The 3 - February 3, 2019

This week's edition of The 3, highlighting three relevant stories to the Christian community, features a new development in the story of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani woman set free from her death sentence for violating the country's blasphemy laws.  Also, a major Christian organization is attempting to uphold Biblical teaching regarding employee policy.  And, an effort to pass sweeping abortion legislation in Virginia has been turned back.

3 - Pakistan high court upholds ruling to free Asia Bibi

The case involving Asia Bibi, the Pakistani woman who was sentenced to death under the country's harsh blasphemy laws, accused of insulting Mohammed, had another development this past week; the BBC reported that "The Supreme Court upheld its decision to overturn Asia Bibi's conviction and death sentence."

The report goes on to say:

The Supreme Court's quashing of her sentence last October led to violent protests by religious hardliners who support strong blasphemy laws, while more liberal sections of society urged her release.

Mission Network News quoted the national director of FMI, which stands for Forgotten Missionaries International, who told Executive Director Bruce Allen, "We are gradually heading towards a civil war situation." He said that "Radical Muslims have again taken to the streets," and "Protesters are calling for the execution of the Supreme Court justices who issued the ruling and the overthrow of Prime Minister Imran Khan."  The article also states that Allen "has informed MNN that Asia Bibi has been safely escorted out of Pakistan," but her location at the time was unknown.

2 - American Bible Society uphold Bible, loses staff members

You would expect an organization that is centered on the Bible to require its employees to act in accordance with the Bible's teachings.  So, it should come as no surprise that employees have been leaving the American Bible Society due to a new statement affirming a commitment to Biblical marriage relationships.

A Religion News Service story quotes Society President and CEO Roy Peterson, who said that the new Affirmation of Biblical Community “was introduced because we believe a staff made up of people with a deep and personal connection to the Bible will bring unity and clarity as we continue our third century of ministry.”

The story, released in late January, states: "Those departures represent a little less than 20 percent of the society’s workforce. But several have explicitly resigned in protest of the affirmation, and more are expected to resign by the end of the month."  The policy went into effect this past Friday.

1 - Virginia bill allowing abortion up until, and perhaps past, the time of birth halted - for now

The Virginia bill that would have allowed legalized abortion up until the time of birth and perhaps allow the life of a child to be taken after he or she is born, is now on hold, according to Live Action News, which says:

Virginia’s Repeal Act will not move forward. Live Action News reached out to Rep. C. Todd Gilbert’s office who said the bill will not leave the subcommittee and no action will be taken on it. The Washington Free Beacon said the Repeal Act “when put to a vote… was defeated” and The Daily Progress reports that it was killed. The Washington Times and other sources are reporting that the bill has been tabled or suspended.

The sponsor, Rep. Kathy Tran has admitted, according to the story, that the act would allow abortion "even when a woman is in active labor about to deliver her child."  Live Action News also reported that embattled Governor Ralph Northam, who, when commenting on a radio show about a third-trimester abortion, said: "...if the mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen, the infant would be delivered, the infant would be kept comfortable, the infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physician and the mother."

Fox News reported that the governor was trying to walk back his statement - he tweeted out, "Wednesday evening, Northam tweeted: "I have devoted my life to caring for children and any insinuation otherwise is shameful and disgusting."  The story also says that his communications director said the Republicans who had criticized him were "trying to play politics with women's health." As Live Action News reported:

Gov. Northam’s office released a statement after the interview in response to the backlash he received. He claimed that “No woman seeks a third trimester abortion except in the case of tragic or difficult circumstances, such as a nonviable pregnancy or in the event of severe fetal abnormalities, and the governor’s comments were limited to the actions physicians would take in the event that a woman in those circumstances went into labor.” This claim is inaccurate.