Students' Jesus Lunch in Wisc. Public Park Banned

Today, police and atheists will descend upon Fireman's Park in Middleton, Wisconsin where the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District will confront local parents providing their weekly "Jesus Lunch" for Middleton High School students during their open campus free period.  Although the nearby park is public property, the school claims jurisdiction during school hours and will forbid Christian interaction with students.

"We believe we can be there because it is a public park, and in any public place you have the First Amendment right, which is to have freedom of speech."
-- Melissa Helbach, parent, "Jesus Lunch" organizer since 2014

"The first five minutes or so the moms discuss things about faith and give you something to think about for the day. I see them giving students love, guidance and support and it brings light into students lives who may need to hear positive messages."
-- Parker Sigmon, MHS junior

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Ban Christians From Missouri Schools, Atheists Say

Christmas, Easter Jettisoned from Omaha Schools

Florida Bans Prayer at Christian Football Game

Bible Verse Gets Georgia Athlete Disqualified

California School Bans Books by Christian Authors

Satanic, Atheist Books Provided in Colorado Schools

Also read Deny God, or Fail, Texas Teacher Tells Students





-- From "Protesters expected at 'Jesus Lunch'" posted at WKOW-TV27 (Madison, WI) 4/19/16

The Freedom From Religion Foundation [FFRF] says some of its members will be there to support students who might be demonstrating.

Some parents in the district have been serving a meal to students in Fireman's Park, and then sharing a lesson in Christianity.

The Middleton Police Department says it will have officers near the park during the lunch, so they can intervene if anything gets contentious.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Chief: Officers to be on site for next 'Jesus Lunch' to keep peace" by Jessica Arp, WISC-TV3 (Madison, WI) 4/15/16

[Critics] say the lunch makes students "uncomfortable" and that it shouldn't be happening on what is considered school property.

Comments on that petition say the issue comes down to the constitutional rights of freedom of religion, and that students enjoy having a discussion about Christianity over their lunch hour.

The school district and city officials said they have proposed moving the lunches to nearby Parisi Park, which is a short walk from the school, but the park facilities are smaller than what the group has now.

"Unless something unforeseen happens, the Jesus Lunch is going to happen this Tuesday and will probably continue until the end of the school year," Middleton police Chief Charles Foulke said in a release on Friday.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Middleton-Cross Plains Superintendent urges understanding over 'Jesus Lunch' controversy" by Ogechi Emechebe, The Capital Times 4/16/16

Growing controversy surrounding the “Jesus Lunch” at Middleton High School has prompted an email from Superintendent Don Johnson asking families, students and community members to “remain calm and understanding.”

The school district has asked the parents several times to stop their weekly gatherings, which have attracted as many as 400 students, citing the lunches violate school policy. Fireman’s Park is owned by the city so it’s considered a public space, but the district has a 16 year agreement with the city to lease the property and its rules apply there during the school day.

Parents and students opposing the lunches claim not only does it violate school policy, but see it as adults forcing their faith and religion on students. Peter Opitz, a student at Middleton High School, started a petition called “Tell Jesus Lunch to Follow School Regulations.” As of Friday afternoon, 462 people had signed the petition.

A counter petition of those in support of the lunch was also created, called “Allow Jesus Lunch to continue at Fireman’s Park.” 1,426 supporters had signed the petition as of Friday afternoon, a day after organizers appeared on a Madison conservative talk radio show.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Police to Keep Peace at Controversial 'Jesus Lunch' at Wisconsin High School" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 4/18/16

Chief Charles Foulke of the Middleton Police Department released a statement last Friday explaining that officers were going to be present at this week's luncheon.

Officials from the school district and Middleton High recently expressed concerns about the Jesus Lunch gathering, stating in a letter to parents that the events violated certain policies.

"The policies in question include food handling, visitors to campus, and expectations around student organized events. We are in no way interested in opposing religious practice in otherwise legal circumstances," read the letter.

"If students are interested in organizing student led activities, MHS staff are happy to work with them and will convey the district and school policies that govern activities. This, however, appears to be an event initiated by adults without approval by the school."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School administrators try to physically block parents from hosting ‘Jesus Lunch’" by Steve Gunn, EAGnews.org 4/15/16

School officials set up cones to block parents from using the parking lot at Fireman’s Park, near Middleton High School, on Tuesday, according to Phil Stamman, an attorney who is representing the mothers involved with the Jesus Lunch program.

The parents ignored school officials’ orders to turn away, according to Stamman. They parked along the street, walked into the park and set up the food for the lunch, anyway, he said.

“They coned up the parking lot, waited there and confronted my clients and told them to leave,” Stamman said. “(The parents) responded how I recommended. They walked right past them. The superintendent repeatedly tried to confront them. He was the first one. But they just moved on.”

“I’ve been talking to a lawyer for the city and my clients and the Alliance Defending Freedom,” [Stamman] said. “We’re reviewing our options. We have not decided how to move forward yet.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Cop Prays With Speeding Motorist, NOT Fired

What's a Christian police officer to do?  One day, an Indiana cop adds a ticketed driver to a prayer list and gets fired for proselytizing the citizenry, and the next day an Idaho cop prays for the passenger in a car stopped for breaking the law, yet he receives unmitigated praise for compassion and ignoring the violation.

For background, read Cop Fired for Praying for Traffic Violator

Also read Mississippi Police Chief Holds City Prayer Meetings to Thank God

And read Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists



-- From "Officer offers speeding driver prayer instead of ticket" by Taylor Viydo, KREM-TV2 (Spokane, WA) posted at USA TODAY 4/18/16

[Kootenai County sheriff’s] Deputy Matthew Brakeman said the woman was going about 10 miles over the speed limit.

"I asked where they were headed, and she said to the oncologist," Brakeman said. "She then started to become a little bit emotional."

He learned the driver's mother had been battling cancer. They were making another painful visit to the doctor's office.

"Walked back up to the passenger side and asked her mother if she would accept a prayer," Brakeman said. "And she said, 'Absolutely.' So then we prayed and told them to have a good day and went back to my car."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Cop Fired for Praying for Traffic Violator

14-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, Brian L. Hamilton, 40, of Connersville was fired yesterday for twice asking drivers about their faith during routine stops for traffic violations over the past two years.

“[Later, the ticketed driver] was approached by someone who attended church with Trooper Hamilton who informed her that Trooper Hamilton had placed her on a prayer list.”
-- Lawsuit against ex-Trooper Hamilton

“I was just following what the Lord told me to do and you can’t change what the Lord tells you to do. So if the Lord tells me to speak about Jesus Christ, I do. And that’s why they fired me so that’s where we’re at.”
-- Brian Hamilton

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

National Park Fires Pastor for Public Baptizing in California

Atlanta Fires Fire Chief for 'Anti-gay' Bible Study

NASA Bans Jesus, Threatening Employees' Freedom

California City Official Yanked: Caught Reading Bible

Praying Bus Driver Fired at Rutgers: Safety Issue

Michigan Dentist Sued for Playing Christian Music

Iowa Newspaper Editor, Fired for Being Christian, Sues

Internet CEO Forced to Resign for Being Christian

Oregon Woman Fired for Being Pro-life Leader

Media Help Homosexuals Shut Down Indiana Christian Pizza Restaurant





-- From "Senior State Trooper fired for preaching on duty" by Kayla Crandall, WPTA-TV21 (Fort Wayne, IN) 4/7/16

ISP officials said that Hamilton directly violated an August 2014 counseling statement where he was told in writing: "During the course of his official duties, S/Trp. Hamilton will not question others regarding their religious beliefs nor provide religious pamphlets or similar advertisements.”

This allegation brought a lawsuit against the ISP, and it was brought to a close in April 2015.

The most recent allegation of Hamilton questioning a citizen’s religious affiliation, while engaged in enforcement actions, was reported in a citizen complaint on January 14, 2016.

He allegedly invited her to his church, and gave her the address, and then went on to ask her if she was saved.

The Indiana Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] is preparing to sue Hamilton as an individual.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Jesus-preaching trooper fired after proselytizing — yet again — during a traffic stop" by Sarah Larimer, Washington Post 4/8/16

Indiana State Police trooper Brian Hamilton pulled over Wendy Pyle in January, according to a lawsuit filed this week. He told Pyle that she had been speeding, went back to his patrol car and returned with a warning ticket.

Then, the lawsuit alleges, Hamilton asked Pyle where she attended church — and whether she had been “saved.”

As the state police indicated, this isn’t the first time Hamilton has been sued for on-the-job displays of faith. In 2014, another driver, Ellen Bogan, filed suit after Hamilton gave her a warning ticket during a traffic stop — and a pamphlet for a church.

The material from the First Baptist Church in Cambridge City, Ind., referred to a radio broadcast, called “Policing for Jesus Ministries,” among other items.

“The pamphlet also outlines ‘God’s Plan of Salvation’ that requires the reader to acknowledge that she is a sinner and to realize that ‘Salvation is a gift and is received by faith in Jesus Christ’ and that ‘the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins,'” the 2014 complaint stated. “Ms. Bogan said thank you to the Trooper and the Trooper said ‘God Bless You,’ and returned to his car.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Jesus-preaching Indiana State Police trooper fired" by Jill Disis, Indianapolis Star 4/8/16

"While all of us — citizen and police officer — enjoy the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, there are appropriate and proper restrictions placed on agents of the State related to their actions while engaged in their official duties," State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said in a statement. “While I respect Mr. Hamilton’s religious views I am also charged to respect every citizen’s rights, and the best way forward for the citizens of Indiana, and for Mr. Hamilton, was to end his employment as a State Police officer.”

State Police Capt. Dave Bursten said the department's internal investigation was separate from the lawsuit pending against Hamilton, adding that it "would have occurred regardless of any legal action initiated" by the ACLU.

Bogan’s lawsuit was eventually settled. According to court records, Hamilton was counseled not to question others regarding their religious beliefs, nor was he to provide religious pamphlets or similar advertisements to them.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "If Gov. Pence, elected officials can be openly Christian, why not fired trooper?" by Jordan Fischer, WRTV-TV6 (Indianapolis, IN) Scripps Media, Inc. 4/8/16

State police said Hamilton was fired for insubordination and neglect of duty . . . But those same restrictions are not applied to the state's elected officials, many of whom, like Gov. Mike Pence, speak openly and often about their faith.

In January, during his State of the State address, Pence spoke at length about protecting the freedom of religious beliefs and invoked God's blessing on four separate occasions.

But displays of religiosity aren't limited just to the governor's office. Lawmakers in both chambers of the state legislature cited their religious beliefs as reasons for supporting Indiana's controversial new abortion law. And in March, Hoosier evangelist (and former RTV6 employee) Clayton Jennings was invited to deliver a prayer on the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives . . .

While the debate over where to properly draw the line between the separation of church and state isn't limited to Indiana, who else should Hoosiers look to for guidance but their own elected officials?

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Florida Student Failed for Being Christian, Lawyer Says

And read Wisconsin Prof. Threatens Student for her Christianity

Evangelist Wins Lawsuit vs. San Fran. Police, ESPN

Gino Emmerich and a Christian law firm will be paid $10,000 because Emmerich was forced by San Francisco police and sports TV outlet ESPN to cease holding a “John 3:16” sign outside of the Giants ballpark in July 2014.  Emmerich was singled out for holding a Christian sign among a plethora of signs and expressions of free speech by others in a crowd.

For background, read FOX Censors John 3:16 NFL Super Bowl Commercial

Also read Court Forces Maine City to Pay $56,500 for Muzzling Pro-lifers

-- From "Minister carrying sign before Giants game settles suit" by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle 3/22/16

A traveling minister who carried his “John 3:16” sign to Willie Mays Plaza at AT&T Park before a Giants game, and said he was told to leave or face arrest, has settled his lawsuit for $10,000.

Gino Emmerich sued the city of San Francisco, but the settlement funds — $2,500 to Emmerich and $7,500 to his lawyer — will come from ESPN, which was filming the pregame activities and hired city police to keep order, City Attorney Dennis Herrera’s office said Tuesday. As part of the settlement, the city agreed to review the status of the plaza and the extent of the public’s right to carry signs or express opinions there.

. . . an ESPN producer walked up with four uniformed police officers and told [Emmerich] he would be arrested if he displayed his sign.

After the producer left, Emmerich said he nevertheless held the sign up in front of an ESPN camera. One of the officers then grabbed him from behind and moved him out of camera range, where police issued another arrest warning and let him go. All the while, Emmerich said, fans were in the plaza, some displaying other types of signs, though none with religious messages.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "First Amendment Victory: San Francisco Settles Lawsuit Over Activist's Right to Peacefully Display Sign in Willie Mays Plaza in Front of Giants Ballpark" posted at The Rutherford Institute 3/22/16

A settlement has been reached in a First Amendment lawsuit filed by The Rutherford Institute against police officers who allegedly intimidated and threatened to arrest a man who was lawfully and peacefully exercising his First Amendment rights in the Willie Mays Plaza prior to a Giants v. Dodgers game by holding up a “John 3:16” religious sign in the public plaza in front of the San Francisco Giants ballpark. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of Gino Emmerich, alleged that police officers violated Emmerich’s right to free speech and assembly when they forcefully removed him from Willie Mays Plaza, surrounded him and threatened him with arrest if he did not cease displaying his “John 3:16” sign. Under the settlement agreement, the City and County of San Francisco have agreed to conduct an investigation about the status of Willie Mays Plaza in connection with the rights of citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights there.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rutherford Institute Sues California Police for Threatening Man Who Was Peacefully Displaying a 'John 3:16' Religious Sign in Front of S.F. Giants Ballpark" posted at The Rutherford Institute 7/9/15

On Sunday, July 27, 2014, prior to the start of a Giants v. Dodgers baseball game, Gino Emmerich arrived at Willie Mays Plaza carrying a “John 3:16” sign, a religious reference to a central tenet of Christianity. Other people were in the plaza, some displaying signs and otherwise communicating messages. Also in the plaza was a makeshift broadcast booth put together for a live broadcast and discussion of the Giants v. Dodgers game for ESPN SportsCenter. . . . Emmerich stationed himself in view of the camera, behind the commentators, and held up his John 3:16 sign. While Emmerich was holding up his sign, a police officer grabbed him from behind by his shirt and neck and moved him out of the view of the camera. Once Emmerich was clear of the cameras, he was surrounded by four police officers and warned, “If you go over there and hold that sign again, we will arrest you and the sergeant will come over here and decide where we are going to take you.” Emmerich then left the plaza as to avoid the possibility of arrest and turned to The Rutherford Institute for help.

“Much of what used to be great about America—especially as it pertains to our love of freedom and our commitment to First Amendment activities—has been overshadowed by a greater desire for security and an inclination towards political correctness,” said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute and author of Battlefield America: The War on the American People. “That this incident, with its police intimidation tactics, overt discrimination and censorship, took place in a public plaza dedicated to Willie Mays, a legendary baseball player who lived through an era of police tactics, discrimination and censorship, is a powerful indictment of all that is wrong with America today.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles of censorship of Christians:

Florida Police Let Abortionists Prohibit Prayer in Public

Federal Judge Censors Pro-life Ads on Indiana Buses

NASA Bans Jesus, Threatening Employees' Freedom

Must Censor Speech, Say Most College Students

Opposing Sexual Deviancy Verboten in California School

Also read how prayer is being banned from Christian school sporting events.

And read how Christmas is being censored from public schools across America.

Go To Jail for Bible Speech: Univ. Texas Police

Several officers of the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) at Austin issued a citation to Joshua Borchert, an intern with Campus Ministry USA, for using offensive words while preaching on a street across from University property.  The police officers told Borchert that he could face jail for using the words “penis” and “anus” in the context of warning passersby of sexually immoral behavior.

“The first amendment of the Constitution protects offensive speech ... if anyone says anything of substance, it’s bound to offend someone.”
-- Brother Jed Smock, Campus Ministry USA

For background, read Must Censor Speech, Say Most College Students

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Colorado College Bans Bible Talk, OKs Swear Words

Wisconsin Professor Threatens Student for her Christianity

Students Taught to Choose:  Gay Agenda vs. Religion at Univ. of California

Christmas Parties Banned at University of Tennessee

However, Judge Rules Illinois College Must Accept 'Anti-Gay' Speech

No free speech in Canada:  University of Regina Jails Christian American for 'Anti-Gay Hate Speech'



-- From "University Of Texas Police Give Preacher Citation For Offending Students" by Peter Hasson, Daily Caller 2/10/16

The university told TheDC that the officer was responding to students who claimed to be “verbally harassed” by the intern-preacher. The video shows the officer explaining that the intern’s use of “anal” and “penis” offended students, before issuing a citation for disorderly conduct. “After a lawyer representing Joshua called the chief of police, the chief called Joshua and apologized. The citation was withdrawn.” Brother Jed told TheDC.

Ari Cohn, a lawyer with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) told TheDC that he found the video “deeply disturbing.” “Speech that simply offends others is protected by the First Amendment, and contrary to the officer’s statements, it is not the job of police to ‘do something’ about it. Issuing a disorderly conduct citation based on the content of speech violates decades of clear Supreme Court precedent,” Cohn said.

“Even worse is that while Brother Jed is not a campus community member, and was not even on campus property, the officer justified his decision with the fact that students on campus across the way were offended. The implications for campus expression are dire,” Cohn went on to say. “If offending someone on campus is now grounds for criminal citations, students wishing to express themselves will much more likely censor themselves, or simply refrain from speaking at all. Such a result is unacceptable, legally and morally, at a state university bound by the First Amendment.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "UTPD voids disorderly conduct citation after review" by Wynne Davis, The Daily Texan 2/12/16

After reviewing a citation written to an evangelical preacher for disorderly conduct, the University of Texas Police Department voided the citation because it did not meet the requirements of the law.

“Our review further showed that the officers in training responded to a call for service in good faith and with respect for all parties involved, including the person(s) wishing to file charges as well those being accused,” UTPD Chief David Carter said in a statement.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives all people the right to freedom of speech. Even hurtful and hateful speech is covered under the amendment, and police officers must defend everyone’s constitutional rights, Carter said.

Carter said if an individual was threatening a student with their speech, the police could and would take action against that person.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

. . . previously, last year:

From "Presence of confrontational protesters sparks student response" by Madison Dudley, Nicole Decriscio, The Depauw 9/24/15

“I’m not protesting; I’m preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Kirsten Borchert, 20, from Lafayette, Indiana.

Borchert was at DePauw University “preaching” with The Campus Ministry USA, based out of Terre Haute. The confrontational evangelical Christian group travels from campus to campus “Preaching specifically about sin and hell, and how sin leads to hell,” she said.

“I don’t want you [students] to burn forever and ever and ever in the lake of fire,” said Joshua Borchert, 22, who was fully adorned in his Eagle Scout uniform.

[In response,] Students mobilized quickly.

“I saw that post on Facebook, and I saw that there were protesters here saying homophobic things,” said sophomore Marissa Higgs. “When I heard about it I was like, 'okay, I've got to go.' So I grabbed my five foot rainbow flag off my bed and ran here.”

President Brian Casey was on the scene almost immediately after the situation began to heat up. As the afternoon continued, many at the protest felt a sense of pride and community with their fellow classmates.

“I don’t know why the school can’t kick them out,” junior Hector Rivera said, “It’s a private institution, so at least I’m curious to know more like the policies and politics behind all this.”

“We’re presenting no danger,” said Brother Jed Smock, the man in charge of The Campus Ministry USA.

. . . after The Campus Ministry USA was escorted off of DePauw’s grounds, Casey sent an email to students, faculty and staff announcing an open forum to be held at 4 p.m. in Ubben Quadrangle to address the protests.

Casey, DePauw Student Body President Craig Carter, City of Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray and Vice President of Student Life Christopher Wells gave short speeches to the crowd.

“Today we got invaded by people who came here, by people who came here who tried to shake our cores, who tried to shake our values,” Carter said, “I’ve never been more proud to be a Tiger.”

Students called for justice, and proclaimed that they were unsafe on campus and that the university was not doing enough to protect them.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ask them why you deserve Hell" by Olivia Barfield, The Hawkeye (University of Louisiana at Monroe) 2/1/16

Kirsten [Borchert] threw her hands in the air, carrying a Bible up with them, as she exclaimed her message to the crowd gathered outside of the Student Union Building.

The students, who stood at a distance not long ago no longer allowed Kirsten her personal space. They surrounded her with questions and comments, yelling back as she shouted to a crowd that no longer cared what she had to say. They were visibly aggravated.

“We’re using [Kirsten] because she’s usually the calmer one,” Joshua [Borchert] said, dressed in his Eagle Scout uniform. “I tend to rile them up more. They wouldn’t want me out there right now.”

Students screamed obscenities as Kirsten preached against getting drunk.

Joshua didn’t mind the crowd screaming at his sister. He said he is used to it.

“We go through different stages and cycles. She does that to get their attention, and once she gets their attention then she can continue to calm them,” Joshua said. He then explained the five-stage technique used by the group to humble the students into a calm crowd that can then receive their message.

Joshua and Kirsten have preached at around 30 universities in about 20 different states, Joshua said.

“Our message is repent, and be free from sin. Because if these people don’t repent, then they’re headed for hell,” Kirsten had explained.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Bibles Removed, Deviant Sex Housing Added at Illinois University

And read Most Terrorists are White Christians, Colleges Say

In addition, read Catholic School Must Hire Homosexuals, Court Rules

Court Nixes Police Favoring Muslims vs. Christians

On June 15, 2012, Christian evangelists were ordered by police to leave the Arab International Festival in Dearborn, Michigan because some Muslims there perpetrated acts of violence against the Christians.  Last week, the 6th Circuit Appeals Court ruled in favor of Bible Believers against defendant Wayne County, Michigan.

“We find that defendants violated the Bible Believers’ First Amendment rights because there can be no legitimate dispute based on this record that the [police] effectuated a heckler’s veto by cutting off the Bible Believers’ protected speech in response to a hostile crowd’s reaction. . . . The video record evinces next to no attempt made by the officers to protect the Bible Believers or prevent the lawless actions of the [Muslim] audience.”
-- 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati

For background, read Federal Judge Muzzles Christians at Public Festival

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Kansas Pastor Arrested for Witnessing to Muslims

Christians Arrested for Debating Muslim

Maine Fines Christians for Criticizing Islam

Church Attacked for Proclaiming Beliefs About Islam

President Obama Ignores Hate Crimes Against U.S. Christians

Religious Killing OK Says One-third of Muslim Students

Muslim Beheads Christians in New Jersey per Koran

Muslims Killing Christians Doesn't Make Headline

Also read Christians Pray for Detroit, Muslims Condemn those Prayers



-- From "Christian activists win speech case tied to Arab festival" by The Associated Press 10/31/15

The case stems from a 2012 incident in which members of a group called Bible Believers were pelted with rocks while carrying a pig’s head and telling Dearborn Muslims at the street festival that they would “burn in hell.” Wayne County sheriff’s deputies told the evangelists to leave or be ticketed.

“From a constitutional standpoint, this should be an easy case to resolve,” said Judge Eric Clay, writing for the majority. “However, it is also easy to understand Dearborn’s desire to host a joyous festival celebrating the city’s Arab heritage in an atmosphere that is free of hate and negative influences.

“But the answer to disagreeable speech is not violent retaliation by offended listeners or ratification of the heckler’s veto through threat of arrest by the police,” Clay wrote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pig head-carrying Christians ejected from Muslim festival may collect damages" by Nader Ihmoud, Chicago Sun-Times National 10/29/15

Some [Muslim] members of the crowd responded by throwing plastic bottles, eggs and milk crates at the Bible Believers.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, made its ruling based on the First Amendment, saying the evangelist group Bible Believers should have been protected even though its speech was loathsome and intolerant. The opinion also mentioned the obligation of police when confronted with constitutionally protected speech that threatens to incite violence.

“Bearing in mind the interspersed surges of ethnic, racial, and religious conflict that from time to time mar our national history, the constitutional lessons to be learned from the circumstances of this case are both timeless and markedly seasonable,” Judge Eric Clay wrote.

The opinion by the court on Wednesday overturned a lower-court judgment and sent the case back to a federal court in Detroit, where a judge will decide the damages.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pig's head-carrying Christians ejected from Muslim festival may collect damages, 6th Circuit says" by Debra Cassens Weiss, ABA Journal 10/29/15

An en banc federal appeals court [review by 15 judges] has ruled that Christian evangelists who were “preaching hate and denigration to a crowd of Muslims” may collect damages because police told them to leave.

Police conferred with the Wayne County corporation counsel and told the Bible Believers they would be cited for disorderly conduct if they did not leave. More than a dozen officers escorted the group members from the festival.

The Constitution, however, does not allow “an angry mob of riotous adolescents to dictate what religious beliefs and opinions could and could not be expressed,” the court said. . . .

The court said Wayne County “effectuated a constitutionally impermissible heckler’s veto,” violating the Christians’ rights to free speech, free exercise of religion and equal protection.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anti-Muslim group wins appeal in Arab fest case" by Robert Snell, The Detroit News 10/28/15

The case against Wayne County, Sheriff Benny Napoleon and members of the department [deputies Dennis Richardson and Mike Jaafar], originally was handled in Detroit by U.S. District Judge Patrick Duggan, who recently retired.

The full court agreed one year ago to reconsider the case after setting aside a 2-1 decision by a three-judge panel in August 2014.

In that opinion, the panel said sheriff’s deputies didn’t violate the evangelists’ free speech rights

Such rehearings are rare.

“We are reviewing the court’s opinion,” sheriff’s office spokeswoman Paula Bridges said in a statement Wednesday. “No decision has been made as to what next steps, if any, will be taken therefore we will refrain from comment at this time.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Court rules Bible Believers should not have been thrown out Arab American fest" by Khalil AlHajal, MLive Media Group 10/29/15

The lawsuit was originally filed in Detroit federal court by Ruben Chavez, Arthur Fisher, and Joshua DeLosSantos, a group known as the Bible Believers.

U.S. District Judge Patrick Duggan threw out the case, and an earlier appeals ruling upheld that decision, but the Wednesday opinion overturns the first two, ordering the case back to the lower court for calculation of damages.

"The only references to violence or lawlessness on the part of the Bible Believers were messages such as, 'Islam is a Religion of Blood and Murder,' 'Turn or Burn,' and 'Your prophet is a pedophile.' These messages, however offensive, do not advocate for, encourage, condone, or even embrace imminent violence or lawlessness," the majority found in an opinion written but U.S. 6th Circuit Judge Eric L. Clay.

"Although it might be inferred that the Bible Believers' speech was intended to anger their target audience, the record is devoid of any indication that they intended imminent lawlessness to ensue. Quite to the contrary, the Bible Believers contacted Wayne County prior to their visit, requesting that the WCSO keep the public at bay so that the Bible Believers could 'engage in their peaceful expression.'"

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read related articles:

Wichita State Chapel Muslim Conversion leads to Uprising

Angry Muslims Storm New Jersey School Board Demanding Holidays

Lawmakers Counter Islamic Teaching in Tennessee Schools

Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina

Obama Plans to Ban Evangelism to 'Homosexual Kids'

Days after President Obama's fundraising speech at the Democratic National Committee’s “LGBT Gala,” his administration released “Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth,” a report calling for a ban on Christians responding to the cry of children struggling with same-sex attraction who seek the companionship of Jesus Christ in a desperate attempt to live a godly life. Rather, Obama's bureaucrats call for adults to support and guide troubled children in their homosexual lifestyle.

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Illinois Outlaws Christian Counseling of 'Homosexual Kids'

California Law Saying 'Gay Kids' Can't Change Blessed by 9th Circuit Court

New Jersey Judge Rules Deviant Sexual Behavior is Normal

New Jersey Gov. Christie Says Homosexuality NOT a Sin, Outlaws Counseling for Children

Most Homosexuals Who Want to Convert Report Change

Also read Kentucky Forbids Pastors Calling Homosexuality 'Sinful'

And read President Obama Invokes God: Gay Agenda Trumps Religious Liberty

-- From "U.S. report calls for end to 'conversion therapy' for LGBT youth" by Andrew M. Seaman, Reuters Health 10/15/15

The report released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) comes less than a year after the Obama administration endorsed efforts to ban the practice, which aims to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

. . . the report says, these youngsters should “be supported in their right to explore, define, and articulate their own identity.”

Variations in sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are normal, [SAMHSA Special Expert on LGBT Affairs, Elliot] Kennedy told Reuters Health.

Many practitioners of conversion therapy are unlicensed, and many have religious training rather than medical training, said Dr. Jack Drescher, an expert on LGBT mental health and a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in New York City who was not involved with the report.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "SAMHSA report shows conversion therapy not appropriate for minors, offers methods to support LGBTQ and gender non-conforming children" posted at the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 10/15/15

This report includes the first publication of consensus statements developed by an expert panel held by the American Psychological Association in July 2015. . . . Through a collaborative process, this panel found that variations in sexual orientation and gender identity are normal, and that conversion therapies or other efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity are not effective, are harmful, and are not appropriate therapeutic practices.  The report provides an overview of existing efforts to eliminate the practice of conversion therapy.

The information and resources contained within the report include a review of the research in this area, detailed information on supportive therapeutic approaches, areas of opportunity for future research, existing strategies to end the practice of conversion therapy, and targeted guidance for various audiences.

These materials help providers, families, and care-givers support their LGBTQ and gender non-conforming children and adolescents.  They also illuminate practices that may contribute to the health disparities facing LGBTQ youth, which should be avoided.

To read the entire government press release above, CLICK HERE.

From "Obama’s move to ban gay conversion therapy, explained" by Aaron Blake, Washington Post 4/9/15

The move comes in response to a petition on the White House Web site that has been signed by more than 120,000 people. . . .

The Greenberg Quinlan Rosner poll showed 24 percent of the respondants thought gay people could be turned straight either through therapy or prayer, while 69 percent disagreed.

For what it's worth, though, the question was about the efficacy of the treatment, and not its appropriateness. People could think the treatment doesn't work and that it should still be legal, and vice versa.

All of which is to say there are likely to be people who defend gay conversion therapy and view the White House's move as an incursion into religious rights. But if these numbers and the current religious freedom debate are any indication, the White House is holding the cards here.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Obama Calls for End to ‘Conversion’ Therapies for Gay and Transgender Youth" by Michael D. Shear, New York Times 4/9/15

Therapists who advocate the use of the gender identity therapies promote them as a way of helping gay people change their sexual orientation. Those therapists reject claims that sexual orientation or identity is unchangeable and argue that gay or transgender identities should be reversed so that people can embrace their “authentic” heterosexual selves.

David Pickup, a licensed family therapist in California and Texas, said in an interview on Wednesday that the president and gay rights advocates were purposely misconstruing the work that he and others do. He said that minors should never be forced into therapy, but he insisted that being gay was often brought about by serious emotional problems or sexual abuse.

“We believe that change is still possible. People go to therapy because they can change, because it really does work,” Mr. Pickup said. “We help people grow into their authentic selves.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Obama Top Homosexual Fundraiser Arrested for Anal Sex with Boy

KY Forbids Pastors Calling Homosexuality 'Sinful'

Attorneys for Pastor David Wells are demanding that the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) drop the religious test on volunteer counselors issued by the Warren County Regional Juvenile Detention Center that censors use of the Bible regarding sexual sin.  Wells was recently dismissed by the State because he refused to sign an agreement denouncing God's Word.

"Many juveniles are in DJJ custody because of sexual crimes.  Pastor Wells must be able to discuss what the Bible says about matters of sexuality with the juveniles he is trying to help. . . . DJJ 912 equates the teaching of biblical morality with ‘derogatory,’ ‘biased” and ‘hateful’ speech."
-- Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel (representing David Wells)

UPDATE 10/15/15: Obama Plans to Ban Evangelism to 'Homosexual Kids'

UPDATE 8/2/15: Christian Prayer Outrages California City Council

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Religious Liberty in Homosexualists' Crosshairs

Pastor Arrested in California for Reading Bible in Public

Jesus Talk Outlawed in New Orleans, Arrests Made

Houston Lesbian Mayor Subpoenas Pastors' Sermons

Idaho Pastors Face Fines, Jail for Refusing 'Gay Wedding'

Also read how state legislators, governors and judges are forbidding troubled youth from seeking Christian counseling.

And read how President Obama and his federal government agencies are elevating the Gay Agenda above religious liberty.

In 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

-- From "State forbids pastors calling homosexuality 'sinful'" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 7/24/15

The policy states that DJJ staff, volunteers and others “shall not imply or tell LGBTQI juveniles that they are abnormal, deviant, sinful or that they can or should change their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Wells had volunteered more than 10 years at the facility under the prison ministry of Pleasant View Baptist Church in McQuady.

Liberty Counsel’s letter [to the DJJ] noted Wells was ordered to sign a form “promising to refrain from telling any juvenile inmates that homosexuality was ‘sinful.’”

The state demand “violates the First Amendment by prescribing an official state religious ‘orthodoxy:’ now, only a religious belief that homosexuality is not ‘sinful’ may be expressed in DJJ facilities.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Unconstitutional Restriction on Religious Speech - letter to Bob Hayter, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice" by Liberty Counsel 7/23/15

Demand is hereby made that Mr. Wells and other volunteer ministers be immediately reinstated as volunteers at this facility, free from unconstitutional religious discrimination, Policy 912 notwithstanding,

.. [In the past, DJJ] children have asked Mr. Wells if there was any hope for them in this life, and in the life to come.  He has told them without exception that Christ can, and would, forgive them, if they would repent and believe the gospel.  This message has given them hope, and many have told him this personally and in written correspondence.  Despite these facts, Superintendent [Gene] Wade has told Mr. Wells, on the basis of Policy 912, that if a child now asks questions of him on issues involving sexual activity, he may not discuss the same with them: “You can give a scripture reference to the kids, and let them look it up, but you can’t read it in their hearing. You can’t say “sinful;” you can’t discuss sexual orientation – heterosexual or homosexual - period.”

. . . By restricting speech which volunteers are allowed to use while ministering to youth detainees, the State of Kentucky and the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice have violated the protections given to private speech through the First Amendment and the Kentucky Constitution.  Policy 912 requires affirmation of homosexuality as a condition of providing spiritual guidance to troubled youth, and singles out a particular theological viewpoint as expressly disfavored by the State of Kentucky. This the State cannot do.

To read the entire letter above above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Rules Bible as 'Hate Speech' in Canada

And read European Union High Court Rules Gay Agenda Trumps Christianity

Federal Judge OKs Students Preaching at School

Senior Michael Leal sued administrators of Cascade High School in Everett, Washington after they repeatedly suspended him for spreading the Gospel to fellow students.  The school responded by designating a single "free speech zone" outside the building, but Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Zilly ruled against the school's ban on Leal's distribution of Bibles and all published Christian literature.

For background, read Student Suspended for Jesus Talk Sues Washington School as well as Washington School Says Homosexual Advocacy is OK, but Pro-life Advocacy is Offensive

Also, click headlines below to read related articles:

Judge Rules Atheists Can't Stop Prayer at Graduations

Atheists' Oklahoma Lawsuit Tossed by Federal Judge

Texas School Supt. Tells Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

And read U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of public prayer, and read the resulting resurgence in public prayer following the Supreme Court decision.

In addition, read the long list of states enacting laws to bring religious liberty back to schools.



-- From "Suspensions revoked for teen who preached at Cascade High School" by Chris Winters, Everett Herald Writer 5/30/15

[Michael Leal] filed suit in November against Everett Public Schools, Superintendent Gary Cohn, Cascade Principal Cathy Woods and two assistant principals, claiming his constitutional right of free speech was being infringed by the school's actions and the district's policies.

The judge tossed out a part of [the new school] policy that requires the printed material to have been written or produced by the student. “The court found that was unconstitutional because he wouldn't be able to pass out the Constitution or Shakespeare,” said Leal's attorney, Kevin Snider of the Pacific Justice Institute, a nonprofit law firm that specializes in religious discrimination cases.

[Judge] Zilly also expunged Leal's three suspensions from his record.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Everett student wrongly punished for preaching, judge rules" by Mike Carter, Seattle Times staff reporter 6/1/15

U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly awarded the student, Michael Leal, token damages of $1 and said his attorneys could collect their costs from the school district. Leal’s attorneys said they also will pursue attorneys’ fees.

The lawsuit, filed last November, had claimed Leal was being punished by the district for expressing his fundamentalist Christian views, in violation of his right to free speech.

Leal is described in the lawsuit as a “young man who is a practitioner of the Christian faith” and who believes in conveying his beliefs to others. Primarily, the lawsuit says, that involves the “distribution of written materials and oral communications to individuals or groups of persons attending [Cascade High School] or its events.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

'Creepy' Pastors Banned from Washington School

Florida Student Failed for Being Christian: Lawyer

Florida Teacher Bans Bible in Free Time, Parents Sue

Atheists, Satanists Force Bible Ban in Florida

Colorado School Bans Jesus Talk During Free Time

Texas Teacher Confiscates Bible from Second-grader

'Bless You' After Sneeze Gets Tennessee Student Suspended

'God Bless America' Banned from Florida School

Arizona Schools Ban Christian Football Coaches

California School Bans Books by Christian Authors

Atheists: Ban Christians from Schools in Michigan, West Virginia, Oklahoma, California, Florida, Ohio, etc.

Atheists Attack Christian Kids Club: Portland, OR

Opposition advertisement

The 75-year-old nationwide Good News Clubs, organizing to hold after-school meetings in Portland, Oregon, is facing resistance from the leader of the local chapter of the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation and from "hundreds of residents" who say that allowing "fundamentalist Christian extremists" to teach Bible lessons saying "all have sinned" must not be tolerated.

"We believe that these doctrines are harmful to 5-year-old children.  They teach fear. They teach shame."
-- Robert Aughenbaugh, Freedom From Religion Foundation and co-founder of Protect Portland Children

Atheists, secular humanists, totalitarians etc. feel they are "on the ropes" after a recent series of Supreme Court rulings favoring religious liberty.

Liberals are dismayed as even Democrat legislators across America are supporting school prayer laws.

-- From "Evangelical Christian clubs coming to Portland-area public schools, opposition says curriculum is 'hardcore fundamentalist indoctrination'" by Melissa Binder, The Oregonian 7/9/14

Missouri-based Child Evangelism Fellowship has already launched Good News Clubs in roughly 4,300 schools nationwide, said program manager John Luck. Now organizers of the religious group want to expand to Portland and its suburbs.

This year, Good News Across America is hosting summer Bible schools in partnership with 30 churches in the Portland region. Each church will run a separate program the week of July 21 and, if they have enough volunteers, work to establish a Good News Club at a nearby school in the fall.

There are already 94 Good News Clubs elsewhere in Oregon that meet on public school campuses, said Tony Villanueva, the fellowship's assistant state director.

According to a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the Good News Club has the same right to meet in public schools as non-religious educational or recreational clubs, such as the Boy Scouts.

Christine Miles, spokeswoman for Portland Public Schools, said the Good News Club won't be treated any differently than non-religious groups. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Secret Sex Training of 6th-Graders in Oregon as well as Gay Savage Sells Sex App for Univ. of Oregon

In addition, read Portland Boots Teacher for Countering Abortionist

Jesus Ad Censored by Texas School, Says Lawsuit

A Christian ministry is suing the Lubbock Independent School District in federal court for refusing to accept a $1,600 paid advertisement to be shown on the Jumbotron at the high school football games, even though the school accepts numerous other ads, including religious messages.  The censored ad shows an image of Jesus Christ crucified with the sins of the world depicted as tattoos.

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Christian Girl Muzzled, Sues Kansas City School

Jesus' Name Unconstitutional at School Board Meetings: Supreme Court

'Jesus' Booted from Predominantly Jewish Illinois School

Ohio Lawmakers Want Jesus Back in School, Countering Atheists

God NOT Your Idol, Teacher Tells Student -- Michael Jackson Is

-- From "Advertising Christianity With a Site Called 'Jesus Tattoo'" by Emma Green, The Atlantic 1/31/14

What's the best way to share Christianity with as many people as possible? This is the question Texas resident David L. Miller had in mind when he hired advertising firm RD Thomas to help him develop a "new way to share the Bible’s teachings through contemporary marketing methods" last summer.

Their answer: Jesustattoo.com. The site features explainers about Christianity, video testimonials of people sharing their views on faith, and information about how to get in contact with someone from the site to "start a conversation."

Last summer, Miller reached out to the company that sells ad space at Lubbock Independent School District's football stadium, hoping to purchase rights to post an image on the stadium's jumbotron. Although the sales representative, Beverly McBeath, was initially enthusiastic ("THANKS for the business! Woohoo—great way to start the week," she wrote in an email), the school district eventually reneged on the deal, arguing that "the District is prohibited from authorizing this public religious speech ...using the jumbotron, which is governmental property, at a school-related event based on the Establishment Clause."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Little Pencil lawyers seek injunction in 'Jesus Tattoo' advertising lawsuit" posted at Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 1/31/14

The local non-profit business behind the “JesusTattoo.org” advertising campaign asked Friday, Jan. 31, for a preliminary injunction preventing Lubbock Independent School District from enforcing policies that have denied the group from placing its advertisement on school facilities.

Little Pencil, founded by former Texas Tech Vice Chancellor David L. Miller, sued the school district earlier this week because LISD refused last fall to accept its advertisement — which depicts Jesus with pejorative tattoos, such as “Outcast” and “Addicted” — for part of the display stream on the giant video screen at Lowrey Field in PlainsCapital Park during football games.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "'Jesus Tattoo' group claims LISD violated free speech rights, lawsuit shows" by Walt Nett, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 1/29/14

U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings granted five lawyers with the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based conservative religious group [Alliance Defending Freedom] permission to appear locally in the case.

In addition to allegations LISD is violating Little Pencil’s free speech rights and engaging in discrimination by rejecting the ad while allowing other religious organizations to advertise on school facilities, the suit contends the district was initially untruthful about why it rejected the ad, and then claims the district’s policy banning religious advertising prohibits Little Pencil from receiving the same treatment other Lubbock religious organizations receive.

The concept behind “jesustattoo.org’s” advertising is a combination of billboards, television advertising and a website depicting Jesus as a tattoo artist, changing people’s negative tattoos to positive ones. He is revealed in the ads as then having taken those negative tattoos from others onto his own body.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read the long list of states enacting laws to restore religious liberty to schools.

NFL QB Russell Wilson & Jesus = Media Controversy

In Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson, the mainstream media has found another Christian football quarterback to scrutinize.

"God's given me this amazing talent to throw the football. Even though I'm 5-foot-11 and people said I couldn't do it, nobody can stop what God has for you."
-- Russell Wilson

For background, read Media OK with NFL's New 'Black Jesus' Quarterback RG3 and also read The Media & Quarterback Tim Tebow's Christian Faith as well as God Praised by College Football's Johnny Manziel

UPDATE 2/3/14 - Super Bowl winning quarterback: "God is So Good!" (video)




-- From "Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and Controversial Pastor Mark Driscoll Talk Jesus" by Matt Driscoll, Seattle Weekly News 1/13/14

On Friday, controversial Mars Hill pastor Mark Driscoll made waves with a tweet declaring, “If you are not a Christian, you are going to hell. It’s not unloving to say that. It’s unloving to not say that.”

While it’s unclear whether Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson believes everything that comes out of Driscoll’s mouth (or Twitter account), Seattle’s star quarterback apparently was willing to sit down with the Mars Hill pastor to talk Jesus . . .

In the video Wilson comes off a bit like Tim Tebow . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "God on the gridiron: Seahawks DVD extols a higher power" by Corwin Haeck, KOMO News Radio 10/16/13

In the 15-minute video "The Making of a Champion," quarterback Russell Wilson, tackle Russell Okung and others discuss the importance of God in their lives and careers.

Wilson, the Seahawks' heralded quarterback, talks about how his faith helped him overcome doubt and physical shortcomings.

It's unclear if the Seattle Seahawks organization endorses the video, but it was clearly shot at CenturyLink Field and the Seahawks' Renton practice facility.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Russell Wilson: I Found God When Jesus Came To Me In A Dream At 14" posted at CBS News Seattle 10/17/13

“I had a dream that my dad passed away and that Jesus came into the room and he was basically knocking on my door, saying, ‘Hey, you need to find out more about me,’” Wilson said. “So that Sunday morning I ended up going to church and that’s when I got saved.”

Unfortunately the dream was a foreshadowing of sorts because Wilson’s father died six years later.

Wilson also explained in the video that he was a “bad kid” and that his Christian faith helped him to mature.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson, Players Agree With Assistant Coach: 'Jesus Is Better Than Super Bowl'" by Alex Murashko, Christian Post Reporter 1/17/14

Jesus Christ is better than anything, including the Super Bowl, said an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks during a recent videotaped interview with Mars Hill Church Pastor Mark Driscoll, as four of the team's players, including quarterback sensation Russell Wilson, appeared to nod in agreement.

"Literally, Jesus is the greatest treasure in the universe," said Rocky Seto, who is on the Seahawks coaching staff. "It just makes sense. It's not like you give up your life and then you get something worse. He gave us everything. We had nothing, He gave us everything, so literally it's just one plus one equals two, it's that simple. Jesus is better than anything… even better than the Super Bowl, better than an NFL career, any of that."

"Jesus is love," starting quarterback Russell Wilson explained. "At the end of the day, we are all looking for someone to comfort us, somebody to be there for us at all times. When we are at the worst times of our lives, when we are battling with something, or struggles, whatever it may be, when we are at our highest point as well, when things are going really well, we want somebody to comfort us and be there for us and to say, 'Well done.' That's Jesus. Jesus has always been there. He'll never leave you, never forsake you."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read NFL Athlete FOR Minnesota Biblical Marriage Amendment

School Prayer Clubs Spawned by Duck Dynasty

Sadie Robertson, the 16-year-old star of cable TV's “Duck Dynasty” tells of students inspired to pray in groups at schools nationwide because of the Robertson's Christian family example.

For background, read about prayer sweeping back into schools across America.

-- From "River Region embraces 'Duck Dynasty's' Sadie" by Brad Harper, Montgomery Advertiser 1/13/14

“For a TV show to bring prayer into schools, that’s awesome,” she said.

The teenager was the featured speaker at a fundraiser for faith-based private school Prattville Christian Academy. Her mother, Korie, was with her but didn’t appear at the event.

Sadie declined to answer questions about comments made by her grandfather, family patriarch Phil Robertson, who was suspended from the show by the A&E Network after saying in an interview that homosexual behavior is sinful. The network reinstated him after nine days.

“I’m sure we could all say a lot about that, but the family has decided we’re not going to talk about it really,” Sadie said. “But we will say we’re really glad for us all to be back together as a family because (he’s) the leader. We couldn’t do anything without him.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "What Won’t Change About Duck Dynasty, and What Already Has" by James Poniewozik, Time Magazine 1/15/14

The show has now joined the ranks of products that have become totems, like Chick-Fil-A (the fast-food chain that became a symbol of conservative bona fides after its president publicly opposed same-sex marriage) and Hobby Lobby (whose management protested the contraception-coverage requirements in the Affordable Care Act).

Dynasty, with its old-school ethos and its family prayers, always laid a little cultural statement between the lines, but the Robertson’s GQ interview brought it out into the open. For better or worse, we’re a country now that votes through consumption–we express our affiliations and ideology not just with donkeys and elephants but chickens and ducks. In late December, protestors arranged a two-for-one special, eating at Chick-Fil-A in Duck Commander gear to show their support for Phil.

But for an unignorable chunk of the audience now, Duck Dynasty is not just a reality sitcom but a statement: a defense of their besieged values, a defense of the waning belief that condemning gay people in public should be socially acceptable. Maybe in the first four seasons they heard Duck Dynasty affirming their beliefs with a kind of silent dog whistle. Like it or not, Phil turned it into a resounding duck call.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read this Pew Research Study: Mainstream News Media Favor "Gay Marriage" by Factor of Five

In addition, read Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty, Says Senator Ted Cruz