement and get resources that will assist you in observing the emphasis.   There you will read an excellent quote by former-president Barack Obama who said, “Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important.” There are also images available that you can place on your social media platforms.

A society's values are reflected in what it honors and celebrates. Show me what a nation celebrates, and I will tell you its character.  

Fidelity is the quality of faithfulness, loyalty, or adherence to an obligation, trust, or duty. I need greater fidelity.  Our society needs greater fidelity.  If each of us were more faithful, we all would be better off. 

Let us focus on what is good, true, and beautiful.  Any time is an excellent time to focus on faithfulness, but the 250th Anniversary of the founding of America is a perfect time to join with others across our nation in celebrating Fidelity Month—renewing our faithfulness to God, to marriage, and to country.

Dr. Todd E. Brady serves families at Arrington Funeral Directors.  He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Augustine School.  He and his wife, Amy, have five sons and are members of Cornerstone Community Church.  You may write to him at tbrady@afgemail.net.