The 3 - August 2, 2020

This week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, shines the spotlight on a group of senators who called on President Trump to undergird the First Amendment rights of people of faith during the COVID-19 situation.  Also, with recent attacks on churches and religious symbols, some churches may sense a need for relief; the Department of Homeland Security has recently announced a new effort designed to enhance church security.  And, a letter sent to the NCAA urges the governing body of collegiate sports not to support a boycott of the state of Idaho because of its law that mandates that athletes compete in sporting events based on their biological gender.

Senators speak out on First Amendment protections for churches, urge COVID-19 relief to be conditional on respect for religious freedom

It has certainly been discouraging to see how churches in a number of states have not been afforded the same opportunities to assemble under the law as other forms of gathering.  In addition to multiple lawsuits that have been filed against states by churches, with some yielding a positive outcome, now members of the U.S. Senate have asked the President to take action against state and local government officials that do not allow church participants to exercise their First Amendment rights.

The National Religious Broadcasters website announced that 10 U.S. Senators wrote a letter to that effect, stating:

In their letter, the senators urged the President to support proposals in Congress to place restrictions on any forthcoming COVID-19 relief funding to states and localities that prevent churches, houses of worship, and religious schools and institutions from reopening with appropriate CDC implemented guidelines.

“Such executive action would send the nation and government leaders a clear and unequivocal message that religious liberty matters, and that no state or locality can unilaterally strip away protected constitutional rights,” they said.

NRB CEO Troy Miller said, in part, "we’re seeing special restrictions on the First Amendment right of faithful Americans to exercise their religion – even when done in compliance with safety precautions found in CDC guidance..."

Department of Homeland Security provides assistance for churches under duress

There is great concern over a spike in attacks on churches around the world; noted author and commentator Eric Metaxas is quoted on the Family Research Council website as saying: "There is something about it that is an unbridled, roaring fury...and if you don't treat it in the way that it needs to be treated, if you don't deal with it with some force, really then you are allowing other people to be harmed." The FRC site said that Metaxas "ticked off examples throughout history of rebels wanting to overthrow authority and then turned their attention to the church -- people in France, Russia, China. They all 'found themselves swept up in a rage that had no bounds and that could never be satisfied.'"

The Christian Emergency Network website pinpointed several attacks on churches, including, a Florida church statue being beheaded, an attack on a pastor in Virginia, and arsons in California and Florida. Mix that with the burning of Bibles in Portland by protesters and it is not too far of a reach to think that churches and religious artifacts are in danger.  

The Department of Homeland Security has announced its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure (CISA) Faith-based Website, which, according to CEN, provides access to information that supports efforts to secure churches or ministry gatherings whether large or small. In addition, the website contains a self-assessment tool that is designed for individuals as well as security teams with little or no experience to take the first step in knowing their risks and capabilities to develop customized security plans even in the midst of escalating civil unrest.”  CEN expressed its appreciation for the DHS efforts, and highlighted resources that it provides in order that churches can keep their attendees safe.  

Christian groups part of effort to keep males identifying as transgender out of women's sports; letter recently sent to NCAA

A letter was sent this past week to the NCAA by over 300 female athletes, in association with a coalition called Save Women's Sports, which supports a recently-passed Idaho law that, according to ChristianHeadlines.com, "requires biological sex – and not gender identity – to be used in determining who plays on high school and college teams." The letter urges the NCAA to, according to the article, "reject calls for a boycott of Idaho due to a new law that protects the integrity of women’s sports."

The organization was founded by powerlifter Beth Stelzer; WORLD Magazine says that some of the allies of the group include Concerned Women for America, the Heritage Foundation, Family Research Council, and Alliance Defending Freedom, as well as liberal groups.  The article relates:

Stelzer says biological males are competing as females in swimming, wrestling, track and field, cycling, soccer, softball, powerlifting, and other sports, robbing females of opportunities, medals, scholarships, records, sponsorships, and even participation. “I never would’ve started powerlifting if I’d known I’d have to compete against males,” she told me.

Recently, Concerned Women for America announced its support for this letter, with Penny Nance, CEO and President of the organization saying:

“Female NCAA, professional, and Olympic athletes who signed this letter speak for all women and girls across America who simply want to compete against other female athletes. This is what Title IX achieved over 40 years ago. The NCAA has no business overturning that victory by promoting inequity in women’s athletics.

“This is not a left or right issue. Women and girls, regardless of political affiliation, deserve to have the laws that protect us respected and followed, ensuring equal opportunities and benefits in sports for all female athletes.”