The 3 - December 17, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, spotlighting three recent stories impacting the Christian community, features three recent developments concerning the life issue.  Not unexpectedly, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to take a case concerning a challenge to the FDA's approval and expansion of regulation of the abortion pill.  Also, Illinois officials have consented not to enforce a recent law that would inhibit pregnancy resource centers from telling the truth about abortion.  Plus, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that a woman who wanted to abort her unborn child because the child had a genetic condition cannot take the life of that child.

SCOTUS decides to take up abortion pill case

Over 20 years ago, the Food and Drug Administration decided to allow a regimen of two pills that would terminate the life of an unborn child.  There were regulations that were placed on the distribution of the pill, and its availability has expanded over the past decade.  During the pandemic, the pills were being sent via mail order.  With the growth of chemical abortion, a group of pro-life organizations filed a lawsuit against the FDA challenging its original approval and the expansion of its availability.

SCOTUS Blog detailed the movement of the case through the court system: "A federal judge in Amarillo, Tex., agreed with the challengers and suspended" the "approval and the later changes to the conditions on the use of the drug – such as allowing the drug to be used through the 10th week of pregnancy, rather than the 7th, and allowing health-care providers who are not physicians to prescribe the drug. But although the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld Kacsmaryk’s rollback of the later changes to conditions on the use of the drug, it ruled that the challengers’ efforts to invalidate the FDA’s initial approval of the drug came too late."

The blog goes on to report:

The Biden administration and the drug manufacturer Danco came to the Supreme Court this spring, asking the justices to intervene to maintain the status quo until the dispute is resolved. The justices granted that request, allowing the drug to remain widely available for now.

The Biden administration and Danco came to the Supreme Court in September, asking the justices to weigh in on the propriety of the FDA’s decisions in 2016 and 2021 to make mifepristone more widely available, as well as whether the challengers have a legal right to bring their case at all. The doctors and medical groups asked the justices to take up their challenge to the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone in 2000 – both its timeliness and the propriety of the decision itself.

Unfortunately, the high court has said it will not consider the FDA's original approval of the drug.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, in an article on its website, quoted from Katie Daniel, the State Policy Director for SBA Pro-Life America, who stated:

...Working hand-in-glove with the abortion lobby, the FDA has misled the American people with its repeated claims that the abortion pill regimen is ‘safe and effective,’ all while they removed basic safeguards like in-person doctor supervision. This not only flies in the face of science and common sense, but the 5th Circuit agreed it most likely broke the law. The people aren’t buying it, either – especially when they learn the FDA doesn’t track serious complications other than death.

Attempt to restrict pregnancy centers' ability to tell the truth about abortion nullified in Illinois

The Illinois Legislature passed a law that would limit the ability of pro-life pregnancy resource centers to share information about a woman's unborn child.  It was challenged in court by National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, or NIFLA, and after a court placed a hold on the enforcement, an agreement by the state Attorney General not to enforce the law was reached. 

The Washington Times reported:

State Attorney General Kwame Raoul has agreed to a permanent injunction against the law, which aimed to bar the pro-life clinics from using any “deceptive business practice” to counsel clients and defined the sharing of certain information about the risks of abortion as “consumer fraud,” the lawyers said.

The agreement bars the state from prosecuting the clinics and grants attorney fees to the organizations that sued to block the measure.

President of NIFLA, Thomas Glessner, who was on The Meeting House last Friday, is quoted in the article, which said that Glessner...

...hailed the agreement and said the Illinois law “was an absolute weaponization of government that unfairly and unconstitutionally targeted pregnancy centers simply because they refused to refer for or perform abortions.”

Peter Breen of the Thomas More Society, which led the legal challenge, in an e-mail press release from NIFLA, is quoted as saying: "...SB 1909 exempts abortion facilities and their speech, while exclusively regulating pro-life organizations and their speech, in flagrant violation of the First Amendment. This law is just one of a number of illegal new laws enacted across the country that restrict pro-life speech—we hope this permanent injunction, with full attorney’s fees, serves as a warning to other states that would seek to follow Illinois and try to silence pro-life viewpoints. We are honored to represent NIFLA and other life-affirming organizations to protect them from unjust laws like SB 1909 that seek to put a halt to their good work.”

Texas high court rules that woman cannot take the life of unborn child with genetic disorder

The third story this week not only includes a positive court decision for the cause of life by the Texas Supreme Court, but deals with a woman who was convinced that because her unborn child was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, that she should take the child's life. The Christian Post reported last Monday:

The Texas Supreme Court halted a lower court ruling finding that a woman by the name of Kate Cox met the medical exception in the state's abortion law. She now plans to travel out of state to get an abortion.

The state supreme court issued its order Friday, with the court declaring that the case would remain pending. With the help of the Center for Reproductive Rights, Cox filed a lawsuit last week against the state after her unborn child was diagnosed with trisomy 18, claiming that continuing the pregnancy could risk her health and future fertility.

The article notes, "Cox, who was 20 weeks pregnant when the case was filed, was unable to get an abortion in Texas due to the state's ban on abortions except in cases where the mother's life is in danger."  

But trisomy 18 is not necessarily a death sentence, it seems; the Christian Post article also related:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, trisomy 18 is a genetic condition in which an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 18. Children diagnosed with trisomy 18 may have a low birth weight and delays in their physical growth, as well as a short life expectancy.

Babies who are born with the condition and survive are typically provided with comfort care. However, there are several types of treatment available depending on the severity of the diagnosis, including orthopedic care and heart surgery.

Unfortunately, the mother's actions, if she followed through on having an abortion out-of-state, hastened the death of this precious child. The clinic's website states:

The survival rate varies for babies born with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18):

• Between 60% and 75% survive to their first week.

• Between 20% and 40% survive to their first month.

• No more than 10% survive past their first year.

Children born with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) will need specialized care to address their unique symptoms immediately after they are born. The survival rate is low, especially if your child has delayed organ development or a congenital heart condition. Out of the 10% who survive past their first birthday, children go on to live fulfilling lives with significant support from their family and caretakers, as most never learn to walk or talk.

The Christian Post article also noted: 

Pro-life advocate Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director and the founder of And Then There Were None, an organization that helps abortion facility workers leave their jobs, called the Texas case "heartbreaking."

In a statement provided to CP, Johnson stated that, as a mother, she could empathize with Cox's situation. Instead of abortion in adverse prenatal diagnosis cases, however, Johnson advocated for mothers to have time with their children before they pass away naturally.

The 3 - December 10, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, features a sampling from the Presidential debate in Tuscaloosa, AL, and candidate's comments regarding gender issues. Also from Alabama, a drag show met with opposition from church leaders.  Plus, while military promotions will be handled differently that in the previous few months, the Department of Defense's policy on abortion is still coming under fire. 

Gender issues have significant presence in Tuscaloosa Presidential debate

One of the major developments of our time, one that has special relevance to Christians who believe in the Biblical viewpoint of sexuality, is the gender identity movement, that can range from support for surgeries or treatments that falsely claim to change a person's sex to allowing male athletes to compete on female sports teams to allowing males and females to share private spaces, such as bathrooms or locker rooms.

Several aspects of that agenda showed up in the discussion at the recent Presidential debate in Tuscaloosa, and each candidate made statements related to the issue. The New York Post reported that former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stated his belief that parents should decide whether or not minor children should have these treatments, stating, “I trust parents...I stood up every single time for parents to be able to make the decisions for their minor children..." He added, “The minute you start to take those rights away from parents, you don’t know, that slippery slope, what rights are going to be taken away next..." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated, "You do not have the right to abuse your kids. This is mutilating these minors, these are irreversible procedures...," adding, “We cannot allow this to happen in this country..."

Meanwhile Governor DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley attempted to compare their records on matters of gender.  The Post reported, "DeSantis touted sweeping legislation that he signed into law in Florida earlier this year that banned providing minors with puberty blockers or hormone therapy and outlawed performing sex-reassignment surgeries on children."

The article went on to say that Haley...

...was forced to defend her handling of state legislation in 2016 that sought to ban transgender individuals from using restrooms that don’t align with their biological sex.

DeSantis had accused the Haley of killing the so-called bathroom bill.

“When I was governor, 10 years ago, when the bathroom situation came up, we had maybe a handful of kids that were dealing with an issue and I said, ‘We don’t need to bring government into this,” she said.

“Now, 10 years later, we see that this issue has exploded. And this shows how hypocritical Ron continues to be. When he was running for governor [in 2018] and they asked him about that, he said he didn’t think bathroom bills were a good use of his time,” Haley added, referring to an answer DeSantis gave at a Florida Republican gubernatorial forum, where he said would “not pass a law” related to transgender bathroom issues and would rather “stay out of that.”

DeSantis responded to Haley by saying, “I signed a bathroom bill in Florida, so that’s obviously not true..." Haley commented: “I also say that biological boys shouldn’t be playing girls sports, and I will do everything I can to stop that because it’s the women’s issue of our time.”

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy said that, “transgenderism is a mental health disorder..." and the Post article related that he challenged the Florida governor to support the use of federal funds to ban “genital mutilation or chemical castration” for minors. He also noted, "We don’t let you smoke a cigarette by the age of 18. We don’t let you have an addictive drink of alcohol by the age of 21..."

Albertville, AL venue hosts drag show, event raises questions, challenge for LGBT community

After expressions of concern by leaders in the Christian community in the Northeast Alabama city of Albertville, Alabama, a drag show was staged at a local venue.  WAFF Television reported that about 250 people attended and that there was a strong police presence there.  The station's website said:

Chief J.T. Cartee says safety for everyone was the number one priority and offered another avenue on how to express their concerns.

“Don’t get mad. Pray. I’ve talked to some of the people involved in organizing the protests and they have agreed that it’d be better to hold prayer vigils at their church. Why don’t you join in and pray with them? Prayer is far more powerful than protest,” Cartee said.

But, as 1819 News reported, the city did not have jurisdiction to allow people to protest on-site, since the event was on private property.  But, it had been reported that churches in the area were encouraged to have prayer vigils during the week leading up to the event.

The 1819 News piece was written by Jennifer Oliver O'Connell, who made some valid points - I didn't agree with them all, but this passage is worth noting:

The gospel being preached to young people about drag queens is:

• You must be an exhibitionist to be yourself and be seen

• You must embrace another persona in order to be loved – who you are is never enough

And the biggest lie:

• No one will accept you if you reveal your secret life

If there are people in the community of Albertville living a life of fear, hiding in their secrets, then I would think the goal on both sides would be to offer a place of safety and openness, but most of all freedom to reveal those problems and get help. Despite the bill of goods the LGBTQ community sells, pretending to be someone or something else is not normal, and it will not make you free.

The story of Christmas is about how love came down to redeem a fallen world – to set the captives free. The prophecy in Isaiah 9:3 about the coming Messiah promises, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

O'Connell challenged "the local church in Albertville" with this question: "How can you present that message to the LGBTQ community this Christmas season?"

She also questioned why the presenter of the event, Jessica Turner, chose to send the funds raised by the event to a charter school in Birmingham called, Magic City Acceptance Academy. She said: "Perhaps Turner should set up a suicide hotline network since this seems to concern her. If she wants to help community members feel supported and connected in order to avoid loneliness, depression, and suicide, why are proceeds being poured into the Birmingham area?"

Of course, this brings to mind another question: why is there a charter school - a public charter school supported by taxpayers - that is devoted to catering to the LGBT community?  According to the school's website, the fiscal year 2022-23 budget reflected almost $2.8 million in funding from the state and almost $660,000 from the federal government.  Why is the state board of education and the state charter board allowing this to happen?  

AL U.S. Senator allows some military promotions to go through, continues to oppose military abortion policy

Many have lauded the attempt by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville to call attention to the Department of Defense policy to use taxpayer dollars to pay for its members to travel across state lines to have abortions.  Tuberville was not blocking any military promotions; he merely, using a rule in the Senate, called for the Senate to approve the promotions one-by-one, rather than in bulk. The Senator has been vilified for his stance, and until a rule change was approved recently by a Senate committee, was able to successfully challenge the policy.  

The Daily Citizen reports that the Senator "believes this policy violates the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the government from using taxes to fund or promote abortions. Though the DOD’s healthcare policy doesn’t directly fund abortions, it uses taxpayer’s money to facilitate them, which the senator argues is illegal."  

The website notes that Tuberville "...stopped his almost nine-month hold on the Senate’s group military promotions..., several outlets reported, announcing he wouldn’t oppose promotions of three-star generals and lower-ranked officers." The article goes on to say: "His hold on four-star generals and admirals will reportedly continue, as Tuberville vocally supports vetting people controlling the U.S. military." The catalyst for the Senator's actions, according to The Daily Citizen: "The senator’s opponents were prepared to vote on a resolution temporarily changing Senate rules to force the contested promotions through."

The 3 - December 3, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, highlighting three recent stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes the story of a professor in the U.K. who was fired from his position because of online statements consistent with a Biblical view of sexuality.  Meanwhile, a Christian school in Vermont that actually operates by Christian principles, has been excluded from participation in a tuition program and athletic events because of its Biblical approach to matters of sexuality. And, closer to home, the Alabama case involving the protection of dangerous so-called "gender-change" treatments and surgeries, has request information for a high-ranking transgender federal officials, whose communication could be helpful to the state's defense.

U.K. professor fights back in court regarding firing for Biblical views

In February of this year, a professor at a college that has been characterized as a "Christian college" tweeted this out: 

Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they're busy apologizing for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it's true. This *is* a "Gospel issue", by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.

CBN.com reported about the tweet by Dr. Aaron Edwards, a professor at Cliff College in Derbyshire, England, who was dismissed from his position. The article states, "In addition to his dismissal, the college revealed that, during a disciplinary hearing on March 8, administrators considered reporting Edwards to Prevent, an initiative monitoring allegations of terrorism in the U.K." The article says:

Edwards had been employed by the college for seven years without any formal disciplinary issues or warnings, according to the Christian Legal Centre.

So, Edwards has decided to fight back against this injustice on the basis of religion. CBN states: 

He's suing Cliff College seeking damages for unfair dismissal, and compensation under the Equality Act 2010. A full employment tribunal hearing for his case is expected next year, the Christian Legal Centre said.

"Anyone concerned about academic freedom, Christian freedoms, and free speech should be deeply concerned by what has happened to me," Edwards said in a statement.

Cliff College is an entity of the Methodist Church in Britain, which, according to the article, "voted in June of 2021 to allow same-sex marriages in its churches."  The article reports:

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, who grew up in the Methodist Church, said she's sad to see the Methodist Church, and a once renowned Bible college lose their way by no longer upholding marriage as God defines it, or supporting those who express it.

She is quoted as saying: "The Bible is clear that homosexual practice is sinful. Dr Edwards is right that if sin is no longer sin, we no longer need Jesus as our Saviour..." She also adds the poignant warning: "Every church denomination – including Methodists and the Church of England – should confidently proclaim this vision, rather than mirror the zeitgeist..."

Vermont school excluded from sports participation challenges decisions

Mid Vermont Christian School desires to operate by that word in its title: "Christian." Yet the state of Vermont, in direct contrast to what the U.S. Supreme Court has previously said, has excluded MVCS from being part of a state tuition program and participation in sports programs.

Alliance Defending Freedom relates on its website:

Vermont, through its Agency of Education and Vermont Principals’ Association, requires private, religious schools like Mid Vermont Christian to adopt the state’s view on human sexuality and gender—namely, that sex is mutable and biological differences do not matter—as a condition to participate in the state’s tuition program and athletic association. Doing so violates the First Amendment rights of Mid Vermont Christian, its students and families, and other faith-based schools by preventing them from practicing their religious beliefs about sexuality and gender.

ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker is quoted as saying, "Vermont continues its blatant discrimination against religious schools despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Carson v. Makin that the government cannot exclude families from public benefits just because they choose religious education for their children.”

The article also notes:

Although VPA has historically prohibited boys from playing on girls’ sports teams “to protect opportunities for girl athletes,” it recently adopted policies that allow biological males to participate in girls’ sports and is demanding Mid Vermont Christian adhere to those policies, even though they violate the school’s religious beliefs.

It adds:

When the Christian school reluctantly forfeited a girls’ high school basketball game against a team that had a male athlete playing for them, the VPA kicked Mid Vermont Christian out of the association.

The school, as ADF notes, has been excluded from non-athletic competitions, as well.

Transgender federal official drawn in to court case by defense of Alabama's child protection law

Fortunately, Alabama's Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, which would protect minors from receiving treatments and surgeries that falsely promise to change their sex, is currently in effect, thanks to a ruling by the 11th Circuit federal appeals court.  But, the law has been challenged in court, and the trial is expected next year.

The Federal government has become involved in the challenge to the case, and the defense has seized on its involvement. The Daily Caller reports that a biological male who presents as a woman, Rachel Levine, who is a high-ranking official in the Department of Health and Human Services, has had her records subpoenaed, and recently a court has allowed it.  The website states:

Defendants in the case requested the documents of Levine after the Justice Department filed a complaint challenging the Alabama law in April 2022. The DOJ did not comply with the plaintiff’s request, offering the emails of a subordinate to Levine.

A court order requires Levine to release requested e-mail records, according to the article, which goes on to say:

Attorney General of Alabama Steve Marshall defended his request for Levine’s correspondence for discovery in an August 25 court filing. Marshall requested Levine’s correspondence due to Levine’s position as a vocal and powerful advocate for child sex changes.

“Yet the United States refuses to designate Admiral Rachel Levine, who has taken the lead for the federal government on gender transition issues, even though it does not dispute the relevance of Levine’s communications,” the AG says in the filing.

The Daily Caller also notes: "The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is also under discovery in the case, due to their guidelines for transgender youth being repeatedly referenced by plaintiffs in the case. The group is stonewalling efforts at transparency." 

In March of this year, according to KATV Television, Levine said: "'gender-affirming care' for minors enjoys the support of President Joe Biden's administration, as it has 'support at the highest levels of the federal government.'"  Levine stated that he, in the language of the article, "believes the practice of medically changing a child's gender will eventually be normalized."

The 3 - November 26, 2023

On this week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is the story of a pro-life activist who was arrested by federal law enforcement in a particularly aggressive manner who has filed a lawsuit. Also, pro-abortion activists in Florida have crafted a new amendment that would create a constitutional right to abortion in the state and the state's Supreme Court has been petitioned to block the amendment from moving forward.  Plus, thousands of former military members kicked out of the Army for refusing to take the COVID vaccine have been invited to come back or at least have records revised.

Pro-life activist acquitted, responds by suing Justice Department

By now you may have heard the story of Mark Houck, a pro-life Pennsylvania man who, along with his son, were outside an abortion clinic in Philadelphia, when a man began to accost his son. A CBN.com story stated:

As CBN News reported, Houck was charged by the Department of Justice with counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act after he shoved a pro-abortion volunteer escort who was harassing his young son outside an abortion clinic in Philadelphia.

Houck could have received up to 11 years in prison and forced to pay a $350,000 fine, according to the story, but he was "acquitted of all charges" back in January.  

But, the circumstances of his being taken into custody were quite troubling.  The CBN story states:

Mark Houck woke up on September 23, 2022, to an incessant banging on his door. When he opened it, he saw more than 15 FBI agents crowded on his front porch and the front lawn with guns pointed at him.

"They were all the way lined down my driveway," Houck told The Daily Signal. "I had agents on my porch with long guns."

Despite putting his hands up and willingly cooperating, multiple agents pointed guns in Mark's face as his family – including his seven young children – were forced to watch their dad "shackled" and taken away, family representative Brian Middleton told CBN's Faithwire at the time.

The story says that Houck "...and his wife, Ryan-Marie, have filed lawsuits against the DOJ. Their complaints detail the extent of the emotional trauma their family has experienced since that day in September." This includes three miscarriages that Ryan-Marie has suffered.

The article relates:

Houck's lawsuit describes the arrest as an "unnecessary and unlawful show of force," and he accuses the agency of intentionally seeking to assault him and deprive him of his Fourth Amendment rights "by using excessive force to arrest him on non-violent charges when he had not threatened law enforcement, did not own a gun, and had offered to turn himself in to authorities if indicted."

Houck seeks $1.1 million for malicious prosecution, retaliatory prosecution, false arrest, abuse of process, and assault. Ryan-Marie is seeking $3.25 million in damages for herself and her children.

Florida pro-abortion activists draft sample amendment

Following the approval of Issue 1 in Ohio, creating a so-called right to abortion in the state's constitution, Focus on the Family's Life Issues Analyst Nicole Hunt appeared on The Meeting House on Faith Radio and warned against other states that may be considering similar amendments.

A group of pro-abortion organizations are proposing an abortion amendment to be sent to Florida voters.  Liberty Counsel represents a group opposing the amendment, and states on its website:

The proposed amendment is sponsored by Floridians Protecting Freedom, Inc., a political committee supported by the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, the American Civil Liberties Union, and other groups that support the termination of preborn humans through unrestricted abortion on demand.

The piece on the website notes:

Liberty Counsel has filed a reply brief on behalf of Florida Voters Against Extremism (FLVAE) urging the Florida Supreme Court to not approve the wording of a proposed amendment that would codify unrestricted abortion as a right in the state’s Constitution. In the reply brief, Liberty Counsel argues that the initiative is misleading and deceptive and violates the single subject rule. In the brief, Liberty Counsel states the sponsor completely sidesteps these legal issues and fails to provide a meaningful rebuttal.

There was pro-life analysis about deceptive language in the Ohio amendment, and the deception seems to be occurring in the Florida process.  Liberty Counsel states:

The proposed amendment misleads voters and hides the true purpose behind the amendment and its effect, which is to enshrine a right of abortion in Florida for any reason, at any stage of the pregnancy. The effect of the proposed amendment would prevent the State of Florida from regulating all abortions that a vague and undefined “healthcare provider” may deem “necessary” to protect the woman’s “health.”

Army invites members removed for not receiving COVID vaccine to re-enlist or have records revised

Well over 25,000 members of the U.S. military were reportedly denied religious exemptions from a requirement to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a report on the CBN.com website, which said: "A total of 8,945 soldiers, 10,800 airmen and guardians, 4,172 sailors, and 3,717 Marines tried to get religious exemptions from taking the shot but were denied, according to Task and Purpose."  Task and Purpose is described as a "military information blog." 

Task and Purpose reports that the Army is sending out invitations to return.  It states: 

The Army separated 1,903 active duty soldiers for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination during the nearly year and a half it was mandatory, the service said. Letters were sent to approximately 1,900 troops, according to an Army spokesperson.

The article continues: "The letter comes as the Army is dealing with a recruitment crisis. The service missed its recruiting goals for this past year by nearly 15,000 soldiers. A lack of interest from Gen Z to join the military, with many citing factors as broad as the economy and job market to factors as specific as the service’s struggles with sexual assault and suicide in the ranks."

The Task and Purpose article notes: 

In October, CNN reported that only 43 of over 8,000 troops across the entire military had been discharged for refusing the vaccine and showed interest in rejoining. As of September, 19 soldiers returned to active duty, according to the Army.

The 3 - November 19, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, with three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes an emerging story out of the U.K., where the Church of England has decided to make a "trial run" on "blessing" same-sex unions, another step, perhaps, to full endorsement of same-sex marriage.  Also, a Wisconsin city has done an about face regarding expressions of Christmas by city employees.  Plus, there's news out of Finland, where a Member of Parliament has netted a victory for free speech. 

Church of England approves LGBT-affirming action

It's not a full-blown approval of same-sex marriage - yet.  But, the Church of England, in succumbing to pressure, has voted on a measure that would try out some sort of "blessing" of same-sex unions.

Not marriage, but it does seem to be a step in that direction.  FoxNews.com reported that:

The Church of England (COE) is introducing special services meant to allow blessings for same-sex couples — without the approval of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

An amendment put forward to establish a trial run of non-matrimonial religious services for homosexual couples passed the COE parliament by just a single vote.

The Archbishop, Justin Welby didn't vote against the measure, though - he merely abstained, presumably in the name of "unity."

The article notes: 

The services are explicitly not to be considered weddings, as the COE still holds that Christian marriage is between one man and one woman.

However, as the services are allowed to utilize rings, prayers and priestly blessings, many are concerned the accommodations have effectively overruled this marital doctrine.

FoxNews.com also reported, "Gay marriage and acceptance of homosexual lifestyles have formed an increasingly devastating schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion."  It is apparent that compromise with biblical heresy is not an acceptable path to "unity." 

WI city reverses course on Christmas decorations

The city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin had issued guidelines for its employees and property regarding Christmas decorations to reject traditional expressions of decor.  But, when push came to shove, the city backed off and attempted to redefine what it had actually said.

The Higher Ground Times, a division of The Washington Times, reported that the controversy started with an e-mail over a week ago, stating:

Melissa Cantarero Weiss, deputy city administrator, sent an email asking employees to “refrain from using religious decorations or [those] solely associated with Christmas (such as red and green colors) when decorating public spaces within city buildings.”

The article notes:

Ms. Weiss’ original email said decorations should be “inclusive” and “equitable” claiming a need to “celebrate the season without favoring any particular belief system.”

Just days later, city administrator Jim Archambo...

...wrote employees saying that while “concerns from residents” prompted “city leaders, as a team” to support the Weiss email, her message was not a policy directive, was not a “requirement to decorate or not decorate a certain way,” nor did it tell workers “they cannot bring their full selves to work.”

Employees were not told “they cannot decorate their individual work spaces,” Mr. Archambo wrote.

Yeah, right - the Higher Ground Times points out that, "the about-face came 48 hours after Liberty Counsel, a public policy nonprofit, blasted the city for an 'Orwellian and unconstitutional' prohibition."

Member of Parliament in Finland found innocent of "hate speech" for using Biblical references

A long ordeal for a Member of the Parliament in Finland seems to have come to a conclusion, at least temporarily, according to a report on the Alliance Defending Freedom website, which states that...

...the Helsinki Court of Appeal has dismissed all charges against Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola, who were both tried for “hate speech” in August after publicly expressing their Christian beliefs.

So, what did these individuals do that was so egredious, so hateful?  ADF states:

Räsänen, Finland’s former Interior Minister and a grandmother of 11, was formally charged with “agitation against a minority group” in 2021 under a section of the Finnish criminal code titled “war crimes and crimes against humanity” for sharing her Christian beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics in a 2019 tweet, in addition to a 2019 live radio debate and 2004 church pamphlet. Pohjola was charged for publishing Räsänen’s 2004 pamphlet. The case has garnered global media attention as human rights experts voiced concern over the threat posed to free speech.

The Helsinki appeals court upheld a lower court ruling from last year, stating, that it “has no reason, on the basis of the evidence received at the main hearing, to assess the case in any respect differently from the District Court."

But the case may not be over; according to Alliance Defending Freedom:

The court has ordered the prosecution to pay tens of thousands in legal fees to cover costs incurred by both defendants. The prosecution could appeal a final time to the Supreme Court, with a deadline of Jan. 15, 2024.

The 3 - November 12, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, offers some information on the key vote this past week in Ohio which experts say allows abortion throughout the entirety of a woman's pregnancy.  Also, there is new legislation in Congress that would prevent the implementation of an HHS rule that would force prospective foster parents of LGBT children to "affirm" that perspective.  Plus, a lawsuit that could deal a large financial blow to Planned Parenthood is being allowed by a federal judge to go forward.

Ohio voters approve abortion amendment

It would have been rejected had Ohio voters decided to raise the threshold in order to amend the state constitution to 60%.  However, that effort was rejected by the voters, and Issue 1 was approved by Ohio voters by a 57 to 43% margin.  As The Washington Stand reported:

...voters in Ohio adopted a vaguely-worded constitutional amendment creating a “right” to abortion until birth and other “reproductive decisions.”

The article says:

The amendment states: “Every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to” abortion, with a broad exception for the mother’s “health.” Issue 1 also bars the state from infringing on these rights “directly or indirectly.” Pro-life proponents Protect Women Ohio and the Center for Christian Virtue pointed out the term “individual” and “reproductive decisions” could erase parental rights and invent a constitutional “right” for minors to have transgender surgeries without parental consent.

It quoted Protect Women Ohio, which said: “We persevered for 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. Ours is a movement that has always endured, and always will. Tomorrow, the work starts again as we fight to be a voice for the voiceless,” adding, “We are just getting started.”

The Christian organization, Faith2Action, issued a press release on Christian Newswire that stated: 

In addition to the 26 Ohio legislators who issued a joint statement against Issue 1 on Tuesday, legislative leaders announced today they will be introducing bills to address Issue 1 in the Ohio House. Tuesday's joint legislative statement said in part, "This initiative failed to mention a single, specific law. We will do everything in our power to prevent our laws from being removed based upon perception of intent."

Lawmakers seek to reverse attempt to force foster agencies to place LGBTQ children with affirming parents

The Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, according to The Christian Post, which reports that is sponsored by Representatives Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Mary Miller of Illinois.  The article says:

The legislation’s sponsors seek to push back against what they call the administration’s “anti-Christian, far-Left agenda.”

The article states that the legislation would prevent the Administration from "implementing a rule that would require foster care agencies to place LGBT children with families that affirm their stated gender identities." The proposed rule was announced in late September, and the article notes that public comments are being taken until November 27.

Brecheen is quoted as saying, "The federal government should not force foster families to violate their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in order to house children..."  The article also notes:

In a statement to CP, Miller cited the proposed rule as an example of how “the Biden administration is intent on pushing its radical transgender agenda, regardless of who it harms.”

"[T]hrough this proposed rule, Biden’s HHS is circumventing Congressional authority and forcing foster families to violate their deeply held religious convictions," Miller argues.

Judge says that lawsuit against Planned Parenthood can continue

Not only is Planned Parenthood committed to providing abortion, but its ethics in the area of recordkeeping has been alleged to be shoddy, according to a LifeNews.com article, which says:

Texas officials have filed a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood saying that the abortion business filed millions in false Medicaid claims for which it improperly received taxpayer reimbursement. With the repayments, damages and fines, the abortion chain could face a $1.8 billion judgment.

Following a 2021 ruling, Planned Parenthood was removed from the state's Medicaid program.  The article states: 

Medicaid is the largest stream of taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood, and, in Texas, that funding was supposed to be cut off in after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state, agreeing that Texas can kick out Planned Parenthood from the program for violating the law. The decision to defund Planned Parenthood came after the abortion business was exposed selling the body parts of aborted babies.

Now, two years later, Texas wants to recover the taxpayer funds Planned Parenthood improperly received during that time period so they can be used to help Texas residents.

Federal district judge Matthew Kacsmaryk,based in Amarillo, says said the case may go forward; the article reported: "Judge Kacsmaryk ruled that Planned Parenthood is obligated to return some funds to Texas and Louisiana. A trial will decide how much."  Life News noted that this is the same judge who ruled against the distribution of the abortion pill.

The 3 - November 5, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes the story of a federal judge who has halted the implementation of a Colorado law that would prevent ladies who have taken the first pill in the two-pill chemical abortion regimen from participating in an abortion pill reversal procedure.  Also, a group of California parents has gone to court to challenge state law that prevents the parents from choosing religious curriculum in an independent study in association with charter schools.  And, Christian communicators have participated in an open letter to the head of a social media platform calling for him to make good on his commitment to free speech. 

Federal judge places law that would ban abortion pill reversal on hold

The distribution of the abortion pill increased during the COVID pandemic, and since its authorization by the FDA some two decades ago, government agencies have loosened restrictions on chemical abortions.

A chemical abortion is actually accomplished through a two-pill process.  After a woman takes the first pill, mifepristone, it is still possible to reverse its effects and perhaps save the life of the baby.  Colorado attempted to ban the act of reversal, but a recent decision by a federal judge has placed that on hold.

The Daily Citizen reported:

Colorado lawmakers enacted a law (Senate Bill 190) banning hormone treatment to reverse a chemical abortion.

As reported by the Daily Citizen, the law was immediately challenged by Bella Health and Wellness, a Catholic health clinic in Colorado that offers abortion pill reversal treatment. They contend the law violates their freedom of speech and religion.

The article notes that a court in D.C. issued a 14-day hold in the spring, and Colorado's attorney general said he would not allow the law to take effect.  

Bella filed another lawsuit, and the Daily Citizen article says that...

Daniel D. Domenico wrote in his October 21st order,

There is no question whether [the law] Section Three burdens Bella Health’s free exercise of religion. It does. Bella Health considers it a religious obligation to provide treatment for pregnant mothers and to protect unborn life if the mother seeks to stop or reverse an abortion.

Parents denied ability to choose religious curriculum in independent study programs

Perhaps you heard my conversation with attorney Justin Butterfield of First Liberty on Friday's Meeting House program.  He provided an update on a case involving a group of parents participating in independent study programs through local charter schools.  They have latitude to choose curriculum, as long as there is not a religious connection.  

FoxNews.com has reported on these developments, stating:

The schools "tout" their commitment to "individualized and inclusive learning" through these programs, but with one "glaring exception" — faith-based learning material, a lawsuit says. The families, according to the suit, wanted to use high-quality curricula that comported with state standards but that also reflected a faith-based worldview but were denied. One family was even expelled.

"Our clients simply want to be able to choose curricula that fits their families’ needs without facing religious discrimination," Justin Butterfield, deputy general counsel for First Liberty said.

In my conversation with Butterfield, as well as in the Fox piece, last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carson v. Makin, was referenced.  Fox quoted attorney Ethan Davis, one of the partners at King and Spalding, who said, "As the Supreme Court made clear last year in Carson v. Makin, when the government provides a benefit, like parent-directed educational funding, it cannot exclude families just because they choose to use that benefit for a religious education..."

Christian leaders among those petitioning Elon Musk to uphold free speech principles

There has been much discussion regarding social media platforms censoring certain material.  In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case in which a Federal appeals court ruled that government entities conspired with social media platforms to communicate a particular perspective on a variety of issues.

An open letter was just issued to the relatively new head of X, formerly known as Twitter, which includes a number of Christian communicators.  The Alliance Defending Freedom International website reports:

Over 50 international free speech advocates, including many high-profile X (formerly Twitter) users, have united in signing an open letter to Elon Musk, on the one-year anniversary of him assuming the role of CEO of the platform.

Among those signing on to the letter are Seth Dillon of the Babylon Bee, author and columnist Rod Dreher, journalist Calvin Robinson from the U.K., Kristen Waggoner of Alliance Defending Freedom, and Paul Coleman of ADF International.

The website notes: "In August 2023, Musk famously tweeted that he would fund legal support for those who face discrimination by employers for Twitter/X posts. The letter thanks Musk for this offer of support, and requests that the same be extended to those who have suffered censorship at the hands of government authorities for peaceful expression on Twitter/X."

According to the ADF International site:

The letter requests that Musk “harness X to make clear that no one should be punished under the law for peaceful expression on X or any platform,” by

1) designating funds to support legal action challenging state-sponsored censorship of views on X;

2) create an intake mechanism on X whereby individuals can apply for this support; and

3) host X Spaces to bring worldwide attention to censorship cases involving both governments and the workplace.

The letter, posted at openlettertoelon.org, states:

Free speech is broadly protected by every major human rights treaty; however, in the West, speech increasingly is targeted by “hate speech” laws. In other regions, blasphemy laws target minority groups, sometimes with the sentence of death. These repressive laws are two sides of the same coin—both punish those who speak out against state-approved views.

The 3 - October 29, 2023

In this week's edition of The 3, there is more news of Christian leaders standing in support of Israel, with a major announcement coming recently regarding three letters signed by over 100 leaders.  And, a couple in Pakistan has received a reprieve from being convicted under that country's blasphemy laws, having been released on bail.  And, two top Oklahoma leaders are at odds after a historic vote to allow a the nation's first religious charter school.

Coalition of American Christian leaders stand with Israel

This past week, a virtual press conference occurred in Washington, DC, in which a number of high-profile Christian leaders announced the issuance of three letters concerning the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The conference, according to the website for National Religious Broadcasters, was "hosted by NRB member and partner Dr. Susan Michael, USA Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) and Director of ACLI."  NRB President and CEO Troy Miller was among the featured speakers. 

The event was centered around those three letters, "signed by Miller and 113 other leaders from 100+ organizations to challenge the Biden administration, the United Nations, and presidents of universities to exercise moral clarity in condemning terrorist attacks on Israel and antisemitism at home and abroad."

The three letters were as follows:

1. A letter to President Biden urging his continued support for Israel throughout the war.
2. A letter to the UN calling for greater moral clarity and resolve by condemning the heinous terrorist attack and supporting Israel’s right of self-defense and efforts to free her citizens of this threat.
3. A letter to the presidents of universities asking them to condemn antisemitism and provide greater support and security for their Jewish students.

The ACLI, in a press release, stated:

One hundred and fourteen prominent Christian leaders, including Dr. James Dobson, Gary Bauer, Michelle Bachman, Troy Miller, Samuel Rodriquez, and Star Parker, united under the banner of American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) to challenge UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. President Joe Biden to oppose further aggression by Hamas and ensure the safe return of the nearly 200 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Couple in Pakistan allowed to post bail in case involving blasphemy laws

A Christian couple that had been accused under Pakistan's stringent blasphemy laws has been released from imprisonment on bail, after having been "accused of defiling the Quran," according to a story published on The Christian Post website.

The article relates:

Kiran Bibi and Shaukat were granted bail on Oct. 18 by Additional Sessions Court Judge Mian Shahid Javed, UCA News reported, adding that the couple had been accused of defiling the Quran.

Javed cited a lack of evidence of “willful damage or defilement of the original text of the Holy Quran” under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.

It states:

The couple was accused by Muhammad Tamoor, who claimed to have seen Quranic pages fly out of the couple’s house on Sept. 8.

Tamoor claimed he had been given access to the house by Kiran Bibi. She suggested the pages might have been accidentally thrown by her children — all minors. The court noted gaps in the evidence and report.

The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, or CLAAS, had stated that there was "no credible eyewitness testimony." Nasir Saeed directs CLAAS, and said, "This decision underscores the importance of a thorough investigation to establish the facts and ensure justice prevails..." The court had instructed the police to do further investigation.  Saeed has also said that the blasphemy laws in Pakistan should be altered.

Oklahoma Governor, Attorney General square off on religious charter school authorization

What would be the "nation’s first religious charter school," according to The Daily Signal, has received "the authorization of funds for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School" from the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board.  That's obviously a landmark decision by the Board, which was supported by Governor Kevin Stitt. who stated after the vote in June, according to the Daily Signal: “This is a win for religious liberty and education freedom in our great state, and I am encouraged by these efforts to give parents more options when it comes to their child’s education..."

However, Attorney General Gentner Drummond doesn't see things the same way, filing a lawsuit against the board's vote. The Daily Signal article said that he "filed the lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, claiming that funding the school would violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment and that the Constitution does not allow for 'sectarian control' of public schools. Drummond is quoted as saying: “That is a gross violation of our religious liberty,” adding, “As the defender of Oklahoma’s religious freedoms, I am prepared to litigate this issue to the United States Supreme Court, if that’s what is required to protect our constitutional rights.”

The article goes on to quote the governor, who said about the attorney general:

“He should be defending the board, but instead, he’s actively trying to join in with these left-wing groups out of California and challenging religious freedoms,” the governor said.

“We believe in religious freedom,” Stitt said. “We believe in school choice. We believe empowering parents to let them choose where they think the best education is for their kids. So, it’s that simple.”

The 3 - October 22, 2023

This week's edition of The 3 includes news of a letter of faith leaders, including Christian ministry leaders, encouraging support for Israel.  Also, a federal judge has allowed an Oklahoma law to go into effect that protects children from harmful gender-transition surgeries and treatments.  Plus, a federal agencies has notified its employees about a gender pronoun policy. 

Faith leaders, including Christian leaders call on U.S. to support Israel

A number of Christian leaders have voiced their support for Israel after the events that transpired on Saturday, October 7, in which Hamas initiated conflict with that nation, firing rockets, committing brutal atrocities, and taking hostages.  

Last week, there was a letter from Jewish and Christian leaders calling for the U.S. President Joe Biden to demonstrate his support for Israel. The website, Israel 365, stated:

“We need you to take stronger action on behalf of Israel,” faith leaders told President Biden in the letter, while also expressing gratitude for the president’s clear-eyed support for the State of Israel. The diverse group of religious leaders called for the total eradication of Hamas, strongly urging the president not to “pressure Israel into a premature ceasefire.”

The letter also called for the released of all hostages, numbering 199 at the time - a number that was reduced by two with a mother and daughter having been freed late last week.

Included among the signers included Faith Radio programmers, Jim Garlow and Greg Laurie. Others signing the letter included: Michele Bachmann, Jack Graham, O.S. Hawkins, Johnnie Moore, and Samuel Rodriguez.

OK law to protect children allowed to go into effect

Across the country, state legislatures have responsibly been passing legislation that would protect minor children from dangerous gender change treatments and surgeries.  The Washington Stand reports about laws that have faced court challenges, with a federal judge blocking the implementation of that type of legislation in Arkansas and laws in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama allowed to go into effect.  These laws have been implemented while the court cases progress.

And, recently, an Oklahoma law has been allowed to go into effect.  The Washington Stand article says:

An Oklahoma law to protect minors from the harmful effects of gender transition procedures may go into effect, Federal District Judge John Heil, of the Northern District of Oklahoma, ruled on October 5 in Poe v. Drummond.

The state's Attorney General had said he would wait on a court ruling before allowing the law to be implemented, so this allows the law to move forward. Governor Kevin Stitt issued a statement, in which he said that he was “pleased with the court’s decision...Here in Oklahoma, we protect our kids. Plain and simple.” The article notes, "Oklahoma enacted the law to protect minors (SB 613) on May 1, months after approximately 150 pro-trans protestors entered the state capitol and attempted to disrupt legislative deliberations with deafening chants."

Federal agency implements policies to require the use of gender "pronouns"

The Department of Health and Human Services issued an announcement to its employees that, according to CBN News, "that it was imposing a transgender pronoun mandate as part of its new Gender Identity Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Guidance."

The CBN article said:

The HHS announcement to its employees came in an email on what has been called "National Coming Out Day," an annual event to support anyone declaring they are homosexual. It has been observed by the LGBTQ community since 1988.

"All employees should be addressed {by} the names and pronouns they use to describe themselves," the email read.

There was a link to a video by HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, who said, "We want to make sure that HHS continues to be a welcoming supportive environment where all employees feel safe coming to work." Well, that is, unless you have an objection to using these pronouns.  CBN reported:

Neither the email nor the video explained how the new policy would be enforced or how staff would disciplined if found in violation of the policy. However, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine, who noted using she/her pronouns "as an out and proud transgender woman" in a senior leadership position at HHS in the video, noted that all supervisors and managers would be responsible for making sure the policy is implemented across the entire department.

In a post on the social media platform X, Roger Severino, the vice president of domestic policy at The Heritage Foundation, posted an image from the email, writing, "HHS today imposed a transgender pronoun mandate on its employees who will now be forced to deny biological realities with their own words or face firing. Those with faith objections should immediately request religious accommodation and prepare to fight for your rights."

The 3 - October 15, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes news of how Christian organizations are responding to the violent attacks by Hamas on the nation of Israel.  Also, a women's swim team at a college in Virginia has stood strong against the prospect of a male joining the team.  And, a Christian family who fled Germany in order to homeschool their children, who have been in a long legal process to be able to stay in America, will be able to stay in the U.S. for another year. 

Christian leaders, organizations stand with Israel

The incursion of Hamas fighters into Israel and the brutal atrocities that have been commented has certainly been alarming, and Israel has begun to take steps to protect itself from future dangers at the hands of this and other terrorist groups, which have ties to nations such as Iran.

A number of Christian organizations affiliated with National Religious Broadcasters, to which Faith Radio belongs, have taken action in the region.  A statement in a Pray for Israel article on the NRB website says:

We unequivocally condemn these attacks and mourn this innocent bloodshed. We ask all believers to join us in interceding for the people of Israel as they face violence, kidnapping, and other acts of terrorism by Hamas. Please pray fervently for the safety and wellbeing of NRB members, partners, and Christian ministries who are providing aid on the ground and facing serious peril. NRB stands with Israel at this critical time and will continue in steadfast prayer for peace and protection of the innocent.

NRB members working in the region include International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and Samaritan's Purse.  The NRB article states:

The ICEJ’s “Israel in Crisis” fund supports the ICEJ’s efforts to move Israeli civilians to safety, repair damaged homes, help with medical and trauma needs, and order more life-saving bomb shelters.

It also relates:

Samaritan’s Purse has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team to support local partners in delivering critical relief, including distributing hot meals and other basic necessities.

Other groups that are involved include Jewish Voice Ministries and Chosen People Ministries.  

David Jeremiah, who is heard on Turning Point, weekday mornings at 6:00, released a statement, stating:

Israel is God's chosen people, and her borders are the boundaries of the Promised Land. Today, I am grieved by the attacks that have besieged the nation of Israel over the last few days. The loss of life, the bloodshed, and the destruction of property are heartbreaking. But in this time of chaos and terrorism, I am reminded of God's words to Abraham when he chose him to be the father of this great nation, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you." (Gen. 12:3). As Christians we recognize God's purpose for Israel, and we must stand with her.

The statement was accompanied by a prayer, which Dr. Jeremiah encouraged Christians to pray.  It said:

Heavenly Father,

The psalmist tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." So I pray for peace for Your chosen people, Israel, and their beloved city today. You have planned for Israel, provided for Israel, and protected Israel for thousands of years.

But as in days of old, there are those today who seek to harm, even destroy, Your people.

So I ask you to keep Israel in Your loving care. Put a spiritual hedge of protection around Your people and their land.

Watch over this nation as a Good Shepherd watches over His flock, and may Your chosen people find their ultimate safety and security in You.

While You watch over Your people, may Your Spirit awaken in them a hunger to embrace their Messiah—the One who died for them—until they see Him face to face.

We pray this in His name,

Amen.

Women's swim team at VA college stands against biological male joining team

A biological male attempted to join the women's swimming team at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, and his efforts were resisted by members of the team.  A Washington Times article stated:

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin congratulated the Roanoke College female swimmers for successfully resisting the college’s decision to let a male-born athlete compete on the women’s team based on gender identity.

The article noted that the governor issued a tweet, which said, “In Virginia, we are committed to fairness in women’s sports,” adding, “I stand with the Roanoke College Swimmers in their efforts to seek an even playing field. Their request is reasonable, it’s common sense.”

The article notes that: 

Ten team members held a press conference calling for the NCAA and the Virginia state legislature to approve policies that protect fairness in women’s sports as biological males increasingly make their way into the field.

The male swimmer who sought to join the women's team has now backed off on that effort, according to the college. 

Christian family from Germany that fled due to homeschool restrictions can stay in U.S. for one more year

Perhaps you've been following the plight of the Romeike family, a family in which the parents desired to homeschool their seven children in Germany in accordance with their Christian beliefs. Media host Todd Starnes reported on his website: "The Biden Administration rescinded a deportation order against a German Christian homeschooling family that came to this country legally more than a decade ago to escape persecution."

Starnes noted:

Uwe and Hannelore Romeike, who live in Tennessee with their seven children, will be given a one-year stay of deportation on Wednesday, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.

“According to our friends on Capitol Hill, this outcome is the direct result of your calls, your petition signature, and your outreach to Congress on this issue,” the HSLDA reports.

The website reported:

In August of 2008, HSLDA assisted the Romeikes in securing visas to enter the United States, where they applied for asylum. The Department of Homeland Security granted the Romeikes asylum, but immigration officials overturned the decision. After five years of legal battles, the Obama administration granted the Romeikes indefinite deferred action status in 2013.

Over the last 10 years, the Romeikes have had to regularly report to their local ICE office in Tennessee, but have otherwise been allowed to live, work, and homeschool their children in peace.

Starnes reported that at one of those regular reporting visits, the family was told they would have to go back to Germany, prompting a public appeal of the decision.  Federal officials have now allowed that one-year reprieve. 

The 3 - October 8, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes the story of a school board member in Arizona who was told by the district that she could not longer quote Scripture in board meetings, so she filed a lawsuit.  Also, a federal agency has taken a law passed by Congress and expanded it to include abortion.  Plus, there have been recent court rulings that protect teachers in cases involving so-called "gender" pronouns.

AZ school board member restricted from quoting from Bible, files suit

Heather Rooks was elected to the school board for the Peoria Unified School District in Glendale, AZ and became part of that body in January, according to WORLD Magazine, which reported that in her first meeting, she quoted Scripture, Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This began her practice of quoting Scripture at the front end of comments in meetings, which apparently got the attention of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which sent a letter to the school board demanding that the board make her stop. WORLD reports: "At a July 13 meeting, Rooks said she had received a letter from the district instructing her to stop quoting Bible verses because her actions reportedly violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment."

Heather Rooks fought back by suing the school district, saying that she “wants to be part of the longstanding tradition of government officials solemnizing public occasions."  First Liberty has taken up Rooks' case, and attorney Andy Gould is quoted in the article, stating: "Public officials in this country literally for centuries have recited Scripture at official events, legislatures opened with prayer, so this is a part of the fabric of … our political tradition in this country..."

FFRF, meanwhile, claims that Heather Rooks violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.  WORLD says, referring to comments from Gould:

At its inception, the clause was meant to prevent the government from interfering with the Church—not to isolate any mention of the Church from society, he said. Gould argued the clause needs to be considered along with its First Amendment counterparts, the free exercise and free speech clauses, which ensure Rooks has the freedom to express her religious views.

Law intended to protect pregnant employees could be twisted to allow abortion

Congress passed the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act, which is intended to implement protections for pregnant employees, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is proposing that the law be used to promote abortions. The Alliance Defending Freedom is crying foul, and on its website, it states that it is urging the EEOC to withdraw a "proposed rule" that would "impose an abortion mandate on virtually every employer in the country, even those whose religious beliefs dictate that life begins at conception..."

The Federal Register website states that the law "requires a covered entity to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified employee's or applicant's known limitation related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause an undue hardship on the operation of the business of the covered entity."

ADF Senior Counsel Julie Marie Blake is quoted as saying that the rule "...jeopardizes a supportive work culture for pregnant women by introducing abortion into federal law in a place where Congress has not authorized it. Congress sought to help pregnant workers, not force employers to facilitate abortions..." She goes on to say: "This unlawful proposal seeks to illegally override state laws protecting the unborn and employers’ pro-life and religious beliefs. The administration and the EEOC don’t have the legal authority to smuggle an abortion mandate into a pro-life, pro-woman law.”

Preferred gender pronouns should not be forced upon teachers, courts rule

There have been two recent court rulings regarding the use of gender pronouns in schools. Alliance Defending Freedom is involved in one case, in which "A Wisconsin court ruled...that Kettle Moraine School District’s policy of changing students’ names and pronouns at school without parental consent and over their objection violates parents’ rights."  This is from the Waukesha County Circuit Court, which stated, according to ADF: 

“The School District could not administer medicine to a student without parental consent. The School District could not require or allow a student to participate in a sport without parental consent. Likewise, the School District cannot change the pronoun of a student without parental consent without impinging on a fundamental liberty interest of the parents..."

Life Site News reported on similar case out of Iowa, in which, " A federal court...handed staff and students in an Iowa school district a major victory, issuing a temporary injunction blocking district schools from enforcing a policy requiring students and employees 'respect a student’s gender identity' even if that 'identity' does not correspond with biological and spiritual reality."

The ruling came out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and concerns the Linn-Mar Community School District.  The article notes:

According to the school’s policy, “[e]very student has the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity. A court-ordered name or gender change is not required, and the student need not change official school records.”

The policy, which also guarantees students the use of locker rooms and bathrooms that “correspond to their gender identity,” adds that teachers “may ask all students how they want to be addressed in class “and in communications with their parent/guardian.”

Prior to the Friday ruling by the federal appeals court, if a staff member or student at Linn-Mar engaged in an alleged “intentional and/or persistent refusal … to respect a student’s gender identity,” they would incur “a violation of school board policies.”

Now as a result of that ruling on Friday, September 29, "the district has been ordered to stop enforcing the latter section of the policy 'during the pendency of this litigation.'” That section, according to the article, "explicitly prohibits using the correct pronouns to refer to a gender-confused student."

The 3 - October 1, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian communities, includes a federal court victory for laws in two states that prevent minors from receiving treatments and surgeries that claim to help them change their "gender."  Plus, the transgender agenda is alive and well in California after the governor signed multiple bills.  Also, the federal agency responsible for protecting employees has sued two companies who did not allow religious exemptions for employees who declined to receive COVID shots on the basis of conscience. 

"Medical mutilation" bills allowed to take effect in KY, TN

Some incorrectly call it "gender-affirming care," another example of using vocabulary to misrepresent an agenda.  This type of so-called "care" involves treatments and surgeries that promise a change of gender - a biological answer to a psychological issue.  I have even become aware of the phrase, "medical mutilation."

And, the states of Kentucky and Tennessee have passed laws that would prevent performing these treatments and procedures on minors.  According to the Alliance Defending Freedom website, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit issued a "decision Thursday in L.W. v. Skrmetti to uphold Tennessee and Kentucky state laws that protect children from harmful and unnecessary medical procedures..."

ADF Senior Counsel and Vice President of Appellate Advocacy John Bursch stated in response: "Tennessee and Kentucky are right to protect minors from harmful, irreversible, and experimental medical procedures that can permanently alter children’s bodies without any proven long-term benefit." He added, "...the court concluded, ‘no one disputes that these treatments carry risks or that the evidence supporting their use is far from conclusive.’"

Bursch continued:

“Activist groups and professionals with large financial interests continue to push harmful puberty-blockers, potentially sterilizing cross-sex hormones, and irreversible genital-mutilation surgeries on children too young to understand the long-term implications for their lives. The 6th Circuit rightly agreed that Tennessee and Kentucky are free to implement laws that protect vulnerable children and give them time to flourish..."

This court victory comes just a few weeks after the 11th Circuit allowed Alabama's Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, or VCAP law to take effect while the court action progresses, likely to resume next spring.  ADF is assisting Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall in its defense of the law. 

California parents face onslaught of transgender-supportive bills

Last week, it was announced that California Governor Gavin Newsom had inexplicably vetoed a pro-transgender bill that would, according to an article at The Washington Stand, "require family courts to consider parental stances on 'gender affirmation' in custody disputes."  The article says:

When Newsom vetoed the bill late Friday night, however, he didn’t condemn the legislation as radical. Instead, he applauded “the passion and values” behind the bill, and merely faulted the bill as an “attempt to dictate — in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic — legal standards for the judicial branch to apply.”

But, as the article notes, "in the days after he vetoed AB 957, Newsom signed a raft of other bills advancing transgender ideology at the expense of parental rights."  It states that the governor...

...signed nine other bills aimed at “supporting LGBTQ+ Californians.” The governor said signing those bills into law “will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities.”

Those bills “promote acceptance” by mandating adherence to the ideology that a child’s “gender identity” overrides his or her biological sex. One measure would train teachers to profile parents, watching out for non-“affirming” guardians who allegedly pose a danger to their own children.

The article says:

These new laws do not directly target parental rights, but they do further entrench the transgender ideology behind Newsom’s worst assaults on the right of moms and dads to make health decisions for their own children.

Under the measures that Newsom signed into law, California teachers will learn to profile non-“affirming” parents, launch an ideological transformation of schools that likely will demonize such parents as instruments of “bullying and harassment,” ban such parents from raising kids in the foster system, and prevent such parents from pressuring their school boards to remove sexually explicit books from school libraries.

EEOC sues private employers for conscience violations on COVID shot

The federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in an effort to defend civil rights, has filed a lawsuit against two companies who did not grant religious exemptions for employees who had declined to receive the COVID-19 shot, according to Liberty Counsel's website. 

The website states:

...the agency sued two companies under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act claiming that they violated federal law by refusing to accommodate the sincerely held religious beliefs of employees and not letting them opt out of their shot mandates.

The lawsuits involve Arkansas-based Hank’s Furniture, a retail home furniture store with locations across four states, and Cleveland-based health care provider United Health Services, Inc., (United). Each company denied one of their employees a religious exemption and later fired them for not complying with the company’s shot mandate.

Under Title VII, the agency contends, according to Liberty Counsel, "in these cases, that the companies could have exempted their employees without suffering any 'undue hardship.'”  The Christian law organization notes that:

The timing of the agency’s lawsuits follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 9-0 decision in Groff v. Dejoy made last June. The High Court overturned a previous precedent that allowed businesses to easily claim “undue hardship” on the business and deny religious accommodations, but employers must now demonstrate the burden of “substantial increased costs” that granting an accommodation would have on their business.

The 3 - September 24, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three recent and relevant stories of interest to Christians, there are more developments out of California, including a school district policy to allow school officials to withhold information about students' gender identity issues from parents being put on hold by a federal judge.  Also, the debate over the availability of inappropriate books being made available to children  continued in a Congressional committee.  And, the United Nations has passed what is called a "declaration" supporting measures to be taken in a pandemic situations that include actions relative to abortion and gender identity. 

Courts deliver conflicting decisions on school board policies on parental notification re: gender, governor vetoes gender-related bill 

California school boards have been making policies regarding the notification of parents regarding their students' gender identity.  Recently, not only was there a court decision putting the implementation of one such policy on hold, but a district which went in the opposite direction was reigned in by another court decision.

Liberty Counsel, on its website, reported on these conflicting decisions:

A federal district judge recently ruled in favor of two Christian teachers by temporarily blocking San Diego County’s Escondido Unified School District’s (USD) policy that required the teachers to lie to parents and hide students’ gender confusion. The ruling comes a week after San Bernardino Superior Court granted a temporary restraining order against Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) in San Bernardino County blocking its blanket policy of being honest with parents about gender identity and their children.

The Escondido ruling, according to the site was by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, who "issued a preliminary injunction that protects two Christian middle school teachers who challenged the secrecy policy. The teachers argued that the policy infringed on their First Amendment Free Speech and Free Exercise of religion rights, and if they were to comply and be dishonest with parents it would violate their 'sincerely held religious beliefs.'"

The Chino ruling was issued by a county Superior Court in response to a challenge by California's Attorney General to the district's parental notification policy. Liberty Counsel reports that the San Bernadino Superior Court, "a state-level court, blocked its new policy of notifying parents if students wish to be known as a different gender or change their pronouns," adding, "The ruling blocks the policy until an October 13 hearing to determine whether to allow or permanently block the policy."

Liberty Counsel notes that, "Despite Attorney General Bonta’s investigation and lawsuit, at least six other California school districts have enacted similar policies, such as Orange, Temecula, Murrieta, Rocklin, and Dry Creek Unified School Districts, and Anderson Union High School District."

Meanwhile, there's another development out of the Golden State regarding a bill passed by the state Legislature. FoxNews.com reports that Governor Gavin Newsom, "...vetoed a bill late Friday night that would have required judges in child custody cases to consider whether a parent has affirmed their child's gender identity." Newsom said: "...I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate -in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic -legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply," adding, "Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities."

Graphic book tension makes its way to Congressional committee

I have been following the concern being expressed by parents regarding objectionable content being offered in libraries.  That topic made its way to Congress recently.

CBN.com reported that:

The fight over allowing sexually explicit books in schools spilled into the halls of Congress Tuesday as a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing spotlighted so-called book "bans..."

But, Sen. Mike Lee said, "This is not a ban. This is about schools deciding what's appropriate for school children, and sexually explicit, obscene, pornographic material isn't appropriate and many parents are legitimately concerned about that..."

The Daily Signal noted that Sen. John Kennedy...

...read from two books—“All Boys Aren’t Blue” and “Gender Queer: A Memoir”—both of which have been removed from bookshelves in school districts across the country over their sexual content.

The article, originally from The Daily Caller, noted that..."Kennedy...questioned...Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias of Illinois, a witness at the hearing, about whether he thought the book should be available to kids, as well as Cameron Samuels, a student who uses 'they/them' pronouns and had a placard with the title 'Mx. Cameron Samuels.'

The article relates:

“It’s pronounced Mix,” Samuels said. “Senator, your definition of ‘sexual’ is synonymous with LGBTQ identity.”

Samuels went on to say that there should be “collaboration between students, parents, and educators” on the availability of books and defended the books from which Kennedy read.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue, the scene you mentioned, is about sexual abuse. It’s not erotic … Students who do not read books like ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ cannot learn what is appropriate,” Samuels said.

“All I’ve heard is the librarians [get to decide], and parents have nothing to do with it. If that’s your response, what planet did you just parachute in from? Or what country, more appropriately? This is not China,” Kennedy said.

The CBN article quoted from Max Eden, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, who said, "To put it bluntly, books aren't being banned...," adding, "The media keeps using the word 'banned,' but that word doesn't mean what you think it means. In common usage, 'banned' means 'made unavailable.' Yet the most banned Gender Queer is still available on Amazon. The same can't be said for Ryan Anderson's When Harry Became Sally. Only books on one side of that issue it seems, actually get banned..."

Eden challenged the definition of "banned," according to the organization, Pen America. He said, "If a book has been taken off of shelves, reviewed, and then placed back on the shelves, it has, according to Pen, been banned. If a school places parental permission requirement on a book, it has, according to Pen, been banned. If a school moves a book to a guidance counselor's office, it has, according to Pen, been banned..."  The article says that Eden...

...told the committee that he and a few of his colleagues from The Heritage Foundation decided to see how many of the 2,532 books in Pen's 2022 report that were labeled as banned, were actually removed from school libraries.

"We did this with one simple trick. We checked the card catalog," he told the senators. "As it turns out, nearly three-quarters of the books that Pen labeled as banned were still in school libraries."

WHO's there?  UN-doing rights

During the COVID pandemic, we saw numerous instances of public officials - elected and unelected - using the threat of the COVID to strip citizens of their freedoms, including the freedom of assembly in church services and overriding of conscience decisions regarding the COVID vaccines. 

The Washington Stand reported on a non-binding resolution passed at the U.N. General Assembly last week.  The article notes:

On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a non-binding declaration that purported to “strengthen” collaboration and coordination between nations in order to “better prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics.” But experts say that buried in the declaration are references that have nothing to do with preventing pandemics, including language to expand abortion, gender ideology, and speech censorship.

The article quotes Chris Gacek, senior fellow for Regulatory Affairs at Family Research Council, who said that the declaration "...is a roadmap of what the U.N. and the agencies are supporting,” referring to it as "a wish list of socialism and all of their social policies.” He added, "...where the rubber’s going to hit the road is in these things like the WHO’s [World Health Organization] international health regulations and the pandemic treaty that’s in the works.”

In fact, as The Washington Stand notes:

On the same day the declaration was released, the WHO “welcomed” it, stating that it lays out “numerous requirements” that member states need to abide by. As previously reported by TWS, the WHO has already indicated that it intends to establish “a platform for global governance through health care,” as described by former congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

The article also relates:

Arielle Del Turco, director of FRC’s Center for Religious Liberty, was blunt in her assessment of what the U.N. and the WHO appear to be doing through the declaration.

“Progressive forces that love abortion will use every avenue to advance their deadly cause,” she told TWS. “Activists are using a declaration about pandemic preparedness to advance ‘universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services’ which we know means universal abortion expansionism. It is dangerous and abusive to pressure countries to expand abortion under the guise of responding to future pandemics.”