The 3 - July 22, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is news of a guide released by the gay advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign, which is designed to make accommodation for LGBT individuals and their identity and behavior in local churches.  Also, an American pastor continues to languish in a Turkish prison after his third court hearing.  And, a Federal judge has ruled against Planned Parenthood in its bid to receive funding from Title X grants.

3 - Gay advocacy group releases guide for integration into evangelical Church

Recently, the pro-LGBT advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign released a "guide" that purports to accept gay practice and identity in the Church.  According to the Christian Post:

Last week, the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign released "Coming Home to Evangelicalism and to Self," a 32-page guide containing resources, advice, and testimonials for evangelical Christians who are "on the journey toward living fully in their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and in their faith and its traditions," according to its website.

The guide features personal stories and practical suggestions from what they call a "wide variety of evangelical voices" in order "to spark new ideas, new dialogue and new courage," citing recent surveys and polling data showing rising support for same-sex marriage among younger generations.

The voices featured all favor more liberal LGBT iterations of the Christian faith, among them Brandan Robertson, Mercer University ethicist David Gushee, and author Matthew Vines.

The article referenced Robert Gagnon's Facebook page, in which he said:

"If 'Coming Home to Evangelicalism and Self' means denying Jesus' teaching on a marital binary and destroying what Scripture treats everywhere as the foundation of God's standard for sexual ethics, then, yes, 'come home' Evangelicals to a world and self-made in your own image rather than God's."

Gagnon, according to his Facebook page, was recently removed from Facebook temporarily due to a post on the upcoming Revoice conference, which attempts to blend affirmation of LGBT identity with Biblical teaching.  He was reinstated.  In that post, he stated seven "consequential concerns."  One of which is:

2. The adoption of terminology for self-identity that cannot be sanctified and inevitably brings in the whole "LGBTQ" baggage ("sexual minority," "gay," "transgender"). This terminology is normally associated with self-affirmation rather than sin and switches the obligation of the church from a call for repentance and restoration to a call for inclusion and diversity that celebrates what should be mortified. The fact that evangelical proponents of the "sexual minority" language are unwilling to use it of those with a pedophilic or polyamorist orientation should tell us all something.

In a piece on the PJ Media website, Tyler O'Neil, an Assistant Editor for the website, who has written for the Christian Post, Breakpoint, and others, in commenting on the HRC guide, says:

Christians must be careful to preserve the teachings of Jesus while extending His grace to those who struggle with these issues. God calls Christians to love LGBT people, but not to affirm LGBT identity, and HRC's "guidance" undermines that crucial mission.

O'Neil also states:

The HRC guide is peddling a falsehood in saying LGBT people can "remain faithful both to God and to their understanding of themselves." No true disciple of Jesus can remain true to his or her psyche — that must go. This is part of what Paul meant when he said, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Repentance from all sin is a fundamental aspect of this transformation. Jesus constantly calls on His followers to repent. Even in the famous John 8 passage where Jesus offers forgiveness to a woman caught in adultery, he urges her to "go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11).

Not only does the HRC report conveniently leave out the call to repent, but it also peddles the idea that people are somehow "worthy" in their own right to receive God's grace.

2 - American pastor will stay in prison in Turkey after hearing

American pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been in a Turkish prison charged with terrorism and espionage, has now faced three hearings in front of a court there, and will face another in October, according to WORLD Magazine. WORLD reports:

Brunson lived in Turkey for 23 years and pastored Izmir Resurrection Church. He faces up to 35 years in prison if found guilty. The case was adjourned until Oct. 12.

Turkish judges previously denied his requests for release on April 16 and May 7. In the courtroom, Brunson said the court had no concrete evidence as he denied the testimony of two witnesses who claimed he supported Kurdish militants. “The disciples of Jesus suffered in his name, now it is my turn,” he said, Reuters reported. “I am an innocent man on all these charges.”

The report states that outside the courtroom, a U.S. official said, “Our government remains deeply concerned about his status," and denied that there was any evidence that Brunson had "committed any offense," according to the article.

The day of the latest hearing, President Trump tweeted out: "A total disgrace that Turkey will not release a respected U.S. Pastor, Andrew Brunson, from prison. He has been held hostage far too long."  he President stated that President Erdogan, "should do something to free this wonderful Christian husband & father. He has done nothing wrong, and his family needs him!"

1 - Judge rules in favor of Administration's attempt to cut off one of Planned Parenthood's funding streams

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration had issued new rules governing Title X grants, which, according to LifeNews.com, "fund family planning programs across the country." The article stated, "In February, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services introduced a new grant application that prioritizes sexual risk avoidance strategies, including abstinence. That decision would leave abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood out of the funding equation."

The report said that Planned Parenthood had filed a lawsuit against the new rules, even though no funding has been denied as of yet.  Life News states:

A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Trump Administration and its impending decision to defund the Planned Parenthood abortion business from the Nations Title X family planning program. The Planned Parenthood abortion company has multiple federal funding streams, but cutting off the taxpayer dollars it gets from Title X would zap its second largest source of federal funding.

The article quotes from Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins, who said: "Planned Parenthood and abortion vendors seem terrified that people will discover just how easy it will be to live a healthy life without them,” and added, “People make many medical choices that don’t include Planned Parenthood, and the Trump Administration is to be commended for attempting to redirect Title X dollars away from abortion vendors. … The greed of the abortion lobby is on display as once again they go to court to force taxpayers to fund their enterprise.”

The 3 - July 15, 2018

In my weekly post, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, I will be sharing information about some opposition in the United Kingdom to an upcoming Franklin Graham evangelistic event.  Also, a number of church groups were adversely affected by recent unrest in Haiti.  And, Christians are weighing in on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

3 - Franklin Graham's upcoming event in U.K. dealt promotional blow

Franklin Graham is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom for a Festival of Hope in September in the city of Blackpool.  The task of spreading the word about the evangelistic event just got a bit tougher, according to the Faithwire website, which reports that:

As a result of increasing pressure from LGBT groups, the local governing authorities have decided to remove promotions for the event, which were placed on the side of the town’s buses.

Managing director of Blackpool Transport, Jane Cole, is quoted as saying, "Blackpool Transport is a proud ongoing supporter of the Pride and LGBT+ communities and in no way did we intend to cause any distress or upset,” adding, “All buses carrying the advert will remain off the road until they have been removed.”

The article reported on a radio interview with Franklin Graham on Premier UK, during which he said, “I’m not coming to preach hate, I’m here to preach about a savior, Jesus Christ who can make a difference in our lives if we put our faith and trust in Him,” adding, “We’re not here to preach against anyone, we’re here to talk about God.”  Franklin Graham noted that his father, the late Billy Graham, had received opposition when he went to preach the gospel in the UK.

2 - Church missions groups return from Haiti in wake of protests 

Recently, sections of the island nation of Haiti were plunged into protest as the result of a government proposal to raise the gasoline tax.  This adversely affected individuals and organizations intent on doing ministry there, according to WORLD Magazine, which stated: "A number of U.S. church mission groups stranded in Haiti amid violent protests have returned home as the capital city slowly returns to normalcy."

Groups affected include:

- Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Bear, DE, which had a group of 15 teenagers and five adults return home last Wednesday night.

Also...

- Kensington Church in Troy, MI., posted on its Facebook page Thursday morning that all its missions teams, including a group of high school students, had come back.

- Vermontville Baptist Church in Michigan, according to the story, "canceled a planned mission trip for its members after the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Haiti." The church's pastor, Joseph Benedict, told Grand Rapids TV station WOOD-TV: "We decided that it would be in our best interest to maybe try and find a different place to go or at least keep ourselves out of harm’s way,” adding, “We know that God has a special plan for us. That is secure. But how are we going to get to that point? And that’s why we daily walk with Christ: to figure that out.”

- Plus, on its Facebook page, Montgomery's Frazer Church stated: "...Our missionary families are safe back home and Beryl has been downgraded to a tropical storm...Continue always to pray for Haiti and its many challenges as well as the missionaries there." The post expressed appreciation for prayers.

1 - Christian groups embrace Trump Supreme Court nominee

On Monday night, President Trump announced his nomination of Brett Kavanaugh of the D.C. Circuit Court to replace retiring justice Anthony Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court.  According to Bruce Hausknecht, Judicial Analyst for Focus on the Family, writing on the ministry's website, Kavanaugh has "...An originalist and textualist judicial philosophy. He does not believe – and his judicial record backs this up - in legislating from the bench." Hausknecht went on to say, "What we know so far about his 12-year judicial record appears to back up his White House nomination speech. On issues of religious freedom and life and free speech, among others, his court opinions and dissents portray a judge who deeply values our God-given rights guaranteed by the Constitution."

Hausknecht was a recent guest on The Meeting House on Faith Radio.  So was Rachel Alexander, Senior Editor of The Stream.  She visited with me prior to the announcement.  Here's what she wrote about Kavanaugh before he was nominated:

He served in several positions under George W. Bush, including legal counsel. He played a lead role under Kenneth Starr drafting the 1998 Starr Report, which recommended impeaching President Bill Clinton.

In Priests for Life v. HHS, Kavanagh opined that Obamacare’s requirement that Catholic religious organizations provide free contraceptives violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Kavanagh dissented from an opinion that required the government to obtain an abortion for an illegal immigrant teen in U.S. custody. He clerked for Anthony Kennedy.

A number of evangelical leaders and organizations have expressed support of Kavanaugh. The National Religious Broadcasters website reported that in an e-mail to the NRB membership, President and CEO Jerry Johnson stated, "As I said in my statement, filling this vacancy may be a generational opportunity to secure a strong majority on the Supreme Court committed to the Constitution, especially our First Amendment liberties..."

The NRB article added:

In light of the importance of the seat, Johnson urged NRB members to do the following:

1. Pray. “Scripture repeatedly teaches us that we are obligated to pray for governing authorities,” Johnson noted. “Please pray for the Senate as it considers this nomination, and pray for God to strengthen Judge Kavanaugh in the midst of the confirmation process, which is likely to be very difficult.”

2. Personally engage their two Senators, urging support for the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh. “Write letters, send emails, and call their offices to make your voice heard,” Johnson said.

3. Use their platforms — broadcasting, print, digital, social, etc. — to urge their audiences to become engaged in this confirmation battle. “The involvement of your audiences could make the difference in the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh,” Johnson stated.

The 3 - July 8, 2018

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, the clock continues to tick on the bill in California that could chill free speech for those who want to speak truth regarding God's will for sexuality; lawmakers are now in their month-long summer vacation.  Also, there has been a court ruling from Canada in favor of a three people in a polyamorous relationship who have been allowed to legally adopt a child.  And, laws emphasizing our national motto have taken root in a half dozen states.

3 - More time to oppose California speech bill

The California State Senate is now in its summer vacation; that means it will be just about another month before that bill, AB2943, which has already passed the lower chamber, could come up for a vote.  According to the advocacy group, SaveCalifornia.com, on its website: "...On July 2, this unconstitutional bill was sent to the Senate floor without a hearing and without any amendments...On June 12, this anti-freedom, anti-choice bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee ..."

The website states that: "...AB 2943 would, for all practical purposes, prohibit California adults from choosing to obtain professional, expert counseling to help them overcome their unwanted homosexual desires or gender confusion."

The site also says:

As Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) explains:

At its core, AB 2943 outlaws speech, whether offered by a licensed counselor, a best-selling author, or even a minister or religious leader. It targets a specific message—that an adult who is experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion can find help to address those issues—for censorship.

SaveCalifornia.com, the Campaign for Children and Families, has published action steps regarding communication with legislators in the state.  The recess ends on August 6.

2 - Canada recognizes three parents in polyamorous relationship

The potential effect of the redefinition of marriage on child adoption can be clearly seen in a court ruling from Canada.  According to Christian Headlines.com:

Three adults living in a polyamorous relationship can be the legal parents of a child, according to a ruling by a Canadian judge in what is believed to be the first ruling of its kind in the nation.

The case involves two men living with a woman, who is the mother of the child born in 2017, according to the CBC. It was a Newfoundland and Labrador court.

The judge is quoted as saying, "Society is continuously changing and family structures are changing along with it,” adding, “This must be recognized as a reality and not as a detriment to the best interests of the child.”

The piece quotes from ChristianNews.net, which includes comments from Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham, who said: “Yes, it’s a detriment to the child because there’s only one definition of a true family when God created this institution with one man one woman (Genesis 1&2)..."  He went on to say, “The ‘best interests of the child’ are when they’re taught the truth God created them, they’re made in God’s image and very special, and they have a sin nature so God provided a free gift of salvation for them in God’s Son Jesus who died and rose from the dead.”

1 - Multiple states pass laws to display "In God We Trust"

In 1956, Congress approved a resolution designating, "In God We Trust," as our national motto.  And, there is a move throughout the country for state legislatures to affirm that motto by having it prominently displayed in public schools.  According to the ReligionNews.com website, that move is being led by the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, an "offshoot" of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.  The site says:

This year, five state legislatures passed laws mandating that every public school prominently display the U.S. motto, “In God We Trust.” The addition of Arkansas, which passed such a law in 2017, brings to six the number of states with public school mandates, including Alabama, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana and Tennessee.

Those laws, mostly sponsored by legislative prayer caucuses in about 30 states, were inspired by the foundation’s 2017 manual known as Project Blitz, a 116-page guide for state legislators listing 20 model bills of which “In God We Trust” is the first.

The story quoted Tennessee state Rep. Susan Lynn, who, according to the article, "sponsored the bill that passed in that state in March..." She said, in a quote from the newspaper, the Tennesseean, included in the Religion News article: "Our national motto and founding documents are the cornerstone of freedom and we should teach our children about these things..."  The Religion News story also says:

Project Blitz writers acknowledge that “In God We Trust” bills may seem symbolic, but they serve a larger purpose, which is to lay the foundation for future efforts.

The 3 - July 1, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is news out of Iowa, where the state Supreme Court has voided a pro-life law.  Also, hundreds are dead in an attack on Christians in Nigeria.  And, the U.S. Supreme Court had a flurry of activity during its final days - some highlights ahead, including rulings impacting religious liberty.

3 - Iowa Supreme Court strikes down abortion law

Last year, legislators in Iowa passed a 72-hour waiting period before a woman could have an abortion.  The state's Supreme Court struck that down in the past week, according to the Des Moines Register, which reports that:

The landmark 5-2 decision tossed out a 72-hour waiting period requirement, which legislators passed in 2017. Experts said the justices' decision could dim the chances for a 2018 "fetal heartbeat" law, which would ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady, writing the majority opinion, stated, "We conclude the statute enacted by our legislature, while intended as a reasonable regulation, violates both the due process and equal protection clauses of the Iowa Constitution because its restrictions on women are not narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest of the state..."

The Register article also said:

Chuck Hurley, vice president of the conservative group the Family Leader, told reporters he was shocked to read the majority opinion in the case. He said that despite the setback, conservatives would push forward with defending the 2018 fetal heartbeat law. “This makes the heartbeat bill — the heartbeat law — and litigation even more important,” he said.

2 - 200 dead in Nigerian attack

The persecution of Christians continues to be pronounced in the African nation of Nigeria, and a Morning Star News article appearing at ChristianHeadlines.com reinforces this notion, reporting that:

Muslim Fulani herdsmen with machetes and firearms slaughtered more than 200 people in 10 predominantly Christian communities near Jos, Nigeria on Saturday and Sunday (June 23-24) in what a cattlemen’s spokesman admitted was likely retaliation for stealing cows.

The article says that:

Istifanus Gyang, a member of Nigeria’s National Assembly, on Monday (June 25) issued a statement in Jos decrying the attacks, which took place in the areas he represents in Plateau state, describing it as “…painful holocaust, ethnic cleansing and genocidal killing of my people under the watch of a government that has abdicated its primary constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives of law-abiding citizens.”

It appears as if the Christians in particular areas are being blamed for the theft of cattle.  The article quotes a cattle breeders' organization spokesman:

“Fulani herdsmen have lost about 300 cows in the last few weeks – 94 cows were rustled by armed Berom youths in Fan village, another 36 cows were killed by Berom youths. In addition to that, 174 cattle were rustled.”

The story continues:

Area Christians question how villagers untrained to handle cattle could have “rustled” the high number of cows that Ciroma claims, especially with military check-points mounted throughout the state that would make it difficult to move such a quantity of livestock.

1 - High court rules on free speech, religious freedom

There was plenty of news out of the U.S. Supreme Court during the preceding week, including the announcement that Justice Anthony Kennedy would be retiring at the end of July.  President Trump has already said that he would be making the choice of a replacement soon, indicating he would be announcing that new prospective justice on July 9.

In addition, the high court upheld the President's so-called "travel ban" on accepting potential refugees from countries that research indicates are most likely to have terror connections.

And, the Christian Educators Association International is celebrating a ruling that said, according to its website: "that unionized public sector workers do not have to join, or pay agency fees, to unions. This ruling has significant implications for many public school teachers from faith backgrounds who have long struggled with the legal requirement to support unions that often contribute money to causes to which they object."

David Schmus, CEAI Executive Director, is quoted as saying, “Justice delayed was not justice denied for our teachers, who are now free to direct their hard-earned pay according to the dictates of conscience,” adding, “For years many teachers, including me, have been legally required to financially support unions as a condition of their employment, knowing that their money was going to Planned Parenthood or similar causes—no more.”

There was also a ruling concerning California's law that would have forced pro-life pregnancy resource centers to direct clients where they could get an abortion - the high court overturned that law.  Alliance Defending Freedom represented National Institute of Family and Life Advocates. ADF President, CEO, and General Counsel Michael Farris, stated: “In this case, the government used its power to force pro-life pregnancy centers to provide free advertising for abortion. The Supreme Court said that the government can’t do that, and that it must respect pro-life beliefs.”

And, at the end of the session, there was a ruling on prayer in the home: First Liberty represented a client, Mary Ann Sause, who had been ordered not to pray in her own home.  The organization's website stated:

Attorneys for Sause had asked the Supreme Court to reverse the appellate court’s ruling that the police officers, who in 2013 entered Sause’s home to investigate an alleged minor noise complaint, harassed her, and ordered Sause, a devout Catholic, to stop praying in her home were entitled to qualified immunity. The Supreme Court’s decision sends a clear signal that citizens are entitled to religious liberty in their own home.

The court ruled in Sause's favor.  In another prayer case out of North Carolina, the high court decided not to hear a case out of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in which the full court held that the commissioners in Rowan County were in error when they allowed prayer at public meetings.  Alliance Defending Freedom said on its website that it was involved in the North Carolina case as well as "the 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Town of Greece v. Galloway that upheld prayer at public meetings, which both a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in the Rowan County case and a recent decision by the 6th Circuit in a different case cited as critical precedent for their decisions in favor of legislator-led prayer policies. The full 4th Circuit, however, later reversed the 4th Circuit panel’s decision, creating a split between the circuits."

So, now the focus about the Supreme Court for the next few months will be on the replacement for Anthony Kennedy, who was not a reliable vote on abortion and gay marriage, but who was fairly strong on religious liberty issues.  He was regarded a "swing" vote on the court, and it is speculated that whoever is nominated as his replacement will be a solid conservative, a "strict constructionist" regarding the Constitution.  The Hill reports that the President has indicated that he has narrowed his list to "about five," including two women, from a list of 25 potential nominees he had released during the campaign.

The 3 - June 24, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, spotlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, the promotion of "Freedom Sunday" at a Dallas church resulted in its freedom to speak its message being limited.  Also, a church in Maryland has been banned from using its own facility for the purpose of worship services.  And, the Oregon couple whose bakery was shut down due to their declining to provide a cake celebrating a same-sex union, received another court defeat.

3 - Church billboards taken down

This past Sunday, First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX presented its "Freedom Sunday" event, with Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress preaching on the topic, America is a Christian Nation.  This event was being promoted on billboards around the area, until the billboard company ordered them to be taken down.

According to a press release from Dr. Jeffress and First Baptist Dallas, the pastor said, “the message will present the historical evidence for the bedrock of faith upon which America was founded.” The press release continued:

Students of history will recognize these words “America is a Christian Nation” did not originate with Jeffress but came from the words of both John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and Justice David Josiah Brewer, who explicitly described America as a Christian nation in a Supreme Court ruling.

The website, Lifezette, reported:

The advertising company, OutFront Media, seems to have been urged to action (at least in part) by a sardonic opinion piece published in The Dallas Morning News, titled “First Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress’ Gospel of Division Does Not Represent My Dallas.”

The mayor of the city was quoted in the article, stating:

"I don't mind someone being proud of the Christian tradition in America — it's obviously there," adding, "But one of the strengths of Dallas is our faith-based community, [and] it's the strength that makes us a city of love versus a city of hate."

And a group of atheists were planning a protest at First Baptist on Sunday morning, according to another press release from the pastor and the church, which stated:

The irony of the protest is not lost on Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas: “Last December, American Atheists placed billboards in Dallas attacking Christmas and advising people to ‘Just Skip church’ and ‘It’s all fake news.’ We, of course, didn’t organize demonstrations against the billboards, put pressure on the billboard company for them to be taken down, or denounce them for their divisive and mean-spirited words because, unlike those on the Left, we actually believe in free speech.”

When asked how he felt about the demonstrators, Dr. Jeffress said, “We welcome skeptics and cynics, so of course we’re glad they’re coming. I just hope they’ll have the courage to drop their logos and egos long enough to actually listen to the overwhelming evidence that I’ll be presenting in my sermon, ‘America is a Christian Nation.’” He added with a smile, “But they better get here early—we’re expecting a big crowd.”

2 - City prevented from holding worship in its own coffee shop

A church in Maryland has been prevented from holding a worship service in its own facility.  A Faithwire.com story reported:

Redemption Community Church opened a coffee shop in the town of Laurel, with the aim of serving the local community coffee for six days a week and presenting the Gospel on Sunday.

Ragamuffins Coffee House is located in a very poor neighborhood and seeks to meet the needs of those who are struggling, offering them a welcoming and warm community — and great coffee.

But, according to the story, "...city officials told them to cease ministry operations and leave immediately. According to the Alliance Defending Freedom, the religious freedom legal group representing the church, city officials adopted new zoning codes with the express intention of stopping Redemption Community Church from operating in the city’s downtown area."

ADF explained, "The law forces houses of worship to submit to an expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain special exception process that is not imposed on secular organizations..." It noted, "Almost immediately after the church purchased the property, the city changed its zoning code to remove houses of worship on less than one acre as permitted uses in the zone and allow them only if a special exception permit application was individually approved..." The city threatened to fine the church $250 per day. The Faithwire story noted the recent initiative announced by the Department of Justice that protects churches from, as the article states, "government interference," with respect to land and facility usage.

1 - OR Supreme Court rejects appeal from cake bakers

Aaron and Melissa Klein have had a years-long history of being told "no" by the legal system after they said "yes" to upholding their religious beliefs by rejecting a request to bake a cake celebrating a same-sex marriage.  The Kleins faced a heavy fine of $135,000 for their action and their appeals through the courts have been repeatedly rejected.

The latest case in point occurred this past week. First Liberty, which represents the couple, reported in a press release:

...the Oregon Supreme Court denied review in the case of Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweetcakes by Melissa. The following statement in response to the court’s decision may be attributed to Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO for First Liberty Institute:

No one in America should be forced by the government to choose between their faith and their livelihood. But that’s exactly what happened to our clients, bakers Aaron and Melissa Klein. We look forward to making our case to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Perhaps it is the Kleins' case, or that of a florist in Washington who declined to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding ceremony, that could cause the high court to make a definitive ruling on the religious freedom rights of artists who do not wish to participate in providing their art for an event that violates their deeply held beliefs.  The Masterpiece Cakeshop decision was a step in the right direction, but experts agree that it was incomplete.  Meanwhile, Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece, is experiencing an uptick in business, according to ChristianHeadlines.com.  The article states:

Phillips said he has received an outpouring of support as the case went before the Supreme Court and that his business has increased, although he initially lost 40 percent of his business.

"We have had so many people coming by to support us as the case has gone on, and there has been an outpouring of love and support since the decision came down. The state's targeting of my beliefs cost me 40 percent of my business and forced me from 10 employees down to four. But we're so happy to be busy doing what we do best at our shop," Phillips told The Christian Post in an email.

The 3 - June 17, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance for the Christian community, a Bible-based organization has issued new guidelines calling for employees to follow...the Bible in certain areas.  Also, the U.S. Justice Department has issued a policy designed to protect churches and religious organizations, providing a level playing field in areas concerning land and facilities use.  And, a ruling from Canada's highest court has clouded the future for a Christian university that has a new law school in the works.

3 - Bible organization announces guidelines for employees to adhere to the Bible regarding marriage

I have a lot of respect for the work of the American Bible Society, and recently, the organization issued employee guidelines that actually directs those who work for it to - believe the Bible regarding marriage.  A CBN News story relates:

The new policy asks employees to conduct themselves according to biblical principles, including refraining from extra-marital sex and honoring God through marriage between one man and one woman.

"I will seek to refrain from sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant prescribed and exemplified in the Bible: 'a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one,' symbolizing the relationship between Christ and His Church," the statement reads.

And, the story points out, "The document also asks employees to refrain from 'malicious speech, stealing, cheating others,' and drug abuse."

The article quotes a Religion News Service article that says the "nine of the company's 200 employees have resigned," presumably because they disagreed with the new principles.

So, even though the Society will no doubt be branded as intolerant, American Bible Society President and CEO Roy Peterson thinks it made the right call, telling RNS, "We did this because we believe a staff made up of people with a deep and personal connection to the Bible will bring unity and clarity as we continue our third century of ministry."

2 - US Department of Justice takes step to protect religious organizations in matters of use of land and facilities

The Justice Department has announced a new religious freedom regulation that is designed to protect churches and other religious organizations in matters of land and facility usage.  The Alliance Defending Freedom stated on its website:

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday its new “Place to Worship Initiative,” which will focus on “protecting the ability of houses of worship and other religious institutions to build, expand, buy, or rent facilities—as provided by the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).”

ADF Senior Counsel Erik Stanley, director of the ADF Center for Christian Ministries, is quoted as saying, “No city should use its zoning laws to engage in religious discrimination. Unfortunately, in the 18 years since Congress passed RLUIPA, local governments have done just that, blatantly disregarding the law,” adding, “For that reason, we commend the Department of Justice and the Trump administration for placing a much-needed focus on the freedoms churches and other religious groups have under this federal law.” As the site says, ADF has been involved in defending religious organizations to uphold their rights under the act.

1 - Canadian Supreme Court rules against law school requiring students to adhere to Christian sexual ethics

Trinity Western University in Canada has been making plans to open a law school, but it has faced opposition because of its "community covenant," which, according to a story on the WORLD Magazine website, "requires students and faculty to abstain from sex outside heterosexual marriage."

According to WORLD:

Leaders of the Law Society of British Columbia initially said the group would recognize the school’s graduates but reversed course after a majority of its members objected. Lawyers in Ontario took a similar stance, while societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Yukon, and Nova Scotia agreed to recognize the graduates.

The issue of whether or not regional law societies would accredit Trinity's school had gone to various regional appeals courts, which issued a variety of decisions.  So, the case went to the Canadian Supreme Court, which recently issued a 7-2 ruling against Trinity and in favor of the discretion of the regional societies.

The article linked to a story at the CBC website, which stated that the high court said "it's 'proportionate and reasonable' to limit religious rights in order to ensure open access for LGBT students. The story quotes Janet Epp Buckingham, described as "a TWU professor who helped develop the law school proposal," who "said she was saddened by the ruling." She is quoted as saying, "We feel that this is a loss for diversity in Canada," adding, "Canada has traditionally upheld values of diversity for a broad array of religious views. So we're very disappointed in the way the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled today."

The 3 - June 10, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, there are three stories related to religious liberty.  One is out of Arizona, where a state appeals court has ruled against Phoenix artists who had challenged a local ordinance that would have forced them to create art that contradicts their religious beliefs.  You also have the case of a corporate spokesperson who lost his job just because he stated his Biblically-consistent views on homosexuality.  And, the big news out the U.S. Supreme Court Monday was that a Colorado baker received a favorable ruling in a case that had resulted from his declining to bake a cake celebrating a same-sex relationship.

3 - Arizona appeals court rules against artists who challenged Phoenix ordinance forcing artistic expression that violates their beliefs

A Phoenix art studio had filed a challenge to a local ordinance that, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom website, would have forced artists to create expression that runs contrary to their deeply held beliefs.  The studio is called Brush and Nib, and its lawsuit, filed in 2016, "challenges Phoenix City Code Section 18.4(B), a non-discrimination ordinance which the city has construed to force artists like the owners of Brush & Nib to create objectionable art, even though they decide what art to create based on the art’s message, not the requester’s personal characteristics."  This is called a "pre-enforcement challenge."

The ADF website stated that the ordinance, "forces the studio’s two young female owners to use their artistic talents to promote same-sex ceremonies. The ordinance also forbids the studio...and its proprietors from publicly expressing their Christian belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman or explaining why they hold to that time-honored view."

This past week, the Arizona Appeals Court, after a lower court judge had refused to suspend the ordinance, ruled against the artists' challenge.  According to an article on the ADF website, Senior Counsel Jonathan Scruggs, director of the ADF Center for Conscience Initiatives, said:

“Artists shouldn’t be forced under threat of fines and jail time to create artwork contrary to their core convictions. The court’s decision allows the government to compel two artists who happily serve everyone to convey a message about marriage they disagree with. This contradicts basic freedoms our nation has always cherished. In Monday’s Masterpiece Cakeshop decision, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that ‘religious and philosophical objections to gay marriage are protected views and in some instances protected forms of expression.’ Phoenix’s position contradicts this principle and violates our clients’ artistic and religious freedom. We intend to appeal the court’s decision.”

2 - Corporate spokesperson terminated due to expression of Biblical views on homosexuality

During the same week in which a baker's viewpoint was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, a spokesman for a large company who expressed his views on homosexuality was fired. Faithwire
reported on the termination of Russell Berger, corporate spokesperson for CrossFit.

Berger's comments came in response to a situation originating at a local CrossFit affiliate in Indianapolis.  The story says that several weeks ago...

...CrossFit Infiltrate’s manager and staff created a Pride workout event and proceeded to publicize it on the gym’s social media channels. Though the workout was scheduled for Thursday 7 June, it was abruptly canceled June 1 by Infiltrate’s owner Brandon Lowe. A statement regarding the reasons for the cancellation was emailed to gym members by manager Johnnie Martin.

The statement included these words: "Total health involves the body, the emotions, relationships, and the spirit. At the foundational detractor from health, as we believe God sets the parameters for, is pride."  Of course, this resulted in a backlash from the LGBT+ community. 

And, Berger, a then-researcher for the company, tweeted out his support for the actions of Infiltrate. The Faithwire report said:

In a series of now-deleted tweets, Berger declared that the “tactics of some in the LGBTQ movement toward dissent” is a clear and “existential threat to freedom of expression.”

Clearly, that didn’t go down well with his employer. Berger, whose Twitter bio lists him as CrossFit’s “Chief Knowledge Officer,” was summarily suspended for his comments pending further investigation. Speaking to Buzzfeed, Crossfit CEO Greg Glassman harangued Berger for his remarks, even labeling him a “zealot.”

Then, it was announced that Berger had been terminated.  Berger took to social media with more statements, according to the story:

“That my personal opinions don’t reflect the entirety of the CrossFit community is painfully obvious. Let’s not pretend this isn’t just an attempt to silence my personal views by pressuring my employer.”

Berger further clarified his position on homosexuality: “I believe that all humans, regardless of their sins, (and we are all sinners), are image bearers of God and worthy of dignity, respect, and value,” he tweeted. “That also means we should care enough about them to tell them the truth about sin.”

1 - Colorado cake baker who declined to provide cake for same-sex ceremony receives favorable ruling from U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court announced it ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case on Monday, and owner Jack Phillips, who declined to provide a cake for a ceremony celebrating a same-sex union, received a favorable ruling from the high court - a 7-2 ruling.  But, while this is a moment of celebration for Jack, based on experts' opinions, it is unclear how this could affect similar cases that have occurred in the past and may transpire in the future.

Family Research Council reported on the decision, saying that, according to the justices...

...Colorado's treatment of Masterpiece Cakes was "inconsistent with the state's obligation of religious neutrality." "The government, consistent with the Constitution's guarantee of free exercise, cannot impose regulations that are hostile to the religious beliefs of affected citizens and cannot act in a manner that passes judgment upon or presupposes the illegitimacy of religious beliefs and practices," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote on behalf of the court." The Colorado Civil Rights Commission, in its obvious contempt for Jack's beliefs, "was neither tolerant nor respectful of his religious beliefs." The judgment, they concluded, "is reversed."

Regarding the incompleteness of the ruling, FRC states:

The time is coming -- and soon -- when the court will have to wade into the bigger clash between religious liberty and same-sex marriage. When it does, let's hope it agrees with the majority of Americans, who understand that -- regardless of what you think about marriage -- no one should be forced to violate revealed and established biblical truth. "Now that the decision has arrived, I can see the sun once again," Jack wrote in an emotional response today. How much longer until dozens of other Christians can see theirs?

The 3 - June 3, 2018

In this most current edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is news out of California, where an appeals court issued a ruling that will apparently keep the state's assisted suicide law from going into effect.  Also, there's another high school graduation ceremony controversy, this time out of Illinois, where a graduate was told shortly before making a valedictory speech that his content was too religious.  Plus, Irish voters have turned back a constitutional amendment that was in effect, protecting the right to life of unborn babies.

3 - Appeals court rules against CA assisted suicide law 

In a special session of California's legislature convened in 2016 to address health care issues, a bill allowing assisted suicide in the state was passed.  In mid-May a state judge ruled that the new bill, called the End of Life Option Act, was not part of the authorized agenda for the session, so it was unconstitutional.

According to the Life Legal Defense Foundation website:

...Judge Daniel Ottolia held that the passage of the Act violated Section IV of the California Constitution and gave Attorney General Xavier Becerra five days to file a motion with a higher court to have his ruling stayed pending appeal.

On Wednesday, the Fourth District Court of Appeal denied the Attorney General’s motion for a stay, effectively striking down the “End of Life Option Act.”

The site stated:

Judge Ottolia found that the End of Life Option Act “does not fall within the scope of access to healthcare services” and “is not a matter of healthcare funding.” Moreover, the court ruled that, “The legislation decriminalizing assisted suicide cannot be deemed a matter incidental to the purpose of the emergency session.”

Life Legal Executive Director Alexandra Snyder is quoted as saying, “Life Legal has always maintained that the End of Life Act violates the Constitution and California’s long-standing public policy protecting its citizens from being ‘helped’ to commit suicide,” adding, “We are pleased that the court’s ruling will restore the protection that the Act removed from the ill and vulnerable.”
2 - Graduation speech nixed shortly before scheduled to be delivered due to religious content

Imagine that your son or daughter was the valedictorian, or in the case of an Illinois student, the co-valedictorian of the senior class.  Not only had the graduate worked heard to maintain a high GPA, but he or she had devoted time in preparation for the speech.  But, because the school district found fault with the message's religious content, the student was told either remove the content or not give the speech.  What an unfair position for the student, and as First Liberty Institute contends, unconstitutional action by the school district.

Todd Starnes reported on the case of Sam Blackledge, who, according to Starnes, "...was told just ten minutes before graduation that he would not be permitted to deliver his valedictory address because it was too religious."

First Liberty Institute attorney Jeremy Dys told Starnes, “School officials should remember that students retain their constitutional rights to freedom of expression from the schoolhouse gates, all the way through the graduation ceremony...” The Christian legal advocacy organization is representing Blackledge, who was a student a West Prairie High School in Illinois, according to First Liberty's website.

1 - Ireland repeals pro-life amendment

Residents of the nation of Ireland went to the polls recently to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution, which WORLD Magazine states "granted unborn babies the same legal rights as their mothers." The magazine's website had reported that, "Two exit polls taken Friday indicate about 70 percent of voters opted to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the country’s constitution..."

The WORLD report says:

John McGuirk, a spokesman for Save the 8th, called the result a “tragedy of historic proportions.” The government, which supported the repeal effort, plans to allow abortion for babies up to 12 weeks gestation.

Pro-life organization, the Susan B. Anthony List, released a statement, which said, in part:

“The result of today’s referendum is a profound tragedy for the Irish people and the entire world,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “While other Western nations including the United States acquiesced to the extreme abortion lobby, Ireland has been a shining beacon of hope for its strong defense of unborn children and their mothers. Irish pro-life advocates have correctly warned that repealing legal protections for the unborn opens the door to abortion on demand, just as Roe v. Wade did in the United States, which has some of the world’s most permissive abortion laws. We are one of only seven nations that allow abortion for any reason up to the moment of birth. We had dearly hoped the children of Ireland would be spared a similar fate.

The 3 - May 27, 2018

On this week's edition of The 3, highlighting stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is concerning news about activity that is being allowed at a worldwide Scouting jamboree to be held next year.  Also, there were court ruling last week against student privacy - one involved a transgender student in Virginia; another affected students being allowed in the restrooms and locker rooms of members of the opposite sex.  And, there was a major decision related to a Southern Baptist seminary president this past week.

3 - New rules announced at Scout jamboree next year

The next World Jamboree, sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), will be held next summer in West Virginia, and recently released its health and safety guidelines for the event, according to the website of the Florida Family Policy Council, which is headed by John Stemberger, board chair of the Christian-based scouting movment, Trail Life USA.

The guidelines state that condoms should be "readily and easily accessible," and that alcohol will be permitted in "confined areas."

The Florida Family Policy Council website points out:

This announcement comes on the heels of the BSA changing its membership policy earlier this month to allow girls to fully participate in local Boy Scout Troop programs and their official name change to remove the word “boy” to transform into the new genderless “Scouts BSA.”

Stemberger, who serves as President, released this statement:

“In light of the mandatory condom policy, it is not clear how far down the rabbit hole the Boy Scouts will continue to fall. With the addition of condoms and alcohol, the World Jamboree is starting to sound more like a 1960s Woodstock festival rather than a campout that parents would want to send their children to! All of this should be deeply disturbing to the churches that are chartering Boy Scout Troops. These policies present a clear youth protection problem that the BSA absolutely refuses to recognize. The fact that they are requiring that condoms be ‘readily accessible’ and are communicating this to everyone– including youth participants–shows that the BSA is both anticipating and facilitating sexual conduct between minors at this event. These policies are both outrageous and completely irresponsible.”

2 - Judges rule against student privacy

There were several recent court rulings that represented an erosion in privacy protections for students. A case that made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, only to be sent back to a lower court, received a ruling, according to a USA Today story which reported that:

A federal judge said Tuesday that a transgender student at odds with a Virginia high school since 2015 should not have been forced to use a bathroom separate from the boys' restrooms, which he wanted to use.

In 2014, the Gloucester County School Board told Gavin Grimm he could not use the boys' restrooms at the school and would have to use a separate bathroom. Grimm identifies as a man and brought a lawsuit against the district.

According to a NBC News story from last year, after the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the case, "the Trump administration announced a change in policy on the transgender issue. The lower court had relied, in part, on an earlier version of that policy."  So, it was sent back, and the Federal district judge made the ruling, citing, in part, Title IX, which prevents gender discrimination.  However, it has been pointed out that gender identity and transgenderism were not exactly on the minds of Congress when that was implemented - in 1972!

And, in the same week, as the Alliance Defending Freedom reported, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit ruled "against student privacy" in the Boyertown Area School District on Pennsylvania.  ADF had reported that...

...During the 2016-17 school year—without informing parents or students—the Boyertown Area School District secretly opened its high school locker rooms, showers, and restrooms to students of the opposite sex, which violated many students’ bodily privacy rights.

This was challenged by students and parents in the district. ADF Legal Counsel Christiana Holcomb stated:

“The Supreme Court has already spoken: The real differences between men and women mean that privacy must be protected where it really counts, and that certainly includes high school locker rooms and restrooms. This decision is out of step with longstanding legal protection for privacy. We will continue advocating for these young students.”

1 - Seminary trustees reassign President

What is probably the end of merely the first chapter of a story that has had a devastating effect on the Southern Baptist Convention concluded in the past week as the long-time President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was removed from that position and reassigned as President Emeritus by the Seminary's Board of Trustees at a lengthy meeting that was requested by Paige Patterson.

Baptist Press reported on the recent developments and what led up to Patterson's removal.  It stated:

Southwestern's trustees convened their meeting in response to controversy surrounding Patterson since late April over statements he made years ago on domestic violence and a teenage girl's physical appearance.

The article also said that:

Patterson issued a statement May 10, in which he apologized for a "failure to be as thoughtful ... as I should have been" in describing domestic violence and the physical attractiveness of women in sermon illustrations.

Since the years-old video and audio clips surfaced, thousands of Southern Baptists have signed open letters both supporting and opposing Patterson.

The next chapter is likely to unfold at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas.  Patterson has been scheduled to present the keynote sermon there.  The Patterson issue and the role of women in the churches of the convention will no doubt be topics of discussion and there may be action taken on the convention floor, perhaps in the form of a resolution.  Also, there is a hotly contested election for Convention President, with North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear and North Greenville University administrator Ken Hemphill as the candidates - they have been amicable toward one another, jointly asking for prayer for the election a few weeks ago; but supporters of each candidate have been rather vocal online.

The 3 - May 20, 2018

Each week, I post references to three stories potentially impacting the Christian community.  One of the stories involves a college graduate who decided to include religious content in her graduation speech after intervention by a Christian legal advocacy group.  Also, a new California law allowing assisted suicide has been struck down by a state judge there.  Plus, the Trump Administration has announced the intent to lower the amount of taxpayer money going to health care facilities that provide abortion.

3 - Faith content remains in graduation speech

This is that time of year when it seems almost annually you hear about a student who was not allowed to deliver religious content in a graduation speech.  A recent example occurred at Colorado Mesa University, according to a story on the ChristianHeadlines.com website.

Graduate Karissa Erickson wanted to make reference to Jesus and the Bible in her speech.  The story states:

Relevant Magazine reports that student Karissa Erickson gave the speech last Friday at her school’s graduation ceremony. Although the university has a rule prohibiting religious content in school-related speeches, Erickson, with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom, appealed this rule and won.

(Here is a link to the Relevant story.)

The Christian Headlines piece says that, "...upon hearing of Erickson’s case, the ADF sent a letter to university officials, seeking to appeal the rule."

The story goes on to state:

The school decided to grant Erickson’s request, as expressed through ADF’s letter, although some school officials still said Erickson could face “repercussion” if she chose to keep the references to Jesus and the Bible in her speech.

2 - Assisted suicide overturned by California judge

A California district judge struck down a law called the End of Life Option Act, which had been passed by lawmakers during a special session that had been called by the governor to address other health care issues.  According to the Christian Medical and Dental Associations website:

Life Legal Defense Foundation attorneys who represent the American Academy of Medical Ethics, (www.ethicalhealthcare.org) CMDA's state public policy arm, in the lawsuit appeared in court yesterday to argue that the Act is not related or even incidental to the stated purpose of the special session.

Riverside Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia agreed, ruling on May 15 that “the End of Life Option Act, which decriminalizes physician-assisted suicide, does not fall within the scope of access to healthcare services,” and that it “is not a matter of health care funding.”

Dr. David Stevens, CEO of the CMDA, which has 19,000 members, according to its site, is quoted as saying: "Just as assisted suicide contravenes the Hippocratic oath, the judge found that the California legislature contravened the state constitution," adding, "Assisted suicide is not healthcare, it has no role in the healing arts of medicine, and it is dangerous for patients, medicine and society."

1 - Administration cuts funding to Planned Parenthood

The Trump Administration this past week announced its intention to remove dollars that were allotted for so-called "family planning" services from going to Planned Parenthood and other clinics that include abortion in the services they perform.  A report on The Washington Times website stated:

The proposed rule change in Title X, a $260 million federal program for contraception and “family planning,” will interpret the 1970 law as requiring absolute separation between contraception and abortion activities, effectively making Planned Parenthood ineligible.

“The proposal would require a bright line of physical as well as financial separation between Title X programs and any program (or facility) where abortion is performed, supported, or referred for as a method of family planning,” a Trump administration official said in an email to the Weekly Standard.

This is an incremental step to defunding Planned Parenthood, as the Times points out: "Even apart from that, much of the hundreds of millions in annual federal money Planned Parenthood gets comes from Medicaid, which would not be affected by the rule change. Cutting it off would require legislation."

In voicing his support for this proposal, Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family, wrote:

HHS’s announcement that it will be bringing back a Reagan-era regulation dealing with family planning funds and abortion responds to the cry of millions of Americans who want their government to support life, not death. Six in ten Americans oppose taxpayer funding of abortion.

Title X is for family planning services – and abortion is not family planning.

The 3 - May 13, 2018

In this week's edition of The 3, highlighting three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there are two stories relative to Christian denominations: the United Methodist Church's struggle on matters related to homosexuality, and a recent controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention relative to treatment of women.  Also, three North Korea prisoners came back to the U.S. recently, and there are several spiritual dynamics.

3 - United Methodist Church prepares for conference on sexuality, Bishops recommend removing phrase declaring homosexuality to be sinful

At the 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, it was determined that matters related to sexuality, with a central emphasis on homosexuality and its effects on the church, would be tabled until a specially-called conference.  That has now been set, and according to a Religion News Service article on the ChristianHeadlines.com website, bishops at the conference, "...announced the creation of a 32-member commission that would make recommendations to settle questions of ordination and marriage at a special session of the General Conference to be in held in February in St. Louis."

The commission has recommended three plans: The One Church Plan, the Traditionalist Plan, and the Connectional Conference Plan.  The Christian Headlines article stated: "The Council of Bishops recommended the One Church Plan, on Friday (May 4), after nearly a week of meetings in Chicago, according to a council press release."

So, what is in the plans?  The website of the Institute on Religion and Democracy,
JuicyEcumenism.com, stated:

...the Council of Bishops will forward three separate plans as possible options to the 2019 General Conference as part of its final report:

• a Traditionalist Plan, which has previously been described as maintaining our present sexual-morality standards, increasing enforcement measures, and allowing gracious exit ramps for congregations and others unwilling to follow our standards;

• a so-called One Church Plan, which has previously been described in terms of removing the UMC’s traditionalist teachings and policies on marriage and sex, and officially authorizing same-sex “weddings” and homosexually active pastors, throughout our denomination; and

• a Connectional Conference Plan, which has previously been described as replacing the five jurisdictions into which the UMC is currently geographically divided within the United States with two or more nationwide jurisdictions that would each have its own theology and policies related to marriage, while somehow remaining part of the same denomination.

Again, the bishops have recommended the One Church Plan. The IRD article stated: "Such a plan, more accurately labeled the Liberalization Plan, is completely irreconcilable with Scripture, unfaithful 2,000 years of consistent global Christian tradition, and very pastorally harmful, most especially to self-identified LGBTQ individuals and their loved ones."

The Wesleyan Covenant Association issued a statement this past week, in which it expressed gratitude that three plans would be presented.  It stated, in part:

We understand a majority of the council is recommending the adoption of a “local option” plan that would liberalize our sexual ethics, teachings on marriage, and ordination standards. Therefore, we are particularly grateful a significant and important minority of the council insisted on the inclusion of a traditionalist model.

To give some perspective on this association and its purpose, here is another passage from the statement:

At its inception the Wesleyan Covenant Association clearly stated in its Chicago Statement that: “A plan that requires traditionalists to compromise their principles and understanding of Scripture, including any form of the ‘local option’ around ordination and marriage, will not be acceptable to the members of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, stands little chance of passing General Conference, would not definitively resolve our conflict, and would, in fact, lead to the fracturing of the church.”

Nevertheless, the tone of its statement indicated the Association was hopeful about the outcome of this event, coming up in February 2019.

2 - So. Baptists debate status of Seminary president in advance of its National Convention

Meanwhile, the Southern Baptist Convention is set to meet in Dallas next month, and over the past few weeks, the Convention has garnered negative headlines regarding comments made in the past by one of the long-time leaders of the Convention, President of the denomination's Southwestern seminary, Paige Patterson.  The comments centered around Dr. Patterson's views on how abuse should be handled in a marital relationship.  Plus, a video surfaced on a blog of Patterson making a joke that was perceived to be in ill taste and misogynistic.

Patterson has made several statements; the most recent, according to the Baptist Press website, was an apology to those he had offended.  It contained the words:

...I wish to apologize to every woman who has been wounded by anything I have said that was inappropriate or that lacked clarity. We live in a world of hurt and sorrow, and the last thing that I need to do is add to anyone's heartache. Please forgive the failure to be as thoughtful and careful in my extemporaneous expression as I should have been."

Patterson added, "I would also like to reiterate the simple truth that I utterly reject any form of abuse in demeaning or threatening talk, in physical blows, or in forced sexual acts. There is no excuse for anyone to use intemperate language or to attempt to injure another person. The Spirit of Christ is one of comfort, kindness, encouragement, truth, and grace; and that is what I desire my voice always to be.

There have been several open letters that have been posted online; the one receiving the most attention coming from women who had expressed their concern.  In social media, there has been spirited discussion about whether or not Patterson should resign his position or be removed, as well as whether or not he should preach the highlighted convention sermon in Dallas.  The seminary's Board of Trustees will meet next week to discuss the situation, at the request of Patterson, according to Baptist Press.

Meanwhile, outgoing convention president Steve Gaines has weighed in, and in a statement referenced in another Baptist Press article, mentioned that he had spoken to Patterson and expressed his disagreement with him in these matters. Gaines also issued an apology to SBC women, saying, in part: "On behalf of the SBC, I ask for the forgiveness of all women who have been hurt by these comments and the issue of ill treatment of women within churches in particular." He encouraged Southern Baptists to pray for the Trustees meeting on May 22.  He also encouraged them to do four things:

--Pray for the SBC. Ultimately, our struggle is not with people, but with Satan and demonic spirits (cf. Ephesians 6:12). We must stop fighting one another, and start fighting the devil on our knees.

-- Fast and pray 21 days for our SBC meeting in Dallas. I call all Southern Baptists to participate in a 21-day fast beginning Tuesday, May 22 through Monday, June 11. That will enable us to fast for 21 days immediately prior to the SBC meeting that begins on Tuesday, June 12. Some can do a regular fast (liquids but no food). Most anyone can do some sort of partial fast (i.e. eliminate certain foods, or eliminate a meal or two per day).

-- Speak positively and constructively. Every word we speak, in private or public conversation, even on social media, should be Christlike and filled with grace. If anyone reviles you, do not respond in kind. Far better to be wronged than to participate in an ungodly exchange of words before a lost world that is listening and watching.

-- Pray for our SBC trustees. They are accountable to the Lord and to our SBC churches, not to the employees of the SBC entities. Let them do their work as we pray for them.

He also acknowledged his commitment to "racial diversity in the various levels of SBC leadership."

1 - No. Korea prisoners brought home, concerns persist about NoKo human rights record

Three men who had been held as prisoners in North Korea were released during the past week.  The President and Vice-President both met the men, who were accompanied by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, when they returned in the wee hours of the morning.

The Faithwire.com site reported on a spiritual aspect of the homecoming: "As Pence shook hands with the three Americans who had flown back to the U.S. with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, they handed him a note. Contained within was a stunning piece of scripture."  The Scripture passage was the first three verses of Psalm 126 in the English Standard Version:

(1) “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad...”

The Vice-President tweeted, "It was an amazing moment I’ll never forget… when 3 Americans stepped onto the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews & gave me a signed personal note with Psalm 126 on the back...”

The Open Doors USA website reported:

The three Americans–all of Korean descent–reportedly include two Christians. Kim Dong-chul, arrested in 2016, is a pastor in his early 60s while Kim Hak-song, who previously described himself as a Christian missionary was jailed in October 2017. The third man, Kim Sang-duk, also known as Tony Kim, was 55 when he was arrested in 2017. Reportedly, a senior U.S. official said their release was a condition to the historic meeting between Trump and North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un. The United States has repeatedly demanded the release of the three American citizens who were held on charges of committing espionage or unidentified “hostile acts” against North Korea. No other Americans are believed to be held prisoner in North Korea.

The site also stated:

While we celebrate the release of the three men from North Korean custody, Open Doors CEO David Curry points out that these recent positive developments are far from the end of freedom work in North Korea. Instead, they should mark the beginning as we are driven to pray for and advocate for the estimated 50,000 North Korean Christians held in this prison system where abuses and conditions have been described as “as bad or even worse” than Auschwitz, the infamous World War II Nazi concentration camp. For the last 17 straight years, North Korea has been #1 on Open Doors World Watch List as the world’s most dangerous country for Christians.

Curry also is quoted as saying, "...we must continue to work toward religious freedoms for the estimated 300,000 North Korean Christians who must practice their faith under threat of harassment, imprisonment and even death."

The 3 - May 6, 2018

This week's edition of The 3 contains information regarding the rebranding of the Boy Scouts of America to omit the word, "Boy."  Also, two more states have passed legislation to protect faith-based adoption agencies from being forced to violate their religious beliefs concerning the types of homes in which children are placed.  And, another National Day of Prayer executive order was issued by the President; this time, to establish an office to guarantee a level playing field for faith-based organizations in their provision of services.

3 - "Boy" removed from Boy Scouts of America

This week, it was reported that the Boy Scouts of America would drop the use of the word, "Boy," according to USA Today, opting to use the name, Scouts BSA, come next February.

Florida Family Policy Council issued a press release, which stated:

The decision comes after the BSA decided to admit openly gay identified boys and adults, transgendered boys and most recently girls into the historically male organization. The new name will be “Scouts BSA.” New logos now include images of both a boy and a girl.

In 2013, immediately after the BSA voted to admit boys acting out as homosexual, the Florida Family Policy Council was instrumental in leading the launch of Trail Life USA, a national Christian scouting movement.

John Stemberger is President of the Florida Family Policy Council and Chairman of the Board of Trail Life USA.  In a statement, he said:

“It’s simply stunning that a leading youth organization which parents have entrusted the protection of their children with for over a century has now opted to again appease LGBT activists rather than follow clear, common-sense best practices for child protection and do what’s truly in the best interest of the boys..."

He added, "...Having fully joined the sexual revolution, the BSA has become a merely a youth group with neckerchiefs further promoting moral and gender confusion in society.”

2 - 2 states vote to protect faith-based adoption agencies

Because of those people and groups that would want to force faith-based adoption agencies to place children in households that would reflect opposition to their deeply-held beliefs, legal protection is needed.  States such as Alabama have already passed legislation that would allow such agencies to set their own policies for the types of homes in which they would place children.

Family Policy Alliance reported that in one day, two more states have passed similar legislation.  Its website states:

Late last night, the Kansas Legislature passed the Adoption Protection Act, making Kansas the ninth state to protect the right of faith-based adoption agencies to continue their good work. Kansas followed Oklahoma, which also passed a similar measure yesterday.

The story continued: "...unlike states such as Massachusetts and Illinois that have already actively pushed out faith-based adoption providers, Kansas and Oklahoma joined the growing trend to protect faith-based agencies and the children they serve."

Eric Teetsel, President of Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, is quoted as saying, "While other states shut down faith-based providers by establishing a radical, left-wing sexual litmus test, Kansas has made clear: everyone is welcome here.”

1 - New executive order issued on National Day of Prayer establishes new faith-based initiative

Again, the occasion of the National Day of Prayer brought faith leaders to the White House Rose Garden to witness the signing of another executive order to protect religious freedom; this time, the President announced a new initiative, an office. The White House website quoted President Trump:

The faith initiative will help design new policies that recognize the vital role of faith in our families, our communities, and our great country. This office will also help ensure that faith-based organizations have equal access to government funding and the equal right to exercise their deeply held beliefs.

We take this step because we know that, in solving the many, many problems and our great challenges, faith is more powerful than government, and nothing is more powerful than God.

CBN News provided a look into the language of the order.  It reported:

The order calls for the executive branch to ensure "conscience protections" that grants people and institutions free reign "to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation by the federal government."

And, "It also directs the Treasury Department not to target churches or religious groups for speaking about political issues..."

One of the President's evangelical advisory board members, Johnnie Moore, is quoted as saying, "Ordering every department of the federal government to work on faith-based partnerships - not just those with faith offices - represents a widespread expansion of a program that has historically done very effective work and now can do even greater work..."  The story relates that, "He says he'd like to see the White House faith-based effort focus on issues like prison reform, mental health issues, strengthening families, promoting education and meeting humanitarian needs."

Evangelist Greg Laurie stated, "I've always believed that America is better when it's faithful, together. Anything any administration can do to demonstrate a positive partnership between our faith communities and government, the better off our country will be and so I herald this important initiative that empowers people of faith in America..."