‘America’s 250’ NACL conference draws lawmakers, influencers to Liberty

Liberty University hosted the 2026 National Association of Christian Lawmakers National Policy Conference “America’s 250: Save the Nation” on June 4-6, providing conservative politicians, pastors, and others a space for meaningful dialogue and legal discourse.

Participants included members of Congress and other high-profile political figures as well as guests from media, legal, and academic spheres. The event marked the fourth year that NACL has held its conference at Liberty.

The conference included awards banquets, various committee meetings, congressional panels, and more.

During Saturday’s award banquet, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) urged attendees in his keynote address to defend biblical principles and face the onslaught of secularism with courage. Liberty Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Glenn Clary also spoke at the banquet, highlighting the importance of moral standards and Christian values in politics. Clary was awarded the NACL President’s Award for Servant Leadership by NACL President and former state Sen. Jason Rapert (Arkansas).

“I want to thank all of you for coming to Liberty University these past several years,” Clary said during the event. “We are honored to have you. You folks are on the front lines and help set and hold the standards for what is happening in our country. That is so important.”

Rapert founded the NACL in 2020 with the goal of uniting “Christian elected officials and believers committed to transcending denominational boundaries in pursuit of the shared cause of God and country.” He said he appreciated the opportunity to host the national policy conference at Liberty, a place of shared principles and beliefs.

“When you go back and look at those early statements (Liberty founder) Dr. Jerry Falwell made about what he envisioned the mountain could be once developed, which is now Liberty University, I think he would be happy we’re here,” he said. ‘We want to be supportive of Christian universities that understand we are to be salt and light for all the world.”

He also noted that many members of the NACL have sent children or grandchildren to Liberty, in part because of their experiences at the conference.

“In my opinion, there is no Christian campus in the entire country that has a greater impact than Liberty University,” he said. “It’s a fantastic, globe-impacting university with a message of Christ in all things. We appreciate what Liberty does, appreciate the leadership, and really appreciate the welcome mat that is rolled out for us to be here.”

Maryland state Sen. Johnny Ray Salling said he loved gathering with like-minded politicians to hopefully spark conservative change around the country. He also highlighted the incredible opportunity the NACL has to partner with Liberty in advancing the Gospel.

“We need more colleges like (Liberty) because our youth are the next generation,” he said. “The next generation can make a difference for our country. Our country is going the wrong way right now and the only way we can change that is the heart of our people and making sure they are instilling the right things in their minds. … We need more places like Liberty University so we can work with them and can instill in our young people the values of Christianity and the Word of God.”