The Commission

The Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, Inc. (FERLC), an IRS approved 501(c) 4 entity, is charged with advocating a Christian worldview and religious freedom both in public policy and throughout the broader culture.

After monitoring and influencing legislation in Tallahassee from 1996-2011 on behalf of the Florida Baptist State Convention, Bill Bunkley initiated the process to organize the Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, Inc. in 2012 with the encouragement and blessing of John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention. This step extended the 14-year presence and influence of the Florida Baptist Convention at the state capital to embrace an expanded role of representing other evangelical denominations and ministries as well as business and individuals committed to the Christian worldview.

President & CEO, Bill Bunkley

Bill Bunkley is a longtime veteran of Florida public policy advocacy and is widely known across the Sunshine State as a leading voice for Christian worldview convictions in Tallahassee.

Bill has maintained a continual presence in Tallahassee since 1996, developing relationships with governors, cabinet officers, and Florida representatives and senators. A widely respected leader in the Florida pro-life, pro-family movement, he has been a leader in both the implementation of legislation advancing these policies as well as defeating legislation opposed to these values. In an environment where Religious Liberty is increasingly under assault, protecting that God given liberty is the top priority of the FERLC.

In addition to his legislative duties, Bill is a familiar voice on Christian talk radio along the western half of the I-4 corridor as the host of “The Bill Bunkley Show“. Each weekday on WTBN AM 570 & 910 and streaming live at www.LetsTalkFaith.com, he brings his experience in discussing current spiritual, political, and cultural issues of the day from a Christian worldview.

Bill was born and raised in Tampa. He is an Eagle Scout who formerly served on the Southern Regional Board of the Boy Scouts of America. Today, he is one of the pioneers of the new conservative alternative to the BSA, Trail Life USA, building godly character in young boys and men through a similar outdoor program.

He and his wife, Toni, and son, Zachary, are active members at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa.

About Our Logo

The FERLC logo depicts the State of Florida centered behind the Scales of Justice balancing both truth and fairness. The base rests upon the solid foundational principals of an opened Holy Bible. The golden circle represents all of our earthly efforts encompassed by our future hope of one day walking on the streets of gold in Heaven. The Latin phrase “VERITAS et AEQUITAS” in English translates “Truth and Justice.”