The 3 - October 29, 2017

In this week's edition of The 3, providing information about three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is a story where students at a Texas high school are standing in solidarity regarding the display of a Christian flag on the school's flagpole.  Also, the governor of North Carolina is attempting to re-write legislation in yet another chapter in the state's battle over transgender bathrooms.  Plus, the Vice-President has declared that the U.S. will attempt to use its funds to directly help Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, rather than using the United Nations as a middleman.

3 - Texas students, parents defend display of Christian flag at school

At LaPoyner High School in LaRue, Texas, the Christian flag had been flown, along with the American flag and the flag of the state of Texas.  And, despite a challenge to that Christian flag, according to ToddStarnes.com, it continues to be flown.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation had stepped in and filed a challenge, and a letter to Superintendent James Young stated: "The display of this patently religious symbol by the District confers government endorsement of Christianity, in violation of the Establishment Clause."

According to Starnes, Young had told local reporters that they were "reviewing" the letter, but no announcement has been made. And, as Todd reports:

Several youngsters purchased Christian flags and mounted the banners on their pickup trucks. It was quite a scene in the high school parking lot -- a convoy of trucks adorned with the Christian flag -- waving in the Texas breeze.

"They can try to take it, but we're going to fight for it," junior Jared Sanchez told Nexstar Broadcasting.

KLTV reported on a recent school board meeting, in which "community members shared their thoughts on the issue." A parent had sent a video along to the television station. One community member said: “The Freedom From Religion organization really has a distorted and inaccurate view of the separation of church and state in the First Amendment,” adding, “Matter fact I'd like to say that their viewpoint is probably void and alien to that of our founding fathers."

The KLTV website stated:

The superintendent also asked anyone who opposed the Christian flag to stand. No one did.

The board will give their proposed thoughts at next month’s meeting.

In the meantime, the flag will remain on school grounds.

2 - North Carolina governor orders bathroom restrictions loosened

For several years, a bill called HB2 was the law in North Carolina, providing for people, including transgender individuals, to use restroom facilities in government buildings corresponding to their biological gender.  Earlier this year, after economic pressure had been placed on the state, and former governor Pat McCrory had been defeated in his bid for re-election, lawmakers passed a so-called "compromise" that essentially waived the provisions of HB2 and placed a moratorium on any more local SOGI ("sexual orientation, gender identity") ordinances.  According to the NewsObserver.com website, that was to remain in effect until December of 2020.

Well, that bill has seemingly been blown out of the water by an executive order by new governor Roy Cooper, who, according to the Family Research Council website, has "unilaterally decided to change that policy with a decree that not only lets grown men back into girls’ restrooms, but forces local businesses to embrace his transgender agenda or lose their government partnerships. Ignore your conscience and public safety concerns, the governor has decided, or kiss your North Carolina contracts goodbye."

The FRC site states:

Cooper is going around the state’s policymakers and trying to unravel the state’s duly-enacted law. And if the governor thought he’d have the support of LGBT activists, he was mistaken. “It’s not nearly enough,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

As if his executive order weren’t outrageous, Cooper is also pursuing a deal on the side with North Carolina judges -- a “consent decree” that would officially zero out the compromise law he signed last spring.

The story says: "Tami Fitzgerald, who heads up the North Carolina Values Coalition, called the move 'a massive power grab, with sweeping changes that only the Legislative Branch has the authority to enact.'"

1 - U.S. to help persecuted Christians in Middle East

The United States has attempted to help persecuted religious minorities by sending its money to the United Nations, but since that has not worked well, it appears the U.S. will be helping persecuted Christians and other minorities in the Middle East directly, according to Vice-President Mike Pence, who spoke at the In Defense of Christians dinner recently.

The National Religious Broadcasters website says that:

While the U.S. has invested huge sums in UN relief programs, Pence described their poor record in aiding Christians and other vulnerable religious minorities in that region. He also noted the UN’s refusal in many instances to partner with “faith-based groups with proven track records and deep roots in these communities.” “My friends,” the Vice President said, “those days are over.”

Former Congressman Frank Wolf, described as "long a champion for international religious freedom and now a leader of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative," said in a release, published at ReligionNews.com, “This should impact humanitarian aid for those living as Internally Displaced Persons and refugees and stabilization assistance for the Christians and Yezidis returning to areas seized from them by ISIS.”

The 3 - October 22, 2017

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is a positive development involving legislation posing a threat to religious liberty; a bill vetoed by the governor.  Also, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving a Ten Commandments monument in New Mexico.  Plus, an appeals court has put on hold a lower court decision providing for an undocumented immigrant teenager to have an abortion, but the appeals court has directed the government to find a sponsor in order for the abortion to take place.

3 - CA Governor vetoes bill posing threat to religious liberty

There was good news about legislation affecting the family out of California, of all places.  According to the Family Policy Alliance website, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a bill that, according to the site, "aimed to criminalize any contracts or employee codes of conduct related to abortion and sex outside of marriage."

That's based on a conversation with Jonathan Keller, president of California Family Council, who stated, "Every organization that promotes a pro-life message must be able to require its employees to practice what they preach,” adding, “The right to freely exercise one’s religion is enshrined in our Constitution, and has always protected every American’s ability to freely associate around shared beliefs and practices.”

Elissa Graves, litigation counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, is quoted on that organization's website as saying: "The First Amendment doesn’t allow the state to order churches and other faith-based groups to violate their most deeply held convictions. They have the freedom to live according to their faith and to require those who work for them to do the same.” The site provides a brief description of the vetoed bill, saying it "would have prohibited churches, religious colleges, religious non-profit organizations, and pro-life pregnancy care centers from having faith-based codes of conduct with regard to abortion and sexual behavior..."

2 - U.S. Supreme Court decides not to hear Ten Commandments monument case

One of the areas of religious liberty that has caused contention in the courts is the display of the Ten Commandments on public property.  And, Baptist Press reports that the U.S. Supreme Court declined an opportunity to provide clarity in the matter.  It says that:

The court declined without explanation Monday (Oct. 16) to hear an appeal of a lower court ruling against a Ten Commandments monument outside the Bloomfield, N.M., City Hall. In lower courts, two Wiccans represented by the American Civil Liberties Union successfully challenged the five-foot monument, complaining that it constitutes the government's establishment of religion.

The article points out that in 2005, there were two cases involving the Ten Commandments: a "granite monument on the lawn of the Texas state capitol in Austin" was ruled to be constitutional by a 5-4 decision. Conversely, the court ruled that "the posting of the Ten Commandments inside Kentucky courthouses in McCreary and Pulaski counties was unconstitutional."

Bloomfield City Manager Eric Strahl spoke with Baptist Press and stated: "The monuments went there originally because they were of a historical significance," adding, "And since Christianity did play such a big part in the formation and the development of the country, one of the monuments was the Ten Commandments."  Strahl also said, "...as far as the city is concerned, it wasn't a religious issue."

1 - Judge rules that undocumented teen can have abortion; appeals court puts ruling on hold

Last week, Liberty Counsel reported that:

An Obama-nominated federal judge ordered the U.S. government to pay for an undocumented illegal immigrant teenager’s abortion at taxpayer expense in Texas. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the government to transport the teenager to have the abortion — or allow her guardian to transport her — “promptly and without delay.”

The Justice Department appealed the decision to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The
Texas Tribune said that the appeals court "gave the federal government until Oct. 31 to find a sponsor to take custody of the teen and take her to an abortion clinic to have the procedure."

The article also states that the court "noted that the federal government assumed that" the teenager has the "constitutional right to obtain an abortion in the United States."

But, the Justice Department attorney, Catherine Dorsey, according to the Tribune, "went on to argue that what is actually blocking Doe's abortion is her status as a minor under federal custody and that the government is not required to facilitate her abortion."  She added, "What's happening here is the government refusing to facilitate the abortion and that is not an undue burden."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, expressing his "disappointment" for the decision, stated, "Unlawfully-present aliens with no substantial ties to the U.S. do not have a right to abortion on demand. Texas must not become a sanctuary state for abortions."

This is a decision that seems to have made no one happy - the ACLU, representing the teen, is opposed to the delay, and the Justice Department is arguing that the government should not be involved in this teen's abortion.

Liberty Counsel points out that:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has now implemented a new policy under President Trump which discourages abortions among undocumented minors residing in federally-funded shelters. The policy prevents pregnant, unaccompanied minors in shelters from seeking abortions and instead directs them to crisis pregnancy centers where they are encouraged to forgo the abortion.

The 3 - October 15, 2017

In this week's edition of The 3, exploring recent events involving the Christian community, there is a story of court action involving a high-profile atheist group, which asked for one of its leaders to make an opening statement during the customary prayer time at the beginning of the day in the U.S. House - that was turned back by a Federal judge.  Also, the U.S. Attorney General has issued a memo that says that "gender," as defined in a section of Federal law, does not apply to transgenderism.  And, a U.S. Representative was banned from running a pro-life ad on Twitter, then the ad was allowed - 2 pro-life organizations are crying foul.

3 - Attempt to modify Congressional opening prayer to allow atheist turned back by judge

At the start of the legislative day, the U.S. House of Representatives has an opening prayer, and according to The Hill website, "Guest chaplains are allowed to give the opening prayer in the House if a member sponsors them, if they are ordained and if their prayer addresses a 'higher power.'"

That framework was challenged recently by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, whose co-president, Daniel Barker, had requested the opportunity to deliver an opening statement, a "non-prayer," if you will, prior to a session of the House.

Barker...

...claimed he had met all the requirements, but the chaplain denied his request because he was “ordained in a denomination in which he no longer practices” and “is not a religious clergyman.”

So, FFRF did what FFRF does - it filed a lawsuit against "House Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy, his staff and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) in May 2016, challenging their refusal to let him give a nonreligious invocation on the floor."

D.C. Federal Circuit Judge, Rosemary Collyer, according to the story, "dismissed Barker’s claims that he had been discriminated against." The article goes on to say:

Collyer said “Congress has exclusive authority over its rules and the manner in which it conducts its affairs" and that the House Chaplain's "refusal to invite an avowed atheist to deliver the morning ‘prayer,’ in the guise of a non-religious public exhortation as a ‘guest chaplain'" was not a violation of the establishment clause of the Constitution, as Barker had claimed.

2 - Attorney General: gender reference in Civil Rights Act not applicable to transgender people

There is a movement among some to try to redefine references to "gender" in Federal law as also including "sexual orientation and gender identity."  According to Liberty Counsel, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has modified the interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which governs employment law, which had reflected that philosophy.  The Liberty Counsel website states:

The Attorney General officially withdrew a 2014 Obama-era policy protecting so-called “transgender” employees from discrimination under Title VII. The Attorney General stated that the Department of Justice will no longer interpret Title VII to mean that the law's protections extend to discrimination based on gender identity. Sessions said the change will apply to “all pending and future matters” relating to “transgender” workers, which means that it could have an immediate impact on open discrimination cases.

In a memo, Attorney General Sessions stated: "Title VII expressly prohibits discrimination ‘because of…sex’…and several other protected traits, but it does not refer to gender identity. “Sex is ordinarily defined to mean biologically male or female."

1 - Pro-life ad banned, restored by Twitter; others cry foul about ad policies

Recently, a leading contender for the U.S. Senate seat from Tennessee, to be vacated by Sen. Bob Corker, wanted to place a political ad on Twitter.  In it, according to the website for the Susan B. Anthony List, Rep. Marsha Blackburn wished to call attention to her action against Planned Parenthood and the "sale of baby body parts." Twitter refused the ad, but later reversed course.

The SBA List website points out that "Despite its reversal on Rep. Blackburn’s ad, Twitter continues to block all advertising from Live Action, as well as some advertising by SBA List."  Live Action and Susan B. Anthony List are both pro-life advocacy organizations.

SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser is quoted on the site as saying, "We are encouraged that Twitter reconsidered its censorship of Rep. Blackburn’s pro-life ad. However, the root issue is far from resolved. It took pressure and a great deal of negative publicity for Twitter to reverse this one decision. Meanwhile pro-life groups like Live Action and SBA List are still subject to an apparent double standard when they simply tell the truth, horrific as it is, about Planned Parenthood’s baby parts trafficking."  Lila Rose, President of Live Action, was also quoted, expressing similar sentiment.

The 3 - October 8, 2017

This week on The 3, there is encouragement from the next generation of students; many brought their Bibles to school, very appropriate to radiate hope in light of the tragic Las Vegas shooting.  Also, lawmakers in the U.S. House took a step to prevent the taking of the lives of pre-born children at around 20 weeks of development.  And, two agencies of the Trump Administration announced new guidelines to protect religious freedom, including the releasing of religious organizations from the odious contraceptive mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services.

3 - Students bring Bibles to school

During this week when people were grieving the loss of around 60 people in the tragedy in Las Vegas, and churches and pastors were bringing hope and comfort, thousands of students were attempting to shine light - the light of God's truth - in the darkness.

Focus on the Family was anticipating that perhaps a half million students would be bringing their Bibles to school this past Thursday to celebrate "Bring Your Bible to School Day," which was initiated by Focus.  Its website states:

Many Christian students feel there’s an unspoken pressure to stay silent about their faith. Others report overt efforts to silence them from presenting their Bible-based viewpoints in class discussions or in assignments. Yet, the First Amendment recognizes the rights of students to talk about their faith and read their Bibles outside of classroom time.

Focus President Jim Daly stated, "Over the years we’ve heard from many kids and teens who want to meaningfully engage in conversations with peers to share their perspective on important issues,” adding, “The good news is – they can. The Constitution recognizes students’ rights to share their biblical viewpoints in a way that doesn’t disturb instruction time, and to exercise their faith at school. ‘Bring Your Bible to School Day’ celebrates these rights and gives Christian students a chance to share a bit about their faith, which is an important part of who they are.”

The CBN News website displayed "...just a few photos trending on social media of children bringing their Bibles to school."  The story stated that:

Spokesman Candi Cushman says bringing a Bible to school is an opportunity for students ranging from kindergarten to college to share their faith in Christ.

"We have some great stories from kids even as young as kindergarten taking their Bibles to school and just reading it out loud with their friends at recess," Cushman told CBN News.

"There are thousands of students joining them across the nation and groups like Focus on the Family are standing behind them and praying for them."

2 - House approves bill to protect unborn children; goes to Senate

The bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act has crossed a threshold to final passage and the promised signature of President Trump.  According to the Susan B. Anthony List website, the legislation "would protect unborn children from late-term abortion after five months, more than halfway through pregnancy, a point by which science shows they can feel pain. The bill passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday by a vote of 237 to 189."

Interestingly enough, the SBA List reports that:

Post-election polling data commissioned by the Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) and made widely available today shows that large majorities of voters in 2018 Senate battleground states support legislation limiting abortion after five months, and a majority or plurality of those voters would be less likely to support a Senator who voted to allow late-term abortion.

SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser called for Senate passage of the bill, saying: “Voters agree: it’s inexplicable that the United States is one of only seven nations in the world to allow abortion after 20 weeks – five months, more than halfway through pregnancy – putting us in the company of China and North Korea,” adding, “Our nation does not belong in that disgraceful club. Twenty states have passed their own Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Acts and momentum has long been building for a national limit.”

1 - Two administration departments take action on religious freedom

It has become apparent that religious freedom is a priority of the Trump Administration. The President signed an order addressing protecting religious freedom back in May on the National Day of Prayer, directing Federal agencies to offer such protection.

On Friday, according to the Family Research Council, "The Department of Justice (DOJ) is directing federal agencies to respect religious freedom while the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is exempting religious entities from the oppressive Obama contraceptive mandate."

In a statement, FRC President Tony Perkins said, in part:

“President Trump and the Department of Justice are putting federal government agencies on notice: you will not only respect the freedom of every American to believe but live according to those beliefs. This is a freedom that has been a fundamental part of our society since the beginning of our nation."

On its website, Alliance Defending Freedom President, CEO, and General Counsel Michael Farris is quoted as saying:

The guidance that the Trump administration issued today helps protect that First Amendment freedom. As the memo states, ‘Americans do not give up their freedom of religion by participating in the marketplace, partaking of the public square, or interacting with government,’ and ‘free exercise of religion includes the right to act or abstain from action in accordance with one’s religious beliefs.’

Farris added, "...I commend the president for taking another step to honor his campaign promise to make religious liberty his ‘first priority’ by directing the Department of Justice to issue this guidance, which simply directs the federal government to adhere to its legal and constitutional obligation to respect existing religious freedom protections.”

The 3 - October 1, 2017

In this week's edition of The 3, spotlighting three recent news stories impacting or involving the Christian community, there's good news out of court - a positive ruling was handed down in favor of a group of cheerleaders who held up banners with Scripture on them for the football players to run through.  Also, the Church is facing difficulties in Puerto Rico, while Christian organizations attempt to bring relief to the island.  Plus, a church community is continuing to process a devastating event just over a week ago, when a gunman begin shooting attendees.

3 - Cheerleaders prevail in banner case

The year was 2012 - high school cheerleaders in Kountze, Texas, were told by the school district that they could no longer display banners containing Scripture for the school's football team to run through prior to the games.  According to the First Liberty website, a lawsuit was filed by that organization and a Texas attorney, and the cheerleaders were allowed by a judge to continue to display the Scripture banners through the end of that school year.

The website states that in 2013:

Hardin County District Court Judge Steven Thomas found that the Kountze Cheerleaders had the legal right to display their Bible verse banners at KISD sporting events. He determined that the banners were “constitutionally permissible” and rejected the school district’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit based on the claim that the banners were government speech.

An appeals court upheld the ruling, but the district maintained it still had the right the censor the banners, according to First Liberty.  The organization, along with volunteer attorneys, asked the state Supreme Court "to review the case and reaffirm the student’s rights to free religious expression, free from government censorship." The website says:

On January 29, 2016, in an 8-0 decision, the Texas Supreme Court decided in favor of the Kountze Cheerleaders, sending the case back to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth District in Beaumont, Texas. On September 28, 2017, the Court of Appeals issued its ruling in favor of the cheerleaders, again affirming their rights to religious freedom.

Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty, is quoted as saying, “This is another great victory for the free speech and religious liberty rights of all Texas students,” adding, "Hopefully this ruling will bring clarity and closure to this issue for all Texas students and schools.”

2 - Puerto Rico churches face devastation, challenges

While a number of Christian organizations are working to bring relief to the citizens of Puerto Rico, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria, the Church is suffering on that island, a U.S. Territory.  A Christianity Today article states that approximately 3,000 churches were "damaged or destoyed" by the hurricane, according to the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

Pew Research estimates that, "About half of Puerto Ricans go to church at least once a week," according to the Christianity Today story, which quotes evangelist and doctor Luis Paz, who says, “We don’t have buildings right now to have meetings,” adding, “We are outside, bringing hope to people, the ones that need the most. We have brothers and sisters who don’t have homes right now, but the church is open to them.”

The article says, "The NHCLC partnered with Convoy of Hope to call upon congregation in the United States to sponsor damaged churches in Puerto Rico as well as in Mexico, after its recent earthquake." Also, the North American Mission Board will facilitate "church partnerships with Southern Baptist congregations, in addition to sending care packages to pastors, Baptist Press reported."

Franklin Graham conducted a crusade in Puerto Rico earlier this year and one of the organizations he leads, Samaritan's Purse, "has connections with congregations that participate in its iconic Operation Christmas Child shoebox program, as well as pastors like Paz who took part in president Franklin Graham’s crusade there in February." Daniel Zeidan with Samaritan's Purse states, "We know churches are not relief agencies, but they have a role to play when there is suffering and loss,” adding, “They will be there after we leave. What the church does now will have an impact that will last a long time.”

1 - Church shooting produces pain, hero honored

Whenever there is violence on a church property, which people would, I would imagine, like to think of as a place of refuge, it does cause great concern. Religion News Service reports on the aftermath of the shooting at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ outside Nashville on Sunday, September 24, which resulted in the death of one of the church members, Melanie Crow, and injury to seven others, including minister Joey Spann.

Her funeral was Thursday, and the night before, parishoners gathered for the church's mid-week service, and the RNS article, from USA Today, stated:

Midweek service went on as it does every Wednesday at 7 p.m., though the church is still figuring out what to do with an auditorium in disarray and the cluster of reporters that continued to hover.

Scott Sager, vice president for church services at Lipscomb University, stated, “We want to claim the promise that if you’re for us, no one can be against us,” adding, "You, who did not spare your own son, but sent him into the world.”

And, there has been attention called to the usher whose bravery could have contributed to a number of lives being saved.  His name is Caleb Engle.  Chattanooga television station WDEF had this information on its website:

When a gunman entered the church, Engle confronted him.

During their struggle, the gun went off, hitting the shooter in the chest.

Even though he had been pistol whipped during the fight, Engle then went to his car to get his own gun to hold the suspect until police arrived.

“He’s the hero. He’s the person that stopped this madness,” said Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson.

The article included a statement by Engle, tweeted out by Sophie Neilsen-Kolding, who works for NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, in which Engle encouraged prayer for the victims and their families and the church community.  He encouraged prayer for healing.  He also asked for prayer for the shooter and his family and friends.  He stated:

I pray that through all of this that people will come to know Christ and I ask our nation to reflect on Romans 8:31:  "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

He also stated that he did not want to be "labeled a hero."

The 3 - September 24, 2017

In this installment of the weekly blog post, The 3, I take a look at a release of Christians who had been jailed...for praying for someone who had mental issues.  Also, a number of Memphis-area pastors have signed a letter calling for the moving of a statue of a Civil War general.  Plus, the U.N. Security Council has taken a positive step in opposition to the persecution - and execution - of Christians and members of other religious groups in Iraq.

3 - Christians in Nepal arrested for praying for mentally ill woman released amidst greater persecution of Christians in country

Four Christians in Nepal prayed for a woman described as "mentally troubled" in a ChristianHeadlines.com story - and they went to jail for it.  The woman's name is Seti Pariyar.

The article, citing Morning Star News, says that, according to the Federation of National Christian Nepal (FNCN), in December of last year, "they were convicted of witchcraft, violence and holding Seti Pariyar against her will, though the woman testified that she was not mistreated or captive and had been healed by the prayer."

The four had been sentenced to five years in prison and told to pay a fine. 

Earlier this month, the Higher Court, Surkhet reversed the prison sentence and set the prisoners free.

The article states:

Area church leaders believe the four Christians were set up.

“There is a risk that this type of well-designed plan can happen any time among the Christian community,” an earlier FNCN statement noted, concluding that the Christians were targeted for their faith.

“About the incident, the victims told us face-to-face that what they have done is for the benefit of the sick woman, as she was brought by her relatives for prayer for healing,” the FNCN statement noted.

A little background from the article:

The arrest and conviction of the four Christians came at a time when Nepal’s Hindu majority was increasingly influencing authorities to harass Christians. While Nepal has long outlawed evangelization, a new constitution in 2015 and the release of implementing laws last month reinforced existing prohibitions against evangelizing, and Hindu interests have used them to falsely accuse Christians.

2 - Memphis pastors support relocation of statues

The President of the Southern Baptist Convention has stepped forward to join other pastors in Memphis in advocating for the relocation of a statue of a Confederate Civil War general.  A Baptist Press article reports that Steve Gaines, Pastor of Bellevue Baptist, was one of 169 clergy members representing 95 congregations supporting the move of the statue of Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest "from a public park 'to a more historically appropriate site.'"  "About a dozen" Southern Baptist pastors were part of the consortium.  Participants had signed on to a letter to the Tennessee Historical Commission, supporting the position of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.

Gaines told Baptist Press he favors moving that statue, in Memphis Health Sciences Park, as well as a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, which is in Memphis Park.

According to the article:

Both monuments "are a source of offense to many citizens of Memphis due to Forrest's and Davis' support of the enslavement of African Americans," Gaines said in written comments. "Fair-minded Americans acknowledge that slavery was cruel and unchristian. Indeed, slavery stands as one of the darkest blights of our nation's history. Thus, these statutes should be relocated to less prominent, more appropriate settings."

The article also notes that former SBC president James Merritt, who had spoken in favor of a 2016 resolution "urging messengers to renounce display of the Confederate battle flag," told the SBC This Week podcast that "he supports the legal removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces," adding that, "Christians 'have the responsibility to do everything we can to break down any barrier that we possibly can to the Gospel...'"

As the article points out, that SBC resolution encouraged "fellow Christians to exercise sensitivity so that nothing brings division or hinders the unity of the Body of Christ to be a bold witness to the transforming power of Jesus."

1 - United Nations passes resolution calling for investigation of persecution of Christians, others in Iraq

Recently, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom website, "supporting Iraq in prosecuting members of ISIS/Daesh for crimes committed against religious minorities in the region. The terrorist organization has been perpetrating acts of genocide against Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities."

This resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council, sets up "an investigative team," which will "work with the Iraqi government to collect, preserve, and store evidence of crimes committed by ISIS in Iraq." This will aid in the prosecution of terrorists who commit "genocide and other crimes against religious minorities." The website points out that, "For the first time, the Security Council did not shy away from using the term 'genocide.'"

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is quoted as saying, "It may have taken a long time to get here, but today’s resolution is a landmark. It is a major first step towards addressing the death, suffering, and injury of the victims of crimes committed by ISIS in Iraq—crimes that include genocide. These victims have been Yazidis, Christians, Shia and Sunni Muslims, and many, many more."

ADF International U.N. Counsel Kelsey Zorzi stated, “It is incredibly encouraging to see the Security Council take such a significant step towards ensuring justice for countless victims and their families. We hope that the passage of this resolution reminds Christians in the Middle East that they have not been forgotten, that there is hope, that we will continue fighting for them, and that accountability is on its way.”

The 3 - September 17, 2017

In this week's edition of The 3, there is some news from Europe that reinforces the rights of churches to set employment policies.  Also, a Michigan farm gets to go back to a local farmers' market after being removed because one of the owners shared a Facebook post supporting traditional marriage, in accordance with his faith beliefs. And, the work of faith-based groups in the aftermath of disasters is a critical component in relief and recovery, although three Texas churches have sued the government because they claim they are not receiving the aid they need.

3 - Favorable European ruling for churches' right to govern internal affairs

There was a major ruling by a European court recently that, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom website, "affirmed the freedom of churches to regulate their own affairs as a basic right deserving protection in all 47 of the Council of Europe’s member states."

This came from the European Court of Human Rights.  Here's the backstory from ADF:

In 2009, Mr. Karoly Nagy filed an application with the ECHR complaining that Hungary’s courts refused to weigh in on a matter of internal church discipline. The dispute dates back to 2005, when an ecclesiastical court removed Nagy from his pastoral post following church disciplinary proceedings that had been brought against him. A second ecclesiastical court upheld this decision and dismissed Nagy’s appeal. The case went to the Hungarian Supreme Court, which refused to accept jurisdiction because ecclesiastical law was applicable in the case.

The Court's Grand Chamber issued the ruling, which "upheld the right of churches to 'ecclesiastical courts and the discipline of ministers,'" according to the site, which related that ADF International was "the only organization to file an expert brief in the case...." The organization contended that, based on international law, "churches and other religious organizations should be able to manage their internal affairs without government interference."

ADF International Deputy Director Paul Coleman stated, “This decision is welcome because it reinforces the rights and freedoms of religious believers in all 47 member states of the Council of Europe to manage their own affairs without unwarranted external interference.”

2 - Michigan farmer who believes in natural marriage allowed to return to market

Back in the United States, Alliance Defending Freedom was involved in a case of Michigan farmers, one of whom had posted his support for traditional marriage on his Facebook page.  They had been participating in the East Lansing Farmer's Market and they were disallowed from being a part of it.

The Daily Signal reports that the owners of Country Mill Farms, Steve and Bridgett Tennes "may resume selling their goods there as early as Sunday while their case proceeds," based on a ruling by a Federal judge on Friday.

The website reported last Friday that:

In May, the Tenneses filed a federal lawsuit against East Lansing over the decision to ban them from selling produce at the city’s farmers market, even though their farm is 22 miles outside the city in a different jurisdiction.

The city countered by filing a motion to dismiss, and the parties were in court this past week. Country Mill Farms had "sought an injunction allowing the Tenneses to return to the market while the case proceeds."

The site reported that the decision by the judge to "grant the Tenneses the temporary injunction is good news for the family, although their legal fight is far from over."  It pointed out that the judge "has yet to rule on the merits of their case."

1 - Group of Texas churches files lawsuit against FEMA 

Even amidst reports about the good working relationship with FEMA and faith-based organizations, there's a story from Baptist Press that can cause concern with respect to the church, state, and disaster relief.

The article states that "Three small churches damaged in Hurricane Harvey's unprecedented Texas deluge are jointly suing a U.S. government agency for access to public recovery funds."

These churches in Texas - Rockport First Assembly of God in Rockport, as well as Harvest Family Church and Hi-Way Tabernacle in the Houston area - are being represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which contended that "FEMA summarily bars churches from seeking emergency aid because churches primarily use their buildings for religious purposes," according to the Baptist Press article, citing a press release from Becket.

The churches claim that the Trinity Lutheran case from the U.S. Supreme Court, "affirming a church's right to participate in generally available programs on equal footing with secular organizations," supports their case.

As the BP article points out:

President Donald Trump supported the Texas churches' case in a Sept. 8 tweet. "Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others)," the president tweeted.

This report was published on September 13th, three days after a USA Today piece which described how faith-based organizations, such as Samaritan's Purse, Convoy of Hope, and other faith-related groups, worked hand-in-hand with FEMA.

Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries for Samaritan’s Purse, is quoted as saying, “FEMA – they have been a big blessing to us, they're an assistance to us," adding, "For Hurricane Irma, the majority of our equipment has already been dispatched to Texas ... so our office in Canada is bringing their equipment across the border and FEMA was instrumental in helping us clear that with customs and getting all the paperwork done."  The story says that Convoy of Hope, in "major disasters," will set up feeding stations, sometimes at FEMA’s request and even using government-provided food and equipment.

Rev. Jamie Johnson, director of the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships, stated, "FEMA can not do what it does so well without the cooperation of faith-based non-profit organizaitons [sic] and churches," adding, "It's a beautiful relationship between government and the private sector and it is something to behold."

So, perhaps there is a new understanding between FEMA and faith-based groups, including churches, that can provide an acceptable outcome or even a resolution of the lawsuit, so that churches in distress and people whom they help can get the relief they need.

The 3 - September 10, 2017

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes a positive ruling from a Federal appeals court in favor of commissioners in Michigan who have been offering prayers ahead of their meetings.  Also, you have pro-life groups that are calling on Congress to act...now...to defund Planned Parenthood.  And, a nominee to a Federal appeals court faced questioning about her religion in a committee hearing; a Christian legal advocacy group also received negative comments from a senator.

3 - Federal appeals court says prayers are OK before public meetings

Commissioners in Jackson County, Michigan have been opening Commission meetings in prayer - themselves, and that practice had been challenged in court.  This Wednesday, the full (en banc) 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of the commissioners, according to the First Liberty Institute website.  First Liberty represents those officials.

The website states that:

The Jackson County Commissioners offer invocations on a rotating basis and are free to act according to their own consciences by delivering either an invocation or offering a moment of silence.

The piece goes on to say that a "private citizen had objected to the invocations and filed a lawsuit." According to the site:

A federal district court ruled in favor of the commissioners. The plaintiff appealed to the Sixth Circuit, and a three-judge panel of the court ruled against the commissioners. First Liberty and its volunteer attorney firm appealed to the full court of 15 judges, who reversed the three-judge panel with this week’s ruling.

Ken Klukowski, Senior Counsel at First Liberty, is quoted as saying: “Today’s decision further solidifies what the U.S. Supreme Court has now twice said: Invocations before government meetings are constitutional and an important part of our nation’s history and heritage..."

In this case, a Federal appeals court came down in a different manner from another circuit.  First Liberty points out that a case from the 4th Circuit has "taken a different direction than Jackson County." That case, involving commissioners in Rowan County, North Carolina, who are also represented by First Liberty, was heard en banc in March, and the full panel ruled 10-5 against the commissioners. The difference could mean a Supreme Court showdown is setting up.

2 - Pro-life groups call on Congress to defund Planned Parenthood

A number of pro-life groups have sent a letter to members of Congress, encouraging them to act soon to cease using taxpayer money to fund Planned Parenthood.  The Family Policy Alliance website quotes from the letter:

“This Republican Pro-life Congress made a promise to American voters to stop taxpayer funding for the largest abortion chain in the nation, Planned Parenthood,” the letter explains. “It is now well past time to deliver on that promise.”

Paul Weber, President and CEO of the Alliance, stated that, "Defunding Planned Parenthood is one of the biggest actions Congress can take to show that they’re not out of touch with our families in America. He said, ”As the letter makes clear, this isn’t a piece of pork barrel legislation that doesn’t matter. Ending taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood means ending the taxpayer-funded gravy train that subsidizes the killing of 900 pre-born children every single day.”

Other groups signing on to the letter include: the Susan B. Anthony List, Concerned Women for America LAC, Students for Life of America, March for Life Education and Defense Fund, Live Action, and Americans United for Life.

1 - Judicial nominee criticized for religious beliefs in Senate hearing

In the original Star Wars film, Darth Vader says this about Luke Skywalker: "The force is strong with this one."  Well, that sounds very similar to what California Senator Dianne Feinstein said to President Trump's nominee for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Amy Comey Barrett, a law professor at Notre Dame, in a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committe this week.  According to the Washington Examiner, she stated: "...the dogma lives loudly within you..."

What does that even mean?  Well, consider the context. Feinstein is quoted in the article as saying: "When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you, and that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for for
years in this country..."

Like abortion, perhaps? Oh, yes. She said: "You are controversial because many of us that have lived our lives as women really recognize the value of finally being able to control our reproductive systems."

The Family Research Council website said:

Sounds like the dogma lives within Feinstein too -- not just her anti-religious dogma, but one that honors abortion-at-any-price. To her credit, Barrett replied (like Neil Gorsuch before her) that her beliefs would never supersede the law. "It's never appropriate for a judge to impose that judge's personal convictions on the law. I would never impose my own personal convictions on the law."

The Examiner stated:

Barrett repeatedly said her Catholic faith would not have any impact upon her judgment — "beginning to end, in every case, my obligation as a judge would be to apply the rule of law" — but Durbin would have none of it.

And, in the same hearing, Senator Al Franken, chastised Barrett for speaking to (gasp!) the Alliance Defending Freedom.  The Examiner story said:

The conservative Christian advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom came under fire from Democratic Sen. Al Franken this week, as ADF's lawyers are preparing to argue a blockbuster religious liberty controversy before the Supreme Court. ADF will represent a Colorado baker whose refusal to design and make a cake celebrating a same-sex marriage is one of the coming term's highest profile cases, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.

During Senate Judiciary Committee hearings this week on Notre Dame law professor Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Franken said Barrett's decision to speak to ADF was irresponsible. The Minnesota Democrat said ADF is "a group that fights against equal treatment of LGBT people" whose "real purpose is to advance an extreme version or vision of society."

Kristen Waggoner, an ADF attorney on the Masterpiece case, called Franken's remarks "shameful" and said the American people "should expect more from our senators."

By the way, the Department of Justice has also come out in support of Jack Phillips, the baker in the Masterpiece case.  Fox News reports that the "The Justice Department on Thursday filed a brief supporting the Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple on faith-based grounds, in the latest religious freedom case to be considered before the nation's highest court."

Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall wrote in the brief:  “When Phillips designs and creates a custom wedding cake for a specific couple and a specific wedding, he plays an active role in enabling that ritual, and he associates himself with the celebratory message conveyed,” adding, “Forcing Phillips to create expression for and participate in a ceremony that violates his sincerely held religious beliefs invades his First Amendment rights.”

The 3 - September 3, 2017

Life, prayer, and sexuality are principal topics in the Labor Day weekend edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community. Another Planned Parenthood facility in Pennsylvania has closed its doors.  Also, government leaders are encouraging prayer in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.  And, church leaders have signed on to a new document reaffirming central, time-honored truths about sexuality.

3 - Another Planned Parenthood clinic closes in Pennsylvania

What appears to be the sixth Planned Parenthood facility to close in the state of Pennsylvania since last fall did so recently, according to LifeNews.com.  The website reports on this latest closing:

The Planned Parenthood in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania reduced its hours earlier this summer, and then announced plans to close completely several weeks ago, WBRE reports. On Wednesday, the facility closed permanently. The facility in the Poconos did not perform abortions but it did recommend and refer for them.

According to the article, Pennsylvania Family Institute reports that 12 Planned Parenthood facilities have closed in the Keystone State since 2013. The organization states, “That’s a 50% drop of Planned Parenthood Keystone’s facilities in under five years (18 facilities in 2013, now down to just nine)..."

The LifeNews.com article reports that:

Across the country, the abortion chain has closed approximately 20 facilities so far this year.

While abortion supporters blame the closings on pro-life advocates’ efforts to defund the abortion business of millions of tax dollars, Planned Parenthood’s own annual reports point to a bigger reason.

While receiving huge amounts of taxpayer funding under pro-abortion President Barack Obama, Planned Parenthood lost about half a million patients and performed fewer actual health services, such as pap smears and breast exams. The group’s abortion numbers, however, remained steady and its political involvement increased.

The story contends that: "It’s more clear than ever that Americans do not need or want Planned Parenthood for health care."

2 - President, Texas Governor proclaim Day of Prayer after Harvey

In the aftermath of the devastation brought about by Hurricane Harvey, Texas Governor Greg Abbott had proclaimed Sunday, September 3, a “Day of Prayer," according to a report on the Family Policy Alliance website, which quotes from the proclamation:

“It is right and fitting,” he wrote in the proclamation, “that the people of Texas should join with their fellow residents and with others from across the country and around the world to seek God’s wisdom for ourselves and our leaders and ask for His merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis.”

Then, the day after the governor's proclamation, the White House issued a national proclamation for a National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts. As seen on the White House YouTube Channel, the President was surrounded by a number of faith leaders. He signed the proclamation, which included these words, as published on WhiteHouse.gov.

When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the American spirit of service embodied by countless men and women. Brave first responders have rescued those stranded in drowning cars and rising water. Families have given food and shelter to those in need. Houses of worship have organized efforts to clean up communities and repair damaged homes. Individuals of every background are striving for the same goal -- to aid and comfort people facing devastating losses. As Americans, we know that no challenge is too great for us to overcome.

As response and recovery efforts continue, and as Americans provide much needed relief to the people of Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of Scripture's promise that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Melania and I are grateful to everyone devoting time, effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in this time of crisis.

It is encouraging to see our leaders recognize the importance of prayer, and this is especially important in times of disaster and crisis.  The faith community has the opportunity during these difficult times to minister with the love of Christ.

1 - Church leaders release, sign Nashville Statement reaffirming Biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality

In this age in which God's standards with respect to marriage, gender, and sexuality are being compromised, even within the Church, it is important for Christian leaders to reaffirm the central truths of the Scriptures in these matters. Over 100 such leaders signed on to the Nashville Statement, which, according to the National Religious Broadcasters website, is "expressing evangelical convictions about human sexuality." The article says that, "The statement, with 14 affirmations and denials, addresses issues of human sexuality “in the hope of serving Christ’s church...”

NRB President and CEO Jerry Johnson was one of the signatories and commented: “In order to be truly for the world, when the world is going in the wrong way, you must be against the world,” adding, “Athanasius knew this when he positioned himself contra mundi. For the good of our world, we must position ourselves, with The Nashville Statement, against the sexual heresy that is the spirit of our age.”

At least 15 NRB members and a number of Faith Radio programmers signed on to the statement, including James Dobson, Steve Gaines, John MacArthur, James MacDonald, Tony Perkins, Dennis Rainey, and Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.

People are invited to sign on at NashvilleStatement.com.

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood oversaw the composition of the statement. President Denny Burk, at the CBMW website stated:

Evangelicals who have been drifting away from biblical fidelity on these issues have often been running under the cover of confusion—confusion about what is essential and what is not essential to the Christian faith. From the very beginning of the Christian faith, sexual morality has always been central. Those who wish to follow Jesus must pursue sexually pure lives. A person may follow Jesus, or he may pursue sexual immorality. But he cannot do both. He must choose. One path leads to eternal life, and the other does not. These are not new teachings. They are the ancient faith.

And yet, there are many “evangelicals” who are trying to convince other evangelicals that homosexual immorality is a special case. They are trying to convince people that same-sex immorality and following Jesus can indeed go together. One of the main reasons for The Nashville Statement is to expose this contradiction.

He shared these statements in a section responding to Article 10, which says in part:

WE DENY that the approval of homosexual immorality or transgenderism is a matter of moral indifference about which otherwise faithful Christians should agree to disagree.

Burk also points out: "...we are not merely reasserting what the Bible says about the moral status of homosexuality. We are also saying that the gospel of Jesus of Christ offers hope for those laboring under the power of this particular temptation."

You can hear a discussion of the Nashville Statement with Stuart Shepard of the Family Policy Alliance (whose President, Paul Weber, was an original signatory) from The Meeting House on Faith Radio as part of the conversation found here.

The 3 - August 27, 2017

This week's edition of The 3 includes another flashpoint in the furtherance of the transgender agenda, this time concerning a charter school in California.  Also, a Washington state football coach who had been praying at the 50-yard line after games was dealt a blow in court.  And, a wonderful harvest of souls occurred in an evangelistic crusade originating from Southern California.

3 - Student reprimanded for referring to fellow student using incorrect pronoun

A charter school in California is struggling with transgenderism, and very young students are caught in the crossfire, according to a Washington Times report.  Recently, a first-grader was sent to the principal's office for referring to a fellow student, who has changed his gender identity, by his "former" name.

Karen England of the Capitol Resource Institute is quoted in the article:

“There was a little girl who had been in class with the little boy all last year,” Ms. England said. “They’re in different classes now, but she saw him on the playground yesterday and called him by his name. The little girl was told ‘you can’t do that, his name is this name,’ and ‘you need to call him a “her.”’ Then she was called to the principal’s office.”

Ms. England said she has been in touch with the girl’s parents and described them as “outraged.” She said they met with school officials to discuss the matter Wednesday.

The school is Rocklin Academy Gateway and, at the end of the last school year, a "a kindergarten teacher read her class a pair of books advocating transgender ideology, and a male kindergartener was reintroduced to the class as a girl."  The school apparently is standing behind the use of these books. The Times stated, "The controversy at Rocklin is just the latest example of the transgender movement’s increasing emphasis on spreading its ideology through early education."

2 - Coach who was fired for praying at 50-yard-line loses in court

Since 2008, Joe Kennedy, a coach in the Bremerton, Washington school district, including his role as assistant coach for the high school varsity team, would walk to midfield after a football game and offer a prayer to God.  In the fall of 2015, after seven years of the practice, Kennedy was told he could no longer take part in that activity.  The First Liberty website has the story.

He was later suspended, and First Liberty, on the coach's behalf, filed a lawsuit last year against the school district. Just this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled against Coach Kennedy. The First Liberty website stated, "The court argued that Coach Kennedy’s prayers were not protected by the Constitution because, according to the Ninth Circuit, Coach Kennedy was praying as a public employee rather than in his private, personal capacity."

In a press release, First Liberty President and CEO Kelly Shackelford is quoted as saying, “Banning all coaches from praying individually in public just because they can be seen is wrong,” adding, “This is not the America contemplated by our Constitution.” Deputy General Counsel Mike Berry said, “According to the Ninth Circuit, it is unconstitutional for a coach to make a sign of the cross or bow his head in prayer when a player gets hurt...” He added, “We are deeply disappointed by the decision and will consider all options available to Coach Kennedy as we continue to review the opinion.”

1 - Thousands come to Christ at Harvest Crusade, evangelist prepares for theatrical event

Greg Laurie has become one of America's most prolific evangelists.  Just a few months ago, the Harvest America event in Phoenix was simulcast nationwide, and Laurie announced his partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention.

He has been conducting Harvest Crusades in Southern California for a number of years, and according to a press release from the Harvest ministry:

During a week when the nation struggled to make sense of the hatred and violence perpetrated by white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia, more than 92,000 people gathered at Angel Stadium of Anaheim this past weekend, Aug. 18 – 20, to hear a message of hope and unity in Christ presented by Pastor Greg Laurie at his annual Southern California Harvest Crusade outreach. Another 46,972 attended the Crusade via a live internet broadcast.

The article went on to say that: "By the end of the three-night outreach, 10,071 people made decisions of faith, including those in attendance at Angel Stadium and those viewing the live SoCal Harvest program online."

The release said that, "his Friday night talk titled 'A Second Chance for America' gave mention to current events."  It quoted from the Los Angeles Times, which stated, “Laurie began his evening – the highlight of the event – by addressing the racial and political division that’s troubled the nation this week."  The article also says, "He spoke about the tensions of the 1960s and his own troubled past, doing drugs and being 'filled with hate.'" Also, from the Times:

“When you become a Christian, those barriers come down,” he said. “Racial barriers come down, prejudice comes down.”

He is also quoted as saying:

“Our country is divided. For a follower of Jesus Christ, there is no place for racism, bigotry or prejudice of any kind. I see these people carrying crosses, wearing swastikas, talking about white supremacy. There is no superior race. We are all part of the human race.”

Laurie will be featured in a one-night theatrical release in September of the documentary, Steve McQueen: American Icon, based on his book about the famous actor's conversion to Christianity late in his life.

The 3 - August 20, 2017

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, the Johnson Amendment, which limits free speech rights for pastors, has become a debated issue, with thousands of clergy now exhibiting support for it staying in place.  Also, the U.S. State Department has issued its annual report on international religious freedom.  And, Iceland has eradicated the lives of almost all its babies who were discovered in prenatal screenings to have Down Syndrome, prompting strong reaction by leading evangelicals.

3 - Clergy encourage Congress to continue to keep pastors from endorsing candidates

Over the last few months, there has been enhanced emphasis on the Johnson Amendment, which limits the ability of pastors to speak politically, including the endorsement of candidates.  According to a Religion News Service article, President Trump stated in a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in February that he would “totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear.” In a Rose Garden ceremony in May, the President "signed an executive order that asked the IRS not to enforce the amendment."

And, further movement occurred last month, when the House Appropriations Committee voted to keep language in a spending bill that would defund IRS efforts to enforce the amendment.

Now, clergy in favor of keeping the Amendment in place and limiting the free exercise of religion by pastors have signed on to a petition.  The article says that over 4,000 "leaders" signed it, and states:

The letter signed by a wide range of clergy and lay members — from Methodists to Muslims to those who hold metaphysical beliefs — was spearheaded by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.

Their contention is that “Changing the law would threaten the integrity and independence of houses of worship.”  To me, in an attempt to prevent what they see as partisanship, they are embracing a form of partisanship themselves, in an attempt to silence the prophetic voice of pastors declaring God's truth on policy issues.

2 - State Department issues religious freedom report

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently announced the State Department's annual report on international religious freedom, and ISIS tops the list as a key threat, according to a Christianity Today story.

The Secretary wrote: "ISIS has and continues to target members of multiple religions and ethnicities for rape, kidnapping, enslavement, and death,” adding, “The protection of these groups—and others who are targets of violent extremism—remains a human rights priority for the Trump administration."

The article states: "The annual report reviews the state of religious freedom in 199 countries. CT has highlighted six places where Christians continue to face significant barriers to worshiping freely: Iraq, Indonesia, India, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia."  The article points out deadly terror in Iraq, fears of radicalization in Indonesia, Hindu nationalism in India, government restrictions in Russia, an imprisoned pastor in Turkey, and non-Muslim penalties in Saudi Arabia.


1 - Report on Down Syndrome in Iceland generates strong response in faith community

In a shocking report broadcast by CBS News, Iceland has announced that it has eliminated almost all children with Down Syndrome.  CBN News summarized the CBS report, saying that the network said that it was "due to widespread use of prenatal screening."

CBN states, "Even though most people born with Down syndrome live long, healthy lives, most pregnant women in Iceland choose to abort these babies." The website also says that, "Denmark has aborted 98 percent and the U.S. has aborted at least 67 percent" of babies with Down Syndrome.

The article quotes Joni Eareckson Tada, who said in a statement that, "Over 25 years ago when I served on the National Council on Disability, we responded vehemently against a report from the National Institutes on Health which listed abortion as a 'disability prevention strategy.' All 15 bi-partisan council members strongly advised the NIH to remove any reference which used abortion as a tactic in eliminating disability."  She issued this reminder that, "Each individual, no matter how significantly impaired, is an image-bearer of our Creator God."

Penny Young Nance of Concerned Women for America responded by saying, "This is not a medical advancement. This is eugenics and barbarianism at best."  James Dobson of Family Talk stated, "I have rarely seen a story that so closely resembles Nazi-era eugenics as a recent report about Iceland 'eradicating' nearly 100 percent of Down syndrome births through abortion."

The 3 - August 13, 2017

This week's edition of The 3, my week-in-review feature, highlights the plight of a Wyoming judge who lost her role as a magistrate due to her views on marriage; she is now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Also, a program that was supposed to cut teen pregnancy that funded some Planned Parenthood affiliates will be coming to an end sooner than expected.  And, a Canadian pastor who had been imprisoned in North Korea has been released.

3 - WY judge punished for marriage views appeals to U.S. Supreme Court

Ruth Neely is a municipal judge in Pinedale, Wyoming, and has served in that role for over 22 years. She also had been a part-time circuit court magistrate in Sublette County for approximately 15 years. She was removed from that position, because she had stated she would not "solemnize" or perform, same-sex wedding ceremonies, according to a piece on the Alliance Defending Freedom website.  In that role as a magistrate, she had the authority to solemnize marriages but, according to ADF, "had discretion to decline wedding requests for nearly any reason."

Nevertheless, in March of 2015, before the Obergefell decision, the Wyoming Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics "filed a complaint against Neely, alleging judicial misconduct and seeking her removal from both judicial positions simply because she voiced her religious conflict with performing same-sex weddings."  She did eventually lose her magistrate position, and this action has disturbing implications for other magistrates in the state.

The ADF release states:

In March, the Wyoming Supreme Court publicly censured Neely, forced her to stop solemnizing marriages, and drove her from her magistrate judge position for stating, in response to a reporter’s questions, that her religious beliefs about marriage do not permit her to officiate same-sex weddings. Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing Neely are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the Wyoming Supreme Court’s decision and declare that a judge cannot be punished for expressing her beliefs about marriage.

ADF Senior Counsel David Cortman actually used language from the Obergefell decision in this quote: “No one should be punished simply for expressing a belief about marriage that is ‘based on decent and honorable religious…premises’ and is held ‘in good faith by reasonable and sincere people...’” He went on to say that the Wyoming high court's action, "unconstitutionally targets religion for disfavored treatment, and that’s why we’re asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear this case.”

2 - Government funding source for Planned Parenthood terminated

The Federal government has operated a program called the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program since 2010, which, according to a story on the LifeNews.com website, referencing a report on The Hill site, was intended to "teach vulnerable populations of students about preventing pregnancy."

The Life News article states:

Participants in the program recently learned that their grant funding will end next year, two years sooner than expected, according to the report. Trump’s administration notified the 81 grant recipients that funding for the program is being cut by about $200 million and their grants will end on June 30, 2018, the report states.

And, the piece points out that "Among the groups receiving grants to teach sex education are several Planned Parenthood affiliates."

The article also says, "Democrats and abortion activists are upset by the cuts, and are sending letters to HHS Secretary Tom Price in protest. Many speculate that the cuts could mean Trump’s administration will support abstinence-based programs instead."

There is a reference to the article at The Hill pointing out that:

Valerie Huber, a prominent national abstinence education advocate, was recently named chief of staff to the assistant secretary for health, which oversees the office that manages the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program.

That article had pointed out that it was unclear how much Huber had played a role in these funding cuts, but she had stated in an op-ed for the same website that "The healthiest message for youth is one that gives youth the skills and information to avoid the risks of teen sex, not merely reduce them..."

1 - North Korea releases Canadian pastor

In the midst of all the activity surrounding North Korea, there was some good news coming out of the so-called "Hermit Kingdom," according to ChristianNews.net.

62-year-old Hyeon Soo Lim, pastor of Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was released from prison by North Korea.  The story states that:

According to reports, a delegation led by Canadian National Security Adviser Daniel Jean recently traveled to North Korea in an attempt to secure Lim’s release. On Wednesday, he was set free on “sick bail...” 

Pastor Hyeon had "traveled to the country two years ago to build an orphanage, nursery and nursing home. He had visited the nation over 100 times in the past 20 years."  But, as the article states...

...while carrying out his mission, he was taken into custody in February 2015 and accused of committing hostile acts against the North Korean regime. In December of that year, Lim was put on trial and sentenced to indefinite hard labor.

Suzanne Scholte, chair of North Korea Freedom Coalition, is quoted as saying: “Lim was imprisoned simply because he served the one true God and wanted Him to be known to the North Korean people.”  She related these comments to International Christian Concern. She also said:

“While Pastor Lim’s treatment is a reminder of the atrocious and evil nature of the DPRK regime, it should also be a reminder of how vigilant that regime works to keep their population literally and spiritually ‘in the dark’ as the Christian faith is seen as a direct attack on Kim Jong Un, whom they are brainwashed to worship as their god..."

The 3 - August 6, 2017

On this week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is information about a court victory for a photographer who did not wish to use her creative talents to promote activities that violate her beliefs.  Also, after some concern was expressed, Secretary of State Tillerson has reportedly called the actions of ISIS toward Christians and other religious minorities "genocide."  And, there is encouraging news about a Bible study in the White House that some Cabinet officials attend, as well as news of access to the White House for evangelical leaders.

3 - WI photographer wins accommodation in court case

There is an encouraging development out of Madison, Wisconsin, regarding a new local ordinance which, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom, combined with a state law, would "force commissioned creative professionals to promote messages that violate their beliefs."

The ADF website also says that under these laws, "...Amy Lawson and her company, Amy Lynn Photography Studio, are required to create photographs and blog posts promoting pro-abortion groups and same-sex marriages if she creates content that promotes pro-life organizations or that celebrates the marriage of one man and one woman."

This was unacceptable to Amy, and a court agreed with her contention.  Dane County Circuit Court announced at a hearing Tuesday in the case "that it will issue an order declaring that Amy Lawson and her business are not subject to city and state laws that would otherwise control her artistic freedom because she does not have a physical storefront..."

Jonathan Scruggs of ADF says, "The court’s announcement has important implications for everyone in Wisconsin who values artistic freedom. It means that government officials must allow creative professionals without storefronts anywhere in the city and state the freedom to make their own decisions about which ideas they will use their artistic expression to promote. "

2 - International religious freedom developments: new ambassador, State Department affirms genocide by ISIS

In the wake of the appointment of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, who has long been known for his commitment to uphold Christian values, to the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, which is under the authority of the State Department, the department has announced its commitment to continue to label the activities of ISIS toward Christians and other persecuted groups as "genocide."

According to a CBN News report:

Late last week, reports surfaced that some lawyers at the State Department had ordered that all genocide references describing the Islamic State's mass extermination of Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities be removed from official government documents.

That caused an uproar from human rights advocates and some Trump supporters who thought the president was a friend of persecuted Christians and Yazidis in the Middle East.

Shortly afterwards, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to maintaining the genocide determination.

1 - White House Bible study attracts attention, Administration holds "listening sessions" with evangelicals

Now, on the heels of the meeting last month featuring a number of Christian leaders who chatted with President Trump and prayed for him, there are reports of a weekly Bible study that is being held in the White House.  USA Today reported on the study:

CBN News reported that once a week, about a dozen members of the Cabinet gather to study scripture. Among those who regularly attend: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Agriculture Secretary Sunny Perdue, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, CIA Director Mike Pompeo and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

"It's the best Bible study that I've ever taught in my life," Ralph Drollinger of Capitol ministries told CBN News. "They are so teachable, they're so noble, they're so learned."According to Capitol Ministries' website, the sponsors of the White House ministry includes the regular attendees, as well as Vice President Pence, House and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.

The USA Today story also mentions that, "Pence plans to join the study as his scheduled permits. Additionally, President Trump is invited to the weekly studies and receives Drollinger's teachings."

The Christian Post also reports that the White House has recently held "listening sessions" with some 100 evangelical leaders.  Johnnie Moore, who operates a public relations company, is quoted as saying that "the listening sessions included quick briefings on various issues from officials in White House's legislative and judicial affairs departments."  He said that, "It's a listening session. It's not about these leaders coming so they can be lectured to," adding, "It's about actually making an opportunity to come to the White House as citizens and faith leaders and talking about what was on their mind."

The 3 - July 30, 2017

In this edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is news from the U.K. that infant Charlie Gard has passed away, the result of a rare medical condition.  Also, health care reform in the U.S. Senate was turned back again.  Plus, the President made an announcement about transgender individuals no longer being allowed to serve in the military.

3 - Charlie Gard removed from life support, passes away

Charlie Gard, the 11-month-old British child with a debilitating condition, who was prevented from being released from a London hospital, passed away early Friday morning. The parents' attorney had announced earlier in the week that nothing more could be done to improve Charlie's condition. A Baptist Press article stated: "Charlie died in hospice care a week short of his first birthday, Aug. 4, after being removed from a ventilator." Charlie's parents wanted to remove him from the hospital in order to receive treatment elsewhere, but, as the story related:

The Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie was a patient, refused to permit the therapy and received the backing of British courts and the European Court of Human Rights for removal of his life support.

The story said, "Pro-life advocates grieved the infant's death after the legal battle that came at the intersection of the sanctity of human life, medical ethics and parental rights."

Catherine Glenn Foster, president of Americans United for Life, is quoted in the article: "We are so thankful for his life, which though too brief, has made a lasting impact on the world and drawn together people from all walks of life and political persuasions, uniting them around the dignity and value of every human being."

2 - Health care reform fails, Planned Parenthood funding continues

In a dramatic early-morning vote, the U.S. Senate early Friday turned back another effort to revise the Affordable Care Act, in what was called the "skinny repeal."  It would have, among other things, removed the individual mandate to buy health insurance and would have defunded Planned Parenthood for a year.  Susan B. Anthony List was disappointed that this legislation, containing pro-life provisions, was defeated.  On its website, you can read, regarding the priorities of preventing taxpayer funding of abortion:

We had to fight for the inclusion of these priorities, and then fight for their retention. But we were successful. And last night would have brought us one step closer to the finish line. One step closer to protecting unborn children from a taxpayer-funded death and defunding abortion giant Planned Parenthood of $400 million. Instead, we’ve been dramatically set back.

This piece, written by SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser, stated:

Obamacare is likely to continue its downward spiral, likely forcing Congress to act. Already last night, there are hints this will be attempted in a bi-partisan fashion. We will fight for and demand that Hyde Amendment protections are included in any reforms.

1 - President reinstates ban on transgenders serving in military

This week, President Trump made the announcement that transgender individuals would no longer be allowed to serve in the military.  The Defense Department is expected to work out the details, but there are evangelical leaders who believe this is a step in the right direction, reversing a policy that just went into effect just over a year ago.

According to a Religion News Service article, during an impromptu gathering of religious leaders with the President, the subject was discussed. The article states that a spokesman for the group, Johnnie Moore, "said the policy on transgender people serving in the military had not been on the agenda for the meeting. It was one of many topics that came up throughout the day, including health care, taxes, religious liberty and judicial appointments." He is quoted as saying, "We briefly discussed this issue..."

RNS also reports that "the evangelicals followed up with a signed letter asking the president to reverse the Obama era policy allowing transgender people to serve in the military, Moore added." The article linked to a tweet by David Brody of CBN News.  The letter was written by Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who was at the meeting, which grew out of a meeting at another building close to the White House.

USA Today reported on President Trump's announcement on Twitter:

In a series of morning tweets, Trump said that, after consulting "with my generals and military experts," the U.S. government "will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military."

The U.S. military, he said, "must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail."

Trump's decision was made Tuesday, and he informed Defense Secretary Jim Mattis later in the day, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Wednesday. The policy allowing transgender troops to serve was "expensive and disruptive" and affected military readiness, she said.

Fox News reports that:

In a memo to service chiefs and commanders, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr. declared no changes to the policy until "the President’s direction has been received by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary has issued implementation guidance" -- which has not yet happened.