-- From "Abstinence ridiculed on 'American Idol'" by Erin Roach, Baptist Press 2/1/08
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A teenage contestant in a preliminary round of this season's "American Idol" was mocked for his abstinence stance, sending a message to thousands of viewers about how the culture treats the issue.
Bruce Dickson, a 19-year-old from Bastrop, Texas, was asked to tell something about himself during the Dallas auditions for the reality show, and he said he had never kissed a girl.
"What?" Randy Jackson, one of the show's judges, asked. "On purpose?"
"On purpose," Dickson said. "On my wedding day, that will be my first kiss."
The home-schooled, Christian teenager went on to explain that he has made a commitment to abstain from sexual activity until marriage, and his father holds him accountable in his decision.
"Maybe next year he'll come back less a boy and more a man," host Ryan Seacrest quipped as Dickson's segment ended.
In related news, a Boston University School of Medicine study said teens with positive attitudes about delaying sexual activity are more likely to practice abstinence. Influences like parental opinions on sex, personal beliefs and their friends' sexual behavior help determine whether a teen will have sex, the study said, while fears of pregnancy and STDs did not make teens more likely to abstain.
"This study proves that when teens are given the skill sets needed to make the best health choice about sex, it is clear they are capable of choosing to abstain," Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Abstinence Education Association, said Jan. 16. "The core teachings of abstinence education include character building, goal-setting and exploring the emotional risks of casual sex. Abstinence education is the only curriculum that offers such a clear, risk-avoidance approach to sexual health."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Abstinence Education Varies Widely Across American Public Schools
-- From "Texas keeps a tight lid on sex ed" by Melissa Mixon, American-Statesman Staff 7/14/08
When it comes to sex, what kids are taught in school varies widely from state to state and often from school district to school district.
In Texas, the education code treats human sexuality differently from the rest of the public school curriculum. Unlike subjects such as English or history, course materials dealing with sexual issues are reviewed by local advisory councils of parents and community representatives, with the specific content of what's taught to be decided by each school board.
But local latitude goes only so far, thanks to Texas' appetite for federally funded abstinence programs — it leads the nation in spending for abstinence instruction — and the state's restrictions on what teachers may tell their students about sex and contraceptives.
As in all public schools in Texas, Austin district teachers are forbidden to hand out condoms, and the district does not allow instruction on proper use. The state requires that information about condoms be given "in terms of human use reality rates" — an estimate that condoms are effective, on average, only 85 percent of the time, with failures usually due to improper handling or inconsistent use.
That's in contrast to some schools in California, where teachers can demonstrate how to wear condoms by rolling them onto bananas. And in Portland, Maine, school board members approved a measure last year that allows middle school students, who range from 11 to 15 years old, to get birth control prescriptions from the school's health center.
Twenty years ago, Texas teachers had more freedom to talk about condoms and birth control methods as part of health courses that covered a broad range of sexual, reproductive and family issues. That is now considered "comprehensive" sex education. With few exceptions, it is a thing of the past in Texas public schools.
A 2006 national survey reported that 82 percent of parents want sex education that teaches students about not only abstinence but other methods of preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, such as condoms and birth control methods. The survey, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, showed that 68.5 percent of parents want schools to teach proper use of condoms. Years before, another survey by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation [a pro-abortion organization] found similar results.
Abstinence proponents hail their own study, done by Zogby International in 2003, which found that the majority of parents support values taught in abstinence-only programs, teaching, for instance, that sex should be linked to love and intimacy, which are most likely to occur in the context of marriage.
The abstinence message is not only about sex. It also emphasizes self-empowerment, self-respect and being comfortable with setting physical boundaries. The idea is that choosing to refrain from sex will not only prevent a pregnancy or an STD, but lead to a healthy lifestyle, with fewer distractions from school and a better relationship with parents.
This is a very lengthy article intended to form public opinion on this subject -- it's worth the read [CLICK HERE].
When it comes to sex, what kids are taught in school varies widely from state to state and often from school district to school district.
In Texas, the education code treats human sexuality differently from the rest of the public school curriculum. Unlike subjects such as English or history, course materials dealing with sexual issues are reviewed by local advisory councils of parents and community representatives, with the specific content of what's taught to be decided by each school board.
But local latitude goes only so far, thanks to Texas' appetite for federally funded abstinence programs — it leads the nation in spending for abstinence instruction — and the state's restrictions on what teachers may tell their students about sex and contraceptives.
As in all public schools in Texas, Austin district teachers are forbidden to hand out condoms, and the district does not allow instruction on proper use. The state requires that information about condoms be given "in terms of human use reality rates" — an estimate that condoms are effective, on average, only 85 percent of the time, with failures usually due to improper handling or inconsistent use.
That's in contrast to some schools in California, where teachers can demonstrate how to wear condoms by rolling them onto bananas. And in Portland, Maine, school board members approved a measure last year that allows middle school students, who range from 11 to 15 years old, to get birth control prescriptions from the school's health center.
Twenty years ago, Texas teachers had more freedom to talk about condoms and birth control methods as part of health courses that covered a broad range of sexual, reproductive and family issues. That is now considered "comprehensive" sex education. With few exceptions, it is a thing of the past in Texas public schools.
A 2006 national survey reported that 82 percent of parents want sex education that teaches students about not only abstinence but other methods of preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, such as condoms and birth control methods. The survey, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, showed that 68.5 percent of parents want schools to teach proper use of condoms. Years before, another survey by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation [a pro-abortion organization] found similar results.
Abstinence proponents hail their own study, done by Zogby International in 2003, which found that the majority of parents support values taught in abstinence-only programs, teaching, for instance, that sex should be linked to love and intimacy, which are most likely to occur in the context of marriage.
The abstinence message is not only about sex. It also emphasizes self-empowerment, self-respect and being comfortable with setting physical boundaries. The idea is that choosing to refrain from sex will not only prevent a pregnancy or an STD, but lead to a healthy lifestyle, with fewer distractions from school and a better relationship with parents.
This is a very lengthy article intended to form public opinion on this subject -- it's worth the read [CLICK HERE].
Hamas Satellite TV Brings Violence to Children
An Islamic television station is using a Bugs Bunny lookalike in a programme for children, who vote whether to chop off his hands when he breaches Sharia law.
-- From "Islamic 'Bugs Bunny' programme 'spreads extremism'" posted at the UK Telegraph 7/23/08
Assud the rabbit vows to "kill and eat Jews" and glorifies the maiming of "infidels" on the Palestinian children's show Tomorrow's Pioneers.
In one episode, Assud admits stealing money and is seen begging for mercy after young viewers and parents phone in demanding to cut off his hands as punishment.
At that point, Saraa, the 11-year-old presenter, intervenes and rules that the bunny should only have his ears severed because he has repented.
The rabbit, played by a costumed actor, is one of the main characters on the show broadcast in Gaza by the al-Aqsa channel, which is otherwise known as Hamas TV.
Religious leaders in Britain, where the channel can be viewed via satellite, criticised the programme, amid fears British children could be affected by the radical Islamic message.
Set up as a regional station prior to the Palestinian elections in January 2006, the al-Aqsa channel now airs on a satellite slot and has a substantial following across the Arab world.
The show is regularly translated and posted online by The Middle East Media Research Institute, an independent media monitoring group based in the United States.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Islamic 'Bugs Bunny' programme 'spreads extremism'" posted at the UK Telegraph 7/23/08
Assud the rabbit vows to "kill and eat Jews" and glorifies the maiming of "infidels" on the Palestinian children's show Tomorrow's Pioneers.
In one episode, Assud admits stealing money and is seen begging for mercy after young viewers and parents phone in demanding to cut off his hands as punishment.
At that point, Saraa, the 11-year-old presenter, intervenes and rules that the bunny should only have his ears severed because he has repented.
The rabbit, played by a costumed actor, is one of the main characters on the show broadcast in Gaza by the al-Aqsa channel, which is otherwise known as Hamas TV.
Religious leaders in Britain, where the channel can be viewed via satellite, criticised the programme, amid fears British children could be affected by the radical Islamic message.
Set up as a regional station prior to the Palestinian elections in January 2006, the al-Aqsa channel now airs on a satellite slot and has a substantial following across the Arab world.
The show is regularly translated and posted online by The Middle East Media Research Institute, an independent media monitoring group based in the United States.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Sandra Day O'Connor, Federal Judges Bar Praying "in Jesus's Name"
A federal appeals court ruled yesterday that a Fredericksburg City [Virginia] Council member may not pray "in Jesus's name" during council meetings because the opening invocation is government speech.
UPDATE 1/16/09: Supreme Court Won't Restore Christian Prayer
-- From "Court Rules in Prayer Case" in the Washington Post 7/24/08
The Rev. Hashmel Turner, a Baptist minister, sued the city in 2006 after it passed a policy requiring invocations to be nondenominational. His attorneys argued that the government was effectively writing prayer if it told Turner how to pray.
Turner lost in trial court, and a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld that verdict unanimously.
The opinion, written by retired U.S. Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor, said courts have found legislative prayers constitutional when they are "designed to include members of the community, rather than to proselytize."
Judith E. Schaeffer, legal director for the People for the American Way Foundation, one of the groups representing the city, said, "Today's ruling is a vindication of the constitutional principle that the government must not take sides when it comes to religion."
-- Continuing from "O'Connor: City properly excluded Christian prayer" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/24/08
The dispute arose when Turner, a resident of Fredericksburg, Va., and a member of the town council, was part of a rotation of council members who took turns bringing a prayer at the council meetings. He ended his prayers "in Jesus name."
That, however, offended a listener, who prompted the involvement of several activist groups that threatened a lawsuit if the elected Christian council member continued to be given the same rights to choose how to pray as other council members.
The city then adopted a non-sectarian prayer requirement, imposing a ban on any reference to "Jesus."
"Turner was not forced to offer a prayer that violated his deeply-held religious beliefs. Instead he was given a chance to pray on behalf of the government," O'Connor wrote.
UPDATE 1/16/09: Supreme Court Won't Restore Christian Prayer
-- From "Court Rules in Prayer Case" in the Washington Post 7/24/08
The Rev. Hashmel Turner, a Baptist minister, sued the city in 2006 after it passed a policy requiring invocations to be nondenominational. His attorneys argued that the government was effectively writing prayer if it told Turner how to pray.
Turner lost in trial court, and a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld that verdict unanimously.
The opinion, written by retired U.S. Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor, said courts have found legislative prayers constitutional when they are "designed to include members of the community, rather than to proselytize."
Judith E. Schaeffer, legal director for the People for the American Way Foundation, one of the groups representing the city, said, "Today's ruling is a vindication of the constitutional principle that the government must not take sides when it comes to religion."
-- Continuing from "O'Connor: City properly excluded Christian prayer" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/24/08
The dispute arose when Turner, a resident of Fredericksburg, Va., and a member of the town council, was part of a rotation of council members who took turns bringing a prayer at the council meetings. He ended his prayers "in Jesus name."
That, however, offended a listener, who prompted the involvement of several activist groups that threatened a lawsuit if the elected Christian council member continued to be given the same rights to choose how to pray as other council members.
The city then adopted a non-sectarian prayer requirement, imposing a ban on any reference to "Jesus."
"Turner was not forced to offer a prayer that violated his deeply-held religious beliefs. Instead he was given a chance to pray on behalf of the government," O'Connor wrote.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Boycotting Christians Stand at McDonald's, Restaurant Gives In
The corporate headquarters for McDonald's is hearing from store managers in California that customers are upset over the company's pro-homosexual advocacy and they aren't going to take it any longer.
-- From "McDonald's hears: 'I'm NOT lovin' it!'" by Bob Unruh © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/22/08
For background on this story, CLICK HERE.
Yuriy Popko, one of several Christians who staged a sign-waving protest at the Golden Arches in Citrus Heights today, said the protest at that location was suspended when store officials agreed to convey protesters' objections to the corporate office.
"They came out and talked with us. Basically we had two requests: a notice to the public and that they e-mail our concerns to the corporate office," Popko told WND.
"If McDonald's restaurants and franchises … follow the small business advice of the company's new homosexual partner – the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), which received a $20,000 grant from McDonald's – there would be chaos," said Peter LaBarbera, chief of Americans for Truth.
Popko said there are Christians from several organizations in the area working on the McDonald's boycott.
"From customers, we've actually gotten a pretty good response. They see the signs and come up to us. When they ask, we just explain about the $20,000 donated to the NGLCC."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Neighborhood Families Sue City over Planned Parenthood Building
Planned Parenthood's subsidiary, Gemini Office Development, falsified permit applications, obtained an invalid building permit, had invalid building inspections, and violated other city laws.
For background on this story, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Abortion mega-clinic targeted by more complaints" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/23/08
City officials in Aurora, Ill., who in 2007 allowed construction of a massive Planned Parenthood abortion mega-clinic in apparent violation of their own zoning codes, now are being challenged by pro-life activists who previously filed a lawsuit on another front.
Thomas More Society, which has been battling the abortion business and is pursuing a lawsuit over the issue, says it now has filed formal appeals to both the Aurora Building Code Board of Appeals and the Zoning Board of Appeals on behalf of Fox Valley Families against Planned Parenthood.
"On July 1, the city of Aurora quietly issued a Final Certificate of occupancy to the 22,000-square-foot Planned Parenthood facility," officials with the law firm said. "Unlike the now-expired Temporary Certificate of Occupancy under which the facility had been operating, the Final Certificate would grant permanent legal status to the facility."
"The appellants claim that the city continues to refuse to apply the correct ordinance to Planned Parenthood, even after the city conceded that its outside attorneys applied the wrong ordinance to the facility during their legal review in September of last year," the law firm announcement said.
"Planned Parenthood has made a mockery of Aurora's development process," said Peter Breen, attorney for the Thomas More Society. "They have brazenly committed fraud against the city and have strong-armed their illegal non-profit 'business' into the backyards of citizens who were given no voice to oppose the building of this Wal-Mart sized abortion facility. It is time for the 'City of Lights' to shine a harsh light on Planned Parenthood's dirty tactics."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
For background on this story, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Abortion mega-clinic targeted by more complaints" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/23/08
City officials in Aurora, Ill., who in 2007 allowed construction of a massive Planned Parenthood abortion mega-clinic in apparent violation of their own zoning codes, now are being challenged by pro-life activists who previously filed a lawsuit on another front.
Thomas More Society, which has been battling the abortion business and is pursuing a lawsuit over the issue, says it now has filed formal appeals to both the Aurora Building Code Board of Appeals and the Zoning Board of Appeals on behalf of Fox Valley Families against Planned Parenthood.
"On July 1, the city of Aurora quietly issued a Final Certificate of occupancy to the 22,000-square-foot Planned Parenthood facility," officials with the law firm said. "Unlike the now-expired Temporary Certificate of Occupancy under which the facility had been operating, the Final Certificate would grant permanent legal status to the facility."
"The appellants claim that the city continues to refuse to apply the correct ordinance to Planned Parenthood, even after the city conceded that its outside attorneys applied the wrong ordinance to the facility during their legal review in September of last year," the law firm announcement said.
"Planned Parenthood has made a mockery of Aurora's development process," said Peter Breen, attorney for the Thomas More Society. "They have brazenly committed fraud against the city and have strong-armed their illegal non-profit 'business' into the backyards of citizens who were given no voice to oppose the building of this Wal-Mart sized abortion facility. It is time for the 'City of Lights' to shine a harsh light on Planned Parenthood's dirty tactics."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Philadelphia Judges Rule Homosexual Rights Trump Christian Message
Judges say Gospel not permitted to be heard when homosexuals proclaim "that we're out and proud of who we are"
Read the liberal media report excerpts, then read the facts as presented by the Christians (backed up by their video)
-- From "Antigay group couldn't disrupt Phila. event, court rules" by Emilie Lounsberry, Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer 7/16/08
Anti-homosexual activists arrested during Philadelphia's 2004 OutFest celebration had a First Amendment right to demonstrate but not to disrupt the coming-out festival, a federal appeals court ruled yesterday.
The decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit came in a lawsuit brought by 11 protesters affiliated with Repent America, a Lansdowne group whose members preach that homosexuality is sinful.
. . . the Third Circuit said Philadelphia police "had ample justification" in directing the protesters to move when they "interfered" with event activities.
"The police action was not based on the content of [the activists'] message but on their conduct," wrote Judge Dolores K. Sloviter, who said a video showed the Repent America group had tried to "drown out" platform speakers and congregated in the middle of the walkway.
Philly Pride had a permit for the event, and contended that it had a right to exclude the antigay activists.
And now, a look at some facts . . .
-- From "Court says 'gay' rights trump Christian rights" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/18/08
Ted Hoppe, a lawyer allied with the Alliance Defense Fund, had argued in the appeal that, "Speech cannot be silenced simply because another person or group does not agree with it. City officials must be held accountable for their decision to violate the First Amendment rights of Christians who wanted nothing more than to engage in peaceful assembly on a public street."
Members of the "Philadelphia 11" as the group is known, were arrested Oct. 10, 2004, after quoting the Bible and expressing their views against homosexual behavior on a public street during "OutFest," a publicly funded celebration of homosexual choices.
They were jailed overnight in the case, but a judge later dismissed any criminal counts as having no basis in fact. The individuals then filed the damage lawsuit against the city.
"It is without question that Judge Stengel's decision has set a precedent to eliminate the First Amendment rights of others by citing that a 'permitting scheme' can be used by police and event organizers to 'exclude persons expressing contrary messages' in public areas and at public events," Marcavage said earlier.
The video of the actual arrest has been posted on YouTube [CLICK HERE]
According to Repent America, the Christians on that day "were confronted by a militant mob of homosexuals known as the 'Pink Angels' who blew loud whistles and carried large pink signs in front of them to block their message and access to the event, while others screamed obscenities."
"The Philadelphia police, under the direction of Chief Inspector James Tiano, the city's 'police liaison to the gay and lesbian community,' refused to take any action as the Christians were continuously followed, obstructed, and harassed, even though they respectfully cooperated with police, obeying orders to move, short of being directed out of the event."
"We believe that a review of the video footage of the event clearly shows that the Philly 11 went out of their way to be cooperative and not be disruptive themselves. The only disruption that occurred, if any, was due to the crowd's reaction to the message that the Philly 11 was conveying," Hoppe said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Read the liberal media report excerpts, then read the facts as presented by the Christians (backed up by their video)
-- From "Antigay group couldn't disrupt Phila. event, court rules" by Emilie Lounsberry, Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer 7/16/08
Anti-homosexual activists arrested during Philadelphia's 2004 OutFest celebration had a First Amendment right to demonstrate but not to disrupt the coming-out festival, a federal appeals court ruled yesterday.
The decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit came in a lawsuit brought by 11 protesters affiliated with Repent America, a Lansdowne group whose members preach that homosexuality is sinful.
. . . the Third Circuit said Philadelphia police "had ample justification" in directing the protesters to move when they "interfered" with event activities.
"The police action was not based on the content of [the activists'] message but on their conduct," wrote Judge Dolores K. Sloviter, who said a video showed the Repent America group had tried to "drown out" platform speakers and congregated in the middle of the walkway.
Philly Pride had a permit for the event, and contended that it had a right to exclude the antigay activists.
And now, a look at some facts . . .
-- From "Court says 'gay' rights trump Christian rights" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/18/08
Ted Hoppe, a lawyer allied with the Alliance Defense Fund, had argued in the appeal that, "Speech cannot be silenced simply because another person or group does not agree with it. City officials must be held accountable for their decision to violate the First Amendment rights of Christians who wanted nothing more than to engage in peaceful assembly on a public street."
Members of the "Philadelphia 11" as the group is known, were arrested Oct. 10, 2004, after quoting the Bible and expressing their views against homosexual behavior on a public street during "OutFest," a publicly funded celebration of homosexual choices.
They were jailed overnight in the case, but a judge later dismissed any criminal counts as having no basis in fact. The individuals then filed the damage lawsuit against the city.
"It is without question that Judge Stengel's decision has set a precedent to eliminate the First Amendment rights of others by citing that a 'permitting scheme' can be used by police and event organizers to 'exclude persons expressing contrary messages' in public areas and at public events," Marcavage said earlier.
The video of the actual arrest has been posted on YouTube [CLICK HERE]
According to Repent America, the Christians on that day "were confronted by a militant mob of homosexuals known as the 'Pink Angels' who blew loud whistles and carried large pink signs in front of them to block their message and access to the event, while others screamed obscenities."
"The Philadelphia police, under the direction of Chief Inspector James Tiano, the city's 'police liaison to the gay and lesbian community,' refused to take any action as the Christians were continuously followed, obstructed, and harassed, even though they respectfully cooperated with police, obeying orders to move, short of being directed out of the event."
"We believe that a review of the video footage of the event clearly shows that the Philly 11 went out of their way to be cooperative and not be disruptive themselves. The only disruption that occurred, if any, was due to the crowd's reaction to the message that the Philly 11 was conveying," Hoppe said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Christians to Candidates: International Religious Freedom a Priority
“Freedom of religion and the freedom to speak openly about ideas and beliefs here and abroad should be a high priority for the next president of the United States.”
-- From "McCain, Obama Urged to Make Int’l Religious Freedom a Priority" by Patrick Goodenough, International Editor, CNSNews 7/18/08
In a recent poll of American Christians commissioned by Open Doors USA and released this week, 54 percent of respondents said religious freedom should be a high priority in making U.S. foreign policy.
The organization, which estimates that 100 million Christians around the world are facing repression for their faith, said the poll result presented a challenge for presidential aspirants Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama.
Ninety-six percent of respondents in the poll believed strongly that religious freedom was a basic human right, and more than eight in 10 believed it was a very important basic right.
Respondents favored the U.S. using “indirect” methods, such as economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, to apply pressure on regimes that abuse religious freedom.
At a White House ceremony this week marking the IRFA’s 10th anniversary, President Bush cited continuing problems in a number of countries, including China and Saudi Arabia. “We urge these leaders to respect the rights of those who seek only to worship their God as they see fit,” he said.
McCain has pledged to make religious freedom “a subject of great importance” in America’s relations with other nations.
“As president … I will work in close concert with democratic allies to raise the prominence of religious freedom in every available forum,” McCain said.
Obama in a speech on Latin America delivered in Florida in May, said U.S. backing for democracy abroad must go beyond the ballot box and include support for religious freedom, among other things. Among the presumptive Democratic nominee’s policy advisors is Preeta Bansal, a commissioner and former chairperson of the [U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom].
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "McCain, Obama Urged to Make Int’l Religious Freedom a Priority" by Patrick Goodenough, International Editor, CNSNews 7/18/08
In a recent poll of American Christians commissioned by Open Doors USA and released this week, 54 percent of respondents said religious freedom should be a high priority in making U.S. foreign policy.
The organization, which estimates that 100 million Christians around the world are facing repression for their faith, said the poll result presented a challenge for presidential aspirants Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama.
Ninety-six percent of respondents in the poll believed strongly that religious freedom was a basic human right, and more than eight in 10 believed it was a very important basic right.
Respondents favored the U.S. using “indirect” methods, such as economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, to apply pressure on regimes that abuse religious freedom.
At a White House ceremony this week marking the IRFA’s 10th anniversary, President Bush cited continuing problems in a number of countries, including China and Saudi Arabia. “We urge these leaders to respect the rights of those who seek only to worship their God as they see fit,” he said.
McCain has pledged to make religious freedom “a subject of great importance” in America’s relations with other nations.
“As president … I will work in close concert with democratic allies to raise the prominence of religious freedom in every available forum,” McCain said.
Obama in a speech on Latin America delivered in Florida in May, said U.S. backing for democracy abroad must go beyond the ballot box and include support for religious freedom, among other things. Among the presumptive Democratic nominee’s policy advisors is Preeta Bansal, a commissioner and former chairperson of the [U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom].
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Pro-life NAACP Members Urge De-Funding of Planned Parenthood
Dozens of pastors and pro-life activists attending the 99th annual NAACP conference in Cincinnati this week are calling on that organization to help de-fund the nation’s largest abortion provider.
-- From "NAACP Urged to Help De-Fund Planned Parenthood" by Randy Hall, Staff Writer/Editor 7/17/08
CLICK HERE to E-mail your congressman: de-fund Planned Parenthood
“Racism lives at Planned Parenthood,” said Dr. Alveda King, pastoral associate of the group Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during a rally on Monday.
“I say to my fellow NAACP members: It's time we tell the government to stop funding racism.
“Planned Parenthood will gladly accept donations for the specific purpose of aborting only black babies,” King said. “It locates its clinics in or near minority neighborhoods. It has led the way in eliminating African-Americans to the point where one-quarter of the black population is now missing because of abortion.”
King, who had two abortions before adopting a pro-life position, called on the nation's oldest civil rights organization to remember its mission statement: “To ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.”
“Planned Parenthood is anti-life,” she said, “and we are here to say enough is enough!"
Another speaker at the rally was Day Gardner, president of the National Black Pro-Life Union. She said that, “as a child, I thought the NAACP to be a super-hero organization; an organization that would fight racism right down to its very core.”
However, she stressed that NAACP leaders need to have their eyes opened to the racist agenda of Planned Parenthood – which results in black women being 4.8 times more likely to have an abortion than a white woman.
"We are here to rally the NAACP – to make our voices heard as we shout in unison – all across this great nation that the struggle is not yet over," she said. "The evil hand of racism is still at work in this country and living in the bowels of Planned Parenthood.”
Gardner also spoke about the federal tax dollars that go to Planned Parenthood and said it was time for Congress to end the funding.
To read the enitre article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "NAACP Urged to Help De-Fund Planned Parenthood" by Randy Hall, Staff Writer/Editor 7/17/08
CLICK HERE to E-mail your congressman: de-fund Planned Parenthood
“Racism lives at Planned Parenthood,” said Dr. Alveda King, pastoral associate of the group Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during a rally on Monday.
“I say to my fellow NAACP members: It's time we tell the government to stop funding racism.
“Planned Parenthood will gladly accept donations for the specific purpose of aborting only black babies,” King said. “It locates its clinics in or near minority neighborhoods. It has led the way in eliminating African-Americans to the point where one-quarter of the black population is now missing because of abortion.”
King, who had two abortions before adopting a pro-life position, called on the nation's oldest civil rights organization to remember its mission statement: “To ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.”
“Planned Parenthood is anti-life,” she said, “and we are here to say enough is enough!"
Another speaker at the rally was Day Gardner, president of the National Black Pro-Life Union. She said that, “as a child, I thought the NAACP to be a super-hero organization; an organization that would fight racism right down to its very core.”
However, she stressed that NAACP leaders need to have their eyes opened to the racist agenda of Planned Parenthood – which results in black women being 4.8 times more likely to have an abortion than a white woman.
"We are here to rally the NAACP – to make our voices heard as we shout in unison – all across this great nation that the struggle is not yet over," she said. "The evil hand of racism is still at work in this country and living in the bowels of Planned Parenthood.”
Gardner also spoke about the federal tax dollars that go to Planned Parenthood and said it was time for Congress to end the funding.
To read the enitre article, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Univ. of CA Seeks to Require Christian High Schools to Use Secular Curriculum
Disqualifies textbooks written from Christian perspective for college admission...
From "Academia to high schools: No God Allowed" posted 7/19/08 at WorldNetDaily.com
Arguments were heard today in a federal district court case to determine whether a state university system can dictate that private Christian schools in the state teach their college prep courses from exclusively secular, Bible- and God-free textbooks.
As WND reported earlier, the University of California system adopted a policy last year that basic science, history, and literature textbooks by major Christian book publishers wouldn't qualify for core admissions requirements because of the inclusion of Christian perspectives.
Robert Tyler, who is representing Calvary Chapel Christian School and five students in the case against the University of California, told WND that the university's discriminatory policy creates an ultimatum for Christian schools. "If you want courses to be approved in private education, so your students are qualified to attend (UC) institutions, you must teach from a secular point of view," he said.
...In fact, an ACSI report said, UC officials confirmed "that if the Scripture verses that begin each chapter were removed the textbook would likely be approved …"
From "Academia to high schools: No God Allowed" posted 7/19/08 at WorldNetDaily.com
Arguments were heard today in a federal district court case to determine whether a state university system can dictate that private Christian schools in the state teach their college prep courses from exclusively secular, Bible- and God-free textbooks.
As WND reported earlier, the University of California system adopted a policy last year that basic science, history, and literature textbooks by major Christian book publishers wouldn't qualify for core admissions requirements because of the inclusion of Christian perspectives.
Robert Tyler, who is representing Calvary Chapel Christian School and five students in the case against the University of California, told WND that the university's discriminatory policy creates an ultimatum for Christian schools. "If you want courses to be approved in private education, so your students are qualified to attend (UC) institutions, you must teach from a secular point of view," he said.
...In fact, an ACSI report said, UC officials confirmed "that if the Scripture verses that begin each chapter were removed the textbook would likely be approved …"
"Here's the very university that talks about academic freedom," Carney said. "It's very discriminating. They don't rule against Muslim or Hindu or Jewish (themes) or so forth, only those with a definite Christian theme."
According to the lawsuit, a variety of textbooks with supplemental perspectives were accepted – just not those with a Christian perspective.
Read the rest of this article HERE.
San Francisco Expansion of "Sex-worker Industry" on Ballot
In November, voters can choose to decriminalize prostitution; sex workers union herald measure, demand police protection
-- From "San Fran's next step: Legalized prostitution?" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/19/08
Petitioners have succeeded in moving a measure that would effectively decriminalize prostitution in the city of San Francisco to the Nov. 4 ballot.
While prostitution is unlawful under the California Penal Code, the measure – if passed by voters – would ban the San Francisco Police Department from allocating any financial resources for the investigation and prosecution of sex workers on prostitution charges.
Section four of the ballot measure – under the heading "Prostitution Shall Be Decriminalized" – further states that the city, county, and district attorney "shall not subject sex-workers to life long economic discrimination associated with having a criminal record."
Proponents of the measure are claiming it is needed to give sex-industry workers equal protection under the law and to counter an alleged long-standing cronyism between dance club owners and key decision makers that has resulted in police cracking down on some prostitution outlets but looking the other way from popular nightclubs, even when the clubs were accused of sexual abuses by workers.
Maxine Doogan, founder of the Erotic Service Provider's Union, wrote in an email reported by the Chronicle, "Workers would like it if crimes like rape, robbery, theft and coercion were vigorously investigated and prosecuted. We want the right to make reports of crimes against us without being retaliated against by the police department."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "San Fran's next step: Legalized prostitution?" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/19/08
Petitioners have succeeded in moving a measure that would effectively decriminalize prostitution in the city of San Francisco to the Nov. 4 ballot.
While prostitution is unlawful under the California Penal Code, the measure – if passed by voters – would ban the San Francisco Police Department from allocating any financial resources for the investigation and prosecution of sex workers on prostitution charges.
Section four of the ballot measure – under the heading "Prostitution Shall Be Decriminalized" – further states that the city, county, and district attorney "shall not subject sex-workers to life long economic discrimination associated with having a criminal record."
Proponents of the measure are claiming it is needed to give sex-industry workers equal protection under the law and to counter an alleged long-standing cronyism between dance club owners and key decision makers that has resulted in police cracking down on some prostitution outlets but looking the other way from popular nightclubs, even when the clubs were accused of sexual abuses by workers.
Maxine Doogan, founder of the Erotic Service Provider's Union, wrote in an email reported by the Chronicle, "Workers would like it if crimes like rape, robbery, theft and coercion were vigorously investigated and prosecuted. We want the right to make reports of crimes against us without being retaliated against by the police department."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Religious Liberty of Psychologists Threatened
From "Counselor Fired after Referring Homosexual to Colleague Because of Religious Objections" posted 7/17/08 at LifesiteNews.com
ATLANTA, GA, July 17, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a lawsuit Monday on behalf of a licensed counselor who was fired after referring a person seeking counsel with a same-sex relationship to a colleague. Rather than attempt to provide a service that would conflict with her sincerely-held religious beliefs on homosexual behavior, Marcia Walden referred her to another counselor; however, the counselee later filed a complaint that ultimately cost Walden her job.
...On Aug. 21, 2007, a woman employed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sought counsel from Walden, a counselor at Computer Sciences Corporation, regarding a same-sex relationship. Walden explained that the client's needs would conflict with her religious beliefs and that, therefore, it would be unfair for her to serve as the woman's counselor. As a result, Walden referred the individual to a colleague.
People are evidently unwilling to put together all the pieces to see the puzzle.They hear about a pastor being jailed, and another pastor being fined, and a business being sued, and a college administrator or psychologist being fired, and a pro-homosexual text being taught in high school, and conservative scholarship being censored, and laws being passed that require elementary students to be taught about homosexuality and "transgenderism" favorably, and marriage laws being violated, and municipalities legislating that cross-dressers be allowed to use the bathroom of choice--and still people go about their business as if everything is hunky dory.
What unconscionable complacency; what ignoble selfishness; what sorry role models. When my future grandchildren become elementary school age and public schools permit cross-dressing teachers, or openly homosexual teachers, or require the reading of picture books that portray positively homosexual families, and prohibit opting-out, I hope to be able to tell my children that I did everything I could to prevent this offense against truth, innocence, and decency.
-Laurie Higgins
Laurie is a freelance writer based in Deerfield, Illinois. She can be reached through Culture Campaign by writing feedback@culturecampaign.com.
ATLANTA, GA, July 17, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a lawsuit Monday on behalf of a licensed counselor who was fired after referring a person seeking counsel with a same-sex relationship to a colleague. Rather than attempt to provide a service that would conflict with her sincerely-held religious beliefs on homosexual behavior, Marcia Walden referred her to another counselor; however, the counselee later filed a complaint that ultimately cost Walden her job.
...On Aug. 21, 2007, a woman employed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sought counsel from Walden, a counselor at Computer Sciences Corporation, regarding a same-sex relationship. Walden explained that the client's needs would conflict with her religious beliefs and that, therefore, it would be unfair for her to serve as the woman's counselor. As a result, Walden referred the individual to a colleague.
After meeting with the client, Walden's colleague told her that she had done "the right thing" by referring the woman to him. However, the client later filed a complaint against Walden which led to an investigation and religiously-based questioning from Walden's supervisors, including pressure to hide her religious beliefs from future clients. She was later terminated as an employee.
Read the rest of this article.
When will people comprehend the fact that the social and political goals of homosexualists (i.e. homosexuals and those who support their beliefs and goals) poses one of the greatest domestic threats to fundamental First Amendment speech and religious rights that we face today?People are evidently unwilling to put together all the pieces to see the puzzle.They hear about a pastor being jailed, and another pastor being fined, and a business being sued, and a college administrator or psychologist being fired, and a pro-homosexual text being taught in high school, and conservative scholarship being censored, and laws being passed that require elementary students to be taught about homosexuality and "transgenderism" favorably, and marriage laws being violated, and municipalities legislating that cross-dressers be allowed to use the bathroom of choice--and still people go about their business as if everything is hunky dory.
What unconscionable complacency; what ignoble selfishness; what sorry role models. When my future grandchildren become elementary school age and public schools permit cross-dressing teachers, or openly homosexual teachers, or require the reading of picture books that portray positively homosexual families, and prohibit opting-out, I hope to be able to tell my children that I did everything I could to prevent this offense against truth, innocence, and decency.
-Laurie Higgins
Laurie is a freelance writer based in Deerfield, Illinois. She can be reached through Culture Campaign by writing feedback@culturecampaign.com.
McDonald's, Media Give Christians the Silent Treatment
Chicago media team up with McDonald's to shield the public from what McDonald's spokesman terms the 'hate' of Christians who oppose the Gay AgendaPhoto from Illinois Review (CLICK HERE to read article)
Read Sandy Rios' address to McDonald's at the press conference (CLICK HERE)
-- From "Very Sad But Not Surprising" by Dave Diersen of GOPUSA Illinois 7/17/08
It is very sad, but not surprising, that the Combine [Chicago politicians of both parties] got its news media members to keep the boycott off their websites.
The boycott was announced at an outstanding 10:00 AM press conference yesterday at the McDonald's restaurant across from McDonald's world headquarters in Oak Brook.
Because the Illinois Democrat Party Platform promotes homosexual activity and the Illinois Republican Party Platform discourages homosexual activity, the boycott is a political story. I was hoping to see Mary Ann Ahern, David Beery, Mike Flannery, Rick Preason, Andy Shaw, and other political reporters at the press conference, but I did not.
Speakers at the outstanding press conference included Matt Barber, Peter LaBarbera, Sandy Rios, and David E. Smith.
Sadly, McDonald's is a member of the Combine. Hopefully, Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Chairman Andy McKenna Jr. will get his father, Andy McKenna Sr., the President of McDonald's, to get McDonald's to stop promoting homosexual activity.
Also, read the WorldNetDaily article of 7/19/08 (CLICK HERE).
Contact McDonald's:
Andrew J. McKenna, President
McDonald's Corporation USA
McDonald's Plaza, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone: 1-800-244-6227
or: 630-623-3000
Fax: 630-623-5004
CLICK HERE for commenting via McDonald's website
South Carolina Tourism Bureaucrats Advertise State as 'So Gay'
Taxpayers are fuming: "South Carolina is a wonderful, family friendly destination not a Southern version of San Francisco. This campaign goes against our core values."
-- From "'South Carolina is so gay' travel agency to get refund" posted at the Guardian (UK) 7/18/08
A Columbia group said yesterday it will reimburse a European travel agency the roughly $5,000 lost when a state tourism agency refused to pay for an ad campaign to draw more gay travellers to South Carolina.
South Carolina Pride said it will seek private donations to pay the cost of the campaign, which included posters in London subway stations proclaiming "South Carolina is so gay".
After learning of the campaign, lawmakers and activists protested and the South Carolina department of parks, recreation and tourism refused to pay the bill. A spokesman for governor Mark Sanford said use of public advertising money to promote a social agenda was inappropriate.
The [South Carolina] employee who approved the campaign has resigned.
The fundraising campaign will be linked to South Carolina [homosexual] Pride's September 20 Columbia parade and festival, featuring entertainer RuPaul.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "'South Carolina is so gay' travel agency to get refund" posted at the Guardian (UK) 7/18/08
A Columbia group said yesterday it will reimburse a European travel agency the roughly $5,000 lost when a state tourism agency refused to pay for an ad campaign to draw more gay travellers to South Carolina.
South Carolina Pride said it will seek private donations to pay the cost of the campaign, which included posters in London subway stations proclaiming "South Carolina is so gay".
After learning of the campaign, lawmakers and activists protested and the South Carolina department of parks, recreation and tourism refused to pay the bill. A spokesman for governor Mark Sanford said use of public advertising money to promote a social agenda was inappropriate.
The [South Carolina] employee who approved the campaign has resigned.
The fundraising campaign will be linked to South Carolina [homosexual] Pride's September 20 Columbia parade and festival, featuring entertainer RuPaul.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
New Brazilian Law: Christians Face 5-year Prison Sentences
Speaking of the Biblical teaching on homosexuality "in public places or private places open to the public" will land you in jail.
-- From "Brazilian law would prohibit Christian teaching on homosexuality" posted at Catholic News Agency 7/15/08
The Brazilian Senate is considering a bill approved unanimously and without debate by the country’s House of Representatives that aims to promote homosexuality and prohibit Christian teaching on the issue, under the guise of combating discrimination.
According to the Association of the Defense of Life, the bill would make it [a] crime punishable by five years in prison to impede expressions of “homosexual affection” in public places or private places open to the public.
It would also punish those who deny employment [of] openly homosexual teachers in schools with up to three years imprisonment, making it impossible for Catholic or Christian schools to prevent homosexuals from joining their faculties.
The bill would also impose prison sentences on any kind of moral, ethical, philosophical or psychological expression that questions homosexual practices. In this way, “a priest, a pastor, a teacher or even an average citizen who says in a sermon, a classroom or public conversation that homosexual acts are sinful, disordered or an illness could be denounced and detained,” the association said.
Questions to Christians: So, who's going to step up to the plate and act boldly in the name of Christ to preserve religious liberty in this fallen world? Is not the Great Commission given to every Christian? The loss of religious liberty obviously translates to a loss of effectiveness in spreading the Gospel. Therefore, Christians must exercise their power as citizens (in the world's free countries) to maintain freedom of religion. To sit idly by and lament is not modeling Christ! Pray to God for His wisdom and guidance -- pray unceasingly, while going out into the world. God doesn't call His people to pray while cowering inside the walls of the local church, never to boldly go out and proclaim His Name.
Take the first step; we'll help you, just ask: feedback@culturecampaign.com
-- From "Brazilian law would prohibit Christian teaching on homosexuality" posted at Catholic News Agency 7/15/08
The Brazilian Senate is considering a bill approved unanimously and without debate by the country’s House of Representatives that aims to promote homosexuality and prohibit Christian teaching on the issue, under the guise of combating discrimination.
According to the Association of the Defense of Life, the bill would make it [a] crime punishable by five years in prison to impede expressions of “homosexual affection” in public places or private places open to the public.
It would also punish those who deny employment [of] openly homosexual teachers in schools with up to three years imprisonment, making it impossible for Catholic or Christian schools to prevent homosexuals from joining their faculties.
The bill would also impose prison sentences on any kind of moral, ethical, philosophical or psychological expression that questions homosexual practices. In this way, “a priest, a pastor, a teacher or even an average citizen who says in a sermon, a classroom or public conversation that homosexual acts are sinful, disordered or an illness could be denounced and detained,” the association said.
Questions to Christians: So, who's going to step up to the plate and act boldly in the name of Christ to preserve religious liberty in this fallen world? Is not the Great Commission given to every Christian? The loss of religious liberty obviously translates to a loss of effectiveness in spreading the Gospel. Therefore, Christians must exercise their power as citizens (in the world's free countries) to maintain freedom of religion. To sit idly by and lament is not modeling Christ! Pray to God for His wisdom and guidance -- pray unceasingly, while going out into the world. God doesn't call His people to pray while cowering inside the walls of the local church, never to boldly go out and proclaim His Name.
Take the first step; we'll help you, just ask: feedback@culturecampaign.com
McDonald’s Supports Same-sex 'Marriage' and other Radical Homosexual Causes
Press Conference at McDonald's worldwide headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois
July 16, 2008
by Sandy Rios
Good morning! My name is Sandy Rios. I am the President of Culture Campaign, and the host of the Sandy Rios Show on AM 1160, WYLL [Chicago].
I am also the mother of two grown children who like millions of American kids, grew up loving Happy Meals and Ronald McDonald. McDonald's has become a uniquely American institution, recognized worldwide by its golden arches and family-friendly atmosphere. We have loved its food and trusted its message….until now.
The fact is that children come from two parents…mom and dad… and are best served when that Mom and Dad form a family to secure their environment and nurture them into adulthood. We used to all agree about that, but somewhere we lost our moorings.
Television and movies would tell us there are “other families” of equal value, that men should be able to marry men and women marry women. Interestingly enough, a great majority of our American family still do not hold that view. And the reason is that no matter how loud the voices or how convincing the sitcoms, we know deep down marriage between a man and a woman is the only real, healthy marriage, forming the very best family.
But now in a deeply disappointing move, McDonald’s has decided to use the money we give them to support homosexual marriage and other radical homosexual causes. One franchise in San Francisco proudly supported the Gay Pride Parade where men simulate copulation publicly, and both lesbians and gay men present a bawdy display of nudity and sex.
And when concerns have been raised by their loyal, family customers about the unacceptable duality of appealing to children while undermining their innocence and future, we have been accused of “hate.”
So “good-bye” to Ronald McDonald, Happy Meals and the family tradition of the Golden Arches. I cannot and will not spend one more dime there and am encouraging all those who are part of the Culture Campaign family and my radio audience to do the same. It is a matter of personal conscience.
And by the way, I have discovered lots of great fast foods in the interim! McDonald’s has the brand, but not necessarily the best food. That’s why this boycott may be less painful than you think!
July 16, 2008
by Sandy Rios
Good morning! My name is Sandy Rios. I am the President of Culture Campaign, and the host of the Sandy Rios Show on AM 1160, WYLL [Chicago].
I am also the mother of two grown children who like millions of American kids, grew up loving Happy Meals and Ronald McDonald. McDonald's has become a uniquely American institution, recognized worldwide by its golden arches and family-friendly atmosphere. We have loved its food and trusted its message….until now.
The fact is that children come from two parents…mom and dad… and are best served when that Mom and Dad form a family to secure their environment and nurture them into adulthood. We used to all agree about that, but somewhere we lost our moorings.
Television and movies would tell us there are “other families” of equal value, that men should be able to marry men and women marry women. Interestingly enough, a great majority of our American family still do not hold that view. And the reason is that no matter how loud the voices or how convincing the sitcoms, we know deep down marriage between a man and a woman is the only real, healthy marriage, forming the very best family.
But now in a deeply disappointing move, McDonald’s has decided to use the money we give them to support homosexual marriage and other radical homosexual causes. One franchise in San Francisco proudly supported the Gay Pride Parade where men simulate copulation publicly, and both lesbians and gay men present a bawdy display of nudity and sex.
And when concerns have been raised by their loyal, family customers about the unacceptable duality of appealing to children while undermining their innocence and future, we have been accused of “hate.”
So “good-bye” to Ronald McDonald, Happy Meals and the family tradition of the Golden Arches. I cannot and will not spend one more dime there and am encouraging all those who are part of the Culture Campaign family and my radio audience to do the same. It is a matter of personal conscience.
And by the way, I have discovered lots of great fast foods in the interim! McDonald’s has the brand, but not necessarily the best food. That’s why this boycott may be less painful than you think!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
San Francisco Officially Condemns Catholic Church
It said of the church's teaching on homosexuality, "Such hateful and discriminatory rhetoric is both insulting and callous, and shows a level of insensitivity and ignorance which has seldom been encountered by this Board of Supervisors."
UPDATE 11/8/09: Full 9th Circuit to Hear Appeal
-- From "Major U.S. city officially condemns Catholic Church" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/15/08
A San Francisco city and county board resolution that officially labeled the Catholic church's moral teachings on homosexuality as "insulting to all San Franciscans," "hateful," "defamatory," "insensitive" and "ignorant" will be challenged tomorrow in court for violating the Constitution's prohibition of government hostility toward religion.
Resolution 168-08, passed unanimously by the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors two years ago, also accused the Vatican of being a "foreign country" meddling with and attempting to "negatively influence (San Francisco's) existing and established customs."
Thomas More attorney Robert Muise will present oral arguments in the case tomorrow morning in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
"In total disregard for the Constitution, homosexual activists in positions of authority in San Francisco have abused their authority as government officials and misused the instruments of the government to attack the Catholic Church," Muise said.
The cultural, and now political, straight-arm to adherents of the Christian faith in San Francisco has been increasingly public in the last two years. Just one week after the anti-Catholic resolution was passed, the San Francisco Board issued a similar resolution against a mostly evangelical group.
Following a gathering of 25,000 teens at San Francisco's AT&T Park as part of Ron Luce's Teen Mania "Battle Cry for a Generation" rally against the sexualization of America's youth culture by advertisers and media, the board spoke out formally again.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution condemning the "act of provocation" by what it termed an "anti-gay," "anti-choice" organization that aimed to "negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city."
The Chronicle also reported a San Francisco protester against the evangelical youth rally carried a sign that may sum up the sentiment: "I moved here to get away from people like you."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 11/8/09: Full 9th Circuit to Hear Appeal
-- From "Major U.S. city officially condemns Catholic Church" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/15/08
A San Francisco city and county board resolution that officially labeled the Catholic church's moral teachings on homosexuality as "insulting to all San Franciscans," "hateful," "defamatory," "insensitive" and "ignorant" will be challenged tomorrow in court for violating the Constitution's prohibition of government hostility toward religion.
Resolution 168-08, passed unanimously by the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors two years ago, also accused the Vatican of being a "foreign country" meddling with and attempting to "negatively influence (San Francisco's) existing and established customs."
Thomas More attorney Robert Muise will present oral arguments in the case tomorrow morning in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
"In total disregard for the Constitution, homosexual activists in positions of authority in San Francisco have abused their authority as government officials and misused the instruments of the government to attack the Catholic Church," Muise said.
The cultural, and now political, straight-arm to adherents of the Christian faith in San Francisco has been increasingly public in the last two years. Just one week after the anti-Catholic resolution was passed, the San Francisco Board issued a similar resolution against a mostly evangelical group.
Following a gathering of 25,000 teens at San Francisco's AT&T Park as part of Ron Luce's Teen Mania "Battle Cry for a Generation" rally against the sexualization of America's youth culture by advertisers and media, the board spoke out formally again.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution condemning the "act of provocation" by what it termed an "anti-gay," "anti-choice" organization that aimed to "negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city."
The Chronicle also reported a San Francisco protester against the evangelical youth rally carried a sign that may sum up the sentiment: "I moved here to get away from people like you."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Archbishop of Canterbury Calls for Alliance with Islam
-- From "Archbishop of Canterbury: 'Christian doctrine is offensive to Muslims'" by Steve Doughty at The Daily Mail 7/15/08
Christian doctrine is offensive to Muslims, the Archbishop of Canterbury said yesterday.
Dr Rowan Williams also criticised Christianity's history for its violence, its use of harsh punishments and its betrayal of its peaceful principles.
His comments came in a highly conciliatory letter to Islamic leaders calling for an alliance between the two faiths for 'the common good'.
But it risked fresh controversy for the Archbishop in the wake of his pronouncement earlier this year that a place should be found for Islamic sharia law in the British legal system.
He also said the Christian belief in the Trinity - that God is Father, Son and Holy Ghost at the same time - 'is difficult, sometimes offensive, to Muslims'.
Dr Williams added: 'It is all the more important for the sake of open and careful dialogue that we try to clarify what we do and do not mean by it, and so I trust that what follows will be read in this spirit.'
[Williams called for 'religious plurality' saying,] 'We can together speak for those who have no voice or leverage in society - for the poorest, the most despised, the least powerful, for women and children, for migrants and minorities; and even to speak together for the great encompassing reality that has no voice of its own, our injured and abused material environment.'
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Christian doctrine is offensive to Muslims, the Archbishop of Canterbury said yesterday.
Dr Rowan Williams also criticised Christianity's history for its violence, its use of harsh punishments and its betrayal of its peaceful principles.
His comments came in a highly conciliatory letter to Islamic leaders calling for an alliance between the two faiths for 'the common good'.
But it risked fresh controversy for the Archbishop in the wake of his pronouncement earlier this year that a place should be found for Islamic sharia law in the British legal system.
He also said the Christian belief in the Trinity - that God is Father, Son and Holy Ghost at the same time - 'is difficult, sometimes offensive, to Muslims'.
Dr Williams added: 'It is all the more important for the sake of open and careful dialogue that we try to clarify what we do and do not mean by it, and so I trust that what follows will be read in this spirit.'
[Williams called for 'religious plurality' saying,] 'We can together speak for those who have no voice or leverage in society - for the poorest, the most despised, the least powerful, for women and children, for migrants and minorities; and even to speak together for the great encompassing reality that has no voice of its own, our injured and abused material environment.'
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
UK: Religious Liberty in Employment Upheld, Journalists in Uproar
The vitriol spewing from the British media is astounding in response to a ruling in favor of right of conscience.
-- From "Registrar wins gay ceremony case" by Bob Sherwood at the Financial Times 7/11/08
A Christian registrar who refused to officiate over same-sex civil partnerships has won a discrimination case that could redraw the boundaries of anti-discrimination laws.
Lillian Ladele is set to receive thousands of pounds in compensation after an industrial tribunal on Thursday ruled that Islington council unlawfully discriminated against her because she refused to carry out the ceremonies “as a matter of religious conscience.”
Ms Ladele, 47, claimed that marrying gay couples was “sinful” and violated her “orthodox Christian beliefs.” She asked to be excused from performing same-sex unions because other registrars could do so.
The central London tribunal found that Ms Ladele was subjected to acts of direct discrimination by the north London council on the grounds of her religious beliefs, including disciplining her and threatening dismissal, concluding she had committed gross misconduct and treating her as homophobic.
The tribunal ruled: “It is an important case which may have a wider impact than the dispute between the parties. The tribunal accepts that it would be wrong for one set of rights to trump another.”
To read all about Lillian's persecution, CLICK HERE.
. . . here is just one example of the vehement opposition to the ruling in the UK media:
-- From "Lillian, the marriage registrar who’s wedded to bigotry" by Rod Liddle at the Times OnLine 7/13/08
Ladele, a bigot, aged 47, does not much like the idea of homosexuals doing anything with each other, let alone getting married. Officiating at such a ceremony was in direct contravention of her beliefs, the tribunal decided.
. . . the fact that she can append her bigotry to a minority view within a church attended by a vanishingly small section of the British population apparently swung the day.
There is a double irony here: civil ceremonies, for both gays and straights, are supposedly the secular alternative to a church service, so it is a bit iniquitous to find God – or at least Ladele’s own, personal, vengeful vision of God – poking his big nose in by proxy.
Members of the right-wing press have seen Ladele’s case as a “victory for common sense” against the political correctness of Islington council, which employed this woman.
. . . out of a desire to pay obeisance to any and all forms of religious bigotry, rather than insist to individuals that their views are stupid and medieval, the tribunal has opened the doors to a whole array of nutters with terrible sensibilities to plead their cases.
-- From "Registrar wins gay ceremony case" by Bob Sherwood at the Financial Times 7/11/08
A Christian registrar who refused to officiate over same-sex civil partnerships has won a discrimination case that could redraw the boundaries of anti-discrimination laws.
Lillian Ladele is set to receive thousands of pounds in compensation after an industrial tribunal on Thursday ruled that Islington council unlawfully discriminated against her because she refused to carry out the ceremonies “as a matter of religious conscience.”
Ms Ladele, 47, claimed that marrying gay couples was “sinful” and violated her “orthodox Christian beliefs.” She asked to be excused from performing same-sex unions because other registrars could do so.
The central London tribunal found that Ms Ladele was subjected to acts of direct discrimination by the north London council on the grounds of her religious beliefs, including disciplining her and threatening dismissal, concluding she had committed gross misconduct and treating her as homophobic.
The tribunal ruled: “It is an important case which may have a wider impact than the dispute between the parties. The tribunal accepts that it would be wrong for one set of rights to trump another.”
To read all about Lillian's persecution, CLICK HERE.
. . . here is just one example of the vehement opposition to the ruling in the UK media:
-- From "Lillian, the marriage registrar who’s wedded to bigotry" by Rod Liddle at the Times OnLine 7/13/08
Ladele, a bigot, aged 47, does not much like the idea of homosexuals doing anything with each other, let alone getting married. Officiating at such a ceremony was in direct contravention of her beliefs, the tribunal decided.
. . . the fact that she can append her bigotry to a minority view within a church attended by a vanishingly small section of the British population apparently swung the day.
There is a double irony here: civil ceremonies, for both gays and straights, are supposedly the secular alternative to a church service, so it is a bit iniquitous to find God – or at least Ladele’s own, personal, vengeful vision of God – poking his big nose in by proxy.
Members of the right-wing press have seen Ladele’s case as a “victory for common sense” against the political correctness of Islington council, which employed this woman.
. . . out of a desire to pay obeisance to any and all forms of religious bigotry, rather than insist to individuals that their views are stupid and medieval, the tribunal has opened the doors to a whole array of nutters with terrible sensibilities to plead their cases.
After Public Exposure, Kansas Doctors Stop Abortion Services
-- From "Clinic: Doctors have stopped abortion work" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/14/08
Kansas' resident late-term abortion specialist, George Tiller, has lost the services of two of the physicians who provided the "second opinion" that the late-term abortions Tiller provides are necessary.
It happened suddenly today when officials at Operation Rescue announced to the public the name of one of the doctors, Burt Odenheimer.
Only hours later, officials with the Wichita Clinic, where Odenheimer works, confirmed in a news statement that Odenheimer and another physician agreed to no longer provide the second opinion for Tiller's late-term abortion patients "starting immediately."
Under Kansas law, a physician who is not affiliated with Tiller or his abortion clinic or linked in any way financially must verify that a late-term abortion is needed in order for the procedure to proceed.
Now Operation Rescue has begun revealing the names of other physicians apparently used by Tiller in his abortion business.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Kansas' resident late-term abortion specialist, George Tiller, has lost the services of two of the physicians who provided the "second opinion" that the late-term abortions Tiller provides are necessary.
It happened suddenly today when officials at Operation Rescue announced to the public the name of one of the doctors, Burt Odenheimer.
Only hours later, officials with the Wichita Clinic, where Odenheimer works, confirmed in a news statement that Odenheimer and another physician agreed to no longer provide the second opinion for Tiller's late-term abortion patients "starting immediately."
Under Kansas law, a physician who is not affiliated with Tiller or his abortion clinic or linked in any way financially must verify that a late-term abortion is needed in order for the procedure to proceed.
Now Operation Rescue has begun revealing the names of other physicians apparently used by Tiller in his abortion business.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Catholic Head in Ontario Supports Honoring Abortionist
"I know it's divisive, but I think it's important," he says.
-- From "Catholic Ontario Premier Supports Abortionist Morgentaler's Order of Canada" by Tim Waggoner at LifeSiteNews.com 7/10/08
Ontario's Catholic premier has come out in support of the decision to grant Henry Morgentaler the Order of Canada [Canada's highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement].
The National Post reports that [Catholic Premier Dalton] McGuinty is aware that Morgentaler's actions are "controversial" among Canadians [many elected officials have voiced disgust at the appointment], but maintained that the appointment recognizes the abortionist's fight to give women the right to make hard choices.
"I know that Dr. Morgentaler's been seen as a controversial figure, but I believe in a woman's right to make a very difficult decision," McGuinty said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Background from the Guardian: Dr. Morgentaler, is a Polish-born Holocaust survivor, who was trained as a family physician before opening his first abortion clinic in Montreal in 1969 -- offering a procedure still illegal at the time. After decades of arrests and court cases, he risked both his career and his life for the sake of establishing legal abortion.
-- From "Catholic Ontario Premier Supports Abortionist Morgentaler's Order of Canada" by Tim Waggoner at LifeSiteNews.com 7/10/08
Ontario's Catholic premier has come out in support of the decision to grant Henry Morgentaler the Order of Canada [Canada's highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement].
The National Post reports that [Catholic Premier Dalton] McGuinty is aware that Morgentaler's actions are "controversial" among Canadians [many elected officials have voiced disgust at the appointment], but maintained that the appointment recognizes the abortionist's fight to give women the right to make hard choices.
"I know that Dr. Morgentaler's been seen as a controversial figure, but I believe in a woman's right to make a very difficult decision," McGuinty said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Background from the Guardian: Dr. Morgentaler, is a Polish-born Holocaust survivor, who was trained as a family physician before opening his first abortion clinic in Montreal in 1969 -- offering a procedure still illegal at the time. After decades of arrests and court cases, he risked both his career and his life for the sake of establishing legal abortion.
Batavia, IL Library Promotes Planned Parenthood to Kids
"The premise is that everyone is sexually active, regardless of what their values are, regardless of what their parents believe."
Update: Library Board Unanimous - Keep Teenwire Link on Website
-- From "Parents Outraged by Library Link to Planned Parenthood Web Site" Family News in Focus 6/27/08
Parents were outraged when they learned their library in Batavia, Ill., links its computers to Planned Parenthood's teen Web site. They have formed a coalition and are calling for the link to be removed.
Parent Kerry Knott complained to the library director after discovering the link.
"This is horrible stuff," she said. "It promotes birth control, sexual activity (and) makes a joke of abstinence. It mocks parents and makes us out to be idiots."
She and about 60 other parents took their case to the library board recently. Knott claims they were cut off early by the board.
"We the people, the taxpayers who fund the libraries, are no longer in control of the libraries," Knott said.
LeAnna Benn, an abstinence instructor and executive director of Teen Aid, said: "When I read about the case, I was not surprised because the American Library Association has teamed up with Planned Parenthood on a regular basis to promote 'comprehensive' sex education."
She said "comprehensive" sex education really should be called "condom-promotion education."
WARNING: This Planned Parenthood website (for teens) should ONLY be viewed by mature adults!
CLICK HERE to see stuff that is so crude that it certainly wouldn't be shown on broadcast TV. This is what the "educators" of America think children should be viewing. Look at the lower-right corner of the webpage for the graphic "How Pregnancy Happens" to see a cartoon for kids -- the characters are talking sex organs.
Not surprisingly, a Chicago Sun Times journalist is very much in favor of children being sexualized at an early age.
-- From "Another misguided attack - Batavia critics complain about TeenWire" by Laura Berman, Chicago Sun Times 7/7/08
The Batavia Library has listed Planned Parenthood's teen Web site under the health and fitness Web site links in its Young Adult section.
This Web site offers teens information on everything from menstrual cycles, body image concerns, STDs and, yes, birth control options. However, some parents and library board members are decrying the Web site's existence on the library computers, stating that the information offered by Planned Parenthood is "inaccurate" and "extremely misleading."
. . . sites like TeenWire make sex education that much more relevant to teens by offering stories from actual teen mothers, along with information on peer pressure, cliques and dating advice. Parents, teachers and lawmakers need to realize that waving the proverbial finger in teens' faces does nothing to protect them, inform them or empower them to make safe, smart decisions about their sexuality and their lives.
To read this entire Sun Times article, CLICK HERE.
Want to know more about the effort in Batavia? Click on the topics listed below.
Standing room only at Batavia Library Board Meeting of June 17th [blog]
Parents protest Batavia library's Web link [Daily Herald]
Family group fuming over library's sex ed Web link [Batavia Sun]
Update: Library Board Unanimous - Keep Teenwire Link on Website
-- From "Parents Outraged by Library Link to Planned Parenthood Web Site" Family News in Focus 6/27/08
Parents were outraged when they learned their library in Batavia, Ill., links its computers to Planned Parenthood's teen Web site. They have formed a coalition and are calling for the link to be removed.
Parent Kerry Knott complained to the library director after discovering the link.
"This is horrible stuff," she said. "It promotes birth control, sexual activity (and) makes a joke of abstinence. It mocks parents and makes us out to be idiots."
She and about 60 other parents took their case to the library board recently. Knott claims they were cut off early by the board.
"We the people, the taxpayers who fund the libraries, are no longer in control of the libraries," Knott said.
LeAnna Benn, an abstinence instructor and executive director of Teen Aid, said: "When I read about the case, I was not surprised because the American Library Association has teamed up with Planned Parenthood on a regular basis to promote 'comprehensive' sex education."
She said "comprehensive" sex education really should be called "condom-promotion education."
WARNING: This Planned Parenthood website (for teens) should ONLY be viewed by mature adults!
CLICK HERE to see stuff that is so crude that it certainly wouldn't be shown on broadcast TV. This is what the "educators" of America think children should be viewing. Look at the lower-right corner of the webpage for the graphic "How Pregnancy Happens" to see a cartoon for kids -- the characters are talking sex organs.
Not surprisingly, a Chicago Sun Times journalist is very much in favor of children being sexualized at an early age.
-- From "Another misguided attack - Batavia critics complain about TeenWire" by Laura Berman, Chicago Sun Times 7/7/08
The Batavia Library has listed Planned Parenthood's teen Web site under the health and fitness Web site links in its Young Adult section.
This Web site offers teens information on everything from menstrual cycles, body image concerns, STDs and, yes, birth control options. However, some parents and library board members are decrying the Web site's existence on the library computers, stating that the information offered by Planned Parenthood is "inaccurate" and "extremely misleading."
. . . sites like TeenWire make sex education that much more relevant to teens by offering stories from actual teen mothers, along with information on peer pressure, cliques and dating advice. Parents, teachers and lawmakers need to realize that waving the proverbial finger in teens' faces does nothing to protect them, inform them or empower them to make safe, smart decisions about their sexuality and their lives.
To read this entire Sun Times article, CLICK HERE.
Want to know more about the effort in Batavia? Click on the topics listed below.
Standing room only at Batavia Library Board Meeting of June 17th [blog]
Parents protest Batavia library's Web link [Daily Herald]
Family group fuming over library's sex ed Web link [Batavia Sun]
New Mexico Accused of Violating 'Free Exercise' of Religion
UPDATE 12/17/09: Judge requires Christians, found guilty, to pay $6,600
UPDATE 6/6/12: New Mexico Court of Appeals upholds Civil Rights Commission's pro-homosexual ruling/fine against Christian
-- From "New Mexico accused of violating 'free exercise' of religion" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/3/08
The state of New Mexico is being accused of violating the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of "free exercise" of religion because of a ruling that a Christian husband-and-wife photography team must pay a $6,600 penalty for refusing to shoot pictures at a same-sex "commitment" ceremony.
"Christians in the marketplace should not be penalized for abiding by their beliefs any more than anyone else should," Jordan Lorence, a senior counsel for the [Alliance Defense Fund], said. "The Constitution prohibits the state from forcing unwilling people to promote a message they disagree with and thereby violate their conscience. The commission's decision demonstrates stunning disregard for our client's First Amendment rights."
The "commission" to which he was referring was the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission, which targeted Elane Photography with its state authority and ordered the penalty of $6,600 after a one-day "trial" over the beliefs of the Christian-owned business.
"The government cannot make people choose between their faith and their livelihood," said Lorence. "Could the government force a vegetarian videographer to create a commercial for the new butcher shop in town? American business owners do not surrender their constitutional rights at the marketplace gate."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 6/6/12: New Mexico Court of Appeals upholds Civil Rights Commission's pro-homosexual ruling/fine against Christian
-- From "New Mexico accused of violating 'free exercise' of religion" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/3/08
The state of New Mexico is being accused of violating the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of "free exercise" of religion because of a ruling that a Christian husband-and-wife photography team must pay a $6,600 penalty for refusing to shoot pictures at a same-sex "commitment" ceremony.
"Christians in the marketplace should not be penalized for abiding by their beliefs any more than anyone else should," Jordan Lorence, a senior counsel for the [Alliance Defense Fund], said. "The Constitution prohibits the state from forcing unwilling people to promote a message they disagree with and thereby violate their conscience. The commission's decision demonstrates stunning disregard for our client's First Amendment rights."
The "commission" to which he was referring was the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission, which targeted Elane Photography with its state authority and ordered the penalty of $6,600 after a one-day "trial" over the beliefs of the Christian-owned business.
"The government cannot make people choose between their faith and their livelihood," said Lorence. "Could the government force a vegetarian videographer to create a commercial for the new butcher shop in town? American business owners do not surrender their constitutional rights at the marketplace gate."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Mass. Legislation to Threaten Every State with Same-sex 'Marriage'
The Gay Agenda 'safety valve' is this Massachusetts move: In case the California voters in November overturn their Court-ordered same-sex 'marriage' (which allows out-of-state couples marry in California), this new Massachusetts legislation will allow out-of-state couples marry in Massachusetts.
Update: Senate votes in favor of Gay Agenda, unopposed; expected to be signed into law in days.
-- From "Gay-marriage advocates hope to repeal old law - Nonresidents now barred" by Matt Viser, Boston Globe Staff 7/10/08
State lawmakers are expected to vote next week on repealing a 1913 law that prevents out-of-state gay and lesbian couples from getting married in Massachusetts, reigniting a divisive debate on an issue that has stirred passions and put the state in the national spotlight.
Advocates of same-sex marriage rights said they are hopeful the repeal will pass . . . "This is extraordinarily significant," said Arline Isaacson, cochairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. "If we get the 1913 law repealed, it brings us one very important step closer to full equality."
Proponents expect their effort to repeal the law to be divisive, but not as much as a constitutional amendment last year that would have defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. That measure, which needed a two-thirds majority, was rejected, 151 to 45.
Repeal of the 1913 law requires just a simple majority to pass, but legislative leaders would not make any predictions yesterday, adding that they were just starting to poll members to see if they have enough votes.
The 1913 statute prevents Massachusetts from sanctioning marriages that are not legal in the state where the couple lives. The law was enacted in part to prevent interracial couples from evading their own state's ban by traveling to Massachusetts to marry. It was a little-used and rarely enforced law until opponents used it to prevent out-of-state gay couples from getting married in Massachusetts after the state legalized same-sex marriage in 2004.
Removing the law would put Massachusetts on par with California, where a court ruled in May that gay marriage was legal for all couples, including those who live out of state. In May, Governor David Paterson of New York directed all state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages in other states, including Massachusetts and California.
"We certainly don't want to see Massachusetts exporting this radical social experiment to the other 49 states, and that's what this would do," said Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, which plans to mobilize and oppose the repeal effort.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Update: Senate votes in favor of Gay Agenda, unopposed; expected to be signed into law in days.
-- From "Gay-marriage advocates hope to repeal old law - Nonresidents now barred" by Matt Viser, Boston Globe Staff 7/10/08
State lawmakers are expected to vote next week on repealing a 1913 law that prevents out-of-state gay and lesbian couples from getting married in Massachusetts, reigniting a divisive debate on an issue that has stirred passions and put the state in the national spotlight.
Advocates of same-sex marriage rights said they are hopeful the repeal will pass . . . "This is extraordinarily significant," said Arline Isaacson, cochairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. "If we get the 1913 law repealed, it brings us one very important step closer to full equality."
Proponents expect their effort to repeal the law to be divisive, but not as much as a constitutional amendment last year that would have defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. That measure, which needed a two-thirds majority, was rejected, 151 to 45.
Repeal of the 1913 law requires just a simple majority to pass, but legislative leaders would not make any predictions yesterday, adding that they were just starting to poll members to see if they have enough votes.
The 1913 statute prevents Massachusetts from sanctioning marriages that are not legal in the state where the couple lives. The law was enacted in part to prevent interracial couples from evading their own state's ban by traveling to Massachusetts to marry. It was a little-used and rarely enforced law until opponents used it to prevent out-of-state gay couples from getting married in Massachusetts after the state legalized same-sex marriage in 2004.
Removing the law would put Massachusetts on par with California, where a court ruled in May that gay marriage was legal for all couples, including those who live out of state. In May, Governor David Paterson of New York directed all state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages in other states, including Massachusetts and California.
"We certainly don't want to see Massachusetts exporting this radical social experiment to the other 49 states, and that's what this would do," said Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, which plans to mobilize and oppose the repeal effort.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Divorce Still Damaging to Children Despite Being More Acceptable
"Divorce remains equally damaging to a child's prospects in life despite having become more common and more socially acceptable, researchers say."
-- From "Divorce Still Damaging to Children Despite Being More Acceptable" by James Kirkup, Political Correspondent, The Telegraph 7/9/08
A study run over several decades has shown that children whose parents split up are more likely to end up without qualifications, claiming benefits and suffering depression.
The National Child Development Study has tracked around 17,000 people born in Britain during one week in 1958 over the course of their lives.
As those people approach their 50th birthdays, researchers have compared their lives with those of other sample groups born in earlier and later years.
The lengthy study has confirmed that children born in 1958 were much less likely to experience parental divorce than children today.
Family break-up was subject to much greater social stigma at the time, something that was sometimes thought to contribute to the problems experienced by the children of divorced parents.
Yet the study's data suggest that greater social acceptance of divorce has not reduced its impact on children.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Divorce Still Damaging to Children Despite Being More Acceptable" by James Kirkup, Political Correspondent, The Telegraph 7/9/08
A study run over several decades has shown that children whose parents split up are more likely to end up without qualifications, claiming benefits and suffering depression.
The National Child Development Study has tracked around 17,000 people born in Britain during one week in 1958 over the course of their lives.
As those people approach their 50th birthdays, researchers have compared their lives with those of other sample groups born in earlier and later years.
The lengthy study has confirmed that children born in 1958 were much less likely to experience parental divorce than children today.
Family break-up was subject to much greater social stigma at the time, something that was sometimes thought to contribute to the problems experienced by the children of divorced parents.
Yet the study's data suggest that greater social acceptance of divorce has not reduced its impact on children.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
[Liberal] Black Churches Meet to Advance Gay Agenda, 'Safe Sex' and Abortion
-- From “Black Churches Gather to Promote ‘Reproductive Choice’” by Penny Starr, CNSNews Senior Staff Writer 7/10/08
(CNSNews.com) – Members and leaders from black churches gathered at Howard University School of Divinity this week to discuss sexuality, including how to make churches inclusive for homosexuals and what they say is the failure of federally funded abstinence-only education programs.
A program of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), a nationwide coalition of religious groups trying to advance abortion rights, the 12th annual National Black Church Summit on Sexuality featured speeches by the majority whip of the U.S. House, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders.
Workshops at the three-day event included “Pastoral Care and Reproductive Health Counseling,” which focused on “engaging women and families confronted with issues related to healthcare and reproductive health choices” – and included an introduction to churches on “how to provide a pregnant woman with all available information about their options – parenthood, adoption and pregnancy termination.”
In the “Speaking Truth to Power” workshop, attendees were taught how to lobby Congress to end funding of abstinence-only programs in favor of funding for “comprehensive sex education.”
The Rev. Carlton W. Veazey, president and CEO of RCRC, told Cybercast News Service that teaching abstinence isn’t enough to help stop the rise of teenage pregnancies in the black community.
“We can teach our young people, ‘Yes, I believe in abstinence only,” but I also believe I have to be realistic enough to tell my young people how to protect themselves and to keep from becoming pregnant,” Veazey said. “Now the critics say you’re encouraging them to have sex, and I say no such thing. I’m trying to save their life, number one, and I’m trying to break this cycle of teen pregnancy, number two. It’s a matter of education.”
You really should read this entire article -- there are even MORE comments like these, so CLICK HERE.
(CNSNews.com) – Members and leaders from black churches gathered at Howard University School of Divinity this week to discuss sexuality, including how to make churches inclusive for homosexuals and what they say is the failure of federally funded abstinence-only education programs.
A program of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), a nationwide coalition of religious groups trying to advance abortion rights, the 12th annual National Black Church Summit on Sexuality featured speeches by the majority whip of the U.S. House, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders.
Workshops at the three-day event included “Pastoral Care and Reproductive Health Counseling,” which focused on “engaging women and families confronted with issues related to healthcare and reproductive health choices” – and included an introduction to churches on “how to provide a pregnant woman with all available information about their options – parenthood, adoption and pregnancy termination.”
In the “Speaking Truth to Power” workshop, attendees were taught how to lobby Congress to end funding of abstinence-only programs in favor of funding for “comprehensive sex education.”
The Rev. Carlton W. Veazey, president and CEO of RCRC, told Cybercast News Service that teaching abstinence isn’t enough to help stop the rise of teenage pregnancies in the black community.
“We can teach our young people, ‘Yes, I believe in abstinence only,” but I also believe I have to be realistic enough to tell my young people how to protect themselves and to keep from becoming pregnant,” Veazey said. “Now the critics say you’re encouraging them to have sex, and I say no such thing. I’m trying to save their life, number one, and I’m trying to break this cycle of teen pregnancy, number two. It’s a matter of education.”
You really should read this entire article -- there are even MORE comments like these, so CLICK HERE.
Homosexual Sues Bible Publishers for Printing God's Condemnation
Man claims Bible made him "an outcast from his family and contributed to physical discomfort and periods of 'demoralization, chaos and bewilderment.'"
-- From "'Gay' Man Sues Bible Publishers" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/9/08
A homosexual man who has a blog on Sen. Barack Obama's campaign website is suing two major Christian publishers for violating his constitutional rights and causing emotional pain, because the Bible versions they publish refer to homosexuality as a sin.
Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, of Canton, Mich., is seeking $60 million from Zondervan and another $10 million from Thomas Nelson Publishing in lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Press reported.
Fowler, who is representing himself in both lawsuits, says in his complaint against Zondervan that the publisher intended to design a religious, sacred document to reflect an individual opinion or a group's conclusion to cause "me or anyone who is a homosexual to endure verbal abuse, discrimination, episodes of hate, and physical violence ... including murder."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE, and for another news source, CLICK HERE.
This lawsuit may go nowhere today in America; however, if free speech rights continue to erode, a case like this will soon be taken seriously in the states, just as it already has in Canada and Europe.
-- From "'Gay' Man Sues Bible Publishers" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/9/08
A homosexual man who has a blog on Sen. Barack Obama's campaign website is suing two major Christian publishers for violating his constitutional rights and causing emotional pain, because the Bible versions they publish refer to homosexuality as a sin.
Bradley LaShawn Fowler, 39, of Canton, Mich., is seeking $60 million from Zondervan and another $10 million from Thomas Nelson Publishing in lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Press reported.
Fowler, who is representing himself in both lawsuits, says in his complaint against Zondervan that the publisher intended to design a religious, sacred document to reflect an individual opinion or a group's conclusion to cause "me or anyone who is a homosexual to endure verbal abuse, discrimination, episodes of hate, and physical violence ... including murder."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE, and for another news source, CLICK HERE.
This lawsuit may go nowhere today in America; however, if free speech rights continue to erode, a case like this will soon be taken seriously in the states, just as it already has in Canada and Europe.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Planned Parenthood Founder Margaret Sanger Interview
This archive film (CLICK HERE to view) of The Mike Wallace Interview show from 1957 provides a snap-shot of America fifty years ago.
Oh, if only we knew then, what we now see everyday that has resulted from this "birth control" (as it was called) movement. . . With the wisdom of hindsight, we know today, what we would have done then to prevent the horrific outcome of this small bit of yeast (not so long ago).
In this revealing interview, Sanger takes issue with the Catholic Church "hierarchy" concerning natural law, by saying "I think it's untrue and I think it's unnatural." Also, she says that the "hierarchy" has "the wrong attitude towards marriage." Very emphatically she states: ". . . how do they know? I mean, after all, they're celibates. They don't know love, they don't know marriage, they know nothing about bringing up children nor any of the marriage problems of life, and yet they speak to people as if they were God."
Sanger, the self-described feminist and humanitarian, gives several reasons in the interview in favor of birth control, including to relieve suffering from cruelty, to cause the population of the earth to be static (to save people from starving), even to prevent war (resulting from have-not countries attacking others for resources).
It's quite amazing to see, in one brief interview, Sanger demonstrate her beliefs on so many sexual morality issues, such as her praise for Havelock Ellis demonstrating that homosexuality is "not exactly a perverted thing."
At one point, Mike Wallace quotes Sanger from just days prior, concerning the Catholic Church teaching against birth control, saying "it's not only wrong it should be made illegal for any religious group to prohibit dissemination of birth control -- even among its own members".
Speaking about her own theology, Sanger touts eastern religions saying, "I feel that we have divinity within us, and the more we express the good part of our lives, the more the divine within us expresses itself."
And finally, to top it off, when asked about sinfulness, Sanger gives this well-rehearsed response: "I think the greatest sin in the world is bringing children into the world--that have disease from their parents, that have no chance in the world to be a human being practically. Delinquents, prisoners, all sorts of things just marked when they're born."
To read the entire transcript, CLICK HERE.
PS: If for no other reason, you'll want to watch the beginning and end of the film for the nostalgia of seeing Mike Wallace sell Philip Morris cigarettes (and smoke during the entire interview), and then to see Sanger tell Wallace that he had just convinced her to take up smoking, and that her brand will certainly be Philip Morris. Priceless!!
Oh, if only we knew then, what we now see everyday that has resulted from this "birth control" (as it was called) movement. . . With the wisdom of hindsight, we know today, what we would have done then to prevent the horrific outcome of this small bit of yeast (not so long ago).
In this revealing interview, Sanger takes issue with the Catholic Church "hierarchy" concerning natural law, by saying "I think it's untrue and I think it's unnatural." Also, she says that the "hierarchy" has "the wrong attitude towards marriage." Very emphatically she states: ". . . how do they know? I mean, after all, they're celibates. They don't know love, they don't know marriage, they know nothing about bringing up children nor any of the marriage problems of life, and yet they speak to people as if they were God."
Sanger, the self-described feminist and humanitarian, gives several reasons in the interview in favor of birth control, including to relieve suffering from cruelty, to cause the population of the earth to be static (to save people from starving), even to prevent war (resulting from have-not countries attacking others for resources).
It's quite amazing to see, in one brief interview, Sanger demonstrate her beliefs on so many sexual morality issues, such as her praise for Havelock Ellis demonstrating that homosexuality is "not exactly a perverted thing."
At one point, Mike Wallace quotes Sanger from just days prior, concerning the Catholic Church teaching against birth control, saying "it's not only wrong it should be made illegal for any religious group to prohibit dissemination of birth control -- even among its own members".
Speaking about her own theology, Sanger touts eastern religions saying, "I feel that we have divinity within us, and the more we express the good part of our lives, the more the divine within us expresses itself."
And finally, to top it off, when asked about sinfulness, Sanger gives this well-rehearsed response: "I think the greatest sin in the world is bringing children into the world--that have disease from their parents, that have no chance in the world to be a human being practically. Delinquents, prisoners, all sorts of things just marked when they're born."
To read the entire transcript, CLICK HERE.
PS: If for no other reason, you'll want to watch the beginning and end of the film for the nostalgia of seeing Mike Wallace sell Philip Morris cigarettes (and smoke during the entire interview), and then to see Sanger tell Wallace that he had just convinced her to take up smoking, and that her brand will certainly be Philip Morris. Priceless!!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Dear McDonald's...
[CLICK HERE for background]
By Laurie Higgins
In a recent letter, “Global Chief Diversity Officer,” Pat Harris, wrote that, “McDonald’s is associated with countless local and national affinity groups here in the United States. We have a well-established and proud heritage of associating with individuals and organizations that share in the belief that every person has the right to live and work in their community free of discrimination.” What precisely does GCDO Harris mean by claiming that homosexuals have a right to live and work “free from discrimination”? Does he mean that they should be able to live and work without being harassed? If so, we’re in complete agreement. No one should be harassed anywhere anytime.
Or, is he asserting that they have some sort of right to community approval of their sexual practices? If so, from where does that right derive? And is every group that is defined by anomalous sexual desires and practices owed that same right? Will McDonald’s stand in unity with all these “affinity groups”? Will McDonald’s cheerfully associate with the national affinity group NAMBLA? (North American Man Boy Love Association)
What Harris neglected to articulate is whether McDonald’s believes that community members have the right to discriminate between moral and immoral conduct. Everyone I know believes that those who self-identify as homosexuals have a right to live and work in their communities free from harassment. Everyone I know believes that those who self-identify as homosexuals are equal in dignity and worth to heterosexuals. No one I know hates homosexuals. But many believe that homosexual conduct is immoral.
Just as every human has a right to live and work free from harassment, every human has a right to hold and articulate beliefs about which behaviors, sexual and otherwise, constitute moral behaviors. The most prevalent belief throughout history and in virtually all societies has been and continues to be that homosexual conduct is profoundly immoral and destructive to the lives of individuals and the fabric of society. McDonald’s can ensure a workplace free from harassment without supporting organizations whose central mission is not to end harassment but to impose radical views of deviant sexual practices on America through demagoguery and censorship.
What the “global diversity officers” at McDonald’s don’t seem to grasp is that by embracing the philosophical commitments of the LGBTQ community, they repudiate the philosophical commitments of Catholics, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and many Protestants. One would expect that McDonald’s, as a business enterprise, would refrain from taking positions on arguable, divisive cultural issues. The thickheaded diversity officers don’t seem to grasp the simple truism that no individual or organization can embrace mutually opposing principles. It is a logical impossibility. The solution should be obvious: conduct business and leave the transformation of public sentiments on controversial moral issues to others.
As long as McDonald’s affirms the destructive deceit that homosexuality is morally equivalent to heterosexuality, my family will not be financially supporting McDonald’s.
By the way, someone may want to inform GCDO Harris that diversity simply means variety or multiformity; it does not denote the beatified triumvirate of “race, gender, and sexual orientation.”
Laurie Higgins is a freelance writer based in Deerfield, Illinois. She can be reached through Culture Campaign by writing feedback@culturecampaign.com.
By Laurie Higgins
In a recent letter, “Global Chief Diversity Officer,” Pat Harris, wrote that, “McDonald’s is associated with countless local and national affinity groups here in the United States. We have a well-established and proud heritage of associating with individuals and organizations that share in the belief that every person has the right to live and work in their community free of discrimination.” What precisely does GCDO Harris mean by claiming that homosexuals have a right to live and work “free from discrimination”? Does he mean that they should be able to live and work without being harassed? If so, we’re in complete agreement. No one should be harassed anywhere anytime.
Or, is he asserting that they have some sort of right to community approval of their sexual practices? If so, from where does that right derive? And is every group that is defined by anomalous sexual desires and practices owed that same right? Will McDonald’s stand in unity with all these “affinity groups”? Will McDonald’s cheerfully associate with the national affinity group NAMBLA? (North American Man Boy Love Association)
What Harris neglected to articulate is whether McDonald’s believes that community members have the right to discriminate between moral and immoral conduct. Everyone I know believes that those who self-identify as homosexuals have a right to live and work in their communities free from harassment. Everyone I know believes that those who self-identify as homosexuals are equal in dignity and worth to heterosexuals. No one I know hates homosexuals. But many believe that homosexual conduct is immoral.
Just as every human has a right to live and work free from harassment, every human has a right to hold and articulate beliefs about which behaviors, sexual and otherwise, constitute moral behaviors. The most prevalent belief throughout history and in virtually all societies has been and continues to be that homosexual conduct is profoundly immoral and destructive to the lives of individuals and the fabric of society. McDonald’s can ensure a workplace free from harassment without supporting organizations whose central mission is not to end harassment but to impose radical views of deviant sexual practices on America through demagoguery and censorship.
What the “global diversity officers” at McDonald’s don’t seem to grasp is that by embracing the philosophical commitments of the LGBTQ community, they repudiate the philosophical commitments of Catholics, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and many Protestants. One would expect that McDonald’s, as a business enterprise, would refrain from taking positions on arguable, divisive cultural issues. The thickheaded diversity officers don’t seem to grasp the simple truism that no individual or organization can embrace mutually opposing principles. It is a logical impossibility. The solution should be obvious: conduct business and leave the transformation of public sentiments on controversial moral issues to others.
As long as McDonald’s affirms the destructive deceit that homosexuality is morally equivalent to heterosexuality, my family will not be financially supporting McDonald’s.
By the way, someone may want to inform GCDO Harris that diversity simply means variety or multiformity; it does not denote the beatified triumvirate of “race, gender, and sexual orientation.”
Laurie Higgins is a freelance writer based in Deerfield, Illinois. She can be reached through Culture Campaign by writing feedback@culturecampaign.com.
Study: Teenage Sex Results in Abuse [Dah!]
Mainstream media just recognized the obvious, yet still, they just don't get it that abstinence is the cure! (read all the conclusions - link at bottom).
-- From "'Horrors' Found In Tween, Teen Dating" from the CBS Morning Show 7/8/08
Tweens and teens in dating relationships are experiencing significant levels of various forms of abuse, many don't know the warning signs of an abusive relationship, and many parents don't know what's going on in those relationships, a new survey says.
69 percent of all teens who had sex by age 14 said they have gone through one or more types of abuse in a relationship.
In addition, significant numbers of teens (15-18) are experiencing emotional and mental abuse as well as violence when dating; it's even more prevalent among teens who've had sex by 14.
The survey, which was commissioned by Liz Claiborne Inc. and loveisrespect.org, was conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited. Loveisrespect.org operates the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
"We were surprised at how many tweens or kids ages 11 and 12 are dealing with these issues," Liz Claiborne Vice President Jane Randel told Early Show national correspondent Tracy Smith.
What's behind it all? Researchers believe early sexual activity tends to fuel dating violence among teens and tweens, Smith reports.
CLICK HERE to read how these "experts" have many solutions, none of which is abstinence.
-- From "'Horrors' Found In Tween, Teen Dating" from the CBS Morning Show 7/8/08
Tweens and teens in dating relationships are experiencing significant levels of various forms of abuse, many don't know the warning signs of an abusive relationship, and many parents don't know what's going on in those relationships, a new survey says.
69 percent of all teens who had sex by age 14 said they have gone through one or more types of abuse in a relationship.
In addition, significant numbers of teens (15-18) are experiencing emotional and mental abuse as well as violence when dating; it's even more prevalent among teens who've had sex by 14.
The survey, which was commissioned by Liz Claiborne Inc. and loveisrespect.org, was conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited. Loveisrespect.org operates the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
"We were surprised at how many tweens or kids ages 11 and 12 are dealing with these issues," Liz Claiborne Vice President Jane Randel told Early Show national correspondent Tracy Smith.
What's behind it all? Researchers believe early sexual activity tends to fuel dating violence among teens and tweens, Smith reports.
CLICK HERE to read how these "experts" have many solutions, none of which is abstinence.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Massachusetts Ambivalent on Sexual Revolution
Anecdotal views of society where the sanctity of marriage is defiled, resulting in a breakdown of the family as the basis of society.
-- As reported in Time Magazine 6/18/08
As summer vacation begins, 17 girls at Gloucester [Mass.] High School are expecting babies — more than four times the number of pregnancies the 1,200-student school had last year.
The high school has done perhaps too good a job of embracing young mothers. Sex-ed classes end freshman year at Gloucester, where teen parents are encouraged to take their children to a free on-site day-care center. Strollers mingle seamlessly in school hallways among cheerleaders and junior ROTC. "We're proud to help the mothers stay in school," says Sue Todd, CEO of Pathways for Children, which runs the day-care center.
Gloucester's elected school committee plans to vote later this summer on whether to provide contraceptives. But that won't do much to solve the issue of teens wanting to get pregnant.
-- then, from Time Magazine 6/23/08
. . . nine Gloucester High students have talked to TIME about the girls who decided to get pregnant. Some described the pregnant teens as having little parental supervision. "They could stay out all night if they wanted," says a classmate, whose parents requested that she not be identified by name. Others noted a herd mentality. "I think the plan was a lot about peer pressure," says Nicole Jewell, a rising junior who describes herself as being friends with some of the girls involved. "But a lot of girls were excited to be a part of it."
Then, consider the 4th of July parade at nearby Beverly Farms, where children are encouraged to create a mockery of the Gloucester High School unwed mother situation. This local TV news video report explains the three parade floats that included a variety of vulgar satire of child birth, teenagers dancing in pregnant costumes, and crass verbiage on posters.
To view the parade floats that the TV news had to censor, view this amateur video.
You may be surprised to hear criticism by parade viewers that the children were distributing condoms at the parade -- after all, this is a common occurrence in the Massachusetts schools.
Next, we read of a Boston-area beach that is overrun by public sex.
-- From "Sex Acts on Provincetown Beaches Prompt Outrage" by Katy Jordan from the Boston Herald 7/7/08
Frisky sun worshipers are flocking to have sex on the beach in Provincetown - but are sending horrified family vacationers packing, officals said.
Angry Cape Cod National Seashore officials said they are cracking down on public sex acts along the picturesque shoreline after the number of citations for public sex acts more than tripled, from an average of 40 to 132 last year.
Complaints have included whale-watchers sailing past large groups of nude men, and families stumbling upon people engaged in sex acts on the pristine national shore that attracts tens of thousands of vacationers from throughout the world each year.
One complaint, issued in 2007, was from a New Jersey family walking in the dunes who encountered couples and a large group of men having “sex in the nude, including oral and anal sex right out in the open,” the Cape Cod Times reported last week.
-- As reported in Time Magazine 6/18/08
As summer vacation begins, 17 girls at Gloucester [Mass.] High School are expecting babies — more than four times the number of pregnancies the 1,200-student school had last year.
The high school has done perhaps too good a job of embracing young mothers. Sex-ed classes end freshman year at Gloucester, where teen parents are encouraged to take their children to a free on-site day-care center. Strollers mingle seamlessly in school hallways among cheerleaders and junior ROTC. "We're proud to help the mothers stay in school," says Sue Todd, CEO of Pathways for Children, which runs the day-care center.
Gloucester's elected school committee plans to vote later this summer on whether to provide contraceptives. But that won't do much to solve the issue of teens wanting to get pregnant.
-- then, from Time Magazine 6/23/08
. . . nine Gloucester High students have talked to TIME about the girls who decided to get pregnant. Some described the pregnant teens as having little parental supervision. "They could stay out all night if they wanted," says a classmate, whose parents requested that she not be identified by name. Others noted a herd mentality. "I think the plan was a lot about peer pressure," says Nicole Jewell, a rising junior who describes herself as being friends with some of the girls involved. "But a lot of girls were excited to be a part of it."
Then, consider the 4th of July parade at nearby Beverly Farms, where children are encouraged to create a mockery of the Gloucester High School unwed mother situation. This local TV news video report explains the three parade floats that included a variety of vulgar satire of child birth, teenagers dancing in pregnant costumes, and crass verbiage on posters.
To view the parade floats that the TV news had to censor, view this amateur video.
You may be surprised to hear criticism by parade viewers that the children were distributing condoms at the parade -- after all, this is a common occurrence in the Massachusetts schools.
Next, we read of a Boston-area beach that is overrun by public sex.
-- From "Sex Acts on Provincetown Beaches Prompt Outrage" by Katy Jordan from the Boston Herald 7/7/08
Frisky sun worshipers are flocking to have sex on the beach in Provincetown - but are sending horrified family vacationers packing, officals said.
Angry Cape Cod National Seashore officials said they are cracking down on public sex acts along the picturesque shoreline after the number of citations for public sex acts more than tripled, from an average of 40 to 132 last year.
Complaints have included whale-watchers sailing past large groups of nude men, and families stumbling upon people engaged in sex acts on the pristine national shore that attracts tens of thousands of vacationers from throughout the world each year.
One complaint, issued in 2007, was from a New Jersey family walking in the dunes who encountered couples and a large group of men having “sex in the nude, including oral and anal sex right out in the open,” the Cape Cod Times reported last week.
Seeking Unity with Rome, Renegade Anglican Bishops Meet with Vatican
"The Church of England is becoming more and more like the American Church."
-- From "Anglican bishops in secret Vatican summit" by Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Telegraph 7/6/08
Senior Church of England bishops have held secret talks with Vatican officials to discuss the crisis in the Anglican communion over gays and women bishops.
Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was not told of the talks and the disclosure will be a fresh blow to his efforts to prevent a major split in the Church of England.
[An anonymous] bishop said: "The internal pressure of the Anglican communion has pushed us apart and we’re committed to greater unity with Rome. There can be no future for Christianity in Europe without Rome."
The Pope’s enthusiasm for bringing traditional Anglicans into the fold was shown in 2003 when as Cardinal he sent greetings to a group of conservative churchmen meeting in Texas in protest at the election of Bishop Robinson. The Pope and Dr Williams enjoy a strong relationship, which they are keen to maintain.
The Bishop of Beverley, the Rt Rev Martyn Jarrett said: “In the tragic circumstances that the Church of England takes decisions which make it impossible to walk with it anymore we would want to understand more where we are in relation to wider Catholic Christendom.
“Anglo-Catholics have always had a particular concern for re-union with the Holy See. No matter what might happen Anglo-Catholics will continue to be at the forefront of that dialogue and explanation.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
For previous post on this topic, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Anglican bishops in secret Vatican summit" by Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Telegraph 7/6/08
Senior Church of England bishops have held secret talks with Vatican officials to discuss the crisis in the Anglican communion over gays and women bishops.
Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was not told of the talks and the disclosure will be a fresh blow to his efforts to prevent a major split in the Church of England.
[An anonymous] bishop said: "The internal pressure of the Anglican communion has pushed us apart and we’re committed to greater unity with Rome. There can be no future for Christianity in Europe without Rome."
The Pope’s enthusiasm for bringing traditional Anglicans into the fold was shown in 2003 when as Cardinal he sent greetings to a group of conservative churchmen meeting in Texas in protest at the election of Bishop Robinson. The Pope and Dr Williams enjoy a strong relationship, which they are keen to maintain.
The Bishop of Beverley, the Rt Rev Martyn Jarrett said: “In the tragic circumstances that the Church of England takes decisions which make it impossible to walk with it anymore we would want to understand more where we are in relation to wider Catholic Christendom.
“Anglo-Catholics have always had a particular concern for re-union with the Holy See. No matter what might happen Anglo-Catholics will continue to be at the forefront of that dialogue and explanation.”
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
For previous post on this topic, CLICK HERE.
Church of England Faces Ruin Over Women Bishops
"When does principled pragmatism and a generosity of spirit topple over into theological incoherence and the loss of any clear guiding principles?"
-- From "Church of England faces ruin over women bishops" by Ruth Gledhill at Times Online 7/5/08
Members of the General Synod urged church leaders to postpone a decision on women bishops until more detailed proposals could be drawn up on how to care for opponents.
More than 1,300 clergy are threatening to leave the Church if women are consecrated to the episcopate without legislation enacted to protect them.
The Anglo-Catholic wing wants a special, extra-geographical diocese or province created as a woman-bishop and woman-priest free zone, to preserve the Church's apostolic tradition of a male-only priesthood.
The issue threatens to divide the Church even more deeply than the vote to ordain women priests in 1992.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Church of England faces ruin over women bishops" by Ruth Gledhill at Times Online 7/5/08
Members of the General Synod urged church leaders to postpone a decision on women bishops until more detailed proposals could be drawn up on how to care for opponents.
More than 1,300 clergy are threatening to leave the Church if women are consecrated to the episcopate without legislation enacted to protect them.
The Anglo-Catholic wing wants a special, extra-geographical diocese or province created as a woman-bishop and woman-priest free zone, to preserve the Church's apostolic tradition of a male-only priesthood.
The issue threatens to divide the Church even more deeply than the vote to ordain women priests in 1992.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
NY: City Agrees to Drop Ban on Jesus' Name
"The government has no right to harass and threaten citizens for exercising their First Amendment rights in public."
-- From "City drops ban on speaking about Jesus" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/3/08
Members of "Jews for Jesus" who were ordered not to hand out literature or even speak about Jesus on public property in Oyster Bay, N.Y., have reached a settlement with the city that will provide for them to exercise their First Amendment rights if they choose, according to [the Alliance Defense Fund].
The crackdown happened on July 25, 2006, when group members tried to enter John J. Burns Park to hand out literature and speak to people about their faith.
"Upon arrival, they were met by the commissioner of public safety for the town of Oyster Bay, who stated that the town supervisor had given him orders to call the police to issue an arrest summons if group members handed out even one piece of literature," the law firm [ADF] reported.
"When one member noted that she was only interested in speaking about her faith, she was escorted from the park," the report said. "The officer stated, 'It's not even about the ordinance at this point; they just want you to leave.'"
Now, however, the settlement will provide for the free speech rights for Jews for Jesus.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "City drops ban on speaking about Jesus" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 7/3/08
Members of "Jews for Jesus" who were ordered not to hand out literature or even speak about Jesus on public property in Oyster Bay, N.Y., have reached a settlement with the city that will provide for them to exercise their First Amendment rights if they choose, according to [the Alliance Defense Fund].
The crackdown happened on July 25, 2006, when group members tried to enter John J. Burns Park to hand out literature and speak to people about their faith.
"Upon arrival, they were met by the commissioner of public safety for the town of Oyster Bay, who stated that the town supervisor had given him orders to call the police to issue an arrest summons if group members handed out even one piece of literature," the law firm [ADF] reported.
"When one member noted that she was only interested in speaking about her faith, she was escorted from the park," the report said. "The officer stated, 'It's not even about the ordinance at this point; they just want you to leave.'"
Now, however, the settlement will provide for the free speech rights for Jews for Jesus.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Teachers Want Union to Stop Promoting Abortion
"The teachers union should stick to supporting teachers and children -- not promoting controversial social policies and endorsing political candidates."
-- From "Pro-Life NEA Members Protest Union's Pro-Abortion Platform" by Allison Aldrich and Michael Gryboski, CNSNews.com Correspondents 7/4/08
Washington (CNSNews.com) - Pro-life teachers, students, and activists gathered at the Washington Convention Center Wednesday to picket the apparent pro-abortion stance of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest teacher's union.
Holding up signs that read "Pro-Life NEA Member" and "NEA: Be Abortion Neutral," the group, which was hosted by the conservative Family Research Council, hopes to remove pro-abortion rights language from current NEA policies, including the statement, "The National Education Association supports family planning, including the right to reproductive freedom."
"We did not join the NEA to be misrepresented on social, moral, and political issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gun control, and candidate endorsements," [said Bob Pawson, national coordinator for the group Pro-Life Educators and Students.]
[Sissy Jochmann, an NEA member who teaches second grade in Pittsburgh, said,] "They are claiming to be neutral - they tell us over and over again that they have a neutral position - but their money trail and their ties to organizations that are clearly pro-choice paint a different picture."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Pro-Life NEA Members Protest Union's Pro-Abortion Platform" by Allison Aldrich and Michael Gryboski, CNSNews.com Correspondents 7/4/08
Washington (CNSNews.com) - Pro-life teachers, students, and activists gathered at the Washington Convention Center Wednesday to picket the apparent pro-abortion stance of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest teacher's union.
Holding up signs that read "Pro-Life NEA Member" and "NEA: Be Abortion Neutral," the group, which was hosted by the conservative Family Research Council, hopes to remove pro-abortion rights language from current NEA policies, including the statement, "The National Education Association supports family planning, including the right to reproductive freedom."
"We did not join the NEA to be misrepresented on social, moral, and political issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gun control, and candidate endorsements," [said Bob Pawson, national coordinator for the group Pro-Life Educators and Students.]
[Sissy Jochmann, an NEA member who teaches second grade in Pittsburgh, said,] "They are claiming to be neutral - they tell us over and over again that they have a neutral position - but their money trail and their ties to organizations that are clearly pro-choice paint a different picture."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Federal Court Upholds Pro-life Free Speech
The article states: "The government cannot silence messages simply because they cause discomfort, fear or even anger," said a panel of three judges - Harry Pregerson, Marsha Berzon and William Fletcher, all considered liberals.
-- From "Anti-abortion group wins free-speech ruling" by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer 7/3/08
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal appeals court gave an anti-abortion group the go-ahead Wednesday to drive trucks with enlarged photos of aborted fetuses past California schools, saying the Constitution protects the display of disturbing messages.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies interfered with free speech by ordering the driver of one such truck to move away from a middle school, said the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The deputies had cited a state law barring disruptive activities near public school grounds.
To be constitutional, the state law can prohibit speech that is disruptive because of the way it is expressed - for example, through a blaring loudspeaker - but not because of its content, said Pregerson, the author of the ruling.
"They can get out their message that reveals the horror of abortion," said attorney Robert Muise of the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative Christian organization. He said the trucks would be sent to middle schools and high schools, where students, he contended, are already being targeted by advocates of contraception and abortion.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Anti-abortion group wins free-speech ruling" by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer 7/3/08
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal appeals court gave an anti-abortion group the go-ahead Wednesday to drive trucks with enlarged photos of aborted fetuses past California schools, saying the Constitution protects the display of disturbing messages.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies interfered with free speech by ordering the driver of one such truck to move away from a middle school, said the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The deputies had cited a state law barring disruptive activities near public school grounds.
To be constitutional, the state law can prohibit speech that is disruptive because of the way it is expressed - for example, through a blaring loudspeaker - but not because of its content, said Pregerson, the author of the ruling.
"They can get out their message that reveals the horror of abortion," said attorney Robert Muise of the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative Christian organization. He said the trucks would be sent to middle schools and high schools, where students, he contended, are already being targeted by advocates of contraception and abortion.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
LA Cop Disciplined for Publicly Quoting Scripture Off Duty
LAPD: "We are concerned, clearly, about the type of speech our employees engage in."
-- From "Police officer sues LAPD and Los Angeles, alleging religious discrimination" by Victoria Kim, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 7/2/08
The Los Angeles Police Department engaged in religious discrimination by disciplining an employee for off-duty remarks made about homosexual acts, an LAPD sergeant has alleged in a lawsuit filed against the city and the department.
In a fall 2006 eulogy delivered at a fellow officer's funeral, Sgt. Eric Holyfield, who also is a pastor, said homosexual acts were "sinful" and an "abomination" and would lead to condemnation in hell, or the "lake of fire," if one did not repent, according to a lawsuit he filed June 19 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
After those comments, LAPD passed him up for promotions and pay raises in retaliation, Holyfield alleges in the suit, saying that he was discriminated against for his religion and that his 1st Amendment rights were violated.
Cmdr. Stuart Maislin, head of LAPD's risk-management office, said the department's ability to control an off-duty officer's speech is a "very gray area." But remarks by officers may raise red flags, particularly when bias is expressed against a group of people, Maislin said.
. . . The suit alleges that as a result of the complaint, Holyfield was removed from his position in community relations, moved back to patrol and passed up for a number of promotions.
The department has "historically discriminated . . . and continues to discriminate against officers that cite from the Holy Bible," the suit alleges.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Police officer sues LAPD and Los Angeles, alleging religious discrimination" by Victoria Kim, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 7/2/08
The Los Angeles Police Department engaged in religious discrimination by disciplining an employee for off-duty remarks made about homosexual acts, an LAPD sergeant has alleged in a lawsuit filed against the city and the department.
In a fall 2006 eulogy delivered at a fellow officer's funeral, Sgt. Eric Holyfield, who also is a pastor, said homosexual acts were "sinful" and an "abomination" and would lead to condemnation in hell, or the "lake of fire," if one did not repent, according to a lawsuit he filed June 19 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
After those comments, LAPD passed him up for promotions and pay raises in retaliation, Holyfield alleges in the suit, saying that he was discriminated against for his religion and that his 1st Amendment rights were violated.
Cmdr. Stuart Maislin, head of LAPD's risk-management office, said the department's ability to control an off-duty officer's speech is a "very gray area." But remarks by officers may raise red flags, particularly when bias is expressed against a group of people, Maislin said.
. . . The suit alleges that as a result of the complaint, Holyfield was removed from his position in community relations, moved back to patrol and passed up for a number of promotions.
The department has "historically discriminated . . . and continues to discriminate against officers that cite from the Holy Bible," the suit alleges.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis: The Marxist Delusion and a Christian Evangelist
In the final analysis it's Communism, not Biblical Christianity, that dominates the thinking of the 'Evangelical Left'
From "Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis: The Marxist Delusion and a Christian Evangelist" by David Noebel, posted 2/19/08 at ChristianWorldviewnetwork.com
I have just finished reading Tony Campolo’s book Letters to a Young Evangelical. Published by Basic Books and copyrighted by Campolo in 2006, this work gives the reader an amazing look into the mind and heart of a radical sociologist on a mission—to establish theKingdom of God
From "Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis: The Marxist Delusion and a Christian Evangelist" by David Noebel, posted 2/19/08 at ChristianWorldviewnetwork.com
I have just finished reading Tony Campolo’s book Letters to a Young Evangelical. Published by Basic Books and copyrighted by Campolo in 2006, this work gives the reader an amazing look into the mind and heart of a radical sociologist on a mission—to establish the
Campolo's volume is a veritable love-fest among three leftwing Evangelicals—Campolo and his two partners in crime (the crime being deception): Ron Sider (Evangelicals for Social Action) and Jim Wallis (Sojourners magazine), whom he calls his "best of friends" throughout the book. All three subscribe to the same party line—liberal, leftwing, allegedly progressive, ideas that impact social, economic and political action. “I believe,” says Campolo, “that Christians should engage in efforts to change the political and economic structures of our society because these structures do not adequately address the needs of the poor and oppressed” (4, 5, 258).
The purpose of Campolo’s letters to two young evangelicals (Timothy and Junia) is to convince them that the “Religious Right” in America is their sworn enemy, and if they wish to get serious about God’s business, which is assisting the poor and oppressed to bring in the Kingdom of God, they must reject the Jerry Falwells, the James Dobsons and the Tim LaHaye’s of the conservative wing of Evangelicalism and stake their claim with the true “progressives,” namely the Sider, Wallis and Campolo camp. This camp will bring forth the
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Federal Court Rules Unborn as 'Living Human Being'
-- From "Pro-Lifers Praise Ruling Allowing Statement on Abortion" by Kaitlynn Riely, CNSNews.com Correspondent 7/2/08
(CNSNews.com) - South Dakota may enforce a law that requires doctors to provide pregnant women with a written statement saying, "the abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being," a federal appeals court ruled last Friday.
In Planned Parenthood v. Rounds, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit voted 7-4 to strike down a 2005 preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for South Dakota.
The injunction had prevented a statute - requiring abortion providers to tell women, in writing, that an abortion would terminate the life of a "living human being" - from taking effect. The decision by the appeals court reversed the injunction and remanded it to the district court for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
The lawsuit, filed by Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, required the court to consider whether the definition of human being should include "the unborn human being during the entire embryonic and fetal ages from fertilization to full gestation."
The court's ruling said, "Planned Parenthood submitted no evidence to oppose that conclusion."
"The Eighth Circuit Court's ruling is another significant pro-life victory in South Dakota," [said Kyle Holt, director of operations for South Dakota Right to Life]. "It sheds light on the ugly reality that abortion ends the life of a living, breathing human being. Women deserve to know the truth, and now they can."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
(CNSNews.com) - South Dakota may enforce a law that requires doctors to provide pregnant women with a written statement saying, "the abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being," a federal appeals court ruled last Friday.
In Planned Parenthood v. Rounds, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit voted 7-4 to strike down a 2005 preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for South Dakota.
The injunction had prevented a statute - requiring abortion providers to tell women, in writing, that an abortion would terminate the life of a "living human being" - from taking effect. The decision by the appeals court reversed the injunction and remanded it to the district court for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
The lawsuit, filed by Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, required the court to consider whether the definition of human being should include "the unborn human being during the entire embryonic and fetal ages from fertilization to full gestation."
The court's ruling said, "Planned Parenthood submitted no evidence to oppose that conclusion."
"The Eighth Circuit Court's ruling is another significant pro-life victory in South Dakota," [said Kyle Holt, director of operations for South Dakota Right to Life]. "It sheds light on the ugly reality that abortion ends the life of a living, breathing human being. Women deserve to know the truth, and now they can."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Planned Parenthood's Upscale Marketing to Suburbia
". . . contemporary ambience and furnishings designed to appeal to well-to-do . . ."
-- From "Planned Parenthood expands to Houston suburbs" by Bill Murphy, at Houston Chronicle 6/30/08
The nonprofit is not giving up its primary mission - providing affordable birth control and reproductive health care to the poor and the uninsured - but is trying to boost revenue by diversifying its clientele, said Peter Durkin, chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas.
Many Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide are following a similar formula to achieve financial stability. New clinics often feature airy waiting rooms, recessed lighting and hardwood floors.
Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood's national president, said many patients, rich or poor, expect a nice ambience, whether they are going into a restaurant or a clinic. Spartan settings that may have been acceptable a decade ago may be less so these days, she said.
In 2006, the group carried out 289,750 abortions, its most recent financial report said. In 2005, Planned Parenthood performed 22 percent of the 1.2 million abortions in the U.S., said Joerg Dreweke, spokesman for the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit think tank that researches sexual reproductive issues.
The nonprofit's affiliates had a combined surplus of $115 million and $1 billion in annual revenue in 2006, Richards said.
More than $336 million of that revenue came from government grants and contracts. No public money can be used for abortions, but the money is used to help pay for providing contraceptives and other types of care to low-income women, Durkin said.
Some abortion rights opponents question why a nonprofit with a surplus should receive government grants. Elizabeth Graham, director of Texas Right to Life, said such grants help put Planned Parenthood in a good financial footing to provide abortions.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Planned Parenthood expands to Houston suburbs" by Bill Murphy, at Houston Chronicle 6/30/08
The nonprofit is not giving up its primary mission - providing affordable birth control and reproductive health care to the poor and the uninsured - but is trying to boost revenue by diversifying its clientele, said Peter Durkin, chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas.
Many Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide are following a similar formula to achieve financial stability. New clinics often feature airy waiting rooms, recessed lighting and hardwood floors.
Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood's national president, said many patients, rich or poor, expect a nice ambience, whether they are going into a restaurant or a clinic. Spartan settings that may have been acceptable a decade ago may be less so these days, she said.
In 2006, the group carried out 289,750 abortions, its most recent financial report said. In 2005, Planned Parenthood performed 22 percent of the 1.2 million abortions in the U.S., said Joerg Dreweke, spokesman for the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit think tank that researches sexual reproductive issues.
The nonprofit's affiliates had a combined surplus of $115 million and $1 billion in annual revenue in 2006, Richards said.
More than $336 million of that revenue came from government grants and contracts. No public money can be used for abortions, but the money is used to help pay for providing contraceptives and other types of care to low-income women, Durkin said.
Some abortion rights opponents question why a nonprofit with a surplus should receive government grants. Elizabeth Graham, director of Texas Right to Life, said such grants help put Planned Parenthood in a good financial footing to provide abortions.
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