Two teachers at Adams Elementary School of the Riverside (California) Unified School District have been placed on paid administrative leave while police investigate allegations that a third-grade boy has, over a two-year period, repeatedly forced homosexual behavior on a fellow male student at school.
News sources report that school officials are shocked by the allegations. But why?
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
California Schools Offer 'Gay Curriculum'
'Gay Kids' Can't Change, Says California Legislation
Education Experts Say Use Porn in Teaching Sex Ed
Homosexual Teacher Jailed: Paying Boys to Sext Him
Gay Teacher Sexting Boy Resigns, Media Silent
Arizona School OKs Teacher: Pedophilia, Bestiality
Gay Pedophile Teacher Defended by Michigan School
Lesbianism Taught at Middle School as Anti-Bullying
Senate Codifies Gay Agenda in Anti-bullying School Reform Bill
National Homosexual Indoctrination Month at School
Homosexual Predator, Honored by President Obama, Arrested
White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful
And read the homosexualist who says: We Recruit Kids for Sexual Deviancy
-- From "California third-grader accused in sex assault of classmate" by Dan Whitcomb, Reuters 3/21/14
[School District spokeswoman Jacquie] Paul said the school principal contacted police after students came forward earlier this week to tell an after-school program coordinator they had something to report.
She said that, according to an initial investigation, one boy has been accused of assaulting his classmate five to seven times, starting in second grade, and that some of the incidents took place in a classroom or restroom on campus.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Sex-abuse allegations leveled at third-grader" by The Associated Press 3/20/14
The school's principal talked to the students and to both boys, leading to allegations of five to seven incidents of sexual abuse that began in second grade and continued into third grade, [Jacquie] Paul said.
The boys' names were withheld, and no further details were released about their identities or the alleged incidents because of their ages, Paul said.
The boy suspected of abuse has been suspended and could face expulsion, Paul said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "2 Riverside teachers put on leave amid 3rd grade student sex scandal" by Jason Wells, Los Angeles Times 3/21/14
Two teachers at a Riverside elementary school have been placed on leave amid allegations that a third-grade boy sexually assaulted another boy repeatedly since last year.
News of the action came as parents attended at meeting Thursday night at John Adams Elementary School seeking answers from district administrators.
"One of the young boys apparently was coercing another young boy to perform sexual acts," [Jacquie Paul] told The Times.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abuse allegations alarm parents; ‘children are safe,’ principal says" by Peter Surowski, The Riverside Press-Enterprise 3/20/14
Paul DeFoe, principal at Adams Elementary School, on Thursday March 20, 2014, [spoke] to parents about the accusations of a sexual assault at the school.
The incident shocked the staff at Adams Elementary, a tightly knit school of 555 students, officials said.
Rape counselors will look at if a child perpetrator has experienced sexual abuse in their own life as well as other factors that may have encouraged curiosity or prior exposure to sexuality in some way . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Suddenly, 'Gay Marriages' Commence in Michigan
Late Friday, a single federal judge negated the Michigan voters' decision in 2004 to define marriage as between one man and one woman, and within hours, county clerks across the state began performing homosexual "weddings" while their offices would have otherwise been closed. Unlike activist judges overruling citizens in other states, this judge did NOT delay implementation of his ruling awaiting the people's appeal.
In addition, read how activist judges across America are forbidding voters the right to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
UPDATE 3/31/14: President Obama's Dept. of Justice OKs Illegal 'Gay Marriages,' Harms Kids
-- From "Michigan begins same-sex marriage ceremonies" by Robert Barnes, Washington Post 3/22/14
U.S. District Judge Bernard A. Friedman dismissed the state’s contention, after a two-week trial, that Michigan voters adopted the ban on the premise that heterosexual married couples provided the optimal environment for raising children.
There is no proof that such a premise is true, Friedman wrote, and he declared the testimony of the state’s main witness “entirely unbelievable and not worthy of serious consideration.”
His decision was issued late Friday afternoon as clerk’s offices were closing. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) immediately appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and asked for a stay.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "First gay couple married in Michigan" by Natalie DiBlasio, USA TODAY 3/22/14
With no stay in place, Washtenaw County Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum said his office will issue 60 licenses on Saturday.
Muskegon County Clerk Nancy Waters said she's been prepared to issue licenses since last October but was waiting for an official decision from U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman.
Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown announced via Twitter her office will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge strikes down Michigan ban on gay marriage; state asks for a stay" by Tresa Baldas, Elisha Anderson and Bill Laitner, Detroit Free Press Writers 3/22/14
In his 31-page ruling, Friedman heavily criticized the state’s position that the will of the voters should have been upheld, noting that just because voters approve something doesn’t make it right, especially when it violates the Constitution.
“It is the court’s fervent hope that these [lesbians'] children will grow up to ‘understand the integrity and closeness of their own family and its concord with other families in their community and in their daily lives.’
[Friedman continued,] “Today’s decision is a step in that direction, and affirms the enduring principle that regardless of whoever finds favor in the eyes of the most recent majority, the guarantee of equal protection must prevail.”
The state has long argued that the will of the voters should not be drowned out by a single judge. The state also argues that it has a “legitimate” interest in preserving the traditional family structure because — it claims — children thrive best when raised by married moms and dads.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Michigan's first gay marriage performed in Ingham County; couples line up in Oakland" by Paul Egan and Eric Lawrence, Detroit Free Press Staff Writers 3/22/14
In at least four Michigan counties, Oakland, Igham, Washtenaw and Muskegon, clerks began issuing marriage licenses today to same-sex couples . . .
The line at the Oakland County Clerk's Office stretched out the door before the office opened to begin issuing licenses at 9 a.m. After licenses were issued, marriages were performed in hallways and in the county commissioners' auditorium. More than an hour later, a steady stream of eager residents continued to file in.
Igham’s clerk Byrum, who normally opens at 8 a.m. only Monday through Friday, raced to get ahead of a the stay that Attorney General Bill Schuette is seeking on an emergency basis from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
As word spread, Byrum had peformed three wedding ceremonies by 8:30 a.m. and said she didn’t know how many she might perform today.
Byrum, a prominent Michigan Democrat and former state representative who initially said she would not start issuing licenses until Monday, said the situation left her unable to sleep.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Michigan same-sex couples making marriage history with joy, tears" by Chad Livengood, Mike Martindale and Lauren Abdel-Razzaq, The Detroit News 3/22/14
Byrum said she wanted to make marriage licenses available Saturday just in case the judge halted his decision over the weekend. . . .
. . . Clerks who handle marriage licenses in Michigan’s 83 counties said they would start granting them to gays and lesbians, with some starting Saturday morning.
In West Michigan, Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation Pastor Bill Freeman said he’s officiating at weddings Saturday at his Muskegon church. He said Muskegon County Clerk Nancy Waters also was starting after 9 a.m.
Couples began lining up at the Washtenaw County clerk’s office in Ann Arbor at 5:30 a.m. for a chance to get marriage licenses. More than 100 couples showed up to be married.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Michigan gay marriages could fall into legal limbo" by Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press 3/22/14 5:55 p.m. EDT
More than 100 same-sex couples who got married in Michigan on Saturday stand the risk of having their marriages fall into a form of legal limbo if the state refuses to recognize them while appeals are pending, according to an expert on federal law and the courts.
Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Va., said the status of the same-sex marriages in Michigan is not entirely clear while an appeal of a federal judge's ruling declaring Michigan's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional is pending before the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay weddings halted in Michigan after 300 marriage licenses issued" by Paresh Dave, Los Angeles Times 3/22/14 5:11 p.m. EDT
. . . the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals did not take immediate action. On Saturday afternoon, the court gave attorneys for the nurses until noon Tuesday to rebut the state’s emergency request.
Later Saturday, the appeals court issued another order, this time saying the same-sex marriage ban would remain in place at least through Wednesday “to allow a more reasoned consideration of the motion” to keep the ban in place.
The more than 300 couples who wed Saturday are unlikely to have their marriages recognized by the state, legal experts said.
"We anticipate that the 6th Circuit will issue a permanent stay, just as courts have ruled in similar cases across the country,” Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman for the state’s attorney general, said in a statement Saturday evening.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
In addition, read American Decline: President Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians
“Many Michigan residents have religious convictions whose principles govern the conduct of their daily lives and inform their own viewpoints about marriage. Nonetheless, these views cannot strip other citizens of the guarantees of equal protection under the law.”For background, read Michigan Lesbians Sue, Claiming Homosexual "Marriage" Guaranteed by U.S. Constitution and their Sexperts Argue Parents are Unnecessary
-- U.S. District Judge Bernard A. Friedman
In addition, read how activist judges across America are forbidding voters the right to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
UPDATE 3/31/14: President Obama's Dept. of Justice OKs Illegal 'Gay Marriages,' Harms Kids
-- From "Michigan begins same-sex marriage ceremonies" by Robert Barnes, Washington Post 3/22/14
U.S. District Judge Bernard A. Friedman dismissed the state’s contention, after a two-week trial, that Michigan voters adopted the ban on the premise that heterosexual married couples provided the optimal environment for raising children.
There is no proof that such a premise is true, Friedman wrote, and he declared the testimony of the state’s main witness “entirely unbelievable and not worthy of serious consideration.”
His decision was issued late Friday afternoon as clerk’s offices were closing. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) immediately appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and asked for a stay.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "First gay couple married in Michigan" by Natalie DiBlasio, USA TODAY 3/22/14
With no stay in place, Washtenaw County Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum said his office will issue 60 licenses on Saturday.
Muskegon County Clerk Nancy Waters said she's been prepared to issue licenses since last October but was waiting for an official decision from U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman.
Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown announced via Twitter her office will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge strikes down Michigan ban on gay marriage; state asks for a stay" by Tresa Baldas, Elisha Anderson and Bill Laitner, Detroit Free Press Writers 3/22/14
In his 31-page ruling, Friedman heavily criticized the state’s position that the will of the voters should have been upheld, noting that just because voters approve something doesn’t make it right, especially when it violates the Constitution.
“It is the court’s fervent hope that these [lesbians'] children will grow up to ‘understand the integrity and closeness of their own family and its concord with other families in their community and in their daily lives.’
[Friedman continued,] “Today’s decision is a step in that direction, and affirms the enduring principle that regardless of whoever finds favor in the eyes of the most recent majority, the guarantee of equal protection must prevail.”
The state has long argued that the will of the voters should not be drowned out by a single judge. The state also argues that it has a “legitimate” interest in preserving the traditional family structure because — it claims — children thrive best when raised by married moms and dads.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Michigan's first gay marriage performed in Ingham County; couples line up in Oakland" by Paul Egan and Eric Lawrence, Detroit Free Press Staff Writers 3/22/14
In at least four Michigan counties, Oakland, Igham, Washtenaw and Muskegon, clerks began issuing marriage licenses today to same-sex couples . . .
The line at the Oakland County Clerk's Office stretched out the door before the office opened to begin issuing licenses at 9 a.m. After licenses were issued, marriages were performed in hallways and in the county commissioners' auditorium. More than an hour later, a steady stream of eager residents continued to file in.
Igham’s clerk Byrum, who normally opens at 8 a.m. only Monday through Friday, raced to get ahead of a the stay that Attorney General Bill Schuette is seeking on an emergency basis from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
As word spread, Byrum had peformed three wedding ceremonies by 8:30 a.m. and said she didn’t know how many she might perform today.
Byrum, a prominent Michigan Democrat and former state representative who initially said she would not start issuing licenses until Monday, said the situation left her unable to sleep.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Michigan same-sex couples making marriage history with joy, tears" by Chad Livengood, Mike Martindale and Lauren Abdel-Razzaq, The Detroit News 3/22/14
Byrum said she wanted to make marriage licenses available Saturday just in case the judge halted his decision over the weekend. . . .
. . . Clerks who handle marriage licenses in Michigan’s 83 counties said they would start granting them to gays and lesbians, with some starting Saturday morning.
In West Michigan, Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation Pastor Bill Freeman said he’s officiating at weddings Saturday at his Muskegon church. He said Muskegon County Clerk Nancy Waters also was starting after 9 a.m.
Couples began lining up at the Washtenaw County clerk’s office in Ann Arbor at 5:30 a.m. for a chance to get marriage licenses. More than 100 couples showed up to be married.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Michigan gay marriages could fall into legal limbo" by Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press 3/22/14 5:55 p.m. EDT
More than 100 same-sex couples who got married in Michigan on Saturday stand the risk of having their marriages fall into a form of legal limbo if the state refuses to recognize them while appeals are pending, according to an expert on federal law and the courts.
Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Va., said the status of the same-sex marriages in Michigan is not entirely clear while an appeal of a federal judge's ruling declaring Michigan's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional is pending before the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay weddings halted in Michigan after 300 marriage licenses issued" by Paresh Dave, Los Angeles Times 3/22/14 5:11 p.m. EDT
. . . the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals did not take immediate action. On Saturday afternoon, the court gave attorneys for the nurses until noon Tuesday to rebut the state’s emergency request.
Later Saturday, the appeals court issued another order, this time saying the same-sex marriage ban would remain in place at least through Wednesday “to allow a more reasoned consideration of the motion” to keep the ban in place.
The more than 300 couples who wed Saturday are unlikely to have their marriages recognized by the state, legal experts said.
"We anticipate that the 6th Circuit will issue a permanent stay, just as courts have ruled in similar cases across the country,” Joy Yearout, a spokeswoman for the state’s attorney general, said in a statement Saturday evening.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
In addition, read American Decline: President Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians
Friday, March 21, 2014
Wisconsin Gov. Ignores Atheists' Demands re: Bible
Gov. Scott Walker tweeted "Philippians 4:13," nothing more, then the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) went ballistic, calling on the Wisconsin governor to follow his "oath of office to uphold the entirely godless and secular United States Constitution."
For background, read University of Wisconsin Bans Bibles per Atheists' Demands but when a Wisconsin School Banned Christmas Music, the Citizens Revolted
Also read 2014: 'Year of the Bible,' Declares Texas Mayor
-- From "Freedom From Religion Foundation asks Scott Walker to remove Bible verse tweet" by Jessica Vanegeren, The Capital Times (Madison, WI) 3/18/14
On Tuesday, the Madison-based organization [FFRF], with 20,000 members nationwide including 1,300 in Wisconsin, emailed Walker alleging he, or someone in a position of authority to post, had misused the governor’s official Twitter account to promote religion.
“This braggadocio verse coming from a public official is rather disturbing,” read the letter from FFRF. “To say, ‘I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,’ seems more like a threat, or the utterance of a theocratic dictator, than of a duly elected civil servant.”
As of Tuesday afternoon [and now Friday], the tweet had not been removed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atheist Group Demands That Gov. Scott Walker Delete Religious Tweet" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 3/19/14
Signed by FFRF co-presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, the letter expressed "dismay" over the tweet, which was also posted on Facebook.
Gaylor and Barker called on Walker "to immediately delete this religious message from your official gubernatorial Facebook and Twitter."
On Sunday, Walker tweeted "Phillipians 4:13" on the @GovWalker twitter handle. This is noted as being the "Official Twitter Account of the 45th Governor of the State of Wisconsin, Scott Walker." Walker has another twitter handle, @ScottWalker.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read University of Wisconsin Bans Bibles per Atheists' Demands but when a Wisconsin School Banned Christmas Music, the Citizens Revolted
Also read 2014: 'Year of the Bible,' Declares Texas Mayor
-- From "Freedom From Religion Foundation asks Scott Walker to remove Bible verse tweet" by Jessica Vanegeren, The Capital Times (Madison, WI) 3/18/14
On Tuesday, the Madison-based organization [FFRF], with 20,000 members nationwide including 1,300 in Wisconsin, emailed Walker alleging he, or someone in a position of authority to post, had misused the governor’s official Twitter account to promote religion.
“This braggadocio verse coming from a public official is rather disturbing,” read the letter from FFRF. “To say, ‘I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,’ seems more like a threat, or the utterance of a theocratic dictator, than of a duly elected civil servant.”
As of Tuesday afternoon [and now Friday], the tweet had not been removed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atheist Group Demands That Gov. Scott Walker Delete Religious Tweet" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 3/19/14
Signed by FFRF co-presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, the letter expressed "dismay" over the tweet, which was also posted on Facebook.
Gaylor and Barker called on Walker "to immediately delete this religious message from your official gubernatorial Facebook and Twitter."
On Sunday, Walker tweeted "Phillipians 4:13" on the @GovWalker twitter handle. This is noted as being the "Official Twitter Account of the 45th Governor of the State of Wisconsin, Scott Walker." Walker has another twitter handle, @ScottWalker.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Democrats Restrict Abortion: Louisiana, S.Carolina
Well-supported legislation introduced by Louisiana Rep. Katrina Jackson (Dem.) that requires abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital would likely cause closure of most abortion clinics in the state. Also, the South Carolina legislature is about to restrict abortions beyond 19 weeks gestation. And in Texas, over the past several months, the number of licensed abortion providers has dropped from 40 to 28 -- the number of abortion clinics is expected to be only six by September, down from 44 in 2011.
For background, read Abortion Clinic Closings Set Record; Admit Defeat as well as Abortionists Lament Ever-greater State Limits
UPDATE 10/4/14: Most Texas Abortion Clinics Now Closed by Court
UPDATE 7/26/14: Texas Abortion Rate Plunges, Liberals Blame Clinic Closures
-- From "House health committee backs new abortion rules" by Melinda Deslatte, Associated Press 3/19/14
Jackson and supporters of her legislation said the bill would hold abortion clinics to the same standards required of ambulatory surgical centers.
Jackson's bill also would force women who take the abortion pill to meet the same 24-hour waiting period and ultrasound requirements as women who have surgical abortions. It wouldn't apply to emergency contraceptives, known as the "morning-after pill."
Unlike in other states, the issue doesn't divide Republicans and Democrats. Democratic lawmakers on the House committee spoke in favor of the bill.
The House Health and Welfare Committee advanced the proposal Wednesday without objection. It heads next to the House floor for debate and is expected to win passage there in a Legislature that has repeatedly supported tougher rules for abortion providers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Controversial abortion bill advances in Louisiana Legislature" posted at WWL-AM/FM (Kenner, LA) 3/20/14
[The bill] has the support of Louisiana Department Health and Hospitals.
Secretary Kathy Kliebert says, "There are clear health risks associated with an abortion that could require urgent medical attention. These include pelvic infections, blood clots and other serious complications like perforation of the uterine wall."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "[South Carolina] House Approves Banning Abortion Beyond 19 Weeks" by Seanna Adcox, Associated Press 3/19/14
The bill approved 84-29 on Wednesday is one of several anti-abortion measures being debated this year. Another perfunctory vote will send it to the Senate.
Clinics in South Carolina don't provide abortions beyond 19 weeks. Opponents of Rep. Wendy Nanney's bill say such late-term abortions occur in hospitals, generally in wanted pregnancies that go horribly wrong, and politicians should have no role in such decisions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "S.C. House passes 20-week abortion ban" by Jeremy Borden, Charleston Post Courier 3/19/14
The bill, H. 4223, known as a "fetal pain" measure, passed on a largely party line vote, 84-29. Republicans said the state is showing its respect for human life, especially because they said fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks, a disputed notion in the medical community.
Rep. Wendy Nanney, R-Greenville, the bill's primary sponsor, said in an interview that politics had nothing to do with it. "I've always been pro-life," she said. As for critics, she said, "I would rather err on the side of protecting that baby from pain."
The Legislature is considering a host of anti-abortion bills this year. Lawmakers say that as the House bill makes it way to the S.C. Senate, it may have the best chance of passing of any of those measures.
If a woman is on the verge of organ failure or death, the bill provides an exception in those case, House members said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "South Carolina lawmakers advance 20-week abortion ban" by Harriet McLeod, Reuters 3/19/14
Doctors performing an abortion of a fetus at 20 weeks or less would also be required to try to deliver it alive.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where if approved and then signed by Republican Governor Nikki Haley, South Carolina would become the 13th state to enact the ban, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit sexual health research organization.
Similar measures and legislation are also pending in West Virginia and Mississippi.
"We had over 60 studies introduced to us in committee that (showed) they do feel pain. And the state has a right to step in and protect that child," said Representative Wendy Nanney.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Impact of HB 2 on Texas Abortion Facilities" by Becca Aaronson, The Texas Tribune 3/19/14
Researchers with the Texas Policy Evaluation Project at the University of Texas said the number of providers still performing abortions in Texas is even lower than the number of licensed providers, because the Planned Parenthood clinic in Waco, while licensed, is no longer performs the procedure. Also, Whole Woman's Health operates two separately licensed facilities at the same location in San Antonio, a clinic and ambulatory surgical center. In August, only 34 of the licensed providers were still performing abortions, said the researchers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortionists can't handle new health standards" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 3/10/14
Last year, 87 abortion facilities discontinued offering surgical abortions, and this year a similarly significant decline is developing.
Both sides attribute the closures to new state laws requiring that abortionists have admitting privileges to a local hospital, should an emergency occur.
According to the Washington Times, 19 clinics in Texas, including two already this month, that have closed because of new regulations.
The report said a similar law in Mississippi has put the future of the state’s only abortion clinic in doubt as court proceedings continue. Closures also have occurred in Florida, Alabama and other states.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Planned Parenthood President Asks, Who Cares When Life Begins?
UPDATE 5/23/14: CBS News reports on clinic closings
For background, read Abortion Clinic Closings Set Record; Admit Defeat as well as Abortionists Lament Ever-greater State Limits
UPDATE 10/4/14: Most Texas Abortion Clinics Now Closed by Court
UPDATE 7/26/14: Texas Abortion Rate Plunges, Liberals Blame Clinic Closures
-- From "House health committee backs new abortion rules" by Melinda Deslatte, Associated Press 3/19/14
Jackson and supporters of her legislation said the bill would hold abortion clinics to the same standards required of ambulatory surgical centers.
Jackson's bill also would force women who take the abortion pill to meet the same 24-hour waiting period and ultrasound requirements as women who have surgical abortions. It wouldn't apply to emergency contraceptives, known as the "morning-after pill."
Unlike in other states, the issue doesn't divide Republicans and Democrats. Democratic lawmakers on the House committee spoke in favor of the bill.
The House Health and Welfare Committee advanced the proposal Wednesday without objection. It heads next to the House floor for debate and is expected to win passage there in a Legislature that has repeatedly supported tougher rules for abortion providers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Controversial abortion bill advances in Louisiana Legislature" posted at WWL-AM/FM (Kenner, LA) 3/20/14
[The bill] has the support of Louisiana Department Health and Hospitals.
Secretary Kathy Kliebert says, "There are clear health risks associated with an abortion that could require urgent medical attention. These include pelvic infections, blood clots and other serious complications like perforation of the uterine wall."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "[South Carolina] House Approves Banning Abortion Beyond 19 Weeks" by Seanna Adcox, Associated Press 3/19/14
The bill approved 84-29 on Wednesday is one of several anti-abortion measures being debated this year. Another perfunctory vote will send it to the Senate.
Clinics in South Carolina don't provide abortions beyond 19 weeks. Opponents of Rep. Wendy Nanney's bill say such late-term abortions occur in hospitals, generally in wanted pregnancies that go horribly wrong, and politicians should have no role in such decisions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "S.C. House passes 20-week abortion ban" by Jeremy Borden, Charleston Post Courier 3/19/14
The bill, H. 4223, known as a "fetal pain" measure, passed on a largely party line vote, 84-29. Republicans said the state is showing its respect for human life, especially because they said fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks, a disputed notion in the medical community.
Rep. Wendy Nanney, R-Greenville, the bill's primary sponsor, said in an interview that politics had nothing to do with it. "I've always been pro-life," she said. As for critics, she said, "I would rather err on the side of protecting that baby from pain."
The Legislature is considering a host of anti-abortion bills this year. Lawmakers say that as the House bill makes it way to the S.C. Senate, it may have the best chance of passing of any of those measures.
If a woman is on the verge of organ failure or death, the bill provides an exception in those case, House members said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "South Carolina lawmakers advance 20-week abortion ban" by Harriet McLeod, Reuters 3/19/14
Doctors performing an abortion of a fetus at 20 weeks or less would also be required to try to deliver it alive.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where if approved and then signed by Republican Governor Nikki Haley, South Carolina would become the 13th state to enact the ban, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit sexual health research organization.
Similar measures and legislation are also pending in West Virginia and Mississippi.
"We had over 60 studies introduced to us in committee that (showed) they do feel pain. And the state has a right to step in and protect that child," said Representative Wendy Nanney.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Impact of HB 2 on Texas Abortion Facilities" by Becca Aaronson, The Texas Tribune 3/19/14
Researchers with the Texas Policy Evaluation Project at the University of Texas said the number of providers still performing abortions in Texas is even lower than the number of licensed providers, because the Planned Parenthood clinic in Waco, while licensed, is no longer performs the procedure. Also, Whole Woman's Health operates two separately licensed facilities at the same location in San Antonio, a clinic and ambulatory surgical center. In August, only 34 of the licensed providers were still performing abortions, said the researchers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortionists can't handle new health standards" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 3/10/14
Last year, 87 abortion facilities discontinued offering surgical abortions, and this year a similarly significant decline is developing.
Both sides attribute the closures to new state laws requiring that abortionists have admitting privileges to a local hospital, should an emergency occur.
According to the Washington Times, 19 clinics in Texas, including two already this month, that have closed because of new regulations.
The report said a similar law in Mississippi has put the future of the state’s only abortion clinic in doubt as court proceedings continue. Closures also have occurred in Florida, Alabama and other states.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Planned Parenthood President Asks, Who Cares When Life Begins?
UPDATE 5/23/14: CBS News reports on clinic closings
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
'Gay Marriage' Divides GOP: Rand Paul vs. Ted Cruz
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who won big in this month's CPAC straw poll for Republican 2016 presidential candidates, says that the GOP must drop the avid defense of natural marriage, but the Tea Party favorite candidate, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, says religious liberty is the epitome of American freedom, and the Gay Agenda is its greatest enemy.
For further background, read GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters and also read GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates as well as Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable to Illinois GOP Leaders
UPDATE 7/23/14 - Sen. Marco Rubio Takes Sides in Culture War (video):
-- From "Cruz sets up showdown with Paul in Iowa" by Alexandra Jaffe, The Hill 3/18/14
[Sen. Ted] Cruz did not directly criticize Sen. Rand Paul in his remarks [at the Iowa event], but did seek to distinguish himself from the Kentucky Republican, who has said the GOP should "agree to disagree" on social issues.
Tuesday was Cruz's fourth stop this year in Iowa, making him the most frequent visitor to the pivotal early primary state among potential Republican presidential contenders except for Paul.
Both men are thinking about running for president in 2016, and they'd be battling for the same or similar slices of conservative voters in Iowa.
Iowa’s GOP caucuses are typically populated with evangelical Christians and social conservative voters, and Cruz’s Tuesday pitch seemed tailored to that audience.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Paul: For GOP to Grow, It Must ‘Agree to Disagree on Social Issues’ Like Gay ‘Marriage’" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 3/17/14
[The homosexualist reporter asked Sen. Paul], “There was a consensus among young people at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference [CPAC] that the GOP needs to get out of social issues. Do you agree?”
Paul said, “I think it’s partly that. But I also think young people are very concerned with privacy. …”
“On issues that are very contentious, that involve social mores—I think that allowing different parts of the country to make their decision based on the local mores and culture is a good idea” said Senator Paul.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cruz Gets in Touch with Religious Side in Iowa" by The Associated Press 3/18/14
[Sen. Cruz] told a crowd of more than 500 home-schoolers in Des Moines on Tuesday that "there is no liberty more important than religious liberty."
And Cruz decried what he called the federal government's attempts to impede it. . . . he said the Obama administration has been more openly hostile toward religious freedom than any other occupant of the White House.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "In Iowa, Cruz bashes Obama on ‘religious liberty’" by Kevin Diaz, Houston Chronicle 3/18/14
[Sen. Cruz] decried what he said were Obama administration efforts to curtail religious liberty, citing controversies over religious practices in the military and a dispute with a Catholic nuns’ order over contraceptive health coverage.
“We’ve never seen an administration with such hostility to religious faith,” Cruz told the group of Christian conservatives.
[Sen. Cruz] called school choice, including home-schooling, “the civil rights issue of the 21st century.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ted Cruz in Iowa keeps social issues prominent" by Jennifer Jacobs, Des Moines Register 3/19/14
Cruz, in an interview with The Des Moines Register on Tuesday, said that Republicans “should continue to defend life and that we should continue to defend traditional marriage.”
On Tuesday, the anniversary of the national GOP’s post-election report examining its failings in the 2012 election cycle, the Register asked Cruz whether [Sen. Rand] Paul is right about how to be more welcoming.
“Look, I am a conservative,” Cruz answered. “I’m a fiscal conservative. I’m a social conservative. I think we’ve seen that in order for the Republican Party to succeed, we need to be a big tent. … There are some who say the Republican Party should no longer stand for life. I don’t agree with that. There are some who say the Republican Party should no longer stand for traditional marriage. I don’t agree with them, either.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ted Cruz calls religious liberty America's most vital value during 4th trip to Iowa since July" by Will Weissert, Associated Press 3/18/14
[Sen. Cruz told] Iowa home school advocates that America was founded on Christian values Washington can't deny.
[Cruz] has made no secret of his religious faith since joining the Senate last January, but rarely makes it a centerpiece as he did Tuesday.
Cruz pointed to what he said was the Internal Revenue Service under the Obama White House forcing religious groups to divulge more information for tax purposes. His sentiments were often met by calls of "Amen!" and "Praise God!"
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Lawless Obama Administration: States Should Violate Oath for 'Gay Marriage'
In addition, read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians
"This nation was founded by men and women fleeing religious oppression and coming here seeking the freedom to seek out our Lord God Almighty with all of our hearts, minds and souls, free of the government getting in the way."Also read Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- Sen. Ted Cruz, March 18th in Iowa
For further background, read GOP Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters and also read GOP Funds Pro-abortion Homosexual Candidates as well as Biblical Beliefs Unacceptable to Illinois GOP Leaders
UPDATE 7/23/14 - Sen. Marco Rubio Takes Sides in Culture War (video):
-- From "Cruz sets up showdown with Paul in Iowa" by Alexandra Jaffe, The Hill 3/18/14
[Sen. Ted] Cruz did not directly criticize Sen. Rand Paul in his remarks [at the Iowa event], but did seek to distinguish himself from the Kentucky Republican, who has said the GOP should "agree to disagree" on social issues.
Tuesday was Cruz's fourth stop this year in Iowa, making him the most frequent visitor to the pivotal early primary state among potential Republican presidential contenders except for Paul.
Both men are thinking about running for president in 2016, and they'd be battling for the same or similar slices of conservative voters in Iowa.
Iowa’s GOP caucuses are typically populated with evangelical Christians and social conservative voters, and Cruz’s Tuesday pitch seemed tailored to that audience.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Paul: For GOP to Grow, It Must ‘Agree to Disagree on Social Issues’ Like Gay ‘Marriage’" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 3/17/14
[The homosexualist reporter asked Sen. Paul], “There was a consensus among young people at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference [CPAC] that the GOP needs to get out of social issues. Do you agree?”
Paul said, “I think it’s partly that. But I also think young people are very concerned with privacy. …”
“On issues that are very contentious, that involve social mores—I think that allowing different parts of the country to make their decision based on the local mores and culture is a good idea” said Senator Paul.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cruz Gets in Touch with Religious Side in Iowa" by The Associated Press 3/18/14
[Sen. Cruz] told a crowd of more than 500 home-schoolers in Des Moines on Tuesday that "there is no liberty more important than religious liberty."
And Cruz decried what he called the federal government's attempts to impede it. . . . he said the Obama administration has been more openly hostile toward religious freedom than any other occupant of the White House.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "In Iowa, Cruz bashes Obama on ‘religious liberty’" by Kevin Diaz, Houston Chronicle 3/18/14
[Sen. Cruz] decried what he said were Obama administration efforts to curtail religious liberty, citing controversies over religious practices in the military and a dispute with a Catholic nuns’ order over contraceptive health coverage.
“We’ve never seen an administration with such hostility to religious faith,” Cruz told the group of Christian conservatives.
[Sen. Cruz] called school choice, including home-schooling, “the civil rights issue of the 21st century.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ted Cruz in Iowa keeps social issues prominent" by Jennifer Jacobs, Des Moines Register 3/19/14
Cruz, in an interview with The Des Moines Register on Tuesday, said that Republicans “should continue to defend life and that we should continue to defend traditional marriage.”
On Tuesday, the anniversary of the national GOP’s post-election report examining its failings in the 2012 election cycle, the Register asked Cruz whether [Sen. Rand] Paul is right about how to be more welcoming.
“Look, I am a conservative,” Cruz answered. “I’m a fiscal conservative. I’m a social conservative. I think we’ve seen that in order for the Republican Party to succeed, we need to be a big tent. … There are some who say the Republican Party should no longer stand for life. I don’t agree with that. There are some who say the Republican Party should no longer stand for traditional marriage. I don’t agree with them, either.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ted Cruz calls religious liberty America's most vital value during 4th trip to Iowa since July" by Will Weissert, Associated Press 3/18/14
[Sen. Cruz told] Iowa home school advocates that America was founded on Christian values Washington can't deny.
[Cruz] has made no secret of his religious faith since joining the Senate last January, but rarely makes it a centerpiece as he did Tuesday.
Cruz pointed to what he said was the Internal Revenue Service under the Obama White House forcing religious groups to divulge more information for tax purposes. His sentiments were often met by calls of "Amen!" and "Praise God!"
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Lawless Obama Administration: States Should Violate Oath for 'Gay Marriage'
In addition, read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Christian Marriage Not Welcome at Stanford Univ.
The Stanford Undergraduate Senate voted to deny funding for the conservative Stanford Anscombe Society (SAS) and the Stanford Graduate Student Council voted 10-2 against a proposed SAS conference titled "Communicating Values: Marriage, Family & the Media" denouncing such a promotion of natural marriage as "hate speech." Organized homosexualists spoke against the conference asserting that it would be threatening to "the queer population" and increase the student suicide rate.
D.C. University Suspends Christian for Defending Marriage
California Feminist Sex/Porn Professor Attacks Pro-lifers
Bullies Exposed in Ivory Towers: Study Shows
Gay Savage Sells Sex App for University of Oregon
Iowa University Removes Religious Propaganda = Bibles
Florida University Professor Says Priests are Full of Crap
-- From "GSC denies funding for controversial 'anti-LGBT' event" by Catherine Zaw, The Stanford Daily 3/12/14
SAS had sought $600 in honoraria funds from the GSC for conference speakers. However, members of GradQ, the queer graduate student organization, criticized the speaker list–which included Robert Lopez, Kellie Fiedorek and Ryan Anderson–as inappropriately controversial.
As a general fees group, SAS also reached out to the Undergraduate Senate for $5,000 in funding. However, the appropriations committee met with the group on Thursday night and voted not to recommend their funding application.
Despite the lack of funding, SAS’s Communicating Values Conference will still go on, according to [SAS president Judith] Romea. The group will seek funding from local organizations, a process which will be in compliance with University guidelines for event funding.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Stanford Calls Traditional Marriage Conference ‘Hate Speech’, Denies Funding" by Alec Torres, National Review Online 3/17/14
Stanford Anscombe Society (SAS) is a group that “promotes discussion regarding the roles of the family, marriage, and sexual integrity in the lives of Stanford students both now and after graduation.”
“Communicating values” was created in order to “engage in intellectual and civil discourse about the issues of marriage, family, and sexual integrity,” according to the event description.
Over 100 students, many organized by the queer graduate group GradQ, showed up at the GSC meeting on “Communicating Values” and, according to the minutes of the meeting, decried “Communicating Values” as hateful and even dangerous to LGBT members of the Stanford community.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read ObamaNation: Rating Colleges Based on Immorality
An addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
“A lot of students who are queer come to Stanford because it’s one of the most LGBT-friendly places in the world. Stanford is supposed to be a safe space for us.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Brianne Huntsman, student
D.C. University Suspends Christian for Defending Marriage
California Feminist Sex/Porn Professor Attacks Pro-lifers
Bullies Exposed in Ivory Towers: Study Shows
Gay Savage Sells Sex App for University of Oregon
Iowa University Removes Religious Propaganda = Bibles
Florida University Professor Says Priests are Full of Crap
-- From "GSC denies funding for controversial 'anti-LGBT' event" by Catherine Zaw, The Stanford Daily 3/12/14
SAS had sought $600 in honoraria funds from the GSC for conference speakers. However, members of GradQ, the queer graduate student organization, criticized the speaker list–which included Robert Lopez, Kellie Fiedorek and Ryan Anderson–as inappropriately controversial.
As a general fees group, SAS also reached out to the Undergraduate Senate for $5,000 in funding. However, the appropriations committee met with the group on Thursday night and voted not to recommend their funding application.
Despite the lack of funding, SAS’s Communicating Values Conference will still go on, according to [SAS president Judith] Romea. The group will seek funding from local organizations, a process which will be in compliance with University guidelines for event funding.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Stanford Calls Traditional Marriage Conference ‘Hate Speech’, Denies Funding" by Alec Torres, National Review Online 3/17/14
Stanford Anscombe Society (SAS) is a group that “promotes discussion regarding the roles of the family, marriage, and sexual integrity in the lives of Stanford students both now and after graduation.”
“Communicating values” was created in order to “engage in intellectual and civil discourse about the issues of marriage, family, and sexual integrity,” according to the event description.
Over 100 students, many organized by the queer graduate group GradQ, showed up at the GSC meeting on “Communicating Values” and, according to the minutes of the meeting, decried “Communicating Values” as hateful and even dangerous to LGBT members of the Stanford community.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read ObamaNation: Rating Colleges Based on Immorality
An addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
Monday, March 17, 2014
Science Limited to Godless Origins at Ball State
Indiana legislators are questioning the decision of Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora to ban professors from discussing a full range of scientific inquiry of the birth of the universe.
Also read Most Americans Reject Godless Theory of Evolution
-- From "Indiana legislators question Ball State's decision to prohibit teaching intelligent design" by The Associated Press 3/16/14
Gora’s decision followed complaints that the “Boundaries of Science” class taught by Eric Hedin, an assistant professor of physics, was promoting the idea that nature displays evidence of intelligent design, as opposed to evolution. . . .
The letter was signed by Senate Education Committee Chairman Dennis Kruse of Auburn, along with Sens. Travis Holdman of Markle and Greg Walker of Columbus and Rep. Jeff Thompson of Lizton. Because the university has declined to release a report prepared by a faculty review panel, “we feel unable to judge whether the investigation was fair and impartial,” the lawmakers wrote.
The legislators wrote that they also were “disturbed by reports that while you restrict faculty speech on intelligent design, BSU authorized a seminar that teaches ‘Science Must Destroy Religion.’”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Lawmakers probe religion vs. science at BSU" by Seth Slabaugh, The (Muncie, IN) Star Press 3/13/14
BSU spokesman Tony Proudfoot said the legislators apparently were referring to Honors 390A, “Dangerous Ideas,” which uses a book titled, “What is Your Dangerous Idea?”
One essay in the book is titled “Science Must Destroy Religion.” Proudfoot says other essays in the book include these titles: “Science May Be Running Out of Control,” “Science Will Never Silence God,” and “Religion is the Hope that is Missing in Science.”
The [legislators'] letter also expresses concerns about whether a faculty review panel appointed to investigate complaints against Hedin “was filled with persons with conflicts of interest, who were predisposed to be hostile to his viewpoint.”
The letter gives Gora until the end of business on March 24 to answer the following question: “Does the policy forbid science professors from explaining either their support or rejection of intelligent design in answer to student questions about intelligent design in class?”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "False Spin: Ball State University Misrepresents Anti-Religious Chapters in What Is Your Dangerous Idea? as Religion-Friendly" by Casey Luskin,, ENV 3/17/14
. . . BSU has badly misrepresented the hard-to-miss anti-religious goals of the book, as well as the supposedly religion-friendly chapters it cites. Of those three chapters, one has nothing to do with religion and the other two are explicitly anti-religious.
First, some background. What Is Your Dangerous Idea? is framed, billed, and marketed as a book of ideas by leading new atheist-types. The intended readership seems to be intellectual atheists, as its cover advertises the fact that the introduction is by new atheist (and evolutionary psychologist) Steven Pinker, and the afterword is by leading new atheist Richard Dawkins.
Indeed, the man behind What Is Your Dangerous Idea?, who served as its editor, is John Brockman, has been called one of "the 25 most influential living atheists." He was the literary agent and main promoter of Dawkins's 2006 book The God Delusion (and other books by Dawkins). In the acknowledgments of The God Delusion, Dawkins thanks Brockman for his "help in the preparation of this book" and states that Brockman's "whole-hearted and enthusiastic belief in the book was very encouraging." (p. 6) . . .
To put it bluntly, What Is Your Dangerous Idea? is an unadulterated polemic against religion, especially traditional religion. . . .
Not one of those 108 essays in What Is Your Dangerous Idea? promotes the idea that traditional religion actually is true. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Intelligent Design: Hoosier Lawmakers Demand Answers from President Gora" by Todd Smekens, Muncie Voice 3/14/14
Earlier this month, Jo Ann Gora, President of Ball State University, was being showered with accolades at the Muncie City Council meeting, and even presented a key to the city by Mayor Dennis Tyler, but a lot can happen in mere days.
It appears that several Indiana legislators at the state level would like to rescind her accolades by admonishing her and the Board of Trustees for how they handled the summer’s intelligent design issue with Professor Hedin. . . . [Pres. Gora concluded:]
Also read Teaching Evolution is Religious Indoctrination: Lawsuit as well as Global Warming is a Religion, Say Climate Scientists
“. . . serious questions have been raised about whether academic freedom, free speech and religious liberty have been respected by BSU in its treatment of professor [Eric] Hedin, its subsequent establishment of a speech code restricting faculty speech on intelligent design, and its cancellation of professor Hedin’s ... class.”For background, read Atheists Want Ball State Christian to Stop Teaching Science
-- Letter to Pres. Gora from legislators
Also read Most Americans Reject Godless Theory of Evolution
-- From "Indiana legislators question Ball State's decision to prohibit teaching intelligent design" by The Associated Press 3/16/14
Gora’s decision followed complaints that the “Boundaries of Science” class taught by Eric Hedin, an assistant professor of physics, was promoting the idea that nature displays evidence of intelligent design, as opposed to evolution. . . .
The letter was signed by Senate Education Committee Chairman Dennis Kruse of Auburn, along with Sens. Travis Holdman of Markle and Greg Walker of Columbus and Rep. Jeff Thompson of Lizton. Because the university has declined to release a report prepared by a faculty review panel, “we feel unable to judge whether the investigation was fair and impartial,” the lawmakers wrote.
The legislators wrote that they also were “disturbed by reports that while you restrict faculty speech on intelligent design, BSU authorized a seminar that teaches ‘Science Must Destroy Religion.’”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Lawmakers probe religion vs. science at BSU" by Seth Slabaugh, The (Muncie, IN) Star Press 3/13/14
BSU spokesman Tony Proudfoot said the legislators apparently were referring to Honors 390A, “Dangerous Ideas,” which uses a book titled, “What is Your Dangerous Idea?”
One essay in the book is titled “Science Must Destroy Religion.” Proudfoot says other essays in the book include these titles: “Science May Be Running Out of Control,” “Science Will Never Silence God,” and “Religion is the Hope that is Missing in Science.”
The [legislators'] letter also expresses concerns about whether a faculty review panel appointed to investigate complaints against Hedin “was filled with persons with conflicts of interest, who were predisposed to be hostile to his viewpoint.”
The letter gives Gora until the end of business on March 24 to answer the following question: “Does the policy forbid science professors from explaining either their support or rejection of intelligent design in answer to student questions about intelligent design in class?”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "False Spin: Ball State University Misrepresents Anti-Religious Chapters in What Is Your Dangerous Idea? as Religion-Friendly" by Casey Luskin,, ENV 3/17/14
. . . BSU has badly misrepresented the hard-to-miss anti-religious goals of the book, as well as the supposedly religion-friendly chapters it cites. Of those three chapters, one has nothing to do with religion and the other two are explicitly anti-religious.
First, some background. What Is Your Dangerous Idea? is framed, billed, and marketed as a book of ideas by leading new atheist-types. The intended readership seems to be intellectual atheists, as its cover advertises the fact that the introduction is by new atheist (and evolutionary psychologist) Steven Pinker, and the afterword is by leading new atheist Richard Dawkins.
Indeed, the man behind What Is Your Dangerous Idea?, who served as its editor, is John Brockman, has been called one of "the 25 most influential living atheists." He was the literary agent and main promoter of Dawkins's 2006 book The God Delusion (and other books by Dawkins). In the acknowledgments of The God Delusion, Dawkins thanks Brockman for his "help in the preparation of this book" and states that Brockman's "whole-hearted and enthusiastic belief in the book was very encouraging." (p. 6) . . .
To put it bluntly, What Is Your Dangerous Idea? is an unadulterated polemic against religion, especially traditional religion. . . .
Not one of those 108 essays in What Is Your Dangerous Idea? promotes the idea that traditional religion actually is true. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Intelligent Design: Hoosier Lawmakers Demand Answers from President Gora" by Todd Smekens, Muncie Voice 3/14/14
Earlier this month, Jo Ann Gora, President of Ball State University, was being showered with accolades at the Muncie City Council meeting, and even presented a key to the city by Mayor Dennis Tyler, but a lot can happen in mere days.
It appears that several Indiana legislators at the state level would like to rescind her accolades by admonishing her and the Board of Trustees for how they handled the summer’s intelligent design issue with Professor Hedin. . . . [Pres. Gora concluded:]
Teaching intelligent design as a scientific theory is not a matter of academic freedom – it is an issue of academic integrity. … Said simply, to allow intelligent design to be presented to science students as a valid scientific theory would violate the academic integrity of the course as it would fail to accurately represent the consensus of science scholars.To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Teaching Evolution is Religious Indoctrination: Lawsuit as well as Global Warming is a Religion, Say Climate Scientists
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Prayer at School Board Won't Stop: South Carolina
Florence (SC) District One school board member Pat Gibson-Hye Moore says her Christian mission is to bring prayer to schools across America. She resisted the Board's past decision to replace the opening prayer at regular meetings with a "moment of silence," during which time Moore continues to pray out loud while all heads are bowed.
Democrats Want School Prayer Law in South Carolina
South Carolina School Ensures Prayer Freedom Despite Lawsuit
Repeating Congressional Prayers in Alabama Schools
North Carolinians Pray at School, Defying Wisconsin Atheists
Taxpayers Want Prayer Back at Arizona School Board Meetings
Ohio Councilman Won't Stop Praying in Jesus' Name
Prayers Continue at Michigan City Council, Ignoring Atheists
2014: 'Year of the Bible,' Declares Texas Mayor
Congressman Says Prayer is Needed to Solve America's Problems
America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
-- From "Florence school board member pushes for prayer in school" by Ken Baker, WMBF-TV32 (Myrtle Beach, SC) 3/15/14
There is concern that what Gibson Hye-Moore is doing is illegal.
Gibson Hye-Moore is just one of thousands of people who are a part of the "Put Prayer Back" initiative currently spreading across the country. A few of those in the group showed up at Thursday night's meeting to show their support for Gibson Hye-Moore.
Florence One's Board of Trustees has considered eliminating the time allotted for the moment of silence so that Gibson Hye-Moore doesn't pray out loud.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School board member protests with prayer" by Sean Maginnis, WMBF, posted at WRBC-TV6 (Birmingham, AL) February 2012
"I voted against the moment of silence because before you know it, down the road that will be taken away," Moore says. "I just refuse to let people tell me how to operate my faith."
Weeks ago, the board voted to replace a prayer with a moment of a silence. But Moore says she has been taking advantage of the moment of silence to pray out loud.
"I've just been praying a really short prayer, one or two lines, loudly and openly," Moore says.
"They can ban me from meetings, they can take me to jail whatever they desire," Moore says. "Let their hearts do what they want and my heart will continue to do what I've been told to do."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Florence County School Board member refuses to pray in silence" by Tonya Brown, CarolinaLive.com 10/18/12
Thursday night, someone suggested they do away with the moment of silence because board member Pat Gibson-Hye Moore prays aloud during the moment of silence.
Some board members fear they could face a lawsuit because she continues to openly pray out loud at meetings, but Moore says she's just following her heart.
She says, "I'm not going to say Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but, dear heavenly Father and we all have a heavenly Father that we believe in. We need guidance, strength and wisdom. That's what I'm praying for guidance, strength and wisdom."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School board member hopes to put prayer back in school" by Tonya Brown, CarolinaLive.com 8/23/13
"I continue to pray at our school board meetings. I don't care about the ACLU. I don't care about the Supreme Court. What's the most they can do? Put me in jail. And the nation will come out because we need to put prayer back into the lives of our children," said Pat Gibson Hye-Moore, Florence School District One Board Member.
"I know that people really want this. I get a lot of phone calls. I get stopped in stores all the time when I'm out in the street. People really want to see prayer back in schools."
Moore adds that she's networking with people in other states who plan to help her grassroots efforts.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For further background, read Prayer at Civic Meetings Flourish Across America as more Citizens Rebel Against Atheist Threats
And also read of countless examples of citizens banding together to defy the atheists and pray in school and other local government bodies.
In addition, read Texas Law Tells Schools to Ignore Atheist Threats and read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools.
"They're trying to take God out of our lives completely, and He's our protector He's our savior. I respect other religions, but America is built on Christianity, we are the majority."For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Pat Gibson-Hye Moore, Board member, Community Activist
Democrats Want School Prayer Law in South Carolina
South Carolina School Ensures Prayer Freedom Despite Lawsuit
Repeating Congressional Prayers in Alabama Schools
North Carolinians Pray at School, Defying Wisconsin Atheists
Taxpayers Want Prayer Back at Arizona School Board Meetings
Ohio Councilman Won't Stop Praying in Jesus' Name
Prayers Continue at Michigan City Council, Ignoring Atheists
2014: 'Year of the Bible,' Declares Texas Mayor
Congressman Says Prayer is Needed to Solve America's Problems
America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
-- From "Florence school board member pushes for prayer in school" by Ken Baker, WMBF-TV32 (Myrtle Beach, SC) 3/15/14
There is concern that what Gibson Hye-Moore is doing is illegal.
Gibson Hye-Moore is just one of thousands of people who are a part of the "Put Prayer Back" initiative currently spreading across the country. A few of those in the group showed up at Thursday night's meeting to show their support for Gibson Hye-Moore.
Florence One's Board of Trustees has considered eliminating the time allotted for the moment of silence so that Gibson Hye-Moore doesn't pray out loud.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School board member protests with prayer" by Sean Maginnis, WMBF, posted at WRBC-TV6 (Birmingham, AL) February 2012
"I voted against the moment of silence because before you know it, down the road that will be taken away," Moore says. "I just refuse to let people tell me how to operate my faith."
Weeks ago, the board voted to replace a prayer with a moment of a silence. But Moore says she has been taking advantage of the moment of silence to pray out loud.
"I've just been praying a really short prayer, one or two lines, loudly and openly," Moore says.
"They can ban me from meetings, they can take me to jail whatever they desire," Moore says. "Let their hearts do what they want and my heart will continue to do what I've been told to do."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Florence County School Board member refuses to pray in silence" by Tonya Brown, CarolinaLive.com 10/18/12
Thursday night, someone suggested they do away with the moment of silence because board member Pat Gibson-Hye Moore prays aloud during the moment of silence.
Some board members fear they could face a lawsuit because she continues to openly pray out loud at meetings, but Moore says she's just following her heart.
She says, "I'm not going to say Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but, dear heavenly Father and we all have a heavenly Father that we believe in. We need guidance, strength and wisdom. That's what I'm praying for guidance, strength and wisdom."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School board member hopes to put prayer back in school" by Tonya Brown, CarolinaLive.com 8/23/13
"I continue to pray at our school board meetings. I don't care about the ACLU. I don't care about the Supreme Court. What's the most they can do? Put me in jail. And the nation will come out because we need to put prayer back into the lives of our children," said Pat Gibson Hye-Moore, Florence School District One Board Member.
"I know that people really want this. I get a lot of phone calls. I get stopped in stores all the time when I'm out in the street. People really want to see prayer back in schools."
Moore adds that she's networking with people in other states who plan to help her grassroots efforts.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For further background, read Prayer at Civic Meetings Flourish Across America as more Citizens Rebel Against Atheist Threats
And also read of countless examples of citizens banding together to defy the atheists and pray in school and other local government bodies.
In addition, read Texas Law Tells Schools to Ignore Atheist Threats and read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Bible: Court-martial Offense at Air Force Academy?
A cadet at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs is being called out for writing a Bible verse on the whiteboard affixed outside of his dorm room door. In a congressional hearing this week, the Air Force explained that once Academy leaders became aware, the verse was immediately removed -- exactly 2 hours, 9 minutes after atheists at the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) demanded action from the academy superintendent. The MRFF is now demanding the cadet be court-martialed for this grievous violation of the Air Force guidelines.
Also read President Obama's Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense
-- From "Bible verse on Colorado cadet’s door sparks debate" by The Associated Press 3/12/14
Mikey Weinstein, director of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said Wednesday that the message on a white board amounted to a cadet in a position of authority forcing an opinion on subordinates. Weinstein says he received complaints from cadets, and might file a lawsuit to ensure church-state separation on campus.
But Mike Berry of the Liberty Institute says the right to post such messages is a matter of religious freedom. Berry’s institute says it fights to defend religious liberty, and Berry says he plans to take up the matter with the academy.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Whiteboard' events foster discussion on 1st amendment" by Don Branum, (U.S. Air Force) Academy Spirit staff writer 3/14/14
Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson and other senior leaders here spoke with Colorado Springs reporters March 14 to clarify the sequence of events surrounding a Bible passage written on a whiteboard within Cadet Squadron 21 on March 10.
Controversy, stemming from an incomplete understanding of events, resulted in questions from members of Congress to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A Welsh III during a budget hearing before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington.
Welsh dismissed assertions that Airmen's religious beliefs were being infringed.
"I know all kinds of people at the Air Force Academy ... who would disagree with your assessment of there being a problem of religious persecution at the Air Force Academy," Welsh said in response to a question from Rep. John Fleming (R-La.). "The single biggest frustration I've had on this job is the perception that somehow there is religious persecution inside the United States Air Force. It is not true. We have incidents like everybody has incidents. We investigate every one of them. We've asked every chaplain in our Air Force if they know of these cases; they say no."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Is Air Force Losing Its Religion?" by Jordain Carney, National Journal 3/14/14
Republican Rep. Randy Forbes of Virginia, who is in the running to be the next Armed Services chairman, asked about reports from earlier this week that a cadet at the Air Force Academy was forced to take a Bible quote down from a whiteboard.
"Perhaps the most offensive, the Air Force said this was a teaching moment, that the cadet's action of putting the Bible verse on [the whiteboard] was inappropriate based on leadership principles," Forbes said, adding that he was going off of information he received from the Air Force.
GOP Rep. Michael Conaway of Texas said he is worried that "we have individuals who are so insecure and unsure of themselves that they can't coexist with a free expression … of traditional religious views.… I wonder if they are the right folks for that business."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Air Force Academy Scrubs Bible Verse From Hallway Board" by Ali Meyer, CNSNews.com 3/13/14
. . . there are reports now that some cadets are posting other Bible verses and some passages from the Koran on other whiteboards at the Colorado Springs campus, in protest of the removal of the first verse.
The hallway whiteboard had been designated by the Air Force Academy for both official and personal use, according to a group of 24 organizations called the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition.
The passage was removed from the whiteboard after activist Mikey Weinstein, who runs the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, filed a complaint with the Air Force Academy after receiving information about the issue apparently from other cadets.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "What's going on at Air Force Academy? God's word vs. Pentagon's word" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 3/13/14
Friends of the cadet tell me the young man had posted the verse several months ago and considered the New Testament passage as a source of inspiration.
Mikey Weinstein, director of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, told me that 29 cadets and four faculty and staff members contacted his organization to complain about the Christian passage.
He said the Bible verse on the cadet's personal whiteboard created a hostile environment at the academy.
Weinstein is vowing to take the Air Force Academy to court unless they punish every cadet who posted a Bible verse on their bulletin boards.
[Lt. Gen.] Johnson said the Christian cadet “voluntarily elected to erase the scripture.”
Several cadets reached out to me by phone and shared with me their grave concerns about how Christians are being treated at the Air Force Academy. They agreed to be interviewed, provided I did not reveal their identities. . . .
To read the cadet responses, and the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read President Obama's Veterans Administration Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains
For further background, read President Obama Redefines 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion and yet President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity, and so Congress Responds to Obama's Military Attack on Christians
"This latest incident at the United States Air Force Academy reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of religious freedom. Not only is the notion that cadets have to abandon or hide their faith as a requisite of military service not supported by law, it is actually discriminatory to brave men and women of faith that desire to serve their country."For background, read Air Force & Navy Take Orders from Atheists vs. Christians as well as Air Force Drops God; Army Admits its Training Labeled Christians as Terrorists
-- Michael Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel
Also read President Obama's Pentagon Says Following Jesus' Command is a Court Martial Offense
 |
| Click to view TV news report |
-- From "Bible verse on Colorado cadet’s door sparks debate" by The Associated Press 3/12/14
Mikey Weinstein, director of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said Wednesday that the message on a white board amounted to a cadet in a position of authority forcing an opinion on subordinates. Weinstein says he received complaints from cadets, and might file a lawsuit to ensure church-state separation on campus.
But Mike Berry of the Liberty Institute says the right to post such messages is a matter of religious freedom. Berry’s institute says it fights to defend religious liberty, and Berry says he plans to take up the matter with the academy.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Whiteboard' events foster discussion on 1st amendment" by Don Branum, (U.S. Air Force) Academy Spirit staff writer 3/14/14
Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson and other senior leaders here spoke with Colorado Springs reporters March 14 to clarify the sequence of events surrounding a Bible passage written on a whiteboard within Cadet Squadron 21 on March 10.
Controversy, stemming from an incomplete understanding of events, resulted in questions from members of Congress to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A Welsh III during a budget hearing before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington.
Welsh dismissed assertions that Airmen's religious beliefs were being infringed.
"I know all kinds of people at the Air Force Academy ... who would disagree with your assessment of there being a problem of religious persecution at the Air Force Academy," Welsh said in response to a question from Rep. John Fleming (R-La.). "The single biggest frustration I've had on this job is the perception that somehow there is religious persecution inside the United States Air Force. It is not true. We have incidents like everybody has incidents. We investigate every one of them. We've asked every chaplain in our Air Force if they know of these cases; they say no."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Is Air Force Losing Its Religion?" by Jordain Carney, National Journal 3/14/14
Republican Rep. Randy Forbes of Virginia, who is in the running to be the next Armed Services chairman, asked about reports from earlier this week that a cadet at the Air Force Academy was forced to take a Bible quote down from a whiteboard.
"Perhaps the most offensive, the Air Force said this was a teaching moment, that the cadet's action of putting the Bible verse on [the whiteboard] was inappropriate based on leadership principles," Forbes said, adding that he was going off of information he received from the Air Force.
GOP Rep. Michael Conaway of Texas said he is worried that "we have individuals who are so insecure and unsure of themselves that they can't coexist with a free expression … of traditional religious views.… I wonder if they are the right folks for that business."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Air Force Academy Scrubs Bible Verse From Hallway Board" by Ali Meyer, CNSNews.com 3/13/14
. . . there are reports now that some cadets are posting other Bible verses and some passages from the Koran on other whiteboards at the Colorado Springs campus, in protest of the removal of the first verse.
The hallway whiteboard had been designated by the Air Force Academy for both official and personal use, according to a group of 24 organizations called the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition.
The passage was removed from the whiteboard after activist Mikey Weinstein, who runs the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, filed a complaint with the Air Force Academy after receiving information about the issue apparently from other cadets.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "What's going on at Air Force Academy? God's word vs. Pentagon's word" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 3/13/14
Friends of the cadet tell me the young man had posted the verse several months ago and considered the New Testament passage as a source of inspiration.
Mikey Weinstein, director of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, told me that 29 cadets and four faculty and staff members contacted his organization to complain about the Christian passage.
He said the Bible verse on the cadet's personal whiteboard created a hostile environment at the academy.
Weinstein is vowing to take the Air Force Academy to court unless they punish every cadet who posted a Bible verse on their bulletin boards.
[Lt. Gen.] Johnson said the Christian cadet “voluntarily elected to erase the scripture.”
Several cadets reached out to me by phone and shared with me their grave concerns about how Christians are being treated at the Air Force Academy. They agreed to be interviewed, provided I did not reveal their identities. . . .
To read the cadet responses, and the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read President Obama's Veterans Administration Strips Jesus & Bible from Chaplains
For further background, read President Obama Redefines 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion and yet President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity, and so Congress Responds to Obama's Military Attack on Christians
Friday, March 14, 2014
NY Methodist Bishop Allows Same-sex Marriages
Bishop Martin D. McLee announced that he will no longer require clergy in his New York region of the United Methodist Church (UMC) to abide by the denomination's restriction on pastors performing same-sex weddings. However, denomination leaders are preparing to put another bishop on trial for violating that restriction. Schism seems inevitable.
For background, read Homosexualists Say, Take Methodist Denomination by Force and also read Bishop Melvin G. Talbert Breaks UMC Covenant via 'Gay Marriage'
-- From "Methodist Bishop to End Trials for Ministers Who Perform Gay Weddings" by Sharon Otterman, New York Times 3/10/14
As the first sitting United Methodist bishop to publicly make such a pledge, Bishop Martin D. McLee instantly became a leading figure in a decades-old movement within the United Methodist Church, the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination, to extend equal recognition and rights to gay and lesbian members. Though Bishop McLee said that he hoped his approach would heal the church’s deep divisions over homosexuality, more conservative Methodists warned that his actions would push the denomination closer to an irrevocable split.
. . . Bishop McLee, who oversees about 460 churches in lower New York State and Connecticut, agreed to drop all charges against [the Methodist minister and retired dean of Yale Divinity School, Dr. Thomas W.] Ogletree; in exchange, he asked only that Dr. Ogletree participate in a dialogue about the church and its stance on matters of sexuality. Promoting dialogue, the bishop said, could be a model for other United Methodist bishops to follow.
. . . about 1,500 United Methodist ministers around the country have pledged to officiate same-sex unions in defiance of the rules, including 217 clergy in the New York Annual Conference. Bishop McLee’s move, said Dorothee Benz, who leads a pro-gay rights group, Methodists in New Directions, shows that “the bishops are starting to catch the same drift.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "United Methodist Church won’t defrock former Yale Divinity School dean who performed gay wedding" by Jim Shelton, New Haven Register 3/10/14
Bishop Martin D. McLee of the church’s New York Annual Conference said his district agreed to a “cessation” of church trials against Methodist clergy who officiate at same-sex weddings. The district will organize public forums for a “spiritual conversation” about the issue.
“Church trials produce no winners,” McLee said. “Church trials result in harmful polarization and continue the harm brought upon our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.”
Gregory E. Sterling, the current dean of [Yale Divinity School] said he was “immensely relieved” at the outcome of Ogletree’s case.
“This would have been seen as an example of Christianity hurting humans and human rights, rather than supporting human rights,” Sterling said.
The resolution only applies to the New York Annual Conference . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Conservative Methodists Upset by UMC Bishop's Decision to Drop Church Trial of Pastor Who Officiated Son's Gay Wedding" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 3/12/14
"We are deeply disappointed in the decision to negotiate a settlement that contains no consequences for Dr. Ogletree's disobedience," [conservative leader Rev. Tom] Lambrecht told The Christian Post. "Such a decision puts the will of individuals above the requirements of our church covenant and nullifies the will of the General Conference, which has been prayerfully and democratically arrived at and sustained for over 40 years."
Lambrecht also told CP that Bishop McLee's decision to halt church trials for UMC clergy who perform gay weddings "is a green light for clergy to disregard our church covenant and Discipline."
"The commitment sets a pattern for other bishops and annual [regional] conferences to follow, and it increases the distrust and division within the church," said Lambrecht. "This course of action by the bishop reneges on the commitment he and the entire Council of Bishops made in 2012 to continue to uphold the Discipline, despite our disagreements."
John Lomperis, director of the United Methodist program at The Institute on Religion and Democracy, told CP . . . "Bishop McLee has ensured a prolonging and an intensification of our denomination's internal conflicts. No wonder his region is losing members so rapidly."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "United Methodist bishop may face trial for presiding at gay wedding" by Renee K. Gadoua, Religion News Service, Washington Post 3/13/14
Complaints have been filed against [Bishop Melvin G. Talbert,] a United Methodist bishop who presided over a same-sex wedding of two men in defiance of his denomination’s rules prohibiting such ceremonies.
According to a statement from the [UMC] Council of Bishops on Thursday (March 13), Talbert “has violated the sacred trust of his office.”
The church’s disciplinary process could lead to a trial and the loss of Talbert’s clergy credentials. Several other United Methodist clergy face possible trials, as the denomination grows increasingly polarized over church law over ministry to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Coming Methodist Schism" by Rod Dreher, The American Conservative 3/11/14
A Methodist pastor responded to my request yesterday for someone within Methodism to explain what’s going on in the church in light of the news that the Methodist pastor who conducted a marriage service for his gay son would not be tried in church court for violating church discipline. Will there be a schism? I asked. The pastor responds:
Also read Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither as well as Liberal 'Churches' Conforming to Decadent Culture
In addition, read President Obama's National Cathedral is the Seat of Apostasy
For myriad attacks on the Bible and Christian faith, read CBS Gives Voice to Atheists, Heretics, & Apostates
For background, read Homosexualists Say, Take Methodist Denomination by Force and also read Bishop Melvin G. Talbert Breaks UMC Covenant via 'Gay Marriage'
-- From "Methodist Bishop to End Trials for Ministers Who Perform Gay Weddings" by Sharon Otterman, New York Times 3/10/14
As the first sitting United Methodist bishop to publicly make such a pledge, Bishop Martin D. McLee instantly became a leading figure in a decades-old movement within the United Methodist Church, the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination, to extend equal recognition and rights to gay and lesbian members. Though Bishop McLee said that he hoped his approach would heal the church’s deep divisions over homosexuality, more conservative Methodists warned that his actions would push the denomination closer to an irrevocable split.
. . . Bishop McLee, who oversees about 460 churches in lower New York State and Connecticut, agreed to drop all charges against [the Methodist minister and retired dean of Yale Divinity School, Dr. Thomas W.] Ogletree; in exchange, he asked only that Dr. Ogletree participate in a dialogue about the church and its stance on matters of sexuality. Promoting dialogue, the bishop said, could be a model for other United Methodist bishops to follow.
. . . about 1,500 United Methodist ministers around the country have pledged to officiate same-sex unions in defiance of the rules, including 217 clergy in the New York Annual Conference. Bishop McLee’s move, said Dorothee Benz, who leads a pro-gay rights group, Methodists in New Directions, shows that “the bishops are starting to catch the same drift.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "United Methodist Church won’t defrock former Yale Divinity School dean who performed gay wedding" by Jim Shelton, New Haven Register 3/10/14
Bishop Martin D. McLee of the church’s New York Annual Conference said his district agreed to a “cessation” of church trials against Methodist clergy who officiate at same-sex weddings. The district will organize public forums for a “spiritual conversation” about the issue.
“Church trials produce no winners,” McLee said. “Church trials result in harmful polarization and continue the harm brought upon our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.”
Gregory E. Sterling, the current dean of [Yale Divinity School] said he was “immensely relieved” at the outcome of Ogletree’s case.
“This would have been seen as an example of Christianity hurting humans and human rights, rather than supporting human rights,” Sterling said.
The resolution only applies to the New York Annual Conference . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Conservative Methodists Upset by UMC Bishop's Decision to Drop Church Trial of Pastor Who Officiated Son's Gay Wedding" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 3/12/14
"We are deeply disappointed in the decision to negotiate a settlement that contains no consequences for Dr. Ogletree's disobedience," [conservative leader Rev. Tom] Lambrecht told The Christian Post. "Such a decision puts the will of individuals above the requirements of our church covenant and nullifies the will of the General Conference, which has been prayerfully and democratically arrived at and sustained for over 40 years."
Lambrecht also told CP that Bishop McLee's decision to halt church trials for UMC clergy who perform gay weddings "is a green light for clergy to disregard our church covenant and Discipline."
"The commitment sets a pattern for other bishops and annual [regional] conferences to follow, and it increases the distrust and division within the church," said Lambrecht. "This course of action by the bishop reneges on the commitment he and the entire Council of Bishops made in 2012 to continue to uphold the Discipline, despite our disagreements."
John Lomperis, director of the United Methodist program at The Institute on Religion and Democracy, told CP . . . "Bishop McLee has ensured a prolonging and an intensification of our denomination's internal conflicts. No wonder his region is losing members so rapidly."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "United Methodist bishop may face trial for presiding at gay wedding" by Renee K. Gadoua, Religion News Service, Washington Post 3/13/14
Complaints have been filed against [Bishop Melvin G. Talbert,] a United Methodist bishop who presided over a same-sex wedding of two men in defiance of his denomination’s rules prohibiting such ceremonies.
According to a statement from the [UMC] Council of Bishops on Thursday (March 13), Talbert “has violated the sacred trust of his office.”
The church’s disciplinary process could lead to a trial and the loss of Talbert’s clergy credentials. Several other United Methodist clergy face possible trials, as the denomination grows increasingly polarized over church law over ministry to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Coming Methodist Schism" by Rod Dreher, The American Conservative 3/11/14
A Methodist pastor responded to my request yesterday for someone within Methodism to explain what’s going on in the church in light of the news that the Methodist pastor who conducted a marriage service for his gay son would not be tried in church court for violating church discipline. Will there be a schism? I asked. The pastor responds:
You ask will there be a schism? Yes. . . .To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Your second question was how do you avoid one? I do not see how. The covenant, and that is what the Book of Discipline is, has been broken. There is no fixing it. . . .
Finally you ask if it is desirable to avoid schism. Two years ago I would have said at all costs. Now I do not think we should avoid it and indeed I think the sooner we get it over with the better all involved will be. . . . I want to pastor my flock, lead worship, preside at the sacraments, preach the word, and serve the least of these. I do not want to argue about things on which the Bible is clear. . . .
. . . The UMC is in decline in the US, slower then our fellow mainline denominations but declining nonetheless, and that pace of decline will soon pick up as more and more of our members die off. . . .
Also read Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither as well as Liberal 'Churches' Conforming to Decadent Culture
In addition, read President Obama's National Cathedral is the Seat of Apostasy
For myriad attacks on the Bible and Christian faith, read CBS Gives Voice to Atheists, Heretics, & Apostates
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Calif. Feminist Sex/Porn Prof. Attacks Pro-lifers
University of California police are reviewing video of an initially peaceful, legal pro-life demonstration on the Santa Barbara campus in their investigation of Dr. Mireille Miller-Young, a feminist, sex and pornography studies professor, accused of assaulting 16-year-old Thrin Short after the professor incited a riot and ripped a pro-life sign from a another teenage female pro-lifer.
For background, read Liberal Jailed for Death Threats to Pro-lifers and also read Abortionists Bomb Pro-life Catholics, Media Ignore
UPDATE 3/28/14: Prof. charged with misdemeanor theft, battery and vandalism, but the University blames incident on pro-lifers
UPDATE 4/18/14: Virginia College Lifts Muzzle on Christian Speech
-- From "UCSB Professor Accused of Assaulting Anti-Abortion Activist" by Tyler Hayden, Santa Barbara Independent 3/12/14
According to 21-year-old Joan Short — a student at [nearby] Thomas Aquinas College and a member of the Christian pro-life group Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust — she, her 16-year-old sister Thrin, and 11 other Survivors had set up three large signs in an [authorized] area of campus heavy with foot traffic called the Arbor. The banners, along with literature the activists handed out, displayed graphic imagery of late-term abortions that Joan said was intended to “begin conversations” with passing students.
Joan said that at around 11 a.m., Dr. Mireille Miller-Young — an associate professor with UCSB’s Feminist Studies Department — approached the demonstration site and exchanged heated words with the group, taking issue with their pro-life proselytizing and use of disturbing photographs. Joan claimed Miller-Young, accompanied by a few of her students, led the gathering crowd in a chant of “Tear down the sign! Tear down the sign!” before grabbing one of the banners and walking with it across campus.
Joan said she called 9-1-1 and Thrin started filming, and that the pair followed Miller-Young and two of her students — who Joan referred to as “the fugitives” — into nearby South Hall. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Feminist Studies Professor Leads Angry Mob to Assault Pro-Lifers" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 3/12/14
The angry professor interrupted the students’ calm interaction with the activists by grabbing a pro-life sign out of the hands of one of them, carrying the sign off through the campus flanked by her students, and then assaulting Thrin Short while trying to hide from police, who were on their way, the group said. Police officers later found the remains of the sign, which had been destroyed. UC Santa Barbara police are completing their report to be submitted for prosecution.
The pro-life group indicated that, despite the violence, neither Thrin nor Joan are deterred from leading future pro-life outreaches.
Joan says, “Yesterday we had a good day. We passed out all of the literature we had, and had lots of conversations. We know babies are dying everyday so we will continue to peacefully and nonviolently speak the truth about abortion. We know we will suffer insult and even violence as we did today but we will not waver from our nonviolent speech on behalf of the babies.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Feminist Studies Professor Accused of Assaulting Teenage Prolife Demonstrator" by Jennifer Kabbany, Associate Editor, The College Fix 3/12/14
A department of feminist studies professor has been accused of going berserk . . .
The professor at the heart of the controversy is Mireille Miller-Young, an associate professor whose area of emphasis is black cultural studies, pornography and sex work, according to her faculty webpage. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday by The College Fix.
According to [Kristina] Garza, when Miller-Young came across the prolife demonstration, the professor started yelling at the protestors, saying abortion is a woman’s right. Then things got uglier, as the scholar allegedly enticed about 15 students to begin shouting “tear down the sign, tear down the sign” at the group . . .
As the prolife demonstrators tried to engage students one-on-one in conversation during a lull in the chanting, that’s when Miller-Young allegedly grabbed one of their signs and stormed off, followed by two UCSB students, Garza said, adding Thrin followed the threesome with her older sister, Joan, in tow and calling 9-1-1.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Confrontation with UCSB Professor" posted Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust
. . . Professor Young’s mob dwindled after she stole the sign. She paraded across the campus with two female students carrying the sign. Joan and Thrin followed, Thrin video-taping and Joan on the phone with the police.
The parade weaved through two buildings and entered an elevator in the third. Thrin attempted to get on the elevator with them, but Young blocked the doorway. Thrin stuck her foot in the door, but Young pushed it out with her foot. Tenaciously Thrin put it back. This happened several times as Thrin pleaded with the students to not get involved. “The police are on their way,” she told them, “you don’t want to be with Professor Young.”
Suddenly Young reached out and pushed 16 year old Thrin. “Don’t touch me!” Thrin cried, startled. Young’s long fingernails scratched Thrin’s arm. Young pushed Thrin twice more and each time Thrin kept the door from closing with her arm. Finally, Young got out of the elevator, and tried to pull Thrin away from the elevator door. Thrin held onto the elevator with her other hand, the one holding the camera. Realizing that students were trying to take the camera out of her hand, Thrin let go of the elevator.
The elevator doors closed. Professor Young let go of Thrin, leaving several scratches on her arms, and got on another elevator. Then the police arrived.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read University of Wisconsin Newspapers' Bias Favors Abortion as well as 'Higher Education' Indoctrinates Pro-abortion: Poll
“The police did not seem overly concerned about the incident until they saw the video and realized how violent the professor had been.”There seems to be a trend: New York Univ. Prof. Arrested for Bullying Pro-life Students
-- Kristina Garza, Director of Campus outreach for Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust (pro-life demonstrators)
For background, read Liberal Jailed for Death Threats to Pro-lifers and also read Abortionists Bomb Pro-life Catholics, Media Ignore
UPDATE 3/28/14: Prof. charged with misdemeanor theft, battery and vandalism, but the University blames incident on pro-lifers
UPDATE 4/18/14: Virginia College Lifts Muzzle on Christian Speech
-- From "UCSB Professor Accused of Assaulting Anti-Abortion Activist" by Tyler Hayden, Santa Barbara Independent 3/12/14
According to 21-year-old Joan Short — a student at [nearby] Thomas Aquinas College and a member of the Christian pro-life group Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust — she, her 16-year-old sister Thrin, and 11 other Survivors had set up three large signs in an [authorized] area of campus heavy with foot traffic called the Arbor. The banners, along with literature the activists handed out, displayed graphic imagery of late-term abortions that Joan said was intended to “begin conversations” with passing students.
Joan said that at around 11 a.m., Dr. Mireille Miller-Young — an associate professor with UCSB’s Feminist Studies Department — approached the demonstration site and exchanged heated words with the group, taking issue with their pro-life proselytizing and use of disturbing photographs. Joan claimed Miller-Young, accompanied by a few of her students, led the gathering crowd in a chant of “Tear down the sign! Tear down the sign!” before grabbing one of the banners and walking with it across campus.
Joan said she called 9-1-1 and Thrin started filming, and that the pair followed Miller-Young and two of her students — who Joan referred to as “the fugitives” — into nearby South Hall. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Feminist Studies Professor Leads Angry Mob to Assault Pro-Lifers" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 3/12/14
The angry professor interrupted the students’ calm interaction with the activists by grabbing a pro-life sign out of the hands of one of them, carrying the sign off through the campus flanked by her students, and then assaulting Thrin Short while trying to hide from police, who were on their way, the group said. Police officers later found the remains of the sign, which had been destroyed. UC Santa Barbara police are completing their report to be submitted for prosecution.
The pro-life group indicated that, despite the violence, neither Thrin nor Joan are deterred from leading future pro-life outreaches.
Joan says, “Yesterday we had a good day. We passed out all of the literature we had, and had lots of conversations. We know babies are dying everyday so we will continue to peacefully and nonviolently speak the truth about abortion. We know we will suffer insult and even violence as we did today but we will not waver from our nonviolent speech on behalf of the babies.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Feminist Studies Professor Accused of Assaulting Teenage Prolife Demonstrator" by Jennifer Kabbany, Associate Editor, The College Fix 3/12/14
A department of feminist studies professor has been accused of going berserk . . .
The professor at the heart of the controversy is Mireille Miller-Young, an associate professor whose area of emphasis is black cultural studies, pornography and sex work, according to her faculty webpage. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday by The College Fix.
According to [Kristina] Garza, when Miller-Young came across the prolife demonstration, the professor started yelling at the protestors, saying abortion is a woman’s right. Then things got uglier, as the scholar allegedly enticed about 15 students to begin shouting “tear down the sign, tear down the sign” at the group . . .
As the prolife demonstrators tried to engage students one-on-one in conversation during a lull in the chanting, that’s when Miller-Young allegedly grabbed one of their signs and stormed off, followed by two UCSB students, Garza said, adding Thrin followed the threesome with her older sister, Joan, in tow and calling 9-1-1.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Confrontation with UCSB Professor" posted Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust
. . . Professor Young’s mob dwindled after she stole the sign. She paraded across the campus with two female students carrying the sign. Joan and Thrin followed, Thrin video-taping and Joan on the phone with the police.
The parade weaved through two buildings and entered an elevator in the third. Thrin attempted to get on the elevator with them, but Young blocked the doorway. Thrin stuck her foot in the door, but Young pushed it out with her foot. Tenaciously Thrin put it back. This happened several times as Thrin pleaded with the students to not get involved. “The police are on their way,” she told them, “you don’t want to be with Professor Young.”
Suddenly Young reached out and pushed 16 year old Thrin. “Don’t touch me!” Thrin cried, startled. Young’s long fingernails scratched Thrin’s arm. Young pushed Thrin twice more and each time Thrin kept the door from closing with her arm. Finally, Young got out of the elevator, and tried to pull Thrin away from the elevator door. Thrin held onto the elevator with her other hand, the one holding the camera. Realizing that students were trying to take the camera out of her hand, Thrin let go of the elevator.
The elevator doors closed. Professor Young let go of Thrin, leaving several scratches on her arms, and got on another elevator. Then the police arrived.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read University of Wisconsin Newspapers' Bias Favors Abortion as well as 'Higher Education' Indoctrinates Pro-abortion: Poll
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols: Calif.
Although American Humanist Association lawyers often succeed in forced dismantlement of Christian memorials, citizens of Lake Elsinore, California appear determined to counter every atheist success with a multitude of additional Christian crosses.
For background, read Cross Restored to LA County, Calif. Seal Despite Atheists
In addition, read of many local governments restoring God and faith to public institutions, and read how Americans nationwide are rebelling against atheists' attempts to dechristianize the country.
Also read about the humanists' attacks in their war on Christianity.
.
-- From "Rights group demands cross removal" by Michael J. Williams, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) 3/5/14
In May 2012, a vehicle struck and killed 19-year-old Anthony Devaney as he crossed Lake Street near Interstate-15 in Lake Elsinore.
Later that year, AnnMarie Devaney planted a cross near the site in memory of her late son.
The American Humanist Association -- which successfully fought Lake Elsinore’s plan for a veterans monument depicting a soldier kneeling before a grave with multiple images of crosses and Stars of David -- contends in a letter dated Tuesday, March 4, that the placement of the memorial cross on city property is unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Controversial roadside cross removed, but more appear" by Michael J. Williams, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) 3/6/14
Riverside resident Emily Johnson and her father, Doug Johnson, said they were so disturbed upon hearing that AnnMarie Devaney was being forced to take down the symbol honoring her late son, they crafted their own plywood crosses and planted them along Lake Street next to the site where the Devaney tribute once stood.
They were among a handful who showed up Thursday, March 6, as the Devaneys removed the memorial, which included a 5-foot-tall cross. Devaney, who frequently fought off tears during the gathering, called the show of support “awesome.”
A memorial plaque and tree honoring Anthony is being dedicated during a ceremony scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22, at McVicker Canyon Park.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read the myriad actions of atheists across America who want to strip the Christian cross from sight.
For background, read Cross Restored to LA County, Calif. Seal Despite Atheists
In addition, read of many local governments restoring God and faith to public institutions, and read how Americans nationwide are rebelling against atheists' attempts to dechristianize the country.
Also read about the humanists' attacks in their war on Christianity.
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-- From "Rights group demands cross removal" by Michael J. Williams, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) 3/5/14
In May 2012, a vehicle struck and killed 19-year-old Anthony Devaney as he crossed Lake Street near Interstate-15 in Lake Elsinore.
Later that year, AnnMarie Devaney planted a cross near the site in memory of her late son.
The American Humanist Association -- which successfully fought Lake Elsinore’s plan for a veterans monument depicting a soldier kneeling before a grave with multiple images of crosses and Stars of David -- contends in a letter dated Tuesday, March 4, that the placement of the memorial cross on city property is unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Controversial roadside cross removed, but more appear" by Michael J. Williams, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) 3/6/14
Riverside resident Emily Johnson and her father, Doug Johnson, said they were so disturbed upon hearing that AnnMarie Devaney was being forced to take down the symbol honoring her late son, they crafted their own plywood crosses and planted them along Lake Street next to the site where the Devaney tribute once stood.
They were among a handful who showed up Thursday, March 6, as the Devaneys removed the memorial, which included a 5-foot-tall cross. Devaney, who frequently fought off tears during the gathering, called the show of support “awesome.”
A memorial plaque and tree honoring Anthony is being dedicated during a ceremony scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22, at McVicker Canyon Park.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read the myriad actions of atheists across America who want to strip the Christian cross from sight.
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