3 - Federal judge upholds free speech rights of pregnancy centers
In March of this year, the New York City Council approved an ordinance requiring pregnancy resource centers to post signs that tell clients what services they do not provide - specifically abortion and contraception. The American Center for Law and Justice and the Alliance Defense Fund had filed suit against the law, claiming that it restricted the free speech rights of the centers.
Even though New York City is regarded as the abortion capital of the nation, where some 41% of all pregnancies end in abortion, Federal Judge William Pauley injected some sanity in response to this restrictive law that punishes pro-life advocates. Noting the ordinance's "over-expansiveness", the judge issued a temporary injunction, releasing the centers, albeit temporarily, from having to comply.
Here is CitizenLink's report on the latest developments.
Pro-abortion advocates have long attempted to use the force of law to direct pregnancy resource centers to point ladies to places where they can have an abortion. The centers' mission, in attempting to prevent abortion, is to invite clients to their location to receive counseling, information about their unborn child, and even ultrasound images of their baby. Pregnancy resource centers are highly effective in presenting truth, based on God's Word, not only about the children in the ladies' womb, but also about their heart - and many abortion-minded women, experiencing the power of this truth and the love of the staff and volunteers, have dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ. And, as children are moved from the lists of casualties through abortion to the lists of lives to be lived, it takes "business" away from the big-money abortion industry - no wonder these pregnancy resource centers are being challenged!
2 - Gov. Perry continues to face flak over prayer event
Texas Governor Rick Perry has been outspoken with regard to his Christian faith, and as a governmental official, there is nothing in the Constitution that would prevent him from expressing his faith. In fact, in times past, Presidents and Governors have participated in religious events and even called for days of prayer and/or thanksgiving.
The governor has called for a prayer rally, "The Response", to take place at Reliant Stadium in Houston on August 6th, and attorneys for the governor have underscored the fact that it is a private event, with private sponsors such as the American Family Association. But, not unexpectedly, it's drawn fire from the notorious Freedom from Religion Foundation, which has used hyperbole-filled language to describe what they see as a violation of the mythical "separation of church and state". The FFRF, which had filed a lawsuit against the observance of the National Day of Prayer, now has sued the Governor in Federal court for initiating the event.
One News Now had this report.
Learn more at www.theresponseusa.com.
Here's the invitation from the Governor:
In his invitation, Governor Perry says:
Right now, America is in crisis: we have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters. As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy.
Some problems are beyond our power to solve, and according to the Book of Joel, Chapter 2, this historic hour demands a historic response. Therefore, on August 6, thousands will gather to pray for a historic breakthrough for our country and a renewed sense of moral purpose.
We need Godly wisdom in these turbulent and challenging times - as God's people pray and humble ourselves before Him, we can acknowledge our dependence on Him and express our trust in the One who has the power to change hearts.1 - Christian organizations part of coalition to cut and cap spending, balance budget
This week, against the backdrop of the ongoing debt ceiling debate in the nation's capital, members of the House of Representatives will be voting on the "Cut, Cap, and Balance Act", which would provide for spending cuts for the Federal government, caps on Federal spending, and a Balanced Budget Amendment. The President, as well as Democrats and Republicans in Congress, are locked in talks that would allow for an increase in the debt ceiling, in exchange for actions that would address the burgeoning Federal deficit - Mr. Obama wants to raise revenue by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans, while Republicans want the government to tighten its belt and enact dramatic spending cuts, including perhaps restructuring entitlement programs.
Just a few weeks ago, a coalition of conservative, Tea Party, and Christian organizations introduced a "Cut, Cap, and Balance Pledge", and invited lawmakers and citizens to sign on. There are now over 150 organizations involved, including FRC (Family Research Council) Action, Concerned Women for America, Liberty Counsel, and other familiar names. The website address is www.cutcapbalancepledge.com. The full text of the bill can be found here.
I have commented frequently on the Biblical model for the size and scope of government, as well as the Biblical principle of any entity - an individual, a family, or a government - living within its means. When a government continues to take debt upon itself without any plan to pay the money back, then it is living outside of its Biblical role. Our leaders need to exhibit wisdom and determination, and it's important that we pray and are engaged with them as they seek to solve these enormous issues.
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