By Baptist Message staff
BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – In his inaugural address, Jan. 7, Gov. Jeff Landry issued a call for unity and reminded citizens about the state’s rich culture and the can-do spirit of the state’s people that have combined to make Louisiana great.
He also vowed to address issues like violent crime and “unsuitable subject matter” in schools.
Originally scheduled for Jan. 8, the inauguration ceremony was held the day before because of inclement weather concerns. He officially became the state’s 57th governor Jan. 8 at noon.
“It is here that we come together, so that their lives are governed evenhandedly,” Landry said. “So that their hard-earned money is spent judiciously; so that their institutions are compelled to serve them, and not disenfranchise them; so that their government fulfills the missions contrived by them; and so that their children are promised the perpetual legacy of opportunity. The place is here, the time is now, and the challenge is ours.”
Landry vowed to help fulfill the promise of those who elected him.
“Our people seek government that reflects their values,” he said. “They demand that our children be afforded an education that reflects those wholesome principles, and not an indoctrination behind their mother’s back.
“The most important voice in a child’s education should be that of their parents,” he said. “It is only through education without indoctrination, that a child finds his or her true potential.”
Landry shared his commitment to deal with efforts to instill suitable subject matter in schools.
“We must commit ourselves to the crisis that is evolving in some of our schools and restore the peace of mind that our parents enjoyed when they sent us to school each day,” he said. “We must honor our teachers by letting them teach and safeguard our schools from the toxicity of unsuitable subject matter, so that the sanctity of the student and the teacher is restored.”
Landry also addressed violent crime and recognized Michelle Anglin and Cortez Collins, two parents who each lost a child to “senseless violence.”
“I sadly hear the victims of crime whose compelling voices have gone unheard for far too long, squelched by the misguided noise of those who had rather coddle criminals than live in peace,” he said. “I mince no words about the consequences that I feel are wholly appropriate for those who commit violent crime in our state.
“For it comes from listening to the innocent victims of the senseless, uncivilized, and outrageous violence that too many have suffered,” he continued. “Families ripped apart; loved ones taken from us by people with no conscience who do not deserve the privilege of freedom. Those victims speak out for justice and it is our duty to act, so that others are spared that same burden of pain.”
LOUISIANA REACTION
Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn shared his thoughts after the inauguration.
“I consider it a privilege to have attended the inauguration of Gov. Jeff Landry,” he said. “The Capitol was beautiful. The move to the late afternoon on Sunday because of the incoming weather on Monday made for a spectacular scene for the flyover by the F-15s and fireworks to conclude.
“Linett and I were particularly thankful to be there in that she and Gov. Landry both grew up in St. Martinville,” he continued. “Linett has known the governor for her entire life. It was surreal to look on the platform and know personally so many of his family members. I know she felt hometown pride in seeing a peer become governor.
“Governor Landry’s speech was a message that resonated with all Louisianians, especially his vision for a safer Louisiana,” he said. “I join him in that hope and pray that there will be visible signs of a safer Louisiana.
“My heart resonated with the prayers for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to fill him,” he continued. “As believers, we would agree that there is a difference between inaugurating a governor and invoking the Spirit of God to cover him. We should continue to pray to this end that the Spirit of God would give Gov. Landry all wisdom and discernment.”
David Goza, pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, also weighed in after the ceremony.
“The Inauguration of Jeff Landry was a hopeful new beginning for Louisiana,” Goza said. “The ceremony was purposely designed to emphasize the sovereignty of God over the government of men. I have never heard the name of Jesus Christ invoked so openly and strongly and repeatedly at an event such as this. All the leaders of our state were present and it is encouraging to think that our state is being led by men and women who seek to honor the Lord. Let’s pray that the Lord will bless our governor and state representatives.”
Tommy Middleton, director of missions for the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, said Landry’s speech “reflected his passion to do things right to be a man who emphasizes parental rights and their importance in being involved in the life of their children, and especially with the schools. He has consistently stood against cultural changes that have been foisted upon us from the extreme left, and his words on Sunday continued those themes that he has been so faithful to uphold. I don’t ever remember watching, or being at an inauguration, in which there was so much prayer in a civic event, but this one was full of prayer and most of the Leaders of those prayers concluded their prayer in Jesus’ name. It was a wonderful day, and we need to pray for Governor Landry and all his leadership team, and our legislature that this will be an administration in which God is honored in our state, and our state prospers economically, education flourishes and safety and tranquility are throughout our state in all our cities and parishes.”
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, also a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, attended the ceremony and released a statement.
“It is morning in Louisiana again. Gov. Landry has been a longtime friend and champion for the people of Louisiana, and he will serve our state with dignity and a steadfast commitment as he tackles the many challenges we face,” he said. “It was an honor to stand alongside him for yesterday’s historic inauguration, and I look forward to working together closely to restore the Sportsman’s Paradise as the best place to work, live and start a family.”
Louisiana House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson, a member of First Baptist Church, Pineville, added:
“It is a new day in Louisiana and I am excited about our new governor’s bold agenda and the unity in our legislature,” he said. “I am honored to be selected as Speaker Pro Tempore and look forward to being a part of the leadership tackling the issues, problems and needs of our state.”
Louisiana Rep. Gabe Firment, a member of First Baptist Church, Pollock, called the ceremony exciting and humbling.
“I am excited because I truly believe that with Governor Landry leading the way, and a conservative legislature supporting him, we have a historic opportunity to turn our state around and live up to our great potential,” he said. “I am humbled that the people of Louisiana have entrusted us with this tremendous responsibility to provide the people we represent a future filled with hope, peace, and prosperity. The most encouraging aspect of the Governor’s inauguration last night and the legislative inauguration today is the bold proclamation and acknowledgement by our leaders that we will only succeed if we seek God’s will and pursue His divine plan for Louisiana. Proverbs tells us that where there is no vision, the people perish; my prayer is that today we finally have leaders in place with the vision, courage and faith to make Louisiana great.”
