Religious Liberty
 | Discrimination and censorship against conservative people of faith is apparently acceptable with some liberals. |
Maine Reporter Fired for Personal Email About Question 1
According to LifeSiteNews.com, a veteran newspaper reporter from Maine was terminated from his 19-year position for sending a personal email rebutting a homosexual group's defamation of supporters of Question 1, Maine's ballot initiative that repealed same-sex "marriage" last month.
Larry Grard of Winslow, Maine, a practicing Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus, was fired from his job at Maine Today Media's Morning Sentinel after local Human Rights Campaign (HRC) leader Trevor Thomas complained about an email rebuttal Grard sent on his personal email account.
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Liberty Counsel Launches the Seventh Annual 'Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign'
Liberty Counsel has launched its seventh annual "Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign," pledging to be a "Friend" to those who recognize Christmas and a "Foe" to those who censor it. In Amelia, Ohio, town officials caused an uproar when they attempted to change the name of a "Christmas parade" into a "holiday parade." In response, the city council decided to cancel the parade after one person questioned whether the city could be sued for celebrating Christmas. Liberty Counsel has offered legal assistance to city officials.
Last year, Liberty Counsel defended an employee who was fired because she wanted to greet people with "Merry Christmas." Liberty Counsel filed suit and the employer agreed to settle the case by paying damages to the fired employee. Liberty Counsel has handled numerous situations involving Christmas. Liberty Counsel has worked on cases involving nativity scenes on public property, senior living centers that banned elderly residents from singing Christmas carols, a Massachusetts school which banned students from wearing red and green because they are Christmas colors, school officials who censored religious words from Christmas carols, and companies which renamed Christmas trees "holiday trees."
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Have you read the Manhattan Declaration?
Last Friday, November 20, 2009, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., a statement signed by more than 145 Evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders was released. Known as the Manhattan Declaration, this seminal document addresses the necessity of defending and advancing the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty.
This historic statement is a clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions. It is designed to send a strong message that the Church is drawing a line in the sand on these fundamental truths and will not be moved - regardless. Dr. Robert George, Dr. Timothy George and Chuck Colson are the authors and among the prominent leaders that originally signed-on. The goal, now that it has been released to the public, is to have other Christian leaders sign the statement.
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FRC Calls On President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Reid to Repudiate Diana DeGette's Religious Bigotry
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins today called on President Obama and Congressional leaders to repudiate comments made by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) to The Hill's Michael O'Brien that "religiously-affiliated groups...should be shut out of the process" in the health care debate because of their support for the Stupak/Pitts amendment. She told The Hill, "Last I heard, we had separation of church and state in this country," she said. "I've got to say that I think the Catholic bishops and all of the other groups shouldn't have input."
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments:
"Rep. DeGette's comments are stunning. According to her, if a group of people who are in association with one another because of their Christian faith, they should not have a voice in the crafting of public policy. What she is asserting is that if your ideas and actions are a product of your faith, you're a second class citizen and your voice should not be heard.
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New 'Hate Crimes' Law Drives Another Nail Into First Amendment's Coffin
President Obama expected to sign bill into law Wednesday
The new "hate crimes" bill expected to be signed into law by President Obama Wednesday is another nail in the coffin for the First Amendment, according to attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund.
"All violent crimes are hate crimes, and all crime victims deserve equal justice," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Erik Stanley. "This law is a grave threat to the First Amendment because it provides special penalties based on what people think, feel, or believe. ADF will be on the front line to defend those whose free speech or free exercise of religion rights are violated by this unconstitutional law and to ultimately overturn this attack on freedom."
Stanley, who heads the ADF Pulpit Initiative, an effort to defend the First Amendment rights of pastors from the pulpit, explained that virtually everywhere "hate crimes" laws have passed, prosecutions for speech have followed.
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Police Relieve Pro-Lifer of His Jesus Picture
10/26/2009 10:00:00 PM By Charlie Butts
- OneNewsNow
Police in Rockford, Illinois, have confiscated a picture of Jesus from a pro-life sidewalk counselor.
Counselor Kevin Rilott says pro-life demonstrators asked the police for assistance, citing an ordinance barring offensive displays in public buildings. He says the abortion clinic where the counselors pray and try to rescue babies is known nationally for sacrilegious displays in its windows -- including a picture of Jesus making an obscene gesture.
"A particular officer who did not find the picture of Jesus in the clinic window offensive took offense at the beautiful picture of Jesus that I was carrying," says Rilott. "It was leaning against a stool I sit on, and the first thing the officer did that morning was order me to turn off my video camera."
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ADF and Illinois Family Institute File Friend-of-the-Court Brief with 7th Circuit
The Illinois Family Institute, the Alliance Defense Fund and allied attorneys filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit Friday in support of an Illinois law that allows a "period of silence" for the state's public school students. In January, a federal judge concluded, in a lawsuit filed by an atheist, that that the law was "unconstitutionally vague."
"This case is of significant concern to IFI because it believes that while the moment of silence law does not establish or endorse a particular religion, it does recognize students' First Amendment right to exercise -- or not exercise -- their religious liberties," said IFI Executive Director David E. Smith. "Simply offering students a moment of silence for prayer or reflection each school day in appreciation of that sacred right should not create a constitutional crisis."
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Obama's EEOC Pick, Chai Feldblum: Sexual liberty Wins in Conflict with Religious Liberty
Washington Post: "President Obama announced Monday his intent to nominate Chai R. Feldblum for Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission." According to the hunter for justice blog, Feldman will become the "first openly gay Commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission."
White House Press Release: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts
Weekly Standard (May 15, 2006): "Georgetown law professor Chai Feldblum believes this sincerely and with passion, and clearly (as she reminds me) against the vast majority of opinion of her own [lesbian] community. And yet when push comes to shove, when religious liberty and sexual liberty conflict, she admits, 'I'm having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win.'" (emphasis added) See also Dean Broyles, A gay-marriage Pandor's Box, LA Times (Oct. 27, 2008); Maggie Gallagher, Banned in Boston: The coming conflict between same-sex marriage and religious liberty, The Weekly Standard (May 15, 2006).
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The Radical Homosexual Agenda and the Threat to Religious Liberty
5/29/2009 7:59:00 AM
By Barrett Duke, Ph.D., Vice President for Public Policy and Research
-The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
People of faith are on a collision course with the radical homosexual agenda. It is inevitable. In order for the radical homosexual agenda to be fully implemented, people of faith are going to have to be silenced and marginalized. The radical homosexual community will have to violate our religious liberty and our consciences in order to achieve this.
At this very moment, three issues move us closer to what I believe is an eventual clash. These issues affect our religious liberty in unique and distressing ways. I will mention two related to each.
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Squeezing Out the Faithful to Make Way for ACORN
Should the federal government tempt people to cease volunteering at churches and instead be paid to "volunteer" at government-subsidized projects?
That's the essence of the "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act" which President Obama signed into law on April 21.
Sponsored by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), the bill passed the House by a vote of 275 to 149. The multi-billion-dollar spending bill triples the size of federal paid "volunteer" programs including AmeriCorps while killing funds for the faith-friendly Points of Light Institute. The ayes list had 26 Republicans, including Mark Souder (Ind.), Chris Smith (N.J.) and Vern Buchanan (Fla.).
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Liberty Counsel Launches Annual "Friend or Foe" Graduation Prayer Campaign
Liberty Counsel is launching its annual "Friend or Foe" Graduation Prayer Campaign, seeking to educate and, if necessary, litigate to ensure that prayer and religious viewpoints are not suppressed during public school graduation ceremonies.
Liberty Counsel published a free legal memorandum on graduation prayer which is available at www.LC.org. Students are encouraged to wear Liberty Counsel's red "I WILL PRAY" wristbands as a reminder to pray. Students have the constitutional right to wear religious jewelry and to pray at school.
In 2006, Liberty Counsel represented Megan Chapman, a graduating senior and class chaplain in Russell Springs, Kentucky, after she found herself the subject of a lawsuit by the ACLU and a court order forbidding her from praying during graduation.
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 | Take ACTION:
Click HERE to contact the President, our two U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative to express your outrage and dismay at the administration's classification of "extremism." |
Right-Wing Extremism?
The Demonization of Veterans and Social Conservatives
President Barack Obama's head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Janet Napolitano, has created a firestorm of controversy with the release of a "rightwing extremism" report. To paraphrase this report, returning U.S. military veterans, pro-life proponents, anti-illegal immigration activists and Evangelical Christians -- including conservative Catholics -- may be considered threats to the American government or possibly terrorists.
The Obama administration sees you, pro-life and pro-family citizens across the nation, (including IFI email subscribers), as a possible threat. While you may think you hold valid concerns and are being good citizens by exercising your First Amendment rights to make this country a better place, the Obama administration suggests that you should be classified with the likes of domestic terrorists.
This report is not innocuous. It is designed to be used by the nation's law enforcement community and could affect our freedoms to peacefully protest at abortion mills, hold marriage rallies, or assemble for prayer at the capitol. The dominant media and even our schools may use this report to further communicate and teach liberal socio-political ideology and against "right-wing extremism", as they refer to it.
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IFI Labeled Hate Group
Two weeks ago, Illinois Family Institute discovered that we are included on the Southern Poverty Law Center's Active U.S. Hate Groups list, along with Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazi, and White Nationalist organizations. We are not alone in being erroneously and libelously included on the SPLC's "anti-gay" hate groups list. Also included are MassResistance, Abiding Truth Ministries, Watchmen on the Walls, and Traditional Values Coalition.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was founded in 1971 by Morris Dees and Joseph Levin to oppose racism in the United States, the worst of which was already behind us because of the tireless efforts of civil rights warriors.
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ADF Attorneys Available to Media after Hearing over Minneapolis' Firing of Christian Doctor
City of Minneapolis fires psychologist after learning of affiliation with pro-family organization
WHO: ADF Litigation Counsel Jim Campbell and ADF Senior Legal Counsel Brian Raum
WHAT: Available for media interviews following hearing in Campion v. City of Minneapolis
WHEN: Friday, March 13, immediately following hearing, which begins at 2 p.m. CDT
WHERE: U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 300 S. 4th St., 202 U.S. Courthouse, Courtroom 12W, Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS - Alliance Defense Fund Litigation Counsel Jim Campbell and ADF Senior Legal Counsel Brian Raum will be available for media interviews Friday following Campbell's oral arguments in favor of a Christian doctor terminated by the city of Minneapolis for having ties to a pro-family organization.
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 | Take ACTION: Click HERE to send a message to the White House about this important issue. |
Christians in Medical Field Face 'Conscience' Challenge
3/11/2009 2:13:00 PM By Pete Chagnon and Jody Brown
- OneNewsNow
The CEO of the Christian Medical Association says the Obama administration is threatening the civil rights of medical practitioners.
The Obama administration is moving to rescind a regulation that protects the civil rights and the exercise of conscience of medical practitioners. Under the regulation, medical workers were allowed to reject procedures if they violated their conscience. The Bush administration instituted the regulation in its last days, but it was challenged in court almost immediately.
Dr. David Stevens says the move by the White House "exposes the myth of moderation" in the president's abortion policy by possibly forcing practitioners to perform abortions or euthanasia. And Stevens argues it is likely the most important bio-ethical issue that Christians face in the medical field.
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TV station delays decision to air program produced by American Family Association because it is controversial
Television station WSYX in Columbus, Ohio, has delayed a decision on airing a television program produced by American Family Association (AFA). The program, "Speechless ...Silencing the Christians," was scheduled to air Saturday night on the ABC affiliate station.
"We were surprised that WSYX agreed to air the program, and then decided to revisit its decision," said AFA chairman Donald E. Wildmon. He said the station has said the general manager has not had an opportunity to view the program. Wildmon said he was informed that WSYX would make a decision about airing the program made next week.
He said "Speechless ... Silencing the Christians" is a program about how the mainline media silences Christians by not allowing their voice to be heard.
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Military Bows to ACLU Demand Against Preaching
1/21/2009 11:00:00 AM -Associated Press
Americans entering the military often receive Bibles, courtesy of the Gideons International. But the Gideons have been told that while they can leave complimentary Bibles at most military induction stations, they cannot stay there to proselytize or preach to the recruits.
Daniel Trew, public information officer for the Military Entrance Processing Command, says the policy was recently established after concerns were raised by the American Civil Liberties Union.
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Top 10 Attacks on Christians in 2008
Last year was particularly contentious with the presidential election, marriage protection amendments in three more states and numerous other controversial issues in the public debate. One of the most distressing trends last year was the brazen attack on Christians and their faith.
California Proposition 8's focus on protecting natural families drew attention to the Christian belief in a heterosexual, nuclear family unit and resulted in unprecedented Christian bashing.
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Illinois Pharmacists Not Required to Distribute Morning-After Pill
Thursday morning the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that pharmacists have a right to defend their right of conscience against dispersing the so-called morning after pill. The court's ruling overturns Governor Blagoejvich's 2005 "emergency rule" forcing pharmacists to distribute the pill under threat of sanction or even loss of license. Objecting pharmacists consider Plan B to be an abortifacient.
The Governor stated publicly that "pharmacists with moral objections should find another profession," and "must fill prescriptions without making moral judgments." The Governor's rule was eventually adopted as an Administrative Rule, and within weeks of its final enactment, the Department of Financial & Professional Regulation began prosecuting pharmacies and/or pharmacists alleged to have violated the Rule.
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Dept. of Health and Human Services Protects Conscience Rights of Medical Workers
Federal Issues
Last week, the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced new regulations that protect the right of conscience of pro-life medical professionals. The new regulations establish needed clarification and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that medical personnel are not coerced into participating in procedures that violate their moral, ethical, and religious convictions.
The new regulations establish needed clarification and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that medical personnel are not coerced into participating in procedures, such as abortions, that violate their moral, ethical and religious convictions.
Tony Perkins, President of The Family Research Council said Friday, "This is a huge victory for religious freedom and the First Amendment. No one should be forced to have an abortion, and no one should be forced to be an abortionist. These regulations will ensure that conscience protection statutes will be strongly enforced by the government just as other civil rights laws are. It's also a victory for the right of patients to choose doctors who agree with their personal beliefs."
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The Impact of Same-Sex Marriage on Religious Freedom
At the heart of the arguments in favor of Proposition 8 are concerns about eroding religious freedoms that come about as the same-sex agenda is advanced. Below are some of the legal cases heard across the country as compiled by Rancho Santa Fe Attorney Charles S. LiMandri. Affiliated with the Thomas More Law Center, LiMandri was involved in the Mount Soledad cross case and the first case listed below. He has also been involved in the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign.
LiMandri's list also includes source documentation, which can be found at his Web site at www.limandrilaw.com. Click on the resources link. The cases are listed in a Powerpoint presentation called "The Impact of Same-Sex Marriage on Religious Freedom." The cases are listed on pages 4 to 11.
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Bush Pushes Ahead with Regulations to Protect Doctors' Conscience Rights
In spite of pro-abortion anger and the looming pro-abortion Obama administration, President Bush is poised to sign regulations that will help protect the rights of doctors and nurses to refuse to perform abortions on moral or religious grounds.
The regulations will enforce existing federal law that requires taxpayer-funded medical institutions not to discriminate against medical personnel who conscientiously object to performing abortions or assisting "in the performance of any part of a health service program or research activity," including the distribution of abortifacient contraceptives.
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Springfield Nativity Scene
Dear Pro-Family Friends,
I am excited to tell you that this year, for the first time, our state Capitol will have a Nativity Scene display, thanks to the efforts of a handful of faithful citizens! Beginning December 1st through December 28th 2008 the Christmas crèche will be exhibited in the East Hall of the capitol building.
I strongly support and endorse this effort. Click HERE to read a letter from the Nativity Scene Committee and for more information. You will want to let your friends and neighbors know about this great development.
May our Great God continue to bless you and your family this Thanksgiving weekend.
For His glory and honor,
David E. Smith
Executive Director
Illinois Family Institute
6732 W. 173rd Street, Suite 7
Tinley Park, Illinois 60477
Main: 708-781-9328
Fax: 708-781-9376
"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried."
~ G.K. Chesterton
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Radio Hall of Fame Welcomes Dr. Dobson
'I simply want to say, "Thank you, everybody," and it is a great pleasure to receive this award.'
After more than three decades on the air, Dr. James Dobson and his "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The Hall of Fame Steering Committee nominated "Focus on the Family" for the honor in May and, for the first time, allowed the public to vote. More than 50,000 people cast their votes for Dr. Dobson - the largest vote total in the group's history.
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The Evangelical and the American Political Process
What I write here will bring no joy to the Left, and unfortunately to many on the Right as well. For at least fifty years evangelicals have misunderstood or misapplied the Constitution and biblical principles in such a way as to remove Christians from the political and social forums of this Nation. It is long overdue that we reexamine these documents to determine our place in the operations of the United States political process.
I understand very well the concerns of Christians who fear that we may become too involved in this "world." There is no question that the Lord calls us to an "other world" mentality where we are not laying up treasures here.
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Bill Maher: Religious Pyromaniac and Anti-Christian Bigot
The stark errors and glaring omissions of Bill Maher's latest movie, Religulous, are plentiful. If you thought for a moment it would be a fair treatment of the issues Maher raises, you will be utterly frustrated through out the movie. Setting up straw men and then igniting them with his combustive, comedic fire, Maher makes toast out of his chosen prey.
The danger of this movie is in the way that it will be used by people intent on their rebellion against God. Using the pseudo-intellectualism of Maher, some might believe they have a great insurmountable intellectual bulwark behind which they can hide. The movie can also sway the young and gullible, (i.e. public school graduates).
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 | Dr. Michael Campion |
Christian Psychologist Fights for his Reputation
A fired psychologist affiliated with a Christian organization wants his job and his reputation back.
Michael Campion has been a psychologist for 30 years. For the past 15 years, he has been under contract to Springfield, Illinois, to perform pre-hire employment screening tests for police and fire department jobs and has run into some problems.
Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) attorney Jim Campbell is representing Campion in a lawsuit against the city.
"In August 2004, it came to light that he was also a board member with an organization known as the Illinois Family Institute," Campbell explains. "It's a conservative Christian organization, and upon learning that information, the city began taking steps to remove Dr. Campion from his position."
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Settlement: Illinois Church Finally Able to Worship on Own Property
The city of Carlinville has agreed to a settlement proposed by an Alliance Defense Fund allied attorney on behalf of the Carlinville Southern Baptist Church. The settlement means that the church can now use a former Wal-Mart building it purchased and renovated after the city and its mayor approved the church's use of the building and then backed out of the agreement.
"Churches should not be discriminated against in city zoning decisions," said ADF-allied attorney Daniel P. Dalton. "We are pleased that the city has finally realized that it has no legal recourse to keep Carlinville Southern Baptist Church from using the property it has legitimately acquired for religious purposes."
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 | The Nativity Scene is on display for the thousands who pass through Daley Center Plaza during the month of December. Now, a Nativity Scene will be exhibited in the East Hall of the capitol building in Springfield. |
IFI EXCLUSIVE: Christmas Came Early This Year: Springfield Nativity Scene Will Become Reality In State's Capitol
Every year since 1989 a Nativity Scene has been on display in Chicago's Daley Civic Center plaza. Unfortunately, such outward displays of faith are becoming more rare. Groups like the ACLU have successfully intimidated many villages, cities and municipalities into thinking expressions of faith displayed on public property are unconstitutional.
With the help of the dominant media, most Americans believe this to be true, but it is not. That is why some very good people encouraged me to apply for a permit which would allow a Nativity Scene to be displayed in Springfield, Illinois -- our state capitol. Beginning December 1st through December 28th 2008 a dream will come true for many when a crèche will be exhibited in the East Hall of the capitol building.
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Proposed Regulations Would Protect Healthcare Workers' Religious Freedom
News Reporting Reflects Worldview Differences
News reports recently revealed that the Department of Health and Human Services has drafted regulations that would deny funding to any hospital, clinic, health plan or other entity that does not accommodate employees who object to care that violates their religious convictions. The move is a response to a spate of lawsuits involving employees who lost their jobs for refusing to provide abortifacients, including Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), Plan B (the "morning after" pill), and oral contraceptives (which can destroy an embryo in some cases as explained in Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?).
True to form, much of the reporting in the mainstream media played up controversy, fomented wild speculation, obscured facts, and failed to include important facets of the issue. When the story of the HHS draft regulations first broke, one headline asserted "Bush Regulation Makes the Pill a Form of Abortion" as if the regulation had the power to alter the laws of physics and create a new reality. The lead Los Angeles Times story quoted only pro-abortion lawyer Jill Morrison, who intoned "it's essentially a hit list against anything that protects a patient's rights to get access to legal and needed health services." A New York Times editorial entitled "Doctors Who Fail Their Patients" scolded religious doctors for not referring patients to other doctors who would provide abortifacients or abortions, asserting, "Any doctors who cannot talk to patients about legally permitted care because it conflicts with their values should give up the practice of medicine."
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Churches Seek Legal Protection From Same-Sex Activists
Pastors in California are learning how to avoid lawsuits in the wake of the legalization of same-sex "marriage" in that state.
Legal briefings being conducted by the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) are meant to give practical counsel to pastors to limit legal liability to churches as they face requests to perform same-sex ceremonies. PJI president Brad Dacus says the Supreme Court's ruling caught many pastors by surprise.
"Pastors need to amend their policies and their statement of faith on a number of different issues, including events that are put on, who puts them on, the qualifications of the people participating in those events or marriage ceremonies, the usage of their facilities," Dacus contends. "They need to have real tight policies in place."
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Gay rights vs. Religious Freedom
It's all over the media, in the courts, the legislature, and even within corporate board rooms -- homosexual so-called "marriage" and the larger issue of special rights for those attempting to impose their morality of sexual behavior upon the rest of the country.
The California Supreme Court's activist ruling in favor of homosexual "marriage," along with the Governor of New York's executive fiat forcing recognition of homosexual unions is part of an attempt to force this nationwide. Marriage chaos is about to be pushed nationwide -- and religious and personal freedoms could be severely eroded as a result.
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Alliance Defense Fund Helps Pastors Reclaim the Pulpit
'Pastors have a right to speak about biblical values from the pulpit without fear of punishment.'
The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) has launched the Pulpit Initiative to help pastors take back their First Amendment rights to discuss political candidates from the pulpit.
ADF is equipping pastors nationwide to deliver a sermon Sunday, Sept. 28 -Pulpit Freedom Sunday - that will challenge Internal Revenue Service (IRS) restrictions prohibiting pastors from engaging their congregations in politics.
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Chicago Cannot Stop Church Lawsuit for Lien
ADF-allied attorney represents church accused of mysterious sales tax violation by officials who separately wanted property for redevelopment
A court Thursday blocked the city of Chicago's attempt to stop a lawsuit filed by an ADF-allied attorney representing Beth-El All Nations Church. The city, which has sought in the past to obtain the church's property for redevelopment, placed a lien on the property without notifying the church, alleging the congregation engaged in unspecified "resale activity" without collecting and paying sales tax. The church says it has not engaged in any such activity other than exempt charitable bake sales.
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Legalizing Gay "Marriage" Will Spark Lawsuits Against Churches
After years of litigation and debate, the California and Connecticut supreme courts are about to decide the question of marriage. If, as some suspect, the courts redefine the institution to include same-sex couples, they will have entered a minefield of unintended consequences -- especially with regard to religious liberty.
The experience of legalizing same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, and of civil unions elsewhere, cannot be ignored. It shows that, even with the best of intentions, legalizing same-sex marriage will seriously undermine the religious freedom citizens have enjoyed since the founding.
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ADF: CA court's decision against homeschooling demonstrates hostility toward choice
CA Court of Appeal says parents cannot educate their children at home
LOS ANGELES -- A California Court of Appeal decision which ruled that parents have no legal right to homeschool their children demonstrates a hostility toward parental rights and choice in education, according to attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund. The court ruled that parents without a teaching certificate who educate their children at home can be found guilty of a criminal act.
"Parents should be the ones responsible for making educational choices for their children-not the government. They should not have to get a bachelor's degree in education just to teach their own kids," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman. "If people think that such hostility toward parental rights and choice in education isn't possible in America, this decision demonstrates otherwise."
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Illinois Judge Blocks Parental-Notification Law
Lifesaving law has been repeatedly blocked for 24 years.
An activist judge in Illinois has ruled that teens can continue to get an abortion without telling their parents. Illinois is one of 35 states with parental-notification laws, but the 1984 law has never been enforced.
Joe Scheidler, national director of the Pro-Life Action League, called the inaction an injustice.
"We're talking here about parents knowing that their minor daughter is having dangerous surgery - sometimes lethal surgery," he said. "And the courts believe that the parents shouldn't even know about it."
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Sudan Divestment Is Having Impact, Says Stewardship Partners' Rusty Leonard
Leonard applauds stand of Steven Spielberg
On Dec. 31, 2007, President George W. Bush signed the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act, which requires U.S. companies to get out of investments in companies that do business in Sudan.
By doing so, Bush validated what Stewardship Partners' founder Rusty Leonard has been doing for years: letting biblically-based values guide his investment choices.
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NFL Allows Churches to Host Super Bowl Parties
Churches can now show the Super Bowl on big screens, the National Football League said this week.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter dated Tuesday the league would not object to "live showings - regardless of screen size - of the Super Bowl" by religious organizations, according to The Washington Post.
The letter was address to Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah).
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Village of Hazel Crest Wrong to Deny Church Special Use Permit
Attorneys file suit to restore right of free speech, assembly violated by actions of local officials.
Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed suit Thursday on behalf of a church being prevented from meeting in its own recently purchased property. Village of Hazel Crest officials denied a special use permit to River of Life Kingdom Ministries, though the village does not require non-religious groups to obtain any such special permission to operate. ADF attorneys have asked the court for an immediate order reversing the actions of village officials.
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'Philly 11' Christians appeal lawsuit over arrests
Eleven Christians arrested for expressing their beliefs publicly during a so-called "gay pride" festival in Philadelphia several years ago were in court Monday, seeking to have their lawsuit against the city reinstated.
The 11 individuals were arrested in 2004 at Philadelphia's "OutFest," a pro-homosexual event held on public property. The Christian activists were charged with various crimes for quoting scriptures while walking on a public street set aside for the event. Charges were dropped almost immediately against all but five of the Christians, and those five were later found not guilty of all charges.
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Christian Law Firm Represents Alliance Defense Fund in Moment of Silence Case
1/23/2008 1:58:00 PM
By Daniel T. Zanoza
-Illinois Family Institute
"Regularly during each work day, we gather in prayer and ask the Lord to give us guidance," said Andy Norman.
Now some of you might think I'm quoting the wise words of a pastor or the dean of a Christian school, but Andy Norman is a senior member of Mauck & Baker, a law firm headquartered in Chicago. Norman and his associates at the firm have worked on some monumental cases in the attempt to protect religious freedom and fight against unjust and immoral laws -- from attempting to overturn Roe v. Wade, to fighting to close Planned Parenthood's abortion clinic in Aurora, to supporting pharmacists' right of conscience not to stock the Plan B contraceptive which can act as an abortifacient.
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Soulforce aims to 'dialogue' with six mega-churches; warning offered
A coalition of groups led by Soulforce is targeting six U.S. mega-churches in an effort to foster dialogue about Christian views on homosexuality. Caleb Price with Focus on the Family says the campaign by the homosexual advocacy group has a friendly façade that belies the agenda of the group -- and that the churches targeted need to be on guard.
This spring, members of the pro-homosexual group Soulforce and its allies will visit six well-known churches throughout the nation. Dubbed as "The American Family Outing," the campaign targets the following churches: Lakewood Church (pastored by Joel Osteen), The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes), Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson), New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Eddie Long), Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels), and Saddleback Church (Rick Warren).
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Rockford IL Catholic Priest Rumored to be Facing Dismissal Over Pro-Life Homily
This past December 9, at St. James' parish in Rockford Illinois, a very normal Mass suddenly became a very unusual Mass when a parishioner stood up in the middle of the homily, interrupted the priest, shouting at him "When are you going to stop?", and then left, with her homosexual partner in tow. A few other parishioners also stood up and left the church. A few days later, the priest was dismissed from his duties at the parish by his bishop.
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Momentum from 2007's Religious Liberty Victories Gives Hope to New Year
I believe one of the greatest threats facing America today is the attack on religious liberty. Even though the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly protects religion -- and the practice thereof -- the misinterpretation of the term "separation of church and state" has led to a systematic stripping of all references to faith in the public square.
There are a number of reasons why faith in America has been the target of groups like the ACLU and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Perhaps the foremost engine fueling the march toward secularism in America has stemmed from the misinterpretation of the words 'separation of church and state'. If I were a betting man, I would wager most Americans now believe that term can be found in the U.S. Constitution. Even though a past U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1958 warned this might become a problem one day, those who believe God and faith has no place in public life have used this term to advance their godless political agenda.
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Who's Ignoring Christ this Christmas Season?
In the mid 90's, godless forces in our country launched an all-out campaign to take Christ out of our Christmas, at least in the public square.
Sad to say, a look around our shopping malls and a quick scan of those countless catalogs delivered daily indicates that their campaign was pretty successful.
Again this year, references to "Christmas" are noticeably missing from many displays and promotions.
And so we join others in encouraging you to patronize those retailers who do feature "Christmas" in their cards, decorations, greetings and promotions and to contact the home offices of stores where products and decorations referencing "Christmas" are noticeably absent.
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Liberals Ought to Love Christmas!
It's time for the Grinches again. They have become as much a part of the Season as the carols and crèches. As Christmas draws near the perennial battles over displays of the Nativity and the "commercialization" of the holiday warm up once again. It is so common that most of us don't even bother to read the articles any more.
But, Liberals especially ought to love Christmas. I'm sure that many do, but I am referring to those who are trying to eradicate Christianity from the public square and often appear to hate America. You know, the guilt laden crowd: Those who fret over the starving children in the Third World, the bulldozed rain forests, huge landfills and perennial wars. Some environmentalists are actually on record as saying that the world would be better off without any people. It is a wonder that anyone can enjoy the holidays after being bombarded constantly with the message that everything we touch we exploit, steal or destroy. Who wants to hear this stuff?
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Judge Puts a Stop to the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act
Last month, the Illinois General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a bill -- over the veto of Governor Rod Blagojevich -- which would require all public schools in the state to observe a brief period of time "for silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day."
The Illinois Senate voted 42-9, and the Illinois House voted 74-37.
But the new law was immediately legally challenged by atheist activist Robert Sherman and his daughter, a high school student in Buffalo Grove. In their federal complaint, they claim that the new law is obviously intended to be a religious exercise -- even though no particular religion is mentioned or specified in the law.
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 | The Nativity Scene is on display for the thousands who pass through Daley Center Plaza during the month of December.
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Chicago Nativity Scene Returns to Chicago's Daley Plaza
On Saturday, November 24, at 11:00 AM Christian families will gather in Daley Plaza, at Dearborn and Washington Streets in downtown Chicago, to celebrate the annual dedication of the Chicago Nativity Scene.
"The Nativity Scene has been an annual tradition in Daley Plaza since l985, when a beautiful life size scene was first displayed," said Jim Finnegan, IFI board member and co-chair of the Nativity Scene Committee.
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The chilling effect of ignorance
Seventeen-year-old Andrew Larochelle of Ohio was shocked when he got back the flag he had sent to the United States Capitol to be flown in honor of his grandfather. Andrew, an Eagle Scout and proud grandson, had requested that the flag's certificate read, "In honor of my grandfather, Marcel Larochelle, and his dedication and love of God, country and family." Instead, the certificate conspicuously omitted the word "God" from the personalized message, thanks to a new censorship policy by acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers.
Ayers's bureaucratic audacity touched off a firestorm of criticism from private citizens as well as elected representatives, eventually forcing Ayers to reverse his policy Oct. 11. But Ayers's absurd decision reflects an ever-growing trend among public officials and private citizens alike who have been taught to believe that the Constitution actually prohibits the acknowledgment of God by anyone even remotely associated with state or federal government.
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School District Ends Discrimination Against Christian Club To Avoid Legal Action
After Liberty Counsel issued a demand letter and threatened legal action, the Round Lake School District gave Child Evangelism Fellowship of Northeast Illinois (CEF) permission to distribute flyers about its after-school Good New Clubs. Liberty Counsel represents CEF and its ministry coordinator, Gail Williams.
Last year a parent complained about a religious group using the school's literature distribution channels. As a result of the complaint, the school district issued a new policy this year, forcing religious organizations to leave flyers and other information in the office to be posted on an office bulletin board. Secular organizations such as Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts were allowed to distribute their flyers through the teachers to the students and thus to the parents.
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Pro-Life Clergy Members to Unite During Massive Protest March at Illinois Planned Parenthood 'Abortion Fortress'
9/15/2007 3:00:00 PM -Christian Newswire
Over 120 Clergy Members Unite Against Aurora Planned Parenthood: Representatives to Speak at Pro-Life March
1,000 Expected at Protest Rally and Press Conference Scheduled at "Ground Zero" in the National Abortion Battle
AURORA, Ill., Sept. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Saturday, September 15 at 9:00 AM, a massive protest and march will take place at the nation's largest Planned Parenthood facility located at 3051 E. New York St. in Aurora, Illinois. This protest will be the culmination of the 7-day "Jericho March" organized by the Pro-Life Action League (PLAL), which has seen between 200-400 people at the Planned Parenthood site on a daily basis since it began. On Saturday, organizers expect over a thousand pro-life supporters to gather. In addition, an ethnically and religiously diverse group of clergy members, including representatives from the African- American and Hispanic communities, will be making statements to the media at 10:00 AM regarding a petition that was signed by over 120 pro-life church leaders to be published in an ad in the Aurora and Naperville papers on Sunday.
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Christian Psychologist Fired for Pro-Family Ties Sues Minneapolis
A Christian psychologist filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the city of Minneapolis for firing him over his membership with a pro-family organization.
Dr. Michael Campion, a licensed clinical psychologist who taught at the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois for 18 years, had his contract with the city of Minneapolis rescinded after officials found out about his ties with the politically conservative organization, Illinois Family Institute.
Prior to contract annulment, an author with the Illinois Times had criticized Campion for his affiliation with the pro-family group in an article published in May 2005.
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ADF attorneys again ask court to stop ban on "Be Happy, Not Gay" T-shirt at Illinois school
Neuqua Valley High School sophomore continues to desire to wear T-shirt with same message that school officials censored in April.
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund are again asking a federal district court to stop Neuqua Valley High School officials from prohibiting a student from wearing a "Be Happy, Not Gay" T-shirt while a lawsuit against the school district moves forward in court.
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Holiday Inn dumps Christian banquet; group says anti-Christian discrimination at play
Holiday Inn is being accused of anti-Christian discrimination for refusing to allow a Christian non-profit group to hold its annual banquet at one of its suburban Chicago locations.
Americans for Truth (AFT) had reached a verbal agreement with the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville, Illinois, to hold its October 6 banquet at the hotel. AFT had the reservation for several weeks, and both parties had even discussed the menu for the event.
But when AFT executive director Peter LaBarbera told the banquet coordinator the event might draw a protest from homosexual activists, general manager Dennis Igoe dropped the reservation due to what he called "potential negative publicity to the hotel." Florida-based Liberty Counsel then sent a letter to Igoe, informing him that his "cancellation of Americans for Truth's reservation raises serious concerns of unlawful discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of religion."
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Are Christians victims of hate crimes? Urbana Police apparently say 'no'
8/15/2007 8:14:00 AM
By Dan Zanoza
I don't particularly care for hate crime laws. Someone needs to explain to me how the criminal justice system knows what is in an individual's mind when they are breaking the law. I jokingly refer to those whose duty it is to enforce hate crimes as the thought police. Quite honestly, they would have to have some kind of special psychic abilities to determine what certain types of crimes were motivated by certain types of hate.
However, if hate crimes are on the books, then they should be enforced equally. Not every homosexual who is pyhsically assaulted is a victim of a hate crime. There is a distinct possibility the perpatrator may have had another motive or emotion to incite the altercation. The same can be said about African-Americans, people of the Jewish faith and other minorities. Law enforcement and the media has a definite tendency to quickly lable any violent crime acommitted against someone from these groups as "hate crimes."
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Illinois Court Rules Pharmacists May Reject Plan B
Illinois pharmacists are not obligated to violate their consciences and dispense Plan-B and "emergency contraceptives" according to this week's ruling by a federal judge.
U.S. District Judge Jeanne Scott ruled Tuesday that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's executive order in April 2005 requiring pharmacies "without delay" to provide Plan-B and other abortifacient "emergency contraceptives" mandated store owners to provide it, but did not mean that pharmacists themselves had to violate their conscience and religious beliefs by dispensing it.
Scott's decision means that a discrimination lawsuit by pharmacist Ethan Vandersand can proceed against retail giant Wal-Mart, which contended it had a legal obligation to punish incompliant pharmacists under the executive order. Wal-Mart asked for a dismissal of the case Ethan Vandersand v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. on the basis that Illinois conscience legislation did not apply to pharmacists or exempt them from dispensing drugs that conflict with their religious views.
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Statement by the President Regarding Faith-Based Funding
WASHINGTON, June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement by the President:
"Today's Supreme Court decision marks a substantial victory for efforts by Americans to more effectively aid our neighbors in need of help. The Faith-Based and Community Initiative can remain focused on strengthening America's armies of compassion and expanding their good works. Similar efforts by governors and mayors in states and cities all across the country can also continue to advance.
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In Boston, a devastating loss for marriage and the Church
The fight is over here in Massachusetts. We lost. Again.
Meeting in a constitutional convention on June 14, the state legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. That
amendment-- the only realistic hope for reversing a decision by the state's highest court-- is now dead. Same-sex marriage is here to stay.
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Pharmacists to be Punished $500,000 For Acting on Their Conscience?
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York) and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey) have introduced legislation deliberately attacking pharmacists who exercise professional moral judgment. The Access to Birth Control (ABC) Act repeals a pharmacist's fundamental right to make ethical decisions.
This bill would force pharmacists to distribute the controversial morning-after pill (MAP), trampling on any professional or ethical concerns.
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Oswego school district affirms free speech
District quickly resolves matter after initially censoring the Christian message -- will allow student's mural contribution to include a cross.
A junior high school student whose contribution to a school mural was censored because it contained a cross will now be allowed to have her artwork included in the mural after attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund sent an information letter on her behalf.
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ADF & CLS: SIU settles suit, Christian Legal Society chapter will be recognized, scholarship fund established
5/22/2007 9:00:00 AM -ADF Media Relations
CLS student chapter free to enforce faith and conduct requirements for members and officers
CARBONDALE, IL - Attorneys with the Christian Legal Society and Alliance Defense Fund reached a settlement Wednesday with Southern Illinois University officials on behalf of the Christian Legal Society student chapter at SIU. Under the settlement, SIU officials affirmed that CLS's long-standing membership and leadership policies are now acceptable to the university, which allows CLS to be officially recognized.
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Christian Homeless Ministry In Elgin Re-opens After City Grants Conditional Use Permit
Mauck & Baker, ADF-allied attorneys, filed suit after city shut down homeless ministry at start of winter.
Almost five months after an Alliance Defense Fund allied law firm filed suit against officials of a Chicago suburb for their decision to close a Christian homeless ministry, the officials granted a conditional use permit to the church where the organization operates, allowing it to re-open.
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National Day of Prayer
"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray..."
National Days of Prayer are a historical fact and an important part of the heritage of our Country. Since 1775, when the Continental Congress was halted in its progress, and called the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history.
The understanding and acknowledgement that God is sovereign and thus ultimately in control of both nations and men is the underlying belief that leads to seeking Him in prayer for the welfare of our Nation.
Click here for a listing of all Illinois National Day of Prayer events.
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"Be Happy, Not Gay" T-shirt case appealed to 7th Circuit
ADF attorneys file appeal in case of Illinois school which censored student's "Be Happy, Not Gay" T-shirt
School official crossed out message on student's T-shirt worn in response to school's allowance of event promoting homosexual behavior
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund asked a federal appellate court Monday to reverse a district court's ruling that upheld an Illinois high school official's decision to censor a message opposing homosexual behavior on a student's T-shirt.
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Chicago's Daley Plaza Celebration Planned to Commemorate Jesus's Resurrection
4/6/2007 10:00:00 AM
Nineteen-Foot Cedar Cross at Center of Religious Expression in the Public Square
...This past winter, Chicago became stigmatized nationally as anti-Christian because it stopped the showing of a trailer for the movie The Nativity Story at a Christmas festival on Daley Plaza. Now the public and people of faith can commemorate Jesus' passion and death on the cross and celebrate his life and his resurrection. The city stated it would be "insensitive to the many people of different faiths" -- in disregard for citizens' First Amendment rights which guarantee private religious expression in a public forum like the Daley Plaza.
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The Perfect Lamb of God
Just a few days ago, Jewish people all over the world gathered together around the Seder table to celebrate Passover. Through selected readings and symbolic foods, they recounted the story of God's power and provision as He led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt to freedom as His chosen people.
We all know the story of the plagues that God visited upon the Egyptians. As children, the gruesome details captured our imagination -- the water of the Nile turning to blood, swarms of flies, frogs, gnats, and on and on. The Egyptians were afflicted with these horrible plagues, yet the Hebrews were not. With each new plague, Pharaoh would appear to agree to Moses' appeal for freedom.
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"Politically Correct" website-hosting
4/5/2007 3:00:00 PM
By Wayne Lela
One would think that if a "politically correct" website-hosting company actually goes out of its way to shut down a pro-heterosexual, pro-family website, they must consider that website to be a real threat. In a way, that might be considered a compliment.
A group of friends and I decided some years ago to get active on homosexual issues. We eventually put together a website, on which we presented information that documented how disease-ridden and how financially costly the homosexual lifestyle is. We also featured a detailed argument---based on science, logic, and natural law---proving (a strong but applicable word) that homosexual activity is immoral.
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Student Held as an Academic Hostage by Professor at Southern Illinois University
Professor discriminates against student's religious speech and then retaliates against student for daring to object to the discrimination.
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom sent a letter Wednesday to officials at Southern Illinois University, expressing concern over a social work professor's continued refusal to grade a student's paper on the topic of post-abortion syndrome. The ungraded paper has resulted in the student receiving an "incomplete" for the course that could prevent the student from completing her degree.
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Elgin Mayor Boots Out Christian Homeless Ministry
ADF-allied attorney files suit on behalf of church, non-profit organization, and homeless veteran.
An Alliance Defense Fund allied attorney filed suit today against officials of a Chicago suburb who decided to close a homeless ministry during one of the area's notoriously icy winters.
"It is truly shameful that a ministry whose sole purpose is to help the less fortunate is being forced out on the street by officials in its own city, particularly during the winter," said ADF-allied attorney John Mauck of the Chicago firm, Mauck & Baker, LLC.
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Court Awards Damages to Illinois Man Cited for Distribution of Religious Literature
Federal judge declared city ordinance unconstitutional in 2006 in lawsuit filed by ADF-allied attorney.
A federal judge has awarded monetary damages to a man cited by police for distributing religious literature. Donald Horina, represented by an Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) allied attorney, filed suit against Granite City after he was fined $100 for offering a pro-life tract through the window of a private vehicle.
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New Jersey's "Banned" Pastor, Rev. Vincent Fields, Points the Way Back for America
"We curse the spirit that would come
to bring about same-sex marriage ...
We ask you to just look over this place today,
cause them to be shaken in their very heart
in uprightness, Lord, to do [what] is right before you."
-- Rev. Vincent Fields' prayer in the New Jersey senate chamber
In case you hadn't noticed, there is a war between good and evil going on in this country, between those who agree with God and those who fight for worldly and immoral agendas - homosexuality, abortion, pornography - that He opposes.
On Monday, the Rev. Vincent Fields (pictured above), having been invited to give the honorary invocation for the New Jersey State Senate, acted on a prompting from the God he serves. For that reason, this preacher will not be invited back to pray in an official capacity for New Jersey lawmakers.
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PTC Study Finds Religious Content on TV Shown Less Frequently and More Negatively
The Parents Television Council revealed in a new study that religious content on television is shown less frequently and more negatively on television. The new study, "Faith in a Box 2005-2006," is a review of how religion is portrayed on prime time broadcast television.
"The results of this study clearly show that the entertainment industry is not reflecting the strong religious beliefs of Americans in its television programming. The industry is in fact hostile to people of faith -- no matter if the person is Christian, Jewish, or Muslim," said L. Brent Bozell, president of the PTC.
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Christian Legal Groups Set to Defend Christmas
The ACLU continues to chill religious speech.
Christmas is once again being treated as an unwelcome guest in many places across the country. An Ohio school won't allow teachers to say "Merry Christmas," the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has challenged a Tennessee school program because students sang "Away in a Manger," and Chicago nixed the sponsorship of a "Christmas market" by a film about Jesus' birth.
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, said the ACLU, along with other groups, has long been perpetuating falsehoods about America's religious rights during the Christmas season.
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 | Rev. Jesse Peterson says Kwanzaa was created by Marxist Ron Karenga as a "political statement for the establishment of a black nation and racial hatred against whites."
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BOND Says 'No' to Kwanzaa! Launches 'Merry Christmas!' Not 'Happy Kwanzaa!' Campaign
12/2/2006 7:50:00 AM
By Rev. Jesse Peterson,
A Black Christian group continues its campaign against treating "Kwanzaa," which was invented by Marxist professor Ron Karenga, equally with Christmas this Christmas season.
Says Rev. Jesse Peterson of Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny (BOND), "Most whites are fearful of telling the truth about Kwanzaa because they're labeled racist, anti-black and intolerant. Hate-filled men like Ron Karenga have used this bogus holiday to bash Christmas and preach anti-white views. The 'Merry Christmas!' Not 'Happy Kwanzaa!' Campaign is designed to expose the falsehoods of Kwanzaa and defend the celebration of Christmas."
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A "Mary Poppins" Christmas?
12/1/2006 7:54:00 PM
By Arlene Sawicki
"A spoonful of sugar, makes the medicine go down..." Perhaps the lavish Mary Poppins Christmas display in the Chicago Macy's State Street windows was designed to attract Christmas shoppers back to the old Marshall Field's store, and to appease those who were deeply offended that Macy's chose to change the name of a respected flagship department store, a deeply respected icon to many Chicagoans.
Recent business news reports Macy's Chicago sales are hurting, even though Macy's has gone out of their way to keep to established Marshall Field's Christmas traditions such as the Walnut Room's giant Christmas tree, visiting Santa at the Cozy Cloud Cottage, and other "holiday" themes dispersed throughout the store.
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Public Officials Still Threatened by Jesus' Birth
Chicago Officials Remove Christ from Christmas
11/29/2006 3:47:00 PM
By David E. Smith, IFI Executive Director
-Illinois Family Institute
With approximately 80-85 percent of American citizens identifying themselves as Christians, the vast majority of us understand that the first six letters of "Christmas" spell out the reason for the season -- yet it would seem Chicago public officials and even some media types want to simply disregard this very clear fact.
As you may have heard by now, the City of Chicago has put pressure on the Christkindlmarket, a German Christmas festival held annually downtown, to turn down sponsorship of the event from New Line Cinema because the producer and distributor planned to show trailers of its upcoming movie, The Nativity Story, which tells the story of our Savior's birth. The rationale behind this action was that they did not want to offend any non-Christians attending the event.
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Christians Need Not Apply
11/28/2006 4:28:00 PM
By Rhonda Robinson
"I am an example of somebody who has been told that because he belonged to a group and because he is a Christian -- he is a believer -- that he is not qualified to compete in the market of ideas, and function in his profession." Dr. Michael Campion
Dr. Michael Campion, of Campion, Barrow, & Associates; a well known psychologist based in Champaign, Illinois, has filed a civil rights action lawsuit against the city of Springfield, IL, in order to defend not only his constitutional freedoms, but his Christianity and his profession; a potentially landmark case that could severely limit free exercise of psychology by people of faith.
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Who is God?
11/17/2006 8:07:00 PM
By Thorin Anderson
Raising seven children may not qualify me as an expert, but observing them and many other children has taught me a few things about human nature. One characteristic that they have all revealed to me, even in the earliest months of their lives, is that they see themselves as the center of the universe. This has both theological and practical implications. It has been to the great detriment of our culture and peace that we have ignored it.
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Those Who Will Not See
10/23/2006 7:24:00 AM
By Thorin Anderson
The poet said it well: "There are none so blind as those who will not see." He was not referring to the physically blind or the two year old child who doesn't understand the danger of running in the street, but to the universal penchant of the human race to ignore what it doesn't like to hear. This flaw has had tragic consequences throughout history, but, I suspect that it has never been more obvious than right here and right now in America.
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 | City of Springfield: Christian Professionals Need Not Apply?
Dr. Michael Campion, who was fired by the City of Springfield after his affilition with the Illinois Family Institute was reported by a liberal newspaper, has launched a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Springfield. Click HERE to read the lawsuit. |
Campion Files Civil Rights Lawsuit against City of Springfield for Discriminatory Firing
10/11/2006 2:24:00 PM
By AFA Center for Law & Public Policy
Christian psychologist and former IFI Board Member Michael Campion has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Springfield alleging that he was unfairly discriminated after the city fired him following reports that he was a Board Member of the Illinois Family Institute.
According to AFA Center for Law & Policy Senior Trial Counsel Brian Fahling, "Even when an employment contract may be terminated for virtually any reason, there remain constitutionally impermissible reasons for doing so. A local government simply may not terminate an employee or independent contractor because it disagrees with that person's conservative political or religious affiliations. To do so is to violate the Constitution."
The lawsuit alleges that, despite an impeccable reputation and fifteen year professional relationship with the City of Springfield, Dr. Campion and his firm were terminated in 2005 as the police/fire psychologists for Springfield because of Dr. Campion's membership on the board of the Illinois Family Institute ("IFI"), a pro-family statewide organization affiliated with Focus on the Family and Family Research Council.
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What the Amish Taught Me in Their Terrible Hour of Grief
I was one of the few non-Amish welcomed into the very private Amish mourning rituals for five slain school girls in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Few from the outside world will ever see up close these extraordinarily private and pacifistic people as they deal with the enormous suffering of losing their children to a brutal act of violence.
While they live differently, the Amish are the first to dispel any notion they are better than us. One "preacher" told me, "You English (their term for the non-Amish) sometimes think we're perfect; we're not. We've got all the problems you have, and we have bad people, too. It could have been an Amish that did this." Still, it is at times of great suffering and loss that the best of what the Amish are truly shines.
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What is Truth?
10/6/2006 1:00:00 PM
By Pastor Richard Giovannetti
-Standing In The Word Ministries
As I write this column, my heart and passion continuously goes out to this up and coming generation. With the ongoing assault against their spiritual and moral fiber, this young generation is up against some serious and dangerous philosophies.
Abraham Lincoln stated "The philosophies of the school room in one generation will become the philosophies of government in the next. The real challenge in this is to us.
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 | Minneapolis is treating Champaign, Ill.-based psychologist Dr. Michael Campion differently because of his associations as a Christian. |
Minneapolis P.D. Re-suspends Christian Psychologist Mike Campion
IFI Decries Anti-Christian Discrimination
GLEN ELLYN, Ill. -- Christian psychologist Michael Campion--who was already suspended (and then cleared) by the Minneapolis Police Department after officials learned that he was once a board member of Illinois Family Institute--has been re-suspended by the Department.
TAKE ACTION: To call the City of Minneapolis and politely urge that the city and its prospective Police Chief, Tim Dolan, NOT discriminate against Dr. Campion based on his religious and moral convictions, call (612)673-2735.
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Freedom of Religion and Undue IRS Intrusion
The Internal Revenue Service has notified pastors all over America that the IRS will be monitoring the content of sermons. If they contain anything political, the IRS will initiate action to withdraw any applicable tax-exemption. The IRS stated it will not wait for the ACLU or People United For Separation of Church and State to file a complaint. No siree. What does the IRS consider political? That is not clear but it appears to be subjective agent by agent. This development is deeply troubling. In fact, it bothers me more than about anything that goes on these days and that says a lot.
Since when is it a crime for clergy to alert their congregations about moral dangers? You mean to tell me that a Catholic or Orthodox priest cannot speak his views on evils of abortion, especially when a bill such as those dealing with fetal pain, transporting minors across state lines for purposes of getting an abortion, parental notification, parental consent, federal funding or banning partial-birth abortions are on the Floor of the House of Representatives or Senate.
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 | Will the new Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan cave in to liberal activists who are demanding that Michael Campion be fired due to his past association with Illinois Family Institute? Above, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak (right) announces Dolan's appointment. To call the Minneaopolis P.D. and urge them to treat Dr. Campion fairly, call (612)673-2735. |
Christian Psychologist Mike Campion Reinstated by Minneapolis P.D.
But Still in Liberals' Crosshairs
9/26/2006 1:13:00 PM
By Peter LaBarbera, IFI
Christian psychologist Michael Campion--who was suspended from his contract work screening police officers for the City of Minneapolis after it was revealed that he was once a board member of Illinois Family Institute--is back working with the city but remains the target of liberals who want him ousted.
Campion told IFI that he is scheduled to do a "big batch of testing" of police officers--a reversal of his suspension following complaints alleging that he would be biased against homosexuals due to his past affiliation with IFI.
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 | Radical Christianity -- just as threatening as radical Islam? |
"Radical Christians" -- As Dangerous as Radical Islam?
9/26/2006 9:19:00 AM
By David E. Smith, IFI Executive Director
Dear Friend of IFI,
At this time in our country's history, as we fight a war on terror abroad and strive to prevent another 9/11 attack here at home, you should know that the gravest threat facing the security and prosperity of the United States has been identified:
You.
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9th Circuit Reverses Ruling Protecting Church's Rights
9/24/2006 6:17:00 AM
By Pete Winn, associate editor
-Citizen Link
Another bad decision comes from the Left Coast.
An evangelical Christian church will not be allowed to meet at a California public library after all, according to two judges on the most overturned court in America.
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 | Barry Lynn is acting like "a playground bully" in his attempts to censor churches from speaking on political issues.
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Group Seeks to Silence Pastors and Churches
9/20/2006 10:46:00 AM
By Pete Winn, associate editor
-Citizen Link
Religious-liberty attorneys say congregations have a civic duty to take part in political process.
Religious-rights lawyers are accusing Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, of trying to bully pastors and churches from entering into the political process.
On Monday, Lynn launched a national campaign to alert churches to the "dangers" of what he called "partisan politicking." He told reporters at the National Press Club he will be sending letters to more than 117,000 churches, synagogues and mosques in 11 states warning them not to use the pulpit to espouse support for any political candidate.
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Religious Liberty in America
9/6/2006 8:19:00 AM
By Thorin Anderson
America was created a free and open society by design. There has never been another country like it. Certainly no other country which makes itself so vulnerable to criticism and debate. But this hard-earned liberty has been under assault for some time; and the philosophy, which made such openness possible, has been undermined both openly and surreptitiously. Tragically, those organs of culture, such as the media and education, which should logically be first to expose or at least examine the forces seeking to destroy our free culture, are often allies with them.
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 | According to C. J. Doyle, "Pagans who go to Mass" are "seeking to deform the family and to redefine marriage to accommodate their deviancy and perverted acts." |
Pagans in the Pews
9/3/2006 8:02:00 AM
By Arlene Sawicki
"Pagans in the pews and equivocating clerical leaders are encouraging an unprecedented assault on the moral law and the traditional family," said C. J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts. Addressing a recent Catholic Friends and Family Conference in Richmond, N.H. , Doyle feels this assault is "enabled and emboldened by indifference and complicity within the Church." He cites Catholics who typically vote for candidates supporting abortion and sodomy and personally choose pagan lifestyles, including quasi-pornographic entertainment, raging consumerism and materialism.
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 | Minneapolis Police Department suspend Dr. Campion for his Christian Conservative "beliefs." |
The Thought Police of Minneapolis
If you're a Christian working for the City of Minneapolis, watch your step - your job may already be in jeopardy. In what may be one of the most blatant acts of anti-Christian bigotry and discrimination by an American government agency to date, the Minneapolis Police Department has suspended a Police Psychologist, Dr. Michael Campion of Campion, Barrow & Associates, at the behest of pro-homosexual activists.
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Churches Can Do Plenty in Advance of Election Day
8/28/2006 9:00:00 AM
By Pete Winn, associate editor
-Citizen Link
You might be surprised what nonprofits are allowed to do when taking part in the political process.
The congressional midterm elections are coming up this fall, and, as it usually does at election time, "the" question has resurfaced: How far can churches and nonprofit groups legally go in terms of involvement?
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For the rest of the story, visit
Christianity Today's website" class=teasertitle>Pharmacists with No Plan B
8/18/2006 12:02:00 PM
By Nate Anderson
-Christianity Today
Freedom of conscience and 'reproductive rights' clash at the local drugstore.
On July 6, 2002, Neil Noesen found himself on the front line of the culture wars. Less than three days after taking a job as a pharmacist at a Kmart in Menomonie, Wisconsin, he received a refill request from University of Wisconsin-Stout student Amanda Renz for the contraceptive Loestrin.
Noesen, a devout Catholic, had always refused to dispense birth control. For six years previous, he had been willing to refer patients seeking contraception to another pharmacist, but a recent trip to Calcutta-where he realized anew that health care is about helping the suffering-had convicted him that this was wrong. "Finally, my conscience caught up to me," Noesen told CT. "I couldn't do it anymore. I felt like I was being used by the system, that I was becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution."
Now back home in Wisconsin, he faced the first real test of his new policy. He told Renz he could not provide Loestrin.
For the rest of the story, visit
Christianity Today's website
For the rest of the story, visit
Christianity Today's website" class=teasermore>Read more...
Rockford, Illinois Bishop Says Dem's "a clear and present danger" to US survival as a nation"
8/17/2006 9:51:00 AM
By Bishop Thomas George Doran
-LifeSiteNews.com
Abortion, buggery, contraception, divorce, euthanasia, radical feminism, genetic experimentation and mutilation, are the seven "sacraments" of "one" US political party says the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Rockford Illinois.
While stopping short of telling his flock how to vote, and without naming the Democrats by name, Bishop Thomas George Doran wrote in a column in the local diocesan newspaper that these "unholy sacraments of our secular culture are the seeds of the destruction of our nation." He said that the continuance in office of those espousing them represent a "clear and present danger" to the survival of the US as a nation.
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Illinois Homeless Ministry to Stay Open While Suit Continues
8/1/2006 10:12:00 AM -www.citizenlink.org
A federal district court issued a temporary restraining order Friday to halt the enforcement of zoning codes that could destroy the work of a Waukegan, Ill., mercy ministry to the homeless and needy.
In June, Waukegan officials sent a Notice of Violation to God's Hand of Mercy Mission, stating that under the city's zoning code, the mission "must be relocated to a more suitable location and district... no later than July 21, 2006."
John Mauck, an Alliance Defense Fund attorney, said the mission has been in operation for more than 20 years and provides prayer, Bible study, free daily meals, clothing and counseling for the bereaved, disturbed and lonely.
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 | Thank God for His gift of Liberty! |
Jesus and the 4th of July
7/4/2006 10:09:00 AM
By Marilyn Ferguson
We gather 'round to celebrate
On Independence Day
Pay homage to our country
As the children run and play.
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We Are Free Because of Christianity, Not Despite It
If you are not fortunate enough to hear Chuck Colson's Breakpoint commentaries on your local Christian radio station, then you owe it to yourself to visit the Breakpoint website at least once a week to catch up by listening online.
In Monday's radio commentary on Rodney Stark's book, Victory of Reason, Colson said, "Another way that Christianity contributed to our concept of freedom was its stress on the individual, especially in the moral realm. The Christian idea of Free Will meant that, instead of being captives to fate, people were responsible for their actions and choices. As a result, people increasingly saw themselves as having control over their lives. Western ideas about freedom are rooted in this Christian understanding of the individual."
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 | The Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. New London creates legitimate concerns that local governments could use eminent domain to sieze houses of worship, or other religious institutions, like Chicago's Pacific Garden Mission. |
Bush Issues Executive Order on Eminent Domain
(Federal Issue)
6/27/2006 8:18:00 AM
By Pete Winn, associate editor
-Citizen Link
Last Friday marked the anniversary of the Supreme Court's infamous Kelo decision.
It has been one year since the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion that shocked the country and attacked the fundamental American doctrine, "A man's home is his castle."
Now the backlash is under way.
President Bush marked the anniversary of the Kelo v. New London ( Conn.) decision by issuing an executive order barring the federal government from taking private land for someone else's private use.
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