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Be Alert! 31 Dec 2007 The Dragon Awakes in the West: Persecution Part 2
Published by Moriel Ministries
December 31, 2007
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Shalom in Christ Jesus,
Ed Note: This is part 2 of the Christian
Persecution alert, this edition focusing primarily on the
Western countries.
Joel 2:31
"The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon
into blood Before the great and awesome day of the
LORD comes.
John 16:32 -33
"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for
you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to
leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the
Father is with Me. "These things I have spoken to you,
so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you
have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the
world."
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1) Gunman boasted of following 'wickedest man in the world'
E-mail to ministry: 'I have studied, practiced teachings'
of occultists
WORLDNETDAILY - December 14, 2007
Weeks before Matthew Murray armed himself with
enough weaponry and ammunition to kill hundreds,
attacking both a Christian missions training center
and a Colorado Springs church, he apparently
boasted in an e-mail that he had discovered and
practiced the teachings of controversial British
occultist Aleister Crowley, called during his
lifetime "the wickedest man in the world."
Murray, 24, of suburban Denver, is believed to have
been the gunman who shot and killed Tiffany
Johnson, 26, and Philip Crouse, 24, at the Youth With
A Mission campus in Arvada, Colo., early last Sunday
morning. Then, about 12 hours later, Murray died
when confronted by an armed security officer at New
Life Church after he shot and killed sisters Stephanie
Works, 18, and Rachael Works, 16, in the church
parking lot. Half a dozen others were wounded in his
attacks.
WND reported at the time on the disturbing rantings
Murray apparently left on several websites before -
and even between - the attacks, including those
reported by National Terror Alert, which documented a
series of postings by "nghtmrchld26," which
said, "You Christians brought this on yourselves --- All
I want to do is kill and injure as many of you --- as I
can especially Christians who are to blame for most
of the problems in the world."
Now the minister behind the Good Fight website,
which has documented reports from rock stars
themselves of their encounters with the occult and
satanic influences through their experiences with rock
music, is releasing an e-mail he received, which he
strongly believes was from Murray.
Pastor Joe Schimmel told WND he recalled the
October e-mail when he read the postings, included in
WND stories, attributed to Murray. He said he thinks
it's important for people to know what the attacker
himself was feeling and thinking prior to his homicidal
attack, especially since he's been described in the
media as a homeschooled student from a religious
family.
The e-mail, although it came from a man who
identified himself as "Brian," most probably was from
Murray, Schimmel says, because of the remarkable
number of similarities.
Brian described himself as 24, as was Murray. Brian
said he was raised in a "strict
charismatic/Pentecostal/Bill Gothard home," as
Murray's home has been described. Brian said he
was homeschooled for 12 years, as was
Murray.
And some of the writings in the Oct. 26, 2007, e-mail
were identical, or nearly identical, to other postings
attributed to Murray.
"I have since joined freemasonry and found, studied
and practiced the teachings of Aleister
Crowley/Thelema/The Golden Dawn, Qabbalah, H.P.
Blavatsky/Theosophy, Manly P. Hall, Alice Bailey, and
others," the writer told Schimmel.
The first name immediately raised his eyebrows, but
since the e-mail did not ask any questions of the
ministry, there was no immediate response. A WND e-
mail to the return address listed went unanswered.
Crowley, who lived during the late 1800s and first half
of the 1900s, was a bisexual, drug-addicted occultist
practitioner and author who almost reveled in the
media description of him as "the wickedest man in the
world."
During a court case in the 1930s, Crowley was
described by a judge as dreadful. "I thought that
everything which was vicious and bad had been
produced at one time or another before me," the judge
concluded. "I have learned in this case that we can
always learn something more --- I have never heard
such dreadful, horrible, blasphemous and
abominable stuff as that which has been produced by
[Crowley.]"
Crowley also founded Thelema, a religious belief that
was drawn from his book, "Liber Al Vel Legis," or Book
of the Law, which gives only two commands: "Do what
thou wilt shall be the whole of the law" and "Love is
the law, love under will."
Crowley espoused a wide range of occultist activities
and practices, and one of his compatriots reportedly
died from drinking the blood of a cat during one
ceremonial episode, according to documents on
Crowley's life. Many believe Crowley was a forerunner
to Anton LeVay, who formalized his beliefs in "The
Satanic Bible" and established the Church of Satan.
While Crowley dabbled in the occult, magic, trances,
drugs, sex and blood rituals, Schimmel told WND the
writer apparently had sold his soul to another devil:
rock music.
The e-mail noted that "music is a very powerful thing,"
and then continued with writings that appeared to
have been assembled in the form of an article
titled, "My Secret Drug Addiction":
I have a powerful addiction to a powerful drug that
most people in my life don't know about. Really, it is
somewhat my fault. It started in part due to pressures
in my life, with family, Christians abusing me, church
and religion, loneliness and pain. I was hurting and
angry and wanted an escape. This fun and enjoyable
activity, this powerful substance grew into an addiction
and a powerful force in my life that now controls every
part of myself. I have found this drug to truly be a force
to be reckoned with. This drug can completely alter
blood pressure, heart rate, brainwave patterns and
other bodily functions.
This drugs influence, however, goes much deeper
than physiological function, for it's (sic) effects
penetrate into the deepest parts of one's soul. This
drug will completely control a person's mind, what
thought's (sic) they think and their emotions and how
they feel. I found that this drug has the power to
completely alter a person's religious beliefs, their
morality, and their values and their entire lifestyle.
I didn't realize I was addicted until about 2 years after
starting. I have to admit, I am addicted. I'm an addict
and completely powerless over this drug. I had fun
with it at first, but now it controls me. It used to be a
small thing in my life, but now takes up on average at
least 5 hours each day getting high. Most of my friends
and family don't have any real clue though, because
I'm able to get high on this stuff without them realizing
what I'm doing. My usage doesn't conflict with, but
rather controls all the plans in my life. I've found that I
am completely dominated and controlled by this
addiction. This drug is the most powerful drug that I
know of. I have found the high and it's (sic) ability to
control a person and that's (sic) person's belief's (sic)
and lifestyle is unparalleled. This drug has the same
effects as meth, in that it's a powerful stimulant, the
addictive properties of heroin, and it has the ability of
hallucinogens to cause one to trip and trance out into
other 'realities.' This drug is far more dangerous and
addicting than marijuana and even harder drugs.
I have found myself in deep trances and other worlds
through the usage of this drug and have found my life
radically altered and changed and (sic) by it. I found
this drug to be a powerful driving force and easy
gateway into a world of sex, other drugs, rebellion,
homosexuality, alcoholism and many other dark
things. I have found such an incredible power in this
drug that will completely carry one's mind away into a
very real spiritual realm. My mind is completely
controlled by this drug and there is no way at all for me
to break free.
What is this mind altering life changing drug that has
such an incredible power? --- The drug that I use and
am addicted to is commonly known in our culture as ---
Rock Music.
Schimmel said his organization specifically
documents and warns about the occult influences in
rock music and modern society, and this rang an
alarm when he first received it.
When he saw reports from National Terror Alert about
postings thought to have been done by Murray, the
alarm got louder.
The postings, on an online forum for former
Pentecostals, have been removed. But other users
said the writer had described himself as a former
member of YWAM who had been asked not to join a
mission trip and now wanted to "blow up and shoot
everything I can."
The quotes included:
"I have found myself in deep trances and other worlds
through the usage of this drug and have found my life
radically altered and changed and (sic) by it. I found
this drug to be a powerful driving force and easy
gateway into a world of sex, other drugs, rebellion,
homosexuality, alcoholism and many other dark
things. --- What is this mind altering life changing drug
that has such an incredible power? Well, one of the
main persons who has helped make this drug a
powerful force in my life has been Marilyn Manson. ---
The drug that I use and am addicted to is commonly
known in our culture as --- Rock Music."
Schimmel said the writings line up with what he
knows about Crowley, and his influence, which
sparked multiple references during the rock era of the
1960s, when some songs even included a tribute
to "Mr. Crowley," he said.
He said his ministry has worked to show how
Satanism can influence youth through music, and this
was a factor not included in many media reports about
the Colorado shootings.
But he said if the author had "practiced" Crowley's
teachings, "he's opened himself up to a spiritual drug
addiction."
"What he really is, is a Satanist, subscribing to the
teachings of Aleister Crowley," said Schimmel, who
told WND other leaders in the Crowley image have
included Timothy O'Leary and Alfred Kinsey.
He said it was significant that there were reports that
Murray "heard voices," because many rock stars who
have, in his opinion, opened themselves to the occult,
have reported similar events.
CNN reported a man who was Murray's roommate
while he was at the YWAM training camp said Murray
heard voices and sometimes talked to them.
The CNN report said Richard Lerner confirmed the
decision for Murray to leave the program came from
YWAM officials, along with Murray's parents, after
Murray performed songs by rock stars Linkin Park and
Marilyn Manson at a Christmas event for the Christian
program.
Jeremy Reynalds, a correspondent for ASSIST News
Service, also reported on Werner's comments. He
said Werner described Murray's performance of rock
songs as "pretty scary."
CNN said Werner, now of Brazil, recalled Murray
would roll around in bed and make noises.
"He would say, 'Don't worry, I'm just talking to the
voices,'" Werner said, according to CNN. "He'd
say, 'Don't worry, Richard. You're a nice guy. The
voices like you.'"
Police confirm shell casings at both shooting
locations tie Murray to the deaths, and he was
stopped when he was confronted by a security
volunteer at New Life Church in Colorado Springs,
who ordered him to surrender and fired when he
didn't.
Authorities later confirmed Murray actually died of a
self-inflicted gunshot.
Also
Attacker's diatribe copied Columbine killer
WORLDNETDAILY - December 11, 2007
DENVER - The 24-year-old man who killed four
Christians at a missions training camp and
megachurch in Colorado was addicted to violence-
espousing rock music and was removed from a
missions training course after performing a graphic
Marilyn Manson song at an otherwise religious
Christmas program, according to reports. - - - -
Read Full Report
Family of Church Shooting Victims Says Faith
Helped
Them Forgive
THE CHRISTIAN POST - By Lawrence Jones -
December 21, 2007
Even though the Colorado shooter may have killed
their two daughters, devout Christians David and
Marie Works said Thursday morning their faith has
helped them to forgive the gunman and find peace in
knowing that Stephanie and Rachel Works are in
heaven. - - -
"I saw lots of blood coming out of her nose," said
Marie. "And I thought, she's been hit in the head, that -
and then I started to look for a pulse and I couldn't find
a pulse. And I was fairly sure that she was gone."
When asked by ABC reporter Dan Harris if they could
ever forgive the gunman, Marie attributed the power of
forgiveness to her faith.
"I knew she was in heaven. I knew she was dead, you
know. I didn't have - I wasn't sad at that point because
I knew she was in a good place. And I have no reason
to hate the guy," said the mother.
"I think if my girls didn't know God, and I didn't know
where they were going after they died, and had that
assurance, I know I probably couldn't [forgive]." - - - -
Read Full Report
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2) What will you do if they shoot up your church?
Luke 22:35-38
And He said to them, "When I sent you out without
money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack
anything, did you?" They said, "No, nothing." And He
said to them, "But now, whoever has a money belt is
to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has
no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. "For I tell you
that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, `AND
HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS'; for
that which refers to Me has its fulfillment." They
said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to
them, "It is enough."
WORLDNETDAILY - By Joseph Farah - December 11,
2007
Church shootings and mass killings have come
home to America - just as I predicted they would.
The twin attacks in the Colorado Springs area this
weekend prove a point: If churches turn themselves
into gun-free zones, they will become killing fields
when Christians are the targets.
The only thing that prevented the slaughter of
hundreds at the hands of 24-year-old Matthew Murray
at the New Life Church Sunday was one heroic,
armed, female volunteer security guard who took out
the shooter after he had killed two teenage girls in the
parking lot.
Murray is also suspected of being responsible for an
earlier shooting in the same area at Youth With a
Mission training center in nearby Arvada, where two
members of the staff were killed.
Pastor Brad Boyd, who has led the 10,000-plus
member church for only months, said the guard "is a
real hero."
"When the shots were fired, she rushed toward the
scene and encountered the gunman in the hallway,"
he said yesterday. "He never got more than 50 feet
into the church. She probably saved over 100 lives. He
had enough ammunition on him to do a lot of
damage."
There were an estimated 7,000 people on the north
Colorado Springs campus of the church at the
time.
Boyd said the guard had been stationed in
the "rotunda" of the complex because of the shootings
about 12 hours earlier at the Arvada YWAM complex.
At least five others were wounded in the two attacks.
While such attacks on churches and Christian
ministries are rare in America, they are not
uncommon in other troubled parts of the world.
On June 23, 1978, terrorists who supported Robert
Mugabe murdered nine British missionaries and four
young children, including a 3-week-old baby, at the
Elim Mission Station in Zimbabwe.
The only British missionary at the Elim Mission Station
who survived had a .38 revolver.
On July 25, 1993, terrorists attacked the St James
Church in Cape Town, South Africa, during a worship
service. They opened fire with automatic assault rifles
and threw hand grenades between the pews. Eleven
people were murdered and more than 50 injured.
That attack, too, would have been much worse if one
worshipper, Charl Van Wyk, had not been armed with
a .38 special revolver. He returned fire and the
attackers immediately fled the scene.
Van Wyk memorialized his experience in the
book, "Shooting Back," published in North America by
WND Books earlier this year. The book also inspired a
DVD documentary of the same name, released in the
fall.
The message of both the book and video are simple.
"Christians need to be prepared to protect themselves
against such attacks," explains Van Wyk. "Policemen
cannot be everywhere all the time and can generally
only clean up the mess after such a tragic event.
Christians must not think that justice must be ignored
because of their faith. The Bible is quite clear that God
has instituted civil government as the minister of
justice and the church as the minister of His grace.
These authorities, instituted by God, have different
functions but both operate under His perfect
commands found in the Bible."
Van Wyk's book and documentary provide the most
thorough and exhaustive biblical exposition on the
duty to Christians to be prepared to defend
themselves, their friends, fellow believers and the
children from such attacks.
As American Christians find themselves threatened by
such attacks today and in the future, it's time for them
to begin thinking and praying about how they should
prepare. - - - -
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3) Church shootings on rise in U.S.
'Leaders must be prepared to defend congregations'
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - December 15,
2007
Church shootings, in the headlines because of the
attacks by Matthew Murray, 24, of Englewood, Colo.,
on two Christian groups last weekend, are on the rise
across the United States, even though they're not yet
at epidemic proportions.
Murray killed two people at a Youth With A Mission
missionary training center in Arvada, Colo., early last
Sunday morning, then apparently posted some
rantings on the Internet, and drove to the New Life
Church in Colorado Springs where he killed two teen
girls. He also wounded half a dozen others before he
was confronted by a church member volunteering as a
security guard, and was shot.
A tabulation of church shootings, or those closely
related to a church setting, was done by Gary Cass,
chairman of the Christian Anti-Defamation
Commission, and include 10 such attacks over the
last four years, including Murray's two attacks.
"The tragic events in Colorado this past weekend
underscore the fact that anti-Christian hostility is
reaching a new, more violent level," Cass told
WND. "Churches used to be sanctuaries that were
regarded as sacred, now all church leaders must be
prepared to effectively defend themselves and use
deadly force if necessary to protect their
congregations from violent acts."
He said a brief search found the following shootings,
before last weekend's attacks:
- August 12, 2007: A lone gunman, Eiken Elam
Saimon,
opened fire in a Missouri Micronesian church, killing a
pastor and two other churchgoers.
- May 20, 2007: A standoff between police and a
suspect in the shootings of three people in a Moscow,
Idaho, Presbyterian Church ended with three dead,
including one police officer.
- Although not at a church building, the Oct. 2, 2006,
attack in Lancaster County, Pa., by a gunman who
killed five girls and then himself at an Amish school
targeted a religious site.
- May 21, 2006: Louisiana. Four were killed by a
man at
Jesus Christ Church.
- Feb. 26, 2006: Michigan. Two people were killed at
Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church by a man who
reportedly went to the church looking for his girlfriend.
He later killed himself.
- April 9, 2005: A 27-year-old airman died after being
shot at a church in College Park, Ga., where he had
once worked as a security guard.
- March 12, 2005: A man walked into the services of
the
Living Church of God in Milwaukee and open fired
immediately, killing seven people.
- Oct. 5, 2003: A woman opened fire in Turner
Monumental AME church in Kirkwood, east of Atlanta,
killing the pastor and two others.
- Sept. 16, 1999: Seven young people were killed
when
a man opened fire during a prayer service for teen-
agers at the Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth,
Texas. - - - -
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4) Mom threatened with jail for teaching kids at home
Judge gives Utah woman 1 day to finish enrollment
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - December 16,
2007
A homeschooling mom in Utah has been ordered by a
judge to enroll her children in a public school district
within 24 hours, and have them in class tomorrow, all
because of a paperwork glitch that very well could be
the fault of the district.
The mother, Denise Mafi, told WND that she already
has enrolled her children in the district, under the
threat from Judge Scott Johansen, who serves in the
juvenile division of the state's 7th Judicial District, that
he would order her children taken away from her. - - -
It seems that an affidavit she faxed to the local school
district for the 2006-2007 school year, documenting
her homeschooling plans, was lost by the district. So
when she went to court with her juvenile son to have
the charges dismissed (under a case held in
abeyance procedure) stemming from a clash among
children, she suddenly was presented with four
counts against her for failing to comply with the state's
compulsory education requirement.
She thought she was meeting the court's demands
earlier when she enrolled her two youngest children in
classes, and put her two older children in an online
curriculum connected to the public school.
"Well everything fell apart in court today. I had to enroll
my two oldest in public school. They start on Monday.
If I didn't the judge said I would lose custody of my
children. He threw out the plea and we go to trial on
January 9th. I have NO CHANCE with this judge. He
will find me guilty. He already has. So I will probably
be spending some time in jail. Please pray for my
children," she noted in an online forum connected to
a "Five In A Row" homeschool curriculum she had
used when her children were younger. - - - -
Also
Judge investigated for homeschooling threat
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - December 18,
2007
A threat by a Utah judge to take away a
homeschooling mom's children if she failed to enroll
them in public school, and make sure they were in
attendance every day, has been escalated to the level
of the state Legislature, according to a
homeschooling leader. - - - -
Read Full Report
Woman abandons home to escape public
schools
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - December 20,
2007
A Utah woman who was ordered by a juvenile court
judge to enroll her children in public school or lose
custody of them has abandoned her home, furniture
and other possessions to escape the order.
Denise Mafi, a nine-year veteran of homeschooling,
has confirmed to WND she and her children packed
up their essentials - clothes and homeschool
materials - and fled Utah over the weekend, spending
more than 50 hours on a bus trip to an undisclosed
part of the country.
There she has obtained an empty home and is
spending the Christmas break trying to find beds for
her children and herself. After the New Year she will
involve the children in a local homeschooling
process.
"We're shampooing carpets right now. We have no
furniture. We have no beds," she said. "But my kids
are not going to public school. They are not going
where Jesus isn't welcome." - - - -
Read Full Report
Truancy hearing targets homeschooling mom
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - December 22,
2007
A homeschooling mom who fled her Carbon County,
Utah, home because of a judge's threat to take away
her children if they were not enrolled in the local public
school district is preparing to answer the counts that
accuse her of failing to submit last year's homeschool
paperwork.
Officials with the Home School Legal Defense
Association have confirmed they will work on the case
involving homeschooling mom Denise Mafi. - - -
"HSLDA senior Counsel James R. Mason stated that
the attorneys are reviewing the facts and are preparing
a vigorous defense to the charges," the group said. - - -
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Read Full Report
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6) Finland: Pastor on trial for refusal to work with female minister
Court charges him and 2 other church leaders with
criminal discrimination
WORLDNETDAILY - November 3, 2007
A pastor who refused to work with a female minister
because of his biblical convictions has been charged
with criminal discrimination by a Finnish court.
Ari Norro will be on trial Nov. 16 for allegedly violating
Finland's laws barring discrimination in the workplace
or in public based on gender and other grounds,
including sexual orientation, Christianity Today
magazine reported.
Norro is a member of the Lutheran Evangelical
Association in Finland, a group within the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Finland that believes the Bible
does not allow women to serve as pastors.
In March, Christianity Today reported, he was
scheduled to preach at a communion service in the
southern town of Hyvink�� as a visiting pastor. When
Petra Pohjanraito showed up for her shift to help
distribute communion, Norro said he must leave,
because he could not take part in a service with a
female pastor. - - -
The incident was turned over to police when the chair
of the Hyvink�� Church Council filed a request for an
investigation, according to the Finnish daily Helsingin
Sanomat.
Christianity Today said two other church leaders also
have been charged for not interfering to prevent the
alleged violation of law.
The case could impact the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Finland's controversy over whether
homosexuals can be ordained and whether pastors
can bless same-sex couples.
Veli-Matti K�rkk�inen, former president of IsoKirja
College in Finland, insisted the government has
nothing to do with religion and wants to stay out of the
discussion.
"This case has nothing to do with religion; it has
everything to do with a perceived lack of equality," he
told Christianity Today.
Norro contends he did not commit a crime, because
his country's constitution - which says no one should
be treated differently because of his religious
convictions - overrules the state penal code. - - - -
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7) University 'bias' plan can get you busted
WORLDNETDAILY - November 3, 2007
A newly installed system to allow students at the
College of William & Mary to report "bias" on campus
anonymously is under fire as the latest version of a
campus "speech code," according to an independent
newspaper on campus.
"The Virginia Informer has learned that William W.
Van. Alstyne, Lee professor of law at the Marshall-
Wythe Law School, recently wrote a scathing
commentary" on the system, the newspaper reported
this week.
"Writing on the website 'The Volokh Conspiracy' in
reply to a posting about the college's bias reporting
system, Mr. Van Alstyne criticized the system's
fairness. 'These politically-'skewed' codes of conduct
are seriously misguided (and, I think, frankly
embarrassing to universities which endlessly contrive
to take the 'correct' stance on all sorts of matters---),'"
the newspaper reported he wrote.
The College of William & Mary in recent months has
suffered through the controversy after President Gene
Nichol ordered the Wren Cross removed from the
historic Wren Chapel on campus to make it less "faith-
specific," and the resulting loss of a pledged $12
million donation, as well as the school's sponsorship
of a promotion of the pornography industry. - - -
Nick Fitzgerald, the newspaper's executive editor,
noted that the school website features a button on the
right side that allows anyone with a William & Mary ID
to "Report Bias Now."
It explains the college, in pursuit of a diverse and
respectful campus community, "considers acts of hate
and bias unacceptable and contrary to our
commitment to a welcoming and inclusive
community."
"Apparently Vice President Sam Sadler, the chair of
the Bias Reporting Team, has never heard of free
speech," Fitzgerald wrote. "It would appear that, at
least on first glance, the administration is of the
mindset that if you do not respect your fellow
comrades in our (unbeknownst to The Informer
editorial board) Orwellian community, you are in
serious danger of getting reported to the
administration."
"In all seriousness, The Informer wishes to echo the
comments of Mr. Van Alstyne in saying that it appears
as if the Bias Reporting System and accompanying
team, if followed to their logically inevitable
conclusion, would be used to punish William and
Mary students and faculty members for uttering what
otherwise is known as Constitutionally protected
speech; hence, Mr. Van Alstyne's post," he wrote. - - - -
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9) Sweden to tighten faith schools rules
REUTERS [Thomson-Reuters] - October 23, 2007
The Swedish government said it would tighten rules
governing independent faith schools to make sure
religious views such as creationism were not taught
in class.
Sweden's centre-right coalition government said in a
statement it had agreed to clarify regulations to
remove any leeway for religious views to influence the
curriculum.
"This is naturally brought about by the fact that different
viewpoints are being discussed, for instance about
the creation of the world - one based on science and
one on religious views," Education Minister Jan
Bjorklund told a news conference.
"Teaching in school must have a scientific basis."
The Council of Europe this month voted to urge
European schools to strongly oppose teaching
creationism and intelligent design in science classes,
saying attacks on the theory of evolution were rooted
in religious extremism.
Creationism argues God made the world in six days
as set out in the Bible while proponents of intelligent
design say some life forms are too complex to have
evolved without the aid of a higher intelligence.
While most schools in Sweden are run by
municipalities, a minority are run by various religious
groups.
Bjorklund said the government, of which the Christian
Democrats are a junior member, would restructure
supervision of Sweden's schools and double funding
for inspections to about 300 million Swedish crowns
(NZ$61.1 million).
It would also propose to parliament that it enable
authorities to swiftly issue fines or, in especially
serious cases, close schools that failed to adhere to
the new rules.
Also
Colorado Students Walk Out During Pledge,
Recite
Own Version
ASSOCIATED PRESS - September 27, 2007
BOULDER, Colo. - About 50 Boulder High School
students walked out of class Thursday to protest the
daily reading of the Pledge of Allegiance and recited
their own version, omitting "one nation, under
God."
The students say the phrase violates the
constitutional separation of church and state.
They also say the daily reading of the pledge over the
school public address system at the start of the
second class takes away from education time and is
ignored or mocked by some students.
A state law passed in 2004 requires schools to offer
the opportunity to recite the pledge each day but does
not require students to participate.
The protesting students, members of the Student
Worker Club, want administrators to hold the pledge
reading in the auditorium during each of the school's
two lunch periods for any students who want to
participate. Otherwise, they said, they plan to walk out
each Thursday when the pledge is read and recite
their version, which omits the reference to God and
adds allegiance to constitutional rights, diversity and
freedom, among other things.
"Boulder High has a highly diverse population, not all
of whom believe in God, or one God," said Emma
Martens, a senior and president of the club, which has
about a dozen members.
"We didn't think it was fair for the whole school to have
to listen to it. It's almost religious oppression," she
said. - - - -
Read Full Report
California: Teacher rants against South, church,
Rush Limbaugh
WORLDNETDAILY - December 13, 2007
"He has gone as far as stating, 'When you put on your
Jesus glasses, you can't see the truth,'" - - - -
Read Full Report
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10) Darwin challenged, research censored
Christian university removes professor's website, data
from public view
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - October 4, 2007
Baylor University Professor Bob Marks, whose
research could be the foundation for a major
challenge to Darwin's theory of evolution, is at odds
with his historically Christian employer, which ordered
that his work be taken off the Internet.
Maybe it's because for so many years the logical
alternative to evolution, which is grounded on
principles such as random selection and survival of
the fittest, has been disregarded and ridiculed by the
scientific community. And intelligent design, as it is
called, presumes the existence of an outside
intelligence influencing life, according to a critic of the
university.
Walt Ruloff, the executive producer of Premise Media,
who worked with actor Ben Stein on a new
project
called "Expelled: No
Intelligence Allowed," about the
monopoly Darwinian beliefs hold in academia, wrote
in the Baylor student newspaper about his concerns.
"As many of you have heard, Marks, a distinguished
professor of electrical and computer engineering, has
been conducting research that ultimately may
challenge the foundation of Darwinian theory. In
layman's terms, Marks is using highly sophisticated
mathematical and computational techniques to
determine if there are limits to what natural selection
can do," he wrote. "At Baylor, a Christian institution,
this should be pretty unremarkable stuff. I'm
assuming most of the faculty, students and alumni
believe in God, so wouldn't it also be safe to assume
you have no problem with a professor trying to
scientifically quantify the limits of a blind, undirected
cause of the origin and subsequent history of life?
"But the dirty little secret is university administrators
are much more fearful of the Darwinian Machine than
they are of you," he said.
"Here's what's going on: Somebody within the
scientific community let [Baylor dean Ben] Kelley know
that Marks was running a website that was friendly to
intelligent design. Such a thing is completely
unacceptable in today's university system - even at a
Christian institution. Kelley was probably told to have
the site shut down immediately or suffer the
consequences," Ruloff said.
"What are those consequences? The ultimate penalty
is to have Baylor marginalized by being designated as
not a 'legitimate institution of higher learning.' So
designated merely for the 'crime' of allowing Neo-
Darwinism to be questioned, since conventional elitist
wisdom holds it's no longer a theory but an inviolable
truth."
Prof. Marks told WND he could not comment since his
lawyer and the university are in negotiations over the
situation. And Baylor spokeswoman Lori Fogleman
said there are "ongoing legal discussions that we
hope will be resolved to both party's mutual
satisfaction." - - - -
See Related Article:
Intelligent Design torpedoes
tenure
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12) Bloomington bans Bible, but welcomes Buddha
Mayor: Display is to honor 'His Holiness the Dalai
Lama'
WORLDNETDAILY - October 19, 2007
Buddha is welcome but the Bible is banned at the
Bloomington, Ind., city hall after officials booted a
display of the Ten Commandments erected by
Christians wanting equal treatment with the Far East
religion promoted by the Dalai Lama.
A WND request for comment from Mayor Mark Kruzan
wasn't immediately returned, but a team of Christians
upset over the promotion of Buddhism told WND they
are seeking legal advice about their next step.
The dispute arose over a display of religious statues
of Buddha and other items, including religious cloth
paintings, erected in the Bloomington City Hall to
coincide with a coming visit of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's
leader of Buddhism. - - -
The Dalai Lama, who was honored in Washington
this week, is scheduled to visit Bloomington next
week. In preparation for the visit, the city set up
the "Experience Peace" exhibit about Buddhism.
In his announcement promoting the Buddhist display,
Kruzan said there would be a ceremony "with His
Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama" at the Tibetan Cultural
Center. - - - -
Also
Hotels replacing Bibles with new 'intimacy
kits'
WORLDNETDAILY - November 15, 2007
Hotel chains are removing Bibles from guest rooms,
replacing them with "intimacy kits" and adding "One
Night Stand" packages as well as "romance
concierge" personnel to their offerings, according to a
new report in Newsweek.
Tens of thousands of Americans are protesting the
trend, through an action e-mail alert sponsored by
American Family Association.
The Newsweek report by Roya Wolverson suggested
a new marketing campaign could be based on the
apparent values-less programs that are appearing.
"Marriott spokesman John Wolf says the Bible
question [whether to include them in guest rooms] is
premature for the new [boutique hotel] venture, which
he describes as 'cutting-edge,' 'more urban' and 'less
values-oriented.' Now, there's a marketing slogan no
one's tried yet: 'Sleep with us. Leave the values at
home!'" Wolverson wrote. - - - -
Read Full Report
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13) Woman Escorted Off Bus For Reading Bible Aloud
KTVT-TV11 CBS DALLAS/FORT WORTH, TX [CBS
Corporation] - By Carol Cavazos - December 30, 2007
FORT WORTH � A passenger on a Fort Worth bus
says the T. Bus Service discriminated against her
religion.
Christine Lutz says she was reading her Bible to her
children when the bus driver asked her to stop or get
off the bus.
Lutz, a Seventh Day Adventist, and her children were
on their way to church.
"She then said, 'Well I don't think this is the place or
the time to do so.' And I said, 'Oh, but it's the perfect
time and the perfect place since it is our Sabbath and
it is the time with the Lord and therefore I'm going to
continue.' And I continued," she explained.
Then, a TRE supervisor came on board. Lutz also told
him that she would not stop reading. She and her
family were escorted off the bus.
"This was definitely a clear cut case of persecution,"
she said.
Or was it a clear cut case of policy?
"Anyone who is loud will be asked to be quiet," said
representative Joan Hunter. "That is a standard policy
across country in the transit industry."
It doesn't matter what is said, the T has a policy of no
loud or abusive behavior.
"It's only if the other passengers will complain, or it's
obviously so loud it's distracting the operator, that we
will ask them to stop," Hunter explained.
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14) Bible studies finally 'free'
County had told 2 groups to buy 2.5 acres or stop their
meetings
WORLDNETDAILY - December 28, 2007
A lawsuit alleging officials in Miami-Dade County
violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law by
demanding that members of Bible studies, even if
only two or three people were involved, own an least
2.5 acres of land to meet has been dropped after
county officials changed their minds.
The lawsuit by the Alliance Defense Fund had been
filed early in 2007 after authorities issued cease-and-
desist orders to two separate Christian organizations,
the International Outreach Center and Worldwide
Agape Ministries, demanding they purchase enough
land to make their properties at least 2.5 acres, or
stop meeting.
County officials, however, later concluded their
demands should be dropped, so the ADF said it was
dropping the lawsuit also.
"County officials agreed that forcing people to
purchase 2.5 acres of land in order to meet in a
private home is ridiculous," said Joel Oster, senior
legal counsel for the ADF. "We commend county
officials for standing up for the rights of our
clients."
The issue arose during the course of 2006, when the
International Outreach Center, after meeting for prayer,
Bible study, discussion and singing on its small
rented property for more than a decade, was given a
code violation notice from the county stating the group
needed to apply for a "certificate of use." - - -
"County officials stated at the time that the group
would have to purchase 2.5 acres of land to continue
meetings, even if the regular gathering included two to
three people," the ADF confirmed.
Its lawsuit was filed in February of 2007, alleging that
the county's demand was unreasonable, and worse,
illegal and unconstitutional. - - -
Specifically, that code said, "No church shall be
constructed, operated or permitted upon any site that
does not contain a minimum of two and one-half (2 �)
acres of land area, including street dedications, and
having a minimum contiguous frontage of at least one
hundred fifty (150) feet abutting on a public street right-
of-way---" - - -
The complaint alleged the zoning code provision
violated the U.S. Constitution and the federal
Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
of 2000.
The lawsuit pointed out that the county allowed other
activities on smaller parcels, but not churches. - - -
However, changes within the county code prompted
the ADF to make the decision to pursue legal action
no longer.
"County officials are now fully supporting the rights of
the groups under federal law, making the lawsuit
unnecessary," the ADF said in a statement. - - -
"The --- legislation essentially eliminates the Code's
acreage and frontage requirements, which were
adopted in the 1950s, for religious facilities. The
parties agree that the enactment of the proposed
legislation will address the plaintiffs' concerns as
alleged," the court "Joint Status Report" said. - - - -
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15) Bible standards attacked in 'bastardized courts'
Homosexual advocates claim hurt feelings, demand
penalties
WORLDNETDAILY - By Bob Unruh - December 25,
2007
Biblical standards are under attack by the "bastardized
courts" of Canada, where activists who claim they
have "hurt feelings" are demanding - and getting -
penalties imposed against those who oppose the
homosexual lifestyle, according to a family
organization.
The description of the courts, also known as the
provincial and national Human Rights Commissions,
comes from the Canada Family Action Coalition,
which has addressed the problem in an alert to its
constituents, and warns the United States is not that
far from having similar assaults on traditional family
values.
"It has become apparent in the past month how badly
the acts are written and how they are being misused
to violate the rights of Canadians," the organization
said.
"We today have a major national magazine, a federal
political party leader and a registered political party, a
major Catholic newspaper (Catholic Insight) and an
internationally renowned journalist all of whom are
being investigated by appointed 'hate speech
therapists' from the commissions," the group said.
The journalist is Mark Steyn, according to CFAC
spokesman Brian Rushfeldt, and the newest case
involves Canada's national Catholic magazine of
news, opinion and analysis.
The publication has been told it is being targeted by a
complaint from Edmonton resident Rob Wells, who
alleges the publication has offended homosexuals. - -
-
In a typically democratic form of government, basic
rights such as freedom of speech, opinion and the
press would answer for such concerns, but in
Canada, under the jurisdiction of the Human Rights
Commissions, the result is anyone's guess,
Rushfeldt told WND. - - - -
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16) Chaplain's firing over prayer 'in Jesus' name' inspires churches to rally
WORLDNETDAILY - September 14, 2007
Dozens of Christian churches ranging from Catholic to
Pentecostal in theology are rallying this weekend in
Leesburg, Fla., under the name of Jesus, after a local
chaplain was dismissed from the Leesburg Regional
Medical Center for praying in His name.
"This is not a protest or march against the hospital, or
for [Chaplain] Danny Harvey," John Kimer, one of the
pastors at Grace Tabernacle, where Harvey is an
elder, told WND. "We're uniting all the churches under
the name of Jesus Christ. We have almost every
denomination in this area, and we're coming together
under one name, which is Jesus."
"This is a silent march. We won't be carrying signs,"
he said. The only statement that is being made is the
shirts marchers will wear - 500 distributed so far and
more needed. They will state "United" on the front,
and "My Jesus, My Freedom, My Stand" on the back.
The two-mile event will begin at the Leesburg City Hall
at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
In a scenario reminiscent of Navy Chaplain Gordon
Klingenschmitt, who was removed from the military
service because of his prayers "in Jesus' name,"
Harvey recently was "involuntarily terminated,"
according to a hospital letter.
He said his supervisor had called him into her office,
and ordered that not only would he not prayer
further "in Jesus' name," but that he was to instruct his
volunteer chaplains to follow the same restriction.
Hospital officials weren't available to return a WND
request for comment, but Kimer said the name of
Jesus is central to Christianity, and that's why the
multi-denomination rally is planned. - - -
The hospital said it dismissed Harvey from his
$48,000-a-year post not because he was praying in
the name of Jesus Christ, "but [because] the official
duties of a paid position were not being met. Those
duties include being respectful of the different
religious beliefs of our patients and the ability to lead
them in their faith in their time of need." - - - -
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17) Bishop loses gay employment case
BBC NEWS [PSB operated by BBC Trust] - July 18,
2007
A gay man has won his case for unlawful
discrimination after he was refused a youth official's
job by a Church of England bishop.
The employment tribunal said John Reaney, 42, was
discriminated against "on grounds of sexual
orientation" by the Hereford diocesan board of finance.
Mr Reaney, from Colwyn Bay, Conwy, said he
was "delighted" at the decision.
The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Rev Anthony Priddis,
said he was "naturally disappointed" and may appeal.
During the tribunal in Cardiff in April, Mr Reaney said
he was questioned by Bishop Priddis on his previous
gay relationship during a two-hour meeting on 19 July
2006
It came after he was told he had emerged as the
outstanding candidate for the job during an eight-man
interview, the hearing heard. - - -
During his evidence, Bishop Priddis said he had
made clear to Mr Reaney that a person in a committed
sexual relationship outside of marriage, whether they
were heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or
transgender, would be turned down for the post.
But the tribunal found that the bishop should only have
considered the present lifestyle of Mr Reaney, who is
single, and he should have not questioned his future
relationships.
Delivering the judgement, the tribunal said the case
would now be listed for a remedy hearing.
"The respondents discriminated against the claimant
on the grounds of sexual orientation," said the
judgement. - - -
He said the case "demonstrated to many lesbian and
gay Christians working for God within the Church of
England that they are entitled to fair and respectful
treatment". - - -
Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill said the
verdict was "a triumph for 21st Century decency over
19th Century prejudice". - - -
"The tribunal has rightly made clear that the Church of
England cannot discriminate against gay people with
impunity. No-one, not even a bishop, is exempt from
the law."
Under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)
Regulations 2003, it is illegal to discriminate against
people as a result of their sexual orientation, but the
law does contain an exemption for organised religion.
Rev Richard Kirker, chief executive of the Lesbian and
Gay Christian Movement, said the bishop should
resign.
He said: "This is a just outcome. The church has
brought this humilation on itself. The case need never
have been brought if the church was not institutionally
homophobic."
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18) Ireland: High Court Judge quashes homosexual harassment law
The Christian Institute - Press Release - September
11, 2007
Belfast High Court: A judge in the Belfast High Court
has quashed laws which threatened the religious
freedom of Christians.
Mr Justice Weatherup struck down the 'harassment'
provisions of the Northern Ireland sexual orientation
regulations. This means Christians cannot be sued
for expressing their opposition to homosexual
practice.
The judge also ruled that religious liberty may be
significantly affected by the regulations in individual
cases which may come before the courts.
The judge added that in such cases County Courts in
Northern Ireland should consider the principles of the
Brocki case from Canada.
In that case a court ruled that a Christian printer
should not be forced to print material which goes
against his core religious beliefs, but that a Christian
printer must be willing to print other material, such as
letterhead, for homosexual customers.
Today's ruling also narrows the sexual orientation
regulations in Northern Ireland so that they cannot
apply to the school curriculum or affect every activity of
a faith-based group which receives some public
funding (only the specific activity for which a faith-
based group receives public funding will be
affected).
I am greatly disappointed that the BBC website is
running a distorted report of today's ruling. This is
another example of the BBC's bias.
There is no doubt that the religious freedom of
Christians in Northern Ireland is very much safer as a
result of this legal action, but there will still be cases
where Christians must defend themselves in
court.
The Christian Institute will work hard to support cases
of strategic importance to religious freedom and will
work to ensure that the principles from today's High
Court ruling are followed in the rest of the UK.
Thank you to all those who supported this case in
prayer and in donations to our Legal Defence Fund.
Yours in Christ,
Colin Hart
Director
The Christian Institute
Registered office: The Christian Institute, Wilberforce
House,
4 Park Road, Gosforth Business Park, Newcastle
upon Tyne, NE12 8DG
The Christian Institute is a company limited by
guarantee,
registered in England as a charity.
Company No. 263 4440 Charity No. 100 4774
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20) Police present gay Christians with anti-homophobia award
EKKLESIA - By staff writers - October 22, 2007
Gay Christians have been presented with an award for
their work in combating homophobia.
The award was given to the Lesbian and Gay
Christian Movement (LGCM) following their support for
a controversial advert which appeared in the
Independent newspaper, challenging faith-based
homophobia.
Introducing the award Kevin Boyle a member of the
National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Gay Police
Association (GPA) said that Richard Kirker, chief
executive of the LGCM, had first come to his attention
in June 2000 when he was involved in a police
investigation into homophobic attacks against the Rev
Follett, the Vicar of Knightsbridge.
At the time the investigation attracted huge media
interest. Kevin stated that whilst many in the church
had condemned the victim because of his sexual
orientation, Richard Kirker had gone on record to urge
the Bishop of London not to tolerate the homophobic
witch-hunt. Richard Kirker had also supported the
police investigation and had supported the Rev Follett
throughout the protracted enquiry.
He went on to praise Richard Kirker for the support
that he and members of the LGCM had offered the
GPA in response to the campaign organised by some
Evangelical and Fundamentalist groups who had
opposed the contents of the GPA advertisement. Rev
Kirker at the time had described the advertisement
as "courageous and wholly justifiable in exposing the
scourge of religiously motivated homophobia". He had
also made contact with the Home Office, the
Metropolitan Police and the Advertising Standards
Agency, defending the actions of the GPA. As a result
of the response to the GPA advertisement, in February
2007 LGCM hosted the very first national conference
on Faith, Homophobia and Human Rights which was
supported by 50 other organisations. - - -
Speaking on the Government's recently announced
proposal to introduce new legislation to make it a
crime to incite hatred against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender people, Rev Kirker stated: that some
in the Church of England and some of the other more
significant faith traditions were trying to undermine the
values of tolerance and respect to which he believed
that all in our society should be committed -
irrespective of their faith or beliefs. - - - -
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21) US: Christian teens stone 'whore' in CBS drama
As Congress debates abstinence funding, show
features hypocrite believers
WORLDNETDAILY - October 3, 2007
The latest episode of the CBS crime show "Cold
Case" depicted presumably devout Christian teens in
an abstinence club as sexually active hypocrites who
literally stone a member to keep their sins secret. - - -
The episode, which focuses on the unsolved murder
of a promiscuous 15-year-old, also has a youth pastor
encouraging a girl to "confess" her impure dreams to
him as he masturbates. - - -
In the opening scene, a high school health teacher
tells her class, "Now if school policy allowed me to do
so, I would tell you how these methods of birth control
can be used and what they do. But I cannot. I would be
fired."
Another scene has Laurie, a product of abstinence
education, asking Carrie how to determine whether
she is pregnant, implying abstinence programs leave
teens ignorant. - - - -
Also
Abstinence advocate calls on CBS to
apologize
WORLDNETDAILY - October 6, 2007
The leader of an organization that advocates
abstinence is demanding CBS apologize for
portraying Christian members of an abstinence club
as sexually active hypocrites who stone another
member to death.
"CBS should apologize to America for its reckless
episode," said Leslee Unruh, president of National
Abstinence Clearinghouse.
"With visibility comes responsibility, and CBS didn't
take that into account when airing this tainted show.
Abstinence education works." - - -
"One of the largest and most comprehensive studies
of teen sex education, conducted by Dr. Stan Weed of
the Institute for Research and Evaluation, shows why
abstinence is the most successful method of
preventing physical and emotional complications
resulting from pre-marital sexual activity," said
Unruh. "The study followed the education and
behavior of over 400,000 adolescents in 30 different
states for 15 years. If CBS broadcasted an episode in
which a comprehensive sex education club advisor
took advantage of a minor, this country/the media
would be in an uproar." - - - -
Read Full Report
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22) Miller Brewing Apologizes for 'Last Supper' Poster
CYBERCAST NEWS SERVICE [CNSN.com] - By
Randy Hall - October 26, 2007
The Miller Brewing Company issued a formal apology
on Friday for any offense caused by the use of its
logos on a poster promoting the Folsom Street Fair in
San Francisco during late September by replacing
Jesus and his disciples in Leonardo Da Vinci's
painting of "The Last Supper" with half-naked
homosexual sadomasochists.
In an email statement sent to Cybercast News Service
by Senior Manager of Media Relations Julian Green,
the company said it "has taken action to ensure that
such an incident will not happen again."
"Miller has just completed an exhaustive audit of its
marketing procedures for approving local marketing
and sales sponsorships, and it is implementing
plans to tighten its compliance procedures," the
release stated.
"The company has received assurances from its local
distributor in San Francisco and from Folsom Street
Events that future marketing materials and event
activities will fully comply with Miller's marketing
policies and procedures," the statement
added.
"We deeply regret that we did not adhere to our own
policies with regard to the Folsom Street Fair," said
Miller Senior Vice President Nehl Horton. "We
apologize to everyone we offended as a result. We
hope people will forgive us for this serious error and
have confidence we will not repeat it." - - -
As Cybercast News Service previously reported, the
poster first drew attention - and criticism - from the
conservative group Concerned Women for America on
Sept. 25.
"'Gay' activists disingenuously call Christians 'haters'
and 'homophobes' for honoring the Bible, but then
lash out in this hateful manner toward the very people
they accuse," said Matt Barber, CWA's policy director
for cultural issues, at the time. - - - -
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23) Actors tell Hollywood 'Enough is Enough'
Petition set up to seek respect for Jesus' name
WORLDNETDAILY - September 22, 2007
Actress Kathy Griffin's rant at the Emmy awards in
which she told Jesus to "suck it" has triggered a
petition campaign intended to tell Hollywood "Enough
is Enough!"
Griffin, the star of the Bravo show "My Life on the D-
List," was being honored for the Outstanding Reality
Program, overtaking ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition" after multiple attempts, when she launched
into the tirade.
But cast members at the Miracle Theater
in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., say they have had all they
can stand.
"We, as Christian entertainers, do not take it lightly that
the name of our Lord and Savior has been mocked,
and in response, we took out an ad in USA Today to
stand up for Him," the group said.
The group purchased a USA Today ad, for almost
$100,000, on Sept. 17 to say, "'Enough is Enough!'
The name of Jesus Christ should not be mocked, nor
should those who love Him be slandered for their
beliefs. It is time for people of faith around the country
to stand firm against religious slander, bias, and
bigotry of all types including Christianity!"
"We are the actors, singers, dancers, crew and
managers of Miracle
Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
We are proud to stand on stage every night and use
our God-given talents to portray the life and the love of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We, along with
thousands of other Christians in the entertainment
industry, know our talents do come from God, and we
take offense when His name is battered and bruised
by people through the media. Over 2,000 years ago,
Jesus was mocked and few stood up for Him. We at
The Miracle Theater consider it an honor to stand for
Jesus today," the group said.
Griffin, at the 59th annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards
held recently, said:
"I guess hell froze over. A lot of people come up here
and thank Jesus for this. He had nothing to do with
this. --- Suck it, Jesus! This award is my god now,"
she said.
The statement brought an immediate reaction from
Bill Donohue, president of Catholic
League. He called
it a "vulgar in-your-face brand of hate speech" from a
self-described "complete militant atheist."
He continued: "Mel Gibson. Michael Richards. Isaiah
Washington. Imus. Jerry Lewis. Every time a celebrity
offends a segment of the population, he pays a price,
in one way or another. The question now is whether
Kathy Griffin will pay a similar price for her outburst.
And as we have learned, her verbal assault was
calculated."
The Miracle Theater organization said: "Our attempt is
not to throw stones at Ms. Griffin, or anyone else. It is
every American's God given right to worship freely and
to speak freely. We believe, however, that as
Christians, we should not accept her mockery of our
Lord quietly! What is shocking to us is how people
tend to respond to comments like this about Jesus
Christ. It made our heart sick to see people in the
audience at the Emmys laughing at Griffin's remarks."
The idea for its petition effort, "Million Voices for
Christ," came about after many people saw the
original ad, and called to express their thanks. The
group then purchased a second ad to announce its
petition plans.
"It seemed that many were looking for a way to speak
out on the matter. If we together stand up and
say, 'Enough is Enough!' we can show the media that
there are MILLIONS OF US that love our Lord! With a
million signatures, together, we can remind
Hollywood that this country was founded on the
principles of God's Holy Word," the group said.
"The message of this petition is simple respect. Our
primary objective is to give any person who wants to
speak out in support of Christ an outlet to do so," said
Russ Hollingsworth, general manager of The Miracle
Theater. "There is strength in numbers. One million
people speaking up just can't be ignored."
He said every American has the right to worship freely
and to speak freely. "We believe, however, that as
Christians it's time for us to take a stand for our faith
and ask for respectful treatment from the media and
the entertainment industry."
The petition
is on the organization's web page.
Also
Censorship of 'Suck it, Jesus!' protested - 'like
Saudi Arabia --- Afghanistan'
WORLDNETDAILY - September 15, 2007
After an uproar, Kathy Griffin's "Suck it, Jesus!" remark
was eliminated from the broadcast tonight of the 59th
annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards, but not everyone
is happy.
Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, has
called for a boycott of the Emmy awards, likening the
decision by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
to actions by radical Islamic states.
Johnson said "this is something I'd expect in a nation
like Saudi Arabia or Taliban-controlled Afghanistan."
Griffin's fans have created a website,
SuckItJesus.com, urging her "mild, and comedic"
speech to be aired on E!
After eliciting laughter from the Hollywood audience
that watched Griffin accept the award, New York
magazine gave her "kudos" for her "joyfully
blasphemous rant."
The magazine said "thank God we can always count
on Kathy Griffin to inject a little energy into a boring
awards show," which will be seen tonight on the E!
network.
As WND reported, Griffin, the star of the Bravo
show "My Life on the D-List," used her appearance on
the Emmy program to tell Jesus to "suck it" and to
claim full credit for the honor for herself. - - - -
Read Full Report
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24) Prisons Purging Books on Faith From Libraries
NEW YORK TIMES - By Laurie Goodstein - September
10, 2007
Behind the walls of federal prisons nationwide,
chaplains have been quietly carrying out a systematic
purge of religious books and materials that were once
available to prisoners in chapel libraries.
The chaplains were directed by the Bureau of Prisons
to clear the shelves of any books, tapes, CDs and
videos that are not on a list of approved resources. In
some prisons, the chaplains have recently dismantled
libraries that had thousands of texts collected over
decades, bought by the prisons, or donated by
churches and religious groups.
Some inmates are outraged. Two of them, a Christian
and an Orthodox Jew, in a federal prison camp in
upstate New York, filed a class-action lawsuit last
month claiming the bureau's actions violate their
rights to the free exercise of religion as guaranteed by
the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act.
Traci Billingsley, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of
Prisons, said the agency was acting in response to a
2004 report by the Office of the Inspector General in
the Justice Department. The report recommended
steps that prisons should take, in light of the Sept. 11
attacks, to avoid becoming recruiting grounds for
militant Islamic and other religious groups. The
bureau, an agency of the Justice Department,
defended its effort, which it calls the Standardized
Chapel Library Project, as a way of barring access to
materials that could, in its words, "discriminate,
disparage, advocate violence or radicalize." - - - -
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Contact Information
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| Editor |
| Scott Brisk |
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