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."