Columbia International University students attending the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s 2022 conference in Nashville heard from a number of prominent government leaders, many of them addressing the conference from a Christian perspective.

Among the speakers were three representing South Carolina: U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham as well as former governor and U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley.

Former President Donald Trump was also a keynote speaker.

Craig Attaway, a senior double majoring in Bible and Philosophy, says he especially enjoyed hearing from Florida Congressman Mike Waltz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo because of their “intellectual approach and they gave reasons as to why they thought they are  right.”

“That's what I was wanting,” added Attaway. “I appreciated Waltz's and Pompeo's unapologetic attitude toward the U.S. … proud to be an American and what this great country stands for. That was encouraging to hear from American politicians.”

Kira Rymer, a junior double majoring in Business and Sport Management, said she enjoyed seeing representation from her home state of North Carolina, plus “seeing so many credible speakers and politicians who passionately believe in America gave me hope that our country has a bright future.”

Meanwhile, Robyn Andrews, a CIU senior and Teacher Education major, says she learned a lot about abortion statistics and is concerned that the number of abortions is so high.

“I’m glad we were able to attend and I’m hopeful we’re able to attend next summer,” said Andrews who had family members attend along with her.

The Five-Fold Mission of the Faith and Freedom Conference is:

• Mobilize and train people of faith to be effective citizens
• Speak out in the public arena and in the media on behalf of Christian values
• Influence legislation and enact sound public policy at every level of government
• Train citizens for effective civic action
• Protest bigotry and discrimination against people of faith.

With record enrollment  for five straight years, CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.