The American Heritage Party seeks to incorporate Christian principles into politics, with a focus on restoring a biblical worldview. It split from the Constitution Party in 1999 and requires members to be Bible-believing Christians. The party has a set of principles based on the Bible and emphasizes the importance of property and state rights. It has a “Studies in Christian Statesmanship” program to educate members and potential leaders. The party has a presence in Idaho and Washington but has not endorsed a candidate since 2002.
The American Heritage Party (AHP) is a political party in the United States that seeks to incorporate biblical and Christian principles into politics. Its motto reads “explicitly Christian politics” and its mission is “to reclaim American political institutions and culture for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.” The AHP is a splinter group from the Constitution Party.
The party began in 1992 as a group within the National Taxpayers’ Party, which later became the Constitution Party. In 1999, the American Heritage Party disaffiliated itself from the Constitution Party, citing differences regarding political strategy and faith. The AHP was founded as an autonomous national Christian party in 2000. According to Daniel Eby, who was elected national president of the party in 2000, the Constitution Party and the AHP appear similar in many respects, but differ in that the Constitution Party is -centered,” while AHP is “Christ-centered.” Furthermore, the AHP requires its constituent member states to share its name and accept some common principles, while the Constitution Party has autonomous state affiliates which are not required to meet such uniformity conditions.
The name “American Heritage Party” is intended to inform people of the “only Christian” culture and history of Americans, according to Eby. Party members must confessed, Bible-believing Christians, and party leaders and potential political candidates must meet Bible-based character and leadership qualifications, confirmed through a testing process. Women are only considered for leadership positions in exceptional circumstances. To fulfill its mission of restoring a “comprehensive biblical worldview among Christians,” which can then be applied to activities in the public sphere, the party seeks to educate citizens, promote biblical principles, and elect leaders who act according to those principles. .
The American Heritage Party lists within it three sets of principles: first, biblical principles; second, principles of government; and third, political principles. Biblical principles are based on the party’s idea that the Bible is the highest authority to which all other authorities must submit. The group’s governing principles root government in religion and the rule of law in scripture. Political principles specifically condemn abortion and same-sex marriage. Collectively, the principles emphasize party beliefs in the ultimate sovereignty of God, the importance of property and state rights, as well as individual Christian self-government.
The AHP website discusses “Local Voter Clubs,” meetings that introduce people to the party and its ideas that build the foundation for county and state parties. As of June 2010, there was a local Voter Club in Idaho and a state party in Washington where the AHP was founded. However, the Washington state party hasn’t endorsed a candidate for the position since 2002
In order to educate Christians to be good citizens and leaders, the American Heritage Party has designed a “Studies in Christian Statesmanship” program, which includes more than 60 hours of lectures on audio and/or videotape. This program encompasses four fields of study: Principles Studies, Party Studies, Leadership Studies, and Public Service Studies. AHP members must pass tests based on this curriculum to be considered as a party leader or candidate for public office.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
