The 3 - May 27, 2018

On this week's edition of The 3, highlighting stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is concerning news about activity that is being allowed at a worldwide Scouting jamboree to be held next year.  Also, there were court ruling last week against student privacy - one involved a transgender student in Virginia; another affected students being allowed in the restrooms and locker rooms of members of the opposite sex.  And, there was a major decision related to a Southern Baptist seminary president this past week.

3 - New rules announced at Scout jamboree next year

The next World Jamboree, sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), will be held next summer in West Virginia, and recently released its health and safety guidelines for the event, according to the website of the Florida Family Policy Council, which is headed by John Stemberger, board chair of the Christian-based scouting movment, Trail Life USA.

The guidelines state that condoms should be "readily and easily accessible," and that alcohol will be permitted in "confined areas."

The Florida Family Policy Council website points out:

This announcement comes on the heels of the BSA changing its membership policy earlier this month to allow girls to fully participate in local Boy Scout Troop programs and their official name change to remove the word “boy” to transform into the new genderless “Scouts BSA.”

Stemberger, who serves as President, released this statement:

“In light of the mandatory condom policy, it is not clear how far down the rabbit hole the Boy Scouts will continue to fall. With the addition of condoms and alcohol, the World Jamboree is starting to sound more like a 1960s Woodstock festival rather than a campout that parents would want to send their children to! All of this should be deeply disturbing to the churches that are chartering Boy Scout Troops. These policies present a clear youth protection problem that the BSA absolutely refuses to recognize. The fact that they are requiring that condoms be ‘readily accessible’ and are communicating this to everyone– including youth participants–shows that the BSA is both anticipating and facilitating sexual conduct between minors at this event. These policies are both outrageous and completely irresponsible.”

2 - Judges rule against student privacy

There were several recent court rulings that represented an erosion in privacy protections for students. A case that made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, only to be sent back to a lower court, received a ruling, according to a USA Today story which reported that:

A federal judge said Tuesday that a transgender student at odds with a Virginia high school since 2015 should not have been forced to use a bathroom separate from the boys' restrooms, which he wanted to use.

In 2014, the Gloucester County School Board told Gavin Grimm he could not use the boys' restrooms at the school and would have to use a separate bathroom. Grimm identifies as a man and brought a lawsuit against the district.

According to a NBC News story from last year, after the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the case, "the Trump administration announced a change in policy on the transgender issue. The lower court had relied, in part, on an earlier version of that policy."  So, it was sent back, and the Federal district judge made the ruling, citing, in part, Title IX, which prevents gender discrimination.  However, it has been pointed out that gender identity and transgenderism were not exactly on the minds of Congress when that was implemented - in 1972!

And, in the same week, as the Alliance Defending Freedom reported, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit ruled "against student privacy" in the Boyertown Area School District on Pennsylvania.  ADF had reported that...

...During the 2016-17 school year—without informing parents or students—the Boyertown Area School District secretly opened its high school locker rooms, showers, and restrooms to students of the opposite sex, which violated many students’ bodily privacy rights.

This was challenged by students and parents in the district. ADF Legal Counsel Christiana Holcomb stated:

“The Supreme Court has already spoken: The real differences between men and women mean that privacy must be protected where it really counts, and that certainly includes high school locker rooms and restrooms. This decision is out of step with longstanding legal protection for privacy. We will continue advocating for these young students.”

1 - Seminary trustees reassign President

What is probably the end of merely the first chapter of a story that has had a devastating effect on the Southern Baptist Convention concluded in the past week as the long-time President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was removed from that position and reassigned as President Emeritus by the Seminary's Board of Trustees at a lengthy meeting that was requested by Paige Patterson.

Baptist Press reported on the recent developments and what led up to Patterson's removal.  It stated:

Southwestern's trustees convened their meeting in response to controversy surrounding Patterson since late April over statements he made years ago on domestic violence and a teenage girl's physical appearance.

The article also said that:

Patterson issued a statement May 10, in which he apologized for a "failure to be as thoughtful ... as I should have been" in describing domestic violence and the physical attractiveness of women in sermon illustrations.

Since the years-old video and audio clips surfaced, thousands of Southern Baptists have signed open letters both supporting and opposing Patterson.

The next chapter is likely to unfold at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas.  Patterson has been scheduled to present the keynote sermon there.  The Patterson issue and the role of women in the churches of the convention will no doubt be topics of discussion and there may be action taken on the convention floor, perhaps in the form of a resolution.  Also, there is a hotly contested election for Convention President, with North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear and North Greenville University administrator Ken Hemphill as the candidates - they have been amicable toward one another, jointly asking for prayer for the election a few weeks ago; but supporters of each candidate have been rather vocal online.

The 3 - May 20, 2018

Each week, I post references to three stories potentially impacting the Christian community.  One of the stories involves a college graduate who decided to include religious content in her graduation speech after intervention by a Christian legal advocacy group.  Also, a new California law allowing assisted suicide has been struck down by a state judge there.  Plus, the Trump Administration has announced the intent to lower the amount of taxpayer money going to health care facilities that provide abortion.

3 - Faith content remains in graduation speech

This is that time of year when it seems almost annually you hear about a student who was not allowed to deliver religious content in a graduation speech.  A recent example occurred at Colorado Mesa University, according to a story on the ChristianHeadlines.com website.

Graduate Karissa Erickson wanted to make reference to Jesus and the Bible in her speech.  The story states:

Relevant Magazine reports that student Karissa Erickson gave the speech last Friday at her school’s graduation ceremony. Although the university has a rule prohibiting religious content in school-related speeches, Erickson, with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom, appealed this rule and won.

(Here is a link to the Relevant story.)

The Christian Headlines piece says that, "...upon hearing of Erickson’s case, the ADF sent a letter to university officials, seeking to appeal the rule."

The story goes on to state:

The school decided to grant Erickson’s request, as expressed through ADF’s letter, although some school officials still said Erickson could face “repercussion” if she chose to keep the references to Jesus and the Bible in her speech.

2 - Assisted suicide overturned by California judge

A California district judge struck down a law called the End of Life Option Act, which had been passed by lawmakers during a special session that had been called by the governor to address other health care issues.  According to the Christian Medical and Dental Associations website:

Life Legal Defense Foundation attorneys who represent the American Academy of Medical Ethics, (www.ethicalhealthcare.org) CMDA's state public policy arm, in the lawsuit appeared in court yesterday to argue that the Act is not related or even incidental to the stated purpose of the special session.

Riverside Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia agreed, ruling on May 15 that “the End of Life Option Act, which decriminalizes physician-assisted suicide, does not fall within the scope of access to healthcare services,” and that it “is not a matter of health care funding.”

Dr. David Stevens, CEO of the CMDA, which has 19,000 members, according to its site, is quoted as saying: "Just as assisted suicide contravenes the Hippocratic oath, the judge found that the California legislature contravened the state constitution," adding, "Assisted suicide is not healthcare, it has no role in the healing arts of medicine, and it is dangerous for patients, medicine and society."

1 - Administration cuts funding to Planned Parenthood

The Trump Administration this past week announced its intention to remove dollars that were allotted for so-called "family planning" services from going to Planned Parenthood and other clinics that include abortion in the services they perform.  A report on The Washington Times website stated:

The proposed rule change in Title X, a $260 million federal program for contraception and “family planning,” will interpret the 1970 law as requiring absolute separation between contraception and abortion activities, effectively making Planned Parenthood ineligible.

“The proposal would require a bright line of physical as well as financial separation between Title X programs and any program (or facility) where abortion is performed, supported, or referred for as a method of family planning,” a Trump administration official said in an email to the Weekly Standard.

This is an incremental step to defunding Planned Parenthood, as the Times points out: "Even apart from that, much of the hundreds of millions in annual federal money Planned Parenthood gets comes from Medicaid, which would not be affected by the rule change. Cutting it off would require legislation."

In voicing his support for this proposal, Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family, wrote:

HHS’s announcement that it will be bringing back a Reagan-era regulation dealing with family planning funds and abortion responds to the cry of millions of Americans who want their government to support life, not death. Six in ten Americans oppose taxpayer funding of abortion.

Title X is for family planning services – and abortion is not family planning.

The 3 - May 13, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there are two stories relative to Christian denominations: the United Methodist Church's struggle on matters related to homosexuality, and a recent controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention relative to treatment of women.  Also, three North Korea prisoners came back to the U.S. recently, and there are several spiritual dynamics.

3 - United Methodist Church prepares for conference on sexuality, Bishops recommend removing phrase declaring homosexuality to be sinful

At the 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, it was determined that matters related to sexuality, with a central emphasis on homosexuality and its effects on the church, would be tabled until a specially-called conference.  That has now been set, and according to a Religion News Service article on the ChristianHeadlines.com website, bishops at the conference, "...announced the creation of a 32-member commission that would make recommendations to settle questions of ordination and marriage at a special session of the General Conference to be in held in February in St. Louis."

The commission has recommended three plans: The One Church Plan, the Traditionalist Plan, and the Connectional Conference Plan.  The Christian Headlines article stated: "The Council of Bishops recommended the One Church Plan, on Friday (May 4), after nearly a week of meetings in Chicago, according to a council press release."

So, what is in the plans?  The website of the Institute on Religion and Democracy,
JuicyEcumenism.com, stated:

...the Council of Bishops will forward three separate plans as possible options to the 2019 General Conference as part of its final report:

• a Traditionalist Plan, which has previously been described as maintaining our present sexual-morality standards, increasing enforcement measures, and allowing gracious exit ramps for congregations and others unwilling to follow our standards;

• a so-called One Church Plan, which has previously been described in terms of removing the UMC’s traditionalist teachings and policies on marriage and sex, and officially authorizing same-sex “weddings” and homosexually active pastors, throughout our denomination; and

• a Connectional Conference Plan, which has previously been described as replacing the five jurisdictions into which the UMC is currently geographically divided within the United States with two or more nationwide jurisdictions that would each have its own theology and policies related to marriage, while somehow remaining part of the same denomination.

Again, the bishops have recommended the One Church Plan. The IRD article stated: "Such a plan, more accurately labeled the Liberalization Plan, is completely irreconcilable with Scripture, unfaithful 2,000 years of consistent global Christian tradition, and very pastorally harmful, most especially to self-identified LGBTQ individuals and their loved ones."

The Wesleyan Covenant Association issued a statement this past week, in which it expressed gratitude that three plans would be presented.  It stated, in part:

We understand a majority of the council is recommending the adoption of a “local option” plan that would liberalize our sexual ethics, teachings on marriage, and ordination standards. Therefore, we are particularly grateful a significant and important minority of the council insisted on the inclusion of a traditionalist model.

To give some perspective on this association and its purpose, here is another passage from the statement:

At its inception the Wesleyan Covenant Association clearly stated in its Chicago Statement that: “A plan that requires traditionalists to compromise their principles and understanding of Scripture, including any form of the ‘local option’ around ordination and marriage, will not be acceptable to the members of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, stands little chance of passing General Conference, would not definitively resolve our conflict, and would, in fact, lead to the fracturing of the church.”

Nevertheless, the tone of its statement indicated the Association was hopeful about the outcome of this event, coming up in February 2019.

2 - So. Baptists debate status of Seminary president in advance of its National Convention

Meanwhile, the Southern Baptist Convention is set to meet in Dallas next month, and over the past few weeks, the Convention has garnered negative headlines regarding comments made in the past by one of the long-time leaders of the Convention, President of the denomination's Southwestern seminary, Paige Patterson.  The comments centered around Dr. Patterson's views on how abuse should be handled in a marital relationship.  Plus, a video surfaced on a blog of Patterson making a joke that was perceived to be in ill taste and misogynistic.

Patterson has made several statements; the most recent, according to the Baptist Press website, was an apology to those he had offended.  It contained the words:

...I wish to apologize to every woman who has been wounded by anything I have said that was inappropriate or that lacked clarity. We live in a world of hurt and sorrow, and the last thing that I need to do is add to anyone's heartache. Please forgive the failure to be as thoughtful and careful in my extemporaneous expression as I should have been."

Patterson added, "I would also like to reiterate the simple truth that I utterly reject any form of abuse in demeaning or threatening talk, in physical blows, or in forced sexual acts. There is no excuse for anyone to use intemperate language or to attempt to injure another person. The Spirit of Christ is one of comfort, kindness, encouragement, truth, and grace; and that is what I desire my voice always to be.

There have been several open letters that have been posted online; the one receiving the most attention coming from women who had expressed their concern.  In social media, there has been spirited discussion about whether or not Patterson should resign his position or be removed, as well as whether or not he should preach the highlighted convention sermon in Dallas.  The seminary's Board of Trustees will meet next week to discuss the situation, at the request of Patterson, according to Baptist Press.

Meanwhile, outgoing convention president Steve Gaines has weighed in, and in a statement referenced in another Baptist Press article, mentioned that he had spoken to Patterson and expressed his disagreement with him in these matters. Gaines also issued an apology to SBC women, saying, in part: "On behalf of the SBC, I ask for the forgiveness of all women who have been hurt by these comments and the issue of ill treatment of women within churches in particular." He encouraged Southern Baptists to pray for the Trustees meeting on May 22.  He also encouraged them to do four things:

--Pray for the SBC. Ultimately, our struggle is not with people, but with Satan and demonic spirits (cf. Ephesians 6:12). We must stop fighting one another, and start fighting the devil on our knees.

-- Fast and pray 21 days for our SBC meeting in Dallas. I call all Southern Baptists to participate in a 21-day fast beginning Tuesday, May 22 through Monday, June 11. That will enable us to fast for 21 days immediately prior to the SBC meeting that begins on Tuesday, June 12. Some can do a regular fast (liquids but no food). Most anyone can do some sort of partial fast (i.e. eliminate certain foods, or eliminate a meal or two per day).

-- Speak positively and constructively. Every word we speak, in private or public conversation, even on social media, should be Christlike and filled with grace. If anyone reviles you, do not respond in kind. Far better to be wronged than to participate in an ungodly exchange of words before a lost world that is listening and watching.

-- Pray for our SBC trustees. They are accountable to the Lord and to our SBC churches, not to the employees of the SBC entities. Let them do their work as we pray for them.

He also acknowledged his commitment to "racial diversity in the various levels of SBC leadership."

1 - No. Korea prisoners brought home, concerns persist about NoKo human rights record

Three men who had been held as prisoners in North Korea were released during the past week.  The President and Vice-President both met the men, who were accompanied by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, when they returned in the wee hours of the morning.

The Faithwire.com site reported on a spiritual aspect of the homecoming: "As Pence shook hands with the three Americans who had flown back to the U.S. with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, they handed him a note. Contained within was a stunning piece of scripture."  The Scripture passage was the first three verses of Psalm 126 in the English Standard Version:

(1) “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad...”

The Vice-President tweeted, "It was an amazing moment I’ll never forget… when 3 Americans stepped onto the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews & gave me a signed personal note with Psalm 126 on the back...”

The Open Doors USA website reported:

The three Americans–all of Korean descent–reportedly include two Christians. Kim Dong-chul, arrested in 2016, is a pastor in his early 60s while Kim Hak-song, who previously described himself as a Christian missionary was jailed in October 2017. The third man, Kim Sang-duk, also known as Tony Kim, was 55 when he was arrested in 2017. Reportedly, a senior U.S. official said their release was a condition to the historic meeting between Trump and North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un. The United States has repeatedly demanded the release of the three American citizens who were held on charges of committing espionage or unidentified “hostile acts” against North Korea. No other Americans are believed to be held prisoner in North Korea.

The site also stated:

While we celebrate the release of the three men from North Korean custody, Open Doors CEO David Curry points out that these recent positive developments are far from the end of freedom work in North Korea. Instead, they should mark the beginning as we are driven to pray for and advocate for the estimated 50,000 North Korean Christians held in this prison system where abuses and conditions have been described as “as bad or even worse” than Auschwitz, the infamous World War II Nazi concentration camp. For the last 17 straight years, North Korea has been #1 on Open Doors World Watch List as the world’s most dangerous country for Christians.

Curry also is quoted as saying, "...we must continue to work toward religious freedoms for the estimated 300,000 North Korean Christians who must practice their faith under threat of harassment, imprisonment and even death."

The 3 - May 6, 2018

This week's edition of The 3 contains information regarding the rebranding of the Boy Scouts of America to omit the word, "Boy."  Also, two more states have passed legislation to protect faith-based adoption agencies from being forced to violate their religious beliefs concerning the types of homes in which children are placed.  And, another National Day of Prayer executive order was issued by the President; this time, to establish an office to guarantee a level playing field for faith-based organizations in their provision of services.

3 - "Boy" removed from Boy Scouts of America

This week, it was reported that the Boy Scouts of America would drop the use of the word, "Boy," according to USA Today, opting to use the name, Scouts BSA, come next February.

Florida Family Policy Council issued a press release, which stated:

The decision comes after the BSA decided to admit openly gay identified boys and adults, transgendered boys and most recently girls into the historically male organization. The new name will be “Scouts BSA.” New logos now include images of both a boy and a girl.

In 2013, immediately after the BSA voted to admit boys acting out as homosexual, the Florida Family Policy Council was instrumental in leading the launch of Trail Life USA, a national Christian scouting movement.

John Stemberger is President of the Florida Family Policy Council and Chairman of the Board of Trail Life USA.  In a statement, he said:

“It’s simply stunning that a leading youth organization which parents have entrusted the protection of their children with for over a century has now opted to again appease LGBT activists rather than follow clear, common-sense best practices for child protection and do what’s truly in the best interest of the boys..."

He added, "...Having fully joined the sexual revolution, the BSA has become a merely a youth group with neckerchiefs further promoting moral and gender confusion in society.”

2 - 2 states vote to protect faith-based adoption agencies

Because of those people and groups that would want to force faith-based adoption agencies to place children in households that would reflect opposition to their deeply-held beliefs, legal protection is needed.  States such as Alabama have already passed legislation that would allow such agencies to set their own policies for the types of homes in which they would place children.

Family Policy Alliance reported that in one day, two more states have passed similar legislation.  Its website states:

Late last night, the Kansas Legislature passed the Adoption Protection Act, making Kansas the ninth state to protect the right of faith-based adoption agencies to continue their good work. Kansas followed Oklahoma, which also passed a similar measure yesterday.

The story continued: "...unlike states such as Massachusetts and Illinois that have already actively pushed out faith-based adoption providers, Kansas and Oklahoma joined the growing trend to protect faith-based agencies and the children they serve."

Eric Teetsel, President of Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, is quoted as saying, "While other states shut down faith-based providers by establishing a radical, left-wing sexual litmus test, Kansas has made clear: everyone is welcome here.”

1 - New executive order issued on National Day of Prayer establishes new faith-based initiative

Again, the occasion of the National Day of Prayer brought faith leaders to the White House Rose Garden to witness the signing of another executive order to protect religious freedom; this time, the President announced a new initiative, an office. The White House website quoted President Trump:

The faith initiative will help design new policies that recognize the vital role of faith in our families, our communities, and our great country. This office will also help ensure that faith-based organizations have equal access to government funding and the equal right to exercise their deeply held beliefs.

We take this step because we know that, in solving the many, many problems and our great challenges, faith is more powerful than government, and nothing is more powerful than God.

CBN News provided a look into the language of the order.  It reported:

The order calls for the executive branch to ensure "conscience protections" that grants people and institutions free reign "to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation by the federal government."

And, "It also directs the Treasury Department not to target churches or religious groups for speaking about political issues..."

One of the President's evangelical advisory board members, Johnnie Moore, is quoted as saying, "Ordering every department of the federal government to work on faith-based partnerships - not just those with faith offices - represents a widespread expansion of a program that has historically done very effective work and now can do even greater work..."  The story relates that, "He says he'd like to see the White House faith-based effort focus on issues like prison reform, mental health issues, strengthening families, promoting education and meeting humanitarian needs."

Evangelist Greg Laurie stated, "I've always believed that America is better when it's faithful, together. Anything any administration can do to demonstrate a positive partnership between our faith communities and government, the better off our country will be and so I herald this important initiative that empowers people of faith in America..."