The 3 - November 10, 2013

This edition of my week-in-review feature, "The 3", includes a key Supreme Court case regarding prayer before governmental meetings, in which arguments were conducted this week.   Also, for the past week or so, churches and individual Christians have been challenged to pray for persecuted believers around the world.   Plus, the top story includes not on the 95th birthday of a spiritual pioneer, but an evangelistic effort in which thousands of churches are participating.

3 - High court examines prayer before government meetings

This past Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments in a case involving a city in New York state that had routinely had area clergy come in and deliver an opening prayer before its council meetings.   Because of the demographic makeup of the city of Greece, New York, Christian clergy were the ones delivering the prayers, which apparently "offended" 2 ladies, who filed suit against the city.   The town had even gone to the extent of soliciting representatives of other religions, including Wicca, to say the opening prayers.   A lower court had sided with the town; however, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found in favor of the plaintiffs and the case ended up at the high court.

Brett Harvey of the Alliance Defending Freedom offered some analysis of the proceedings in the courtroom on Wednesday in the case Town of Greece v. Galloway.  He writes that:

The core questions are whether the Constitution permits meetings to open with an invocation for Divine guidance; if so, do individuals retain the liberty to choose for themselves how to pray; or must the government censor prayers, or exclude the devout whose faith calls for specific types of prayers?

Harvey relates that attorneys arguing on behalf of the town's policy, including a representative of the Solicitor General of the United States, made their presentation first:

Allied Attorney Tom Hungar... stepped up first to defend the town. The Justices peppered Tom with questions about where the prayers were taking place and the whether the constitutional line depends on the type of government meetings taking place or the manner in which people pray. Next, a representative of the Solicitor’s General office made it clear to the court that the U.S. government believes that prayer givers must be given the freedom to determine how they pray.

Harvey goes on to say that University of Virginia Professor Doug Laycock, representing the challengers, faced questions from several justices, including Justice Alito, who requested an example of a prayer that would be acceptable to people of all faiths, which he did not answer.  In response to a question from Chief Justice Roberts, the challengers admitted that a governmental official should tell clergy how to pray, according to Harvey, who also stated that, "Justice Kennedy repeatedly expressed concern over government officials censoring prayers."

You can hear a conversation with ADF Vice-President for Religious Liberty Kevin Theriot here.

Harvey says that a ruling in the six-year battle is expected from the high court in the spring.


2 - Churches reflect, pray about persecuted church

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is historically observed during November each year, and interestingly enough, this year, there are some organizations that have chosen the traditional date, the second Sunday of November, as well others who have commemorated the day on the first Sunday of the month.   The IDOP.org website designates November 10th as the day, and it states that:

IDOP is a time set apart for us to remember thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who suffer persecution, simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

Also, on the site, it reminds us that:

Believers in countries such as Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam face violence, imprisonment and even death because of their faith in Jesus Christ. There are other places in the world such as North Korea where acts of persecution take place, but we don’t see or hear of it. Brother Andrew of Open Doors once said: 'Our heroes are not with us simply because they are in prison.'

Godfrey Yogarajah, Executive Director of the Religious Liberty Commission of World Evangelical Alliance, writes:

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) gives us the privilege of joining together with over half a million churches in 150 countries to pray for the suffering church. It plays a vital role in encouraging and strengthening the persecuted church and also awakening churches in places where there is no persecution.

Let us unite in prayer for the persecuted church, in the spirit of oneness that Christ commanded: 'For, if one suffers, we all suffer.'

Open Doors, which is an advocacy organization on behalf of persecuted Christians worldwide, encouraged people through its OneWithThem.com website to observe the Day of Prayer on November 3rd.   No matter when churches and ministries chose to observe the day, it underscores the importance of remembering and standing with fellow believers who are experiencing persecution around the world - and that should not be limited to one day a year, for certain.

1 - Billy Graham celebrates 95th Birthday, "My Hope" initiative spreads nationwide

The stories are beginning to come in to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association about its latest evangelistic initiative, "My Hope America with Billy Graham", which rolled out last week.   And, a massive "My Hope" event in Asheville, North Carolina, close to where Dr. Graham resides, featured some 800 people who gathered to celebrate his 95th birthday on Thursday, November 7.   "My Hope" events commonly have a host, also known as a "Matthew" who invites people into homes or churches, and on this occasion, the "Matthew" was Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham and President and CEO of the BGEA.   And, just like the smaller events that are being sponsored by some 25,000 churches nationwide, the video featuring Dr. Graham, "The Cross", was shown.

According to BillyGraham.org:

And on a day where all eyes were on his 95th birthday and his new message was airing in primetime on FOX News, Mr. Graham wanted his celebration focused on one thing: 

The cross.

“He’s the most humble man you’ll ever know,” North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said. "He knows it’s not about him. It’s about the cross.”

The website reports that the evening program wrapped up with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin sharing about her mother making a decision to follow Jesus through a televised Billy Graham Crusade, which impacted her entire family for Christ.

Gov. Palin is quoted as saying that, “Billy Graham has been able to articulate this message more than anyone else...He reminds us that Jesus is the only answer.”

Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae and lead singer of the Christian rock band Flyleaf, Lacey Sturm, who shared a portion of their stories on "The Cross" video, were present and were invited to be part of a "Happy Birthday" group singing, along with Michael W. Smith, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Ricky Skaggs.

Mr. Graham addressed the crowd twice at the end of the program. First, to thank his ministry partner and dear friend, Cliff Barrows, “for all that you have meant to me through all these years.” The second, to recognize his grandson, Edward Graham, an Army Major. “We’re so proud of you,” he said.

Even though some media reports characterize the message, "The Cross", as perhaps Billy Graham's last message, we can be reminded of the incredible longevity of this man of God and the tremendous determination he has to be used of the Lord.  God's definitely not finished with Billy Graham, and when he leaves this world, his ministry will certainly be far from finished - he has left a strong impact that the BGEA is devoted to carrying on and expanding upon - in fact, the "My Hope" initiative is described as the largest yet for the organization.  

The 3 - November 3, 2013

This week's edition of  "The 3" includes news of a massive prayer movement in the nation of Indonesia. Also, the Texas pro-life bill passed this summer was set to go into effect this week, and some last-minute court action threatened to prevent two provisions from moving forward, but a higher court allowed those to be implemented, as well, albeit temporarily.  And, churches across America and around the world celebrated Orphan Sunday this weekend.

3 - Prayer movement gains traction in Indonesia

An estimated five million Christians in Indonesia are participating in a non-stop effort of intercessory prayer encompassing some 500 cities.  Indonesia is home to 13 percent of the world's Muslim population and only 15 percent of the people in the island nation identify as Christians.  According to The Christian Post, organizers hope that the initiative will result in improved relations between Islam and Protestant believers.

Jeffrey Petrus, an organizer of the movement, according to NoticiaCristiana.com, said that, "24 hours a day, we are praying for the churches in Indonesia, all pastors and leaders. No single hour or day passes without prayers for our country."

Prayer organizers have commissioned multistory buildings throughout the country for the multi-denominational initiative where several bunks have been set in place for intercessors. At the prayer sites, participants are able to take on four-hour shifts at a time with the option to rest then recharge for prayer again.

The World Prayer Assembly reports that the spiritual awakening effort has been taking place since 2009.  In 2012 alone, 100,000 Christians, including 20,000 trained child intercessors and 20,000 youth, gathered at the national stadium of the nation's capital city, Jakarta, for a large-scale prayer meeting that was televised live in 200 cities throughout the country.

Leslie Keegel, from the World Prayer Assembly, has said, according to the organization's website, "The nation of Indonesia in particular is the Asian nation God has chosen to be the epicenter for the world impacting global revival He is planning on sending on the nations. God has heard the cries of the Indonesian Church, seen the tears and the blood of her saints poured out like a river."

The Post report indicates that Christians still feel threatened by the Indonesian government even though they can exercise their right of religious freedom. Contributing factors for their concerns include the difficulty to register their churches versus the less challenging process for mosques. In addition, Muslims who convert to Christianity often times leave Islam as their religion on their identification cards in order to not be ostracized.

2 - Texas pro-life law goes into effect; 2 parts initially struck down, then upheld by appeals court

Last summer, the Texas Legislature, after an unprecedented blocking move by pro-abortion advocates toward the end of its regular sessions, passed a pro-life bill which not only banned abortion at 20 weeks gestation, which is the point in an unborn child's development at which he or she feels pain, but also enacted new restrictions for abortion clinics.

On Monday, the day before the entire law was scheduled to go into effect, a Federal district court struck down the provisions that abortionist have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles of their clinics and that they follow FDA procedures on the administering of abortion-inducing drugs.

On Thursday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said that the two provisions that had been previously blocked could be implemented as the case against those portions of the law, filed by Planned Parenthood, moves forward.   According to CitizenLink, the 5th Circuit said the state demonstrated “strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits of that part of the law concerning admitting privileges.”   Fox News reports that the panel's decision means as least 12 clinics in the state would not be able to perform the procedure due to the admitting privileges provision.

The CitizenLink piece quotes Americans United for Life Action (AULA) President Charmaine Yoest as saying that, “Asking abortionists to follow the laws created for out-patient medical facilities is a low bar for an invasive medical procedure that can have life-threatening complications.”   AULA reports also that more than 2,200 have faced complications from chemical abortion drugs. Eight of these women died from severe bacterial infections that would not otherwise place healthy women in danger.   

1 - Churches celebrate Orphan Sunday

This weekend, thousands of churches across the country are observing Orphan Sunday.   According to the initiative's website, the purpose of the day is for churches across America and beyond to celebrate the love of the God who “places the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6) and calls us to do the same.  Ultimately, Orphan Sunday seeks to make the Gospel visible as Christians explore and respond to God’s heart for the orphan in adoption, foster care, and global orphan ministry. 

 

According to CBN.com, the campaign is getting a public boost from Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman. He and his wife, Mary Beth, adopted three little girls from China and lost one in a tragic accident.

The Chapman family has a ministry, Show Hope, that offers guidance to people considering adoption and to help them face the unexpected challenges.

CBN quotes Jodi Jackson Tucker, the international director of Orphan Sunday, who said adoption is one way Christians can care for needy children. Tucker has adopted five children.

"When you adopt a child, under the biblical view that is a covenant relationship that can never be broken," Tucker told the Associated Press.

To that end, she said it's important to make sure Christians adopt orphans for the right reason. And that reason is to offer them a committed, loving family.

On the website of the originators of Orphan Sunday, the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Jedd Medefind reported on some of the plans for the celebration.

For example, he relates that a number of churches will be celebrating Orphan Sunday for the first time in Nigeria this year. For instance, a gathering in the city of Jos included eleven pastors of churches in the region, who met to discuss, among other things, the major cultural and practical barriers to local adoptions and how to create a culture of adoption in churches.

In Nepal, Orphan Sunday will be celebrated there for the first time also.  A group had planned to print and distribute some 5000 posters, as well as requesting churches to pray and do something for orphans.

The blog reports on other churches that are involved in celebrating Orphan Sunday, some for the first time.

These and so many efforts are continuing to spread the awareness of the Biblical admonition to take care of widows and orphans and to, as Isaiah 1 says, "defend the cause of the fatherless".

The 3 - October 27, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, focuses on a high-profile religious ceremony involving the royal baby that could remind people to focus on the importance of dedicating children to the Lord and raising them in Christian teaching.  Also, violence in Egypt continues to be of concern to Coptic Christians there, and a wedding attack is an instance in which individual people, instead of church buildings, were targeted.  And, the top story involves 4 key words at the end of an Air Force Academy oath that have been made, or declared to be, optional.

3 - Archbishop of Canterbury christens royal baby, Prince George

A traditional religious ceremony made world news this week as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the head of the Anglican church worldwide, baptized the 3-month-old royal baby, who was christened and ritually welcomed into the Church of England as Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, in a private ceremony for close family and friends.  The website, ReligionToday.com had this report.

The ceremony took place in the Chapel Royal of St. James’s Palace as a small scarlet-and-gold-clad choir sang hymns.

The ceremony was short, less than 45 minutes, and took place in private, as is typical for royal christenings. Not typical was the venue: Most royal babies, including William, Charles and the queen, were christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace. The last royal baby to be christened in the Chapel Royal was Princess Beatrice, William’s cousin, in 1988.

For the service, the duke and duchess chose two hymns, two lessons and two anthems, the palace said. The hymns were Breathe on Me, Breath of God and Be Thou My Vision.  The lessons were from the Gospels of Luke and John and were read by Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry.

According to the report, baptism is especially important to British royals: Since the monarch is the head of the Church of England, eventually Prince George will take on that role, so it’s critical that he be raised as an Anglican.

The Archbishop had said in public remarks several days before the ceremony that he planned to baptize the baby with a few drops of water, rather than the immersion custom of some Protestant faiths. Welby also said he hoped Prince George’s christening and the attention it attracted would be good for the Anglican church and inspire other parents to do the same with their newborns.   Even for those who do not embrace the concept of infant baptism, we can admit that this does create a sacred moment and can illustrate the importance of dedicating children to the Lord and pledging to raise them in the teachings of the Scriptures.

2 - Wedding attack in Egypt highlights dangers to church in the nation

There is still concern in Egypt over the safety of Christians there, and Christianity Today reports on an attack on a wedding in the industrial neighborhood of Cairo known as Wassaq this past Sunday. The wedding party stood outside the church, eagerly awaiting the ceremonious arrival of the bride. But instead, drive-by shooters killed four people, including two children and the groom's mother. 18 were injured.

The piece points out that the attack was significant for being one of the first to target Egypt's Christians specifically, versus the now-common attacks on their church buildings.

Mina Magdy, general coordinator for the Maspero Youth Union, a mostly Coptic revolutionary group formed in response to church burnings in 2011 after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, said that, "Since the revolution, this is the first instance Coptic people were targeted randomly in a church, with weapons."

Since then, sectarian incidents have escalated, most severely in the period following the violent dispersal of pro-Morsi sit-ins after the military responded to massive demonstrations to remove the Islamist president from power.  Human Rights Watch documented 42 attacks on churches and numerous assaults on shops and homes.
And, as CT points out, Coptic Christians are conflicted.   The government is being challenged for failing to protect the church, but the Copts have been supportive of the military government, so any sign of protest against it would be interpreted by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood as a decline in support for the Brotherhood's opponents.  Magdy explains: "We called for a demonstration against the government, but many pro-Brotherhood sites on social media interpreted this as our protest against the so-called coup, saying Christians also are against it.

"So we told people not to come, and held only a symbolic demonstration instead."

Michael Nabil, a Coptic accountant explains it succinctly, saying, "We should push the government to give us our rights. But we should have protested earlier because the attacked churches have not been rebuilt, despite promises.

"Most Copts are accepting the rule of the military so as to avoid the rule of the Brotherhood."

We continue to be reminded of the plight of believers in Egypt and in other tumultuous areas around the world, where Christians are endangered because of their faith practices.  And, in some cases, such as Egypt and Nigeria, the government is being challenged to provide Christians with the level of protection they need - that's not to say that officials are not committed, but there are a number of mitigating factors that prevent the level of security that some Christians would desire or feel they deserve.

1 - Air Force Academy makes "So Help Me, God" optional at end of oath

It was expected that this week the Air Force Academy would change its policy toward the 4 words, "So Help Me, God", at the end of the cadets' oath.  According to the Air Force Times, the Superintendent of the Academy, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, in announcing that it will now be optional for cadets to recite “So Help Me, God” at the end of its honor oath, said, “Here at the academy, we work to build a culture of dignity and respect, and that respect includes the ability of our cadets, airmen and civilian airmen to freely practice and exercise their religious preference — or not. So, in the spirit of respect, cadets may or may not choose to finish the honor oath with ‘so help me God.’ ”

This was apparently in response to a protest by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, headed by Mikey Wienstein, himself an Academy graduate. He said the academy’s decision isn’t enough.

“The Air Force Academy took the cowardly route,” Weinstein said after the announcement. “From our perspective, it still creates a tremendous amount of unconstitutional turmoil ... for anyone who is a religious objector.”

Weinstein pledged earlier in the week to bring a lawsuit against the academy if the religious language is not dropped entirely from the oath.

The phrase appears in several oaths sworn by military service members and federal government employees, such as Navy midshipmen, newly commissioned Army officers, civilian federal employees, justices and judges, senators and congressmen, and presidents.

The Christian Post reports that the American Center for Law and Justice wrote a letter to the Academy this week, stating the AFA did not discriminate against students who did not believe in God and also did not deny commission to students who currently did not include "so help me God" in their oaths.  It warned that appeasing the MRFF might cause the school to "become unwitting pawns in Mr. Weinstein's strategy to eviscerate religious freedom in the Armed Forces" and suggested that he was receiving a disproportionate amount of attention as an alumnus of the school.  

The 3 - October 20, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3" turns our attention to the Christmas season and again to the ways that students are allowed to incorporate the religious traditions of the season into their performances.   Also, stellar performances and numerous honors were part of the Dove Awards show this past Tuesday in Nashville. And, the top story involves concerns by Christian and pro-family leaders about the deal to end the partial government shutdown, raise the debt ceiling, and...to continue to fund the Affordable Care Act.

3 - Major volley in "war on Christmas" yields concessions

I want to say that I do not care for the term, "war on Christmas", and on an annual basis, it seems that I think that perhaps I can come up with a better phrase to use to describe the religious freedom issues the occur during the latter part of the year.   And, this year, over 2 months before Christmas, a controversy arose in Wausau, Wisconsin about the content of a Christmas program.

According to a report by The Christian Post, Phillip Buch, director of Wausau West High School's choral programs since 1981, told the Wausau Daily Herald that local school district administrators had given him three restricting options for Christmas music: include five secular, nonreligious songs for every faith-based carol; hold a concert without any Christmas music; or postpone concerts in December.

Since his elite choir, the 20-member Master Singers, is invited to sing at "nearly a dozen holiday concerts each year," Buch called these demands unacceptable. Due to the new restrictions, he disbanded the group on Oct. 4.  The director is quoted as saying that, "We sing for nursing homes, grade schools and businesses. To do that without Christmas music doesn't make sense."

In an Oct. 7 statement, Kathleen Williams, Wausau superintendent of schools, argued that "district legal counsel" suggested alternatives to ensure that Master Singers concerts adhered to the law.   She later disputed that a ratio had been established.

The Alliance Defending Freedom became involved and assured the school board that the Constitution does not prohibit the singing of Christmas carols by public school groups. They sent a letter that stated, "We write to explain that every federal court to examine the issue has determined that including Christmas carols and other religious music in school choir programs fully complies with the First Amendment."

ADF's Rory Gray told The Christian Post that after the suspension of the Master Singers, "the school board is facing a public outcry of massive proportions," He added that the rule seemed confusing because the school district said they had received no complaints. "I can't think of another case where a school district decided on its own that there's a problem with holiday concerts," Gray said.

At a well-attended meeting of the school board, the body voted unanimously to begin a performance review of Superintendent Williams, according to the Daily Herald. Pat McKee, a member of the board, suggested that it waive a clause in Williams' contract that would require her to pay $6,000 if she were to resign without giving the board 90 days notice.   The Master Singers resumed practice last Tuesday.

This is yet another in an ongoing series of incidents that have been precipitated by a misunderstanding of what is called the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.   Officials who are often intimidated and think they may be violating the Constitution by including religious material end up denying free expression of time-honored religious traditions, which are incorporated into the celebration of holidays.

2 - Dove Awards spotlight best in Christian music 

The 44th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards were handed out this past Tuesday night at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville in celebration of what is called "Gospel and Christian music’s biggest night."   Here is the press release from the Gospel Music Association's website.

The top winner was Matt Redman, who won Song of the Year for "10,000 Reasons", which was also tapped in several other categories.   Redman won 6 awards, followed by TobyMac and Jason Crabb with 4. Tasha Cobbs and producer Wayne Haun scored 3 each. Chris Tomlin, Tamela Mann and Lecrae won 2 Doves.

TobyMac was named as Artist of the Year and his album, "Eye On It" won Pop/Contemporary Album. Jason Crabb won for Inspirational Album of the Year for "Love is Stronger".

The Male and Female Vocalist and Group of the Year award were eliminated this year, and Performancen awards were added in the categories of Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel, and Gospel.    Christian music newcomer Tasha Cobbs won for Gospel Performance for "Break Every Chain", Jason Crabb won Southern Gospel Performance for “What The Blood is For," and Matt Redman won in the Contemporary Christian category for "10,000 Reasons".

For King and Country took the New Artist of the Year Dove Award.

UP, formerly the Gospel Music Channel, or GMC, surprised Mandisa by honoring her with their “Uplift Someone”. The ‘Uplift Someone’ award embodies the organization’s core values of uplifting and inspiring others and recognizes an artist who through the message of their music and acts of positivity and kindness, has encouraged people across the nation and truly changed lives.

Highlights of the evening included a variety of different live performances.  Tributes to Billy Graham were given by Michael W. Smith and the Newsboys.   Vocalists Karen Peck, Daily & Vincent, Signature Sound and the Isaacs honored Bill Gaither and his music in a collaboration of “He Touched Me.”

The entire pre-show and behind-the-scenes footage were seen live on HearItFirst.com. The broadcast is set to air Monday, October 21st at 7:00pm on UP.  For more information, visit DoveAwards.com.


1 - Government shutdown, debt ceiling deal reached - pro-life leaders call for protections

As Congressional negotiations were underway to try to end the government shutdown and deal with the debt ceiling, pro-life leaders continued to express their concern over provisions in the Affordable Care Act, which was the linchpin issue driving the process which led to the government shutdown.  According to CitizenLink, representatives of over 40 groups had sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner, asking him to protect people from being forced pay for abortions — specifically, in any deals he would make with the White House regarding funding the government. They urged Boehner to include provisions of the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (HCCRA), which had been introduced in March.  Without the provisions in H.R. 940, the letter states, millions of Americans will be “unknowingly enrolled in health care plans that include elective abortion coverage”; these plans with charge enrollees an “abortion surcharge” of at least $1 a month.

The letter continues: “Regulations further contain a ‘secrecy clause’ to conceal the existence of the ‘abortion surcharge’ until the moment of enrollment...This surcharge is only disclosed in the fine print, without itemization in the monthly premium, and is never disclosed again.”  These advocates also mentioned the dangers of the Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate, which requires most businesses and nonprofits to offer potential abortion-inducing drugs in their employee health plans.

Well, on Wednesday, after the deal to reopen the portion of the government that had been shut down and to raise the debt ceiling, pro-life, pro-family advocates spoke out again in a letter to the Speaker, saying, according to another piece on the CitizenLink website, that Americans deserve better than another “Washington deal” and “political gamesmanship”:

The latest deal offers no meaningful relief from Obamacare. No defunding of the law, no delay of the law or even the individual mandate, no protection of conscience or an end to abortion subsidies. No elimination of the unlawful exchange subsidies for members of Congress and their staffs. So while Washington is taking care of politically connected special interests, Americans around the country will continue to be exposed to the harmful effects of Obamacare. Make no mistake, a vote for a deal like this is a vote to move forward with Obamacare.

Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, is quoted by CitizenLink as saying that, “While the ACA’s bad medicine is already evident in rising healthcare premiums and faulty exchanges, the most far-reaching and irreversible damage to America’s First Freedom, the freedom to live according to the dictates of your faith, has yet to be realized in its totality...We will continue to fight for the freedoms of Americans, rather than protect the Washington establishment as Congress takes up future spending bills.”

Pro-family and Christian leaders are calling for conscience protections under the health care law, which are important to people of faith.  By forcing people to pay for abortions with their tax dollars, the Act is violating the deeply-held religious beliefs of a significant number of Americans.  Even though lawmakers had originally agreed to fund the entire government with the exception of the implementation of Obamacare and survey data confirms the majority of Americans are opposed to the law, the health care law because a side issue rather than a central focus during the days that parts of the government were shut down.   And, with the faulty rollout of the health care exchanges, Obamacare opponents had a golden opportunity to continue to point out to the American people their concerns about the law.  Their voices became less prominent as the focus shifted, but that doesn't negate the valid points that pro-life, pro-family leaders make about this law, which many find objectionable.

The 3 - October 13, 2013

This week's edition of my week-in-review feature includes news about a series of gatherings across the nation involving students going to their local football stadiums to be inspired.   Also, U.S. officials, including military leaders began to deal with the shortage of Catholic chaplains available to perform Mass and other rituals due to the government shutdown. And, the top story involves a gathering in Washington that featured a number of high-profile leaders, including a number of current and former governmental officials who are Christians.

3 - "Fields of Faith" attracts students to football fields nationwide

Across America this past week, thousands of students were scheduled to gather at football fields to celebrate the annual event known as "Fields of Faith", sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, encouraging students to engage with the Bible and follow Jesus Christ.

FCA National Director of Communications Mickey Seward told The Christian Post on Thursday that 439 Fields of Faith gatherings across 37 states had been registered, though not all of them took place Wednesday.  By Sunday, that number was closing in on 450 in 38 states.  The events are designed to bring young people together at local athletic fields or gymnasiums for a time of worship, Bible reading and testimony sharing.  Montgomery was one of the locations for an FCA Fields of Faith event on Wednesday night, and Dothan will host an event on the 23rd of this month.

The Post reports that Fields of Faith began in 2002 when Jeff Martin, the Oklahoma Fellowship of Christian Athletes area director, asked God what he should do with his frustration over the spiritual battles facing the young "spectator generation," according to the event's website. Martin found his answer in the biblical story of King Josiah, a young king of Judah who led a spiritual shift in his nation when he gathered his people, read the scriptures to them and had them pledge to keep God's commands.

More than 6,000 students across Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas gathered for the first Fields of Faith in 2002. In 2012, more than 170,000 people in 37 states participated in the event nationwide.   Participants were being asked to share their photos via social media and to use the hashtag #fieldsoffaith on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.  The Fields of Faith website is www.fieldsoffaith.com.

2 - Budget shutdown hits Catholics' ability to participate in Mass, rituals

Recent guest on The Meeting House, former Congressman Bob Beauprez, Editor-in-Chief of the website, A Line of Sight, writes:

...Catholic priests denied the opportunity to celebrate Mass, even as volunteers, leaves me speechless. Read below from the general counsel of the Archdiocese for Military Services as he explains priests that defy the governments orders may even face arrest.

(Hear Beauprez's commentary as part of this interview.)

According to Catholic News Service, some civilian Catholic chaplains, unable to perform religious duties at U.S. military bases during the first weekend of the federal government shutdown, were getting back on the job as the shutdown continued into its second week.

"We're now being told priests can return to work," John Schlageter, general counsel for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, said Oct. 9.

However, only general services priests, because they work for the military, are returning.  Contract priests whose contracts were not appropriated prior to the Oct. 1 shutdown were unable to perform their ministry at that time.

Schlageter, in an Oct. 7 telephone interview with Catholic News Service, said he did not know whether the return of some priests to work was a result of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's declaration Oct. 6 that far more civilian Defense Department employees would be considered "essential" and return to their jobs -- or the reaction to Schlageter's own Oct. 3 op-ed article about the shutdown adversely affecting the ability of civilian chaplains to minister at military bases with no resident Catholic chaplain.

He said the op-ed piece had gotten coverage or publication by The Washington Post, CNN.com, and the Fox News Channel.

The House passed a concurrent resolution to authorize the return of civilian Catholic chaplains to their military ministry. "I think the House resolution -- (with a vote of) 400 to 1 -- speaks for itself," Schlageter said.   Family Research Council reports that after a week of pressure from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), other Senate Republicans, and the grassroots, Senate Democrats joined the House in calling on the Secretary of Defense to allow contracted chaplains to minister to men and women in uniform. FRC states, "it is even more important that DOD recognize the role religious support staff play in supporting the 'morale and well-being' of our members of the Armed Forces and their families."

The military archdiocese estimated that about 50 civilian chaplains were unable to conduct services on bases the weekend of Oct. 5-6 because of the shutdown. "Almost all GS (general services) priests and most contract priests were unable to work Sunday," Schlageter said. "We do have situations of door-lock, signs that said, 'No Catholic services this weekend.'"

Schlageter is quoted as saying that, "We're starting to get news from overseas bases where there was not (chaplain) coverage...It seems in many of the situations, private resolutions were found."  He added some priests celebrated Mass off base and invited the military congregants to attend.

1 - Values Voter Summit attracts Christians, conservatives to educate and motivate on issues

Friday morning, the Values Voter Summit, got off to a blazing start with some high-profile speakers who are in the mix in the national discussion over the 2016 elections.  The lead sponsor and organizer of the event is the Family Research Council.  According to a report at FRCAction.org:

A still partially shutdown government couldn't stop the enthusiasm of conservatives from across America as over 2,000 registered attendees gathered here at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.  Senator Lee reminded the audience that the government's biggest ally is found in the family. "To be truly pro-growth, we must be pro-family," he said.  Senator Cruz implored President Obama hear the people on ObamaCare, noting, "The fundamental problem in Washington is that Washington is not listening to the American people." Senator Paul took on the global persecution of Christians saying, "American tax dollars should never be spent to prop up a war on Christianity. But that's what's happening now across the globe. As Christians, we should take a stand and fight against any of your tax dollars funding any persecution of Christians."

Senator Rubio cautioned the audience that, "We can't stop talking about the importance of our values and our culture. We can't stop talking about them because the moral well-being of our people is directly linked to their economic well-being." Senator Scott challenged us that in order to restore America, "we must first get back to fiscal sanity." Mark Levin urged us to "embrace the Constitution, embrace our history [...] listen to George Mason, and Madison, and Franklin, and the others, and take our country back." Dr Ben Carson capped off the morning by exhorting attendees that " it's time - it's really time for the people - we, the people of America, to stop being afraid of the government and to put it in its place."

Other speakers included former Vice-Presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan, former Presidential candidate and former Senator Rick Santorum, former Arkansas governor and former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Heritage Foundation President Jim DeMint, and more.

The Christian Post reported on the results of a straw poll taken Saturday afternoon, in which Texas Senator Ted Cruz took first place, while neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson took the top vice presidential spot, and religious freedom was considered the most important political issue.   Cruz took 42% of the vote in the Presidential poll, with Carson and Santorum essentially tied for second with about 13% each.  Carson won 21% in the VP straw poll, with Cruz at 17%.

FRC President Tony Perkins said, "Values voters are looking for those who will refuse to be bound by the 'can't mentality' of the establishment and will challenge the status quo...In short, values voters, many of whom did not fully engage in the last election, are looking for a leader that will inspire them by challenging President Obama and speak clearly and directly to the challenges facing America."


On the question of the most important issue for Values Voters, responders ranked "Religious Freedom" as number one. Perkins called it an "umbrella issue for other issues such as marriage, parental rights, and 'Obamacare.'" The pro-life cause ranked number two, followed closely by opposition to Obama's health care law.

The 3 - October 6, 2013

This week on "The 3", my week-in-review feature, more awareness of the plight of a well-known sportscaster who apparently lost his job after it was "discovered" that he made comments in support of traditional marriage during a political campaign.  Also, a pastor who was a pioneer in worship style and worship music, passed away this week.  And, the top story involves a tragedy on the highway involving a group of senior citizens who were celebrating a happy occasion - now one-third of their group and two other people are dead in a fiery interstate crash.


3 - Christian sportscaster sues for religious discrimination

The controversy has been growing since the termination of a former SMU and NFL football star who served for years as a commentator in ABC television's college football studio show.  In early September, after just one week on the air, Craig James was fired from a stint on Fox Sports Southwest.  According to legal advocacy group Liberty Institute, which is representing James in a lawsuit to get his job back, a former supervisor of James is quoted by the Dallas Morning News as saying, “We just asked ourselves how Craig’s statements would play in our human resources department. He couldn’t say those things here.”

What things?  Well, not anything that he said on the air during his incredibly brief time with Fox.   No, it was apparently for comments made during a debate in the campaign for U.S. Senate, a seat for which James ran, along with the eventual winner Ted Cruz.  James was asked – as all political candidates usually are – about his views on same-sex marriage and homosexuality. As a Christian, James expressed his deeply held religious beliefs concerning marriage.

Religion Today quotes Jeff Mateer of Liberty as saying that the lawsuit is not just about Craig James and Fox Sports. "It's really about an attitude in corporate America and whether corporate America can somehow impose, in their view, some sort of political correctness," Mateer said. "But really what it comes down to is: Can people of faith act on and believe a certain thing? Can they express a biblical belief about marriage?" Liberty Institute sent a letter demanding that James be rehired, but it was ignored. Consequently, a lawsuit was filed in Collin County, northeast of Dallas. A hearing will be held early next month.

This past week, in an exclusive interview with Breitbart.com, James is quoted as saying, “This isn’t about me individually. People might not care for me as a broadcaster. This is about what has happened to a religious individual in America. It’s given me a sense of responsibility for others who may be in my same position who may not be in a position to stand up and fight.” He told Ben Shapiro, writing for the website, that he would not stop fighting until he got answers from Fox Sports about their alleged discrimination. The Blaze website also picked up on the story.

So, this past week may have marked a turning point in the amount of visibility of the case, as James and Liberty Institute are continuing to highlight this series of events as an instance of religious discrimination.   A number of Christian organizations have rallied to Mr. James' side in his quest to either get his job back or at least to receive some honest answers.   Right now, Fox Sports has issued some contradictory statements, and their current position is that "he wasn't a good fit", even though he was spoken of in glowing terms after he was hired.   And, unlike Chris Broussard of ESPN, who made comments about homosexuality on-air but was not fired, James' comments were made off-the-air.  Furthermore, his comments and personal opinions are consistent with the mainstream views of evangelical Christianity.

2 - Legendary Chuck Smith dies of cancer at age 86

On Thursday, according to The Christian Post, a posting on the Calvary Chapel website read, "Our beloved Pastor Chuck went home to be with the Lord around 3:00 o'clock this morning. He passed into eternity peacefully in his sleep. We rejoice that he has moved out of his worn out tent and into his heavenly body. On behalf of the family, his children, and Kay, they are so appreciative of all your love, prayers and support."

Pastor Chuck Smith, who founded Calvary Chapel, which expanded to encompass a number of affiliate churches all across America, was 86 years old and had been suffering from lung cancer.  The church stated that its services Sunday morning "will center on his homecoming." The family is planning a private memorial service, along with a larger public service to be announced in the days ahead.

Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family, was impacted by Pastor Chuck, and wrote for The Christian Post: 

In 1965, years before we met, Chuck was the pastor of a small church in Newport Beach. He and his wife, Kay, would drive around the streets of Newport and Laguna Beach and watch the passing parade of young people, many of whom were on drugs and, quite literally and figuratively, lost. At first, Chuck became mad at the sight of them, lamenting what a waste of human potential they represented. But Kay's reaction was much different, and it convicted her young husband.

"You know, they are so desperately in need of Jesus," she said to him one day.

Chuck and Kay began to witness to some of the very hippies stumbling by and before long, his church was filled with them. Calvary Chapel quickly outgrew their space and decided to build a new facility.

Out of Calvary Chapel grew the so-called "Jesus movement", which included the foundations of Maranatha! Music, the early purveyors of what is now referred to as "Praise and Worship" music.  Brad Christerson, a Biola University sociologist, is quoted at the Christianity Today website, "His impact can be seen in every church service that has electric guitar-driven worship, hip casually-dressed pastors, and 40-minute sermons consisting of verse-by-verse Bible expositions peppered with pop-culture references and counterculture slang."

According to Wikipedia, quoting a CCM Magazine article, Calvary Chapel was home to more than 15 musical groups that were representative of the Jesus people movement. Some of the early Maranatha! recording artists were the Sweet Comfort Band, Love Song, Chuck Girard, Children of the Day, The Way, Debby Kerner, Mustard Seed Faith, and Daniel Amos. The label's first release was a various artists compilation entitled The Everlastin' Living Jesus Music Concert, in 1971.   The label released 20 albums in the Praise! series, and a variety of other releases.   The music aspect of Calvary Chapel, led by Chuck Smith, has had a profound impact on the church.   And, his radio broadcast, "The Word for Today" is one of the early pioneers in daily radio broadcasting, dating all the way back to the 70's.

1 - Church bus crash with 18-wheeler results in the loss of 8 lives

A bus carrying 18 members of the "Young at Heart" seniors group from Front Street Baptist Church in Statesville, North Carolina apparently lost its front left tire as the group was returning from a gospel jubilee in Gatlinburg this past Wednesday.  According to a story in the Charlotte Observer, the bus appeared to lose its tire as it traveled near Mile Marker 423 on Interstate 40 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, sending it skidding across a 10-yard-wide grass median and through a four-cabled restraining device and into oncoming traffic.  Investigators have found gouge marks from the rim of the bus wheel in the left lane of I-40 leading into the median, said Sgt. Bill Miller of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.   6 people on the bus lost their lives, including the driver of the bus, as well as the driver of a tractor-trailer and a Chevrolet Tahoe with which the bus collided.   The oldest victim was 95 years old!

The 12 survivors of the crash were taken to a hospital in Knoxville, and soon thereafter, the pastor and youth pastor of the church made the journey from Statesville, which is about 30 miles north of Charlotte, to the hospital in Knoxville.  Pastor Tim Stutts set out for Knoxville to minister to his flock after receiving word of the crash.  He described them as a tight-knit group of seniors who enjoyed traveling together. They were known for taking part in the church’s various missions and for visiting nursing homes and other churches to share the gospel with a zeal that belied their years, he said.

He told the Observer that he talked to each of the survivors, including those in critical condition.  He said they were devastated, and one of their first questions was about the others of the bus.  Stutts said the church grieves for their loss but celebrates their arrival in heaven.

The pastor relates that since the accident, condolences have poured into the Statesville church by the hundreds, from as far away as Asia.

Because of the government shutdown, the National Transportation Safety Board did not send anyone to investigate the accident.

This is an incident that I am sure certainly hits home for churches who frequently utilize bus transportation for seniors groups or youth groups.   And, while we celebrate the ability to travel, it's a reminder to make sure that we are taking as many precautions as we can.

The 3 - September 29, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3", my week-in-review feature, looks at a major gathering originating from Philadelphia this weekend that is being beamed into host locations across the nation, with the intention of helping to facilitate revival and spiritual awakening.  Also, the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of an Iranian-American pastor provided a catalyst for prayer gatherings.   And, students gathered at their school flagpoles on Wednesday to pray for their schools, their fellow students, teachers and administrators, and for God to be evident in and around their schools this year.

3 - Harvest America crusade covers the nation from Philadelphia

The Harvest America crusade, featuring pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie, took place over the weekend, beginning on Saturday night, when a crowd estimated at more than 17,500 filled Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, according to a report on The Christian Post website.  In addition, more than 2,000 host locations, including large and small venues such as churches and homes, were registered to watch Harvest America live as well.   The leadership team from Harvest Crusades selected Philadelphia for the event because of its history as the birthplace of our nation, organizers said.  Many believe the U.S. is at a new historic crossroads and hope that events such as this can help spark spiritual renewal.

According to that report, on Saturday night, Laurie asked rhetorically, "Are we happy people?"   He gave several examples of celebrities whose obsessive pursuit of happiness led to the realization that there lives were empty-feeling.  He then explained that Jesus is the only true source of joy, and beyond that, offers eternal salvation by his dying on the cross and resurrection from death.

Before his Gospel message, musical artists Lecrae, The Katinas, Kirk Franklin, and NEEDTOBREATHE performed.   Sunday night, musical artists scheduled to perform were Jeremy Camp, MercyMe, and The Katinas.

Laurie had told The Christian Post that, "We are excited about the difference this crusade will make in the lives of individuals around our nation, as many who come will be hearing the hope of the Gospel message for the very first time...We believe this is a pivotal time in our nation's history, and this weekend represents a chance to turn back to God and see revival sweep our land."

During his message Saturday evening, he said, "All have sinned, recognize there is a savior, his name is Jesus, repent of your sin, run to God not away, receive Jesus into your life ... Being a Christian means more than knowing about Jesus it means He lives inside you."

At one point he added, "Good people don't go to heaven, forgiven people do."

2 - Christians pray for Iranian-American pastor on one-year anniversary of his imprisonment

The Harvest America event came at the end of a week where instances of cooperative prayer had been taking place across the land.   Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-American pastor who has been held in Tehran's brutal Evin Prison.   On that anniversary date, there were numerous prayer gatherings that were being encouraged, including a group that gathered in the nation's capital.

Pastor Saeed was mentioned in a conversation that was held this week between President Obama and new Iranian President Rouhani.   According to Religion News Service, in that 15-minute phone call that included other issues, the American President expressed his concern about three American citizens who have been held within Iran — Robert Levinson, Saeed Abedini and Amir Hekmati — and noted U.S. interest in seeing them reunited with their families.

Earlier this week, Rouhani had crossed paths with Abedini’s wife at the United Nations. Naghmeh Abedini rushed to give a letter from her husband to one of Rouhani’s aides, who promised to give it to the president. With the news of Obama’s conversation with Rouhani, she called it an “answer to prayer.”

Also, this week, Naghmeh spoke at Liberty University, saying 30 people in Evin Prison, where Abedini is held, have become Christians because of him.  Billy Graham, in an ad in the New York Times, called for pastor Saeed's release, printing a copy of a letter that he had sent President Rouhani.

At the website, www.beheardproject.com, over 626,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Pastor Saeed's release.  And, letters have been sent by over 131,000 people.  This shows a high degree of motivation for people about the cause of religious freedom.

1 - Millions of students gather at school flagpoles in annual "See You at the Pole" event

Students across America gathered to pray for their schools this past Wednesday as part of the 23rd annual See You At The Pole event.  Students from middle schools and high schools, as well as colleges and universities, showed up early to pray for their leaders, schools, and families.

According to CBN.com, since its inception, the See You At the Pole movement has spread to more than 20 countries.

A piece on the AL.com website mentioned that perhaps as many as 2 million were anticipated to take part in the event, including thousands of students in Alabama.   It mentioned First Priority, which helps to assist students in organizing events in the Birmingham area.   The piece stated that, "The movement toward religious clubs meeting on campus and organizing prayer rallies before school gained steam after the 1984 Equal Access Act granted student-led religious clubs the same right to meet on campus as other clubs. The law was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990."   Christian legal groups informed students of their rights to assemble and lead prayer gatherings in non-instructional time, and offered assistance in case administrators did not allow the expression to take place.

The Montgomery Advertiser website had a profile of some SYATP activities in the River Region.  

The Wednesday activities were billed as part of a Global Week of Student Prayer, which began Sunday, the 22nd, and continued through Saturday.  The theme for this year's See You at the Pole events was centered in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, featuring #IFthen, recognizing that passage of Scripture says IF we pray, seek, turn. THEN God hears, forgives, heals.

The 3 - September 22, 2013

The latest edition of "The 3" features a milestone celebrated by an initiative incorporating short videos by high-profile people.  Also, there has been Congressional legislation introduced, designed to protect the rights of conscience for non-profit organizations.  And, the top story involves violence in two nations - a church bombed in Pakistan and a mall attack in Kenya, a majority Christian nation, where Muslims were allowed to leave before the gunmen opened fire.

3 - "I Am Second" celebrates release of 100th video

This past week marked the release of the 100th short film of the initiative, "I Am Second", in partnership with e3 Partners.  "I Am Second" features video stories of a variety of musicians, athletes, actors and everyday people on the website, IAmSecond.com. To date, according to a press release, the website has received more than 10 million visits from 219 countries and territories. The I Am Second films, which address an array of personal struggles, including abuse, addictions, pride, eating disorders, broken families and the search for success and meaning in life, have received a total of more than 20 million views. More than one-half million people “like” the I Am Second Facebook page.

Curtis Hail, president of e3 Partners, which birthed I Am Second just five years ago, is quoted as saying, “We are grateful for the 100 individuals who have officially shared their story through films on the website. But even more so, we are touched by the countless number of individuals who have seen I am Second and told us about their own experiences of discovering what it means to be ‘second.’ We believe this is only the beginning for the movement.”

The 100th video featured best-selling author and co-host of the daily Breakpoint radio commentary, Eric Metaxas. Prior to releasing the film to the public on Wednesday, I Am Second debuted it at a special 100th film celebration in Dallas on Sept. 18. I am Second Live, a late-night TV styled event, was hosted by Metaxas and featured additional individuals who have joined I am Second including Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch, Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, former prostitute Annie Lobert and Navy Seal Remi Adeleke.

I Am Second has released two books through Thomas Nelson – “I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives” and “Live Second.” The movement also offers numerous curriculums to accompany films as well as volunteer opportunities and expeditions to help encourage people to live second daily.

2 - Marriage and Religious Freedom Act introduced into Congress

Recently, there has been concern expressed about the rights of various organizations and their leaders to express their faith.   And, a group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation this week that could be an important first step in reversing a trend that has generated particular concern. According to CitizenLink, the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act would protect those who support traditional marriage, including institutions and individuals, from discrimination through the federal tax code.

Congressman Raul Labrador, a Republican from Idaho, has championed the bill, and Rep. Steve Scalise, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, said that, “As we’ve seen with the IRS scandals, nonprofit organizations and those who support them may be targeted and punished for their beliefs and principles.”

Other Representatives who introduced the bill include Democrats Mike McIntyre, from North Carolina, and Dan Lipinski, of Illinois. The Act has more than 60 original co-sponsors.

Labrador summarized the legislation by saying, “Our bill will protect freedom of conscience for those who believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman...This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. As President Obama said, ‘Americans hold a wide range of views’ on marriage and ‘maintaining our nation’s commitment to religious freedom’ is ‘vital.’ We agree.”

Kim Trobee of the CitizenLink radio feature gave some analysis and commentary on The Meeting House radio program on Faith Radio recently.  You can listen to or download the conversation here.

1 - Christians focus of church bombing in Pakistan, Kenya attack apparently targets non-Muslims

On Sunday morning, a suicide bomber attacked a crowd receiving free food after the Sunday morning service at All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, according to Christianity Today, citing a report in the The New York Times. More than 75 people were killed and 100 wounded.

Protests by Christian groups erupted in major cities nationwide.

The church was built in 1883 and was "inspired by the structures of the mosques," according to an AsiaNews report that was cited in the CT piece. "It is facing Mecca and is a landmark building for its attempt to promote peace, harmony and peaceful co-existence between the Muslim majority and the Christian minority in Pakistan."

CT quotes The Hindu, as reporting that the government pledged to "bear the cost of rebuilding the damaged church and declared a three-day mourning...Missionary run schools will be shut for three days in protest."

This is a huge attack against Christians in Pakistan, who are a religious minority in that country. And, Christians were apparently targeted in a weekend tragedy at an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

Islamist militants from Somalia laid seige to the mall, and at least 68 people are reported dead, with reports as late as Sunday afternoon that hostages were still being held.

Christianity Today also has a report on the violence in Kenya. It cites a Reuters report that Al Shabaab, which has increasingly sought to punish neighboring Kenya for its military role in an African peacekeeping mission in Somalia, claimed responsibility for the Westgate Mall attack.

USA Today reports that witnesses told local and national news media that the gunman asked Muslims to leave before opening fire. Kenya is 83% Christian with a sizable Muslim community — about 11% of its 44 million people.

According to CT, a witness told The Observer how he survived:

Covering the Christian name on his ID with his thumb he approached one of the attackers, whom he described as Somali, and showed them the plastic card. "They told me to go. Then an Indian man came forward and they said, 'What is the name of Muhammad's mother?' When he couldn't answer they just shot him."

al Shabaab has reportedly been recruiting those converting to Islam out of a Christian background to attack Kenyan churches.

The 3 - September 15, 2013

On this week's edition of "The 3", I take a look at a nationwide event calling people to prayer on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  While those who prayed were crying out to God for revival and spiritual awakening, by contrast, there are those who would want to erase the symbolic evidence of God's hand upon our nation, and a Federal court judge made a decision upholding our national motto, "In God We Trust" this week.   And, the top story involves over 21,000 churches who stated they would commit to inviting people to return to church on National Back to Church Sunday.

3 - "Cry Out America" on 9/11 brings thousands to public places to pray for the nation

On Wednesday, 9/11, "Cry Out America" was observed for the 6th consecutive year.  It is a grass-roots prayer and renewal movement seeking to unite citizens of every state, every county, and every church in prayer for a "Christ Awakening" in the nation. Prayer gatherings were located at state capitols, county courthouses, city parks, churches, and other public venues.

According to the organization that oversees the event, the Awakening America Alliance, this prayer initiative is designed to encourage Christian believers to "remember the sacrifices of yesterday, seek God’s face for the restoration of godliness today, and help redeem future generations from the forces of darkness that they could potentially face."

People assembled at an estimated 3,000 prayer points across the nation, with potentially as many as 300,000 in attendance, according to National Coordinator Kay Horner, who was interviewed on The Meeting House radio show on Faith Radio.   Multiple gatherings were reported in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas, and smaller events were held in public places across America.  People recognize that our nation is in need of a spiritual awakening and that the answers to the moral decline we have observed and the challenges we face lie in the presence and wisdom of Almighty God.

2 - Judge turns back challenge to "In God We Trust", court action continues on "under God" in Pledge

Last Monday, a Federal district court judge in New York dismissed a case filed by atheists who want the national motto, "In God We Trust," removed from U.S. currency.  According to a report on the Baptist Press website, the judge, Harold Baer, Jr., found that the presence of the national motto on currency had not created a "substantial burden" on the plaintiffs, who included 18 atheists and humanists, the New York City Atheists and the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

He wrote, "While Plaintiffs may be inconvenienced or offended by the appearance of the motto on currency, these burdens are a far cry from the coercion, penalty, or denial of benefits required under the 'substantial burden' standard." In the case, Newdow, et al., v. U.S. Treasury, the plaintiffs had alleged that their repeated use of federal currency bearing the national motto forced them to endorse the idea of the existence of God each time they undertook a financial transaction.

The judge also stated, ""The Supreme Court has repeatedly assumed the motto's secular purpose and effect, and all circuit courts that have considered this issue -- namely the Ninth, Fifth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuit -- have found no constitutional violation in the motto's inclusion on currency..."

Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, said in a statement from ACLJ the judge's opinion in the case is "welcome and well-reasoned."

"Time after time, flawed legal challenges like this one are brought by atheists," Sekulow said in the statement. "And time after time, the courts soundly reject their attempts to change the historical and cultural landscape of America. In our amicus brief on behalf of members of Congress and nearly 90,000 Americans, we argued that the national motto poses no constitutional violations and [cases against it] must be dismissed. We're extremely pleased that the court did just that."

The "In God We Trust" case was brought by the mother of Michael Newdow - he is perhaps best known for trying to get the words, "under God" removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. He lost that case before the U.S. Supreme Court on procedural grounds in 2004. The effort to remove those words from the Pledge has been renewed, and a case is being weighed by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, where state law requires schoolchildren to recite the pledge daily as a patriotic exercise.  Here is the report from Baptist Press on that story.

Attorneys for the humanist plaintiffs avoided claiming that the pledge represents a state establishment of religion, as most of the pledge cases have in the past. Instead, attorneys they have argued that reciting the pledge, which requires atheists to say the words "under God," is discriminatory and violates the state's equal protection laws.

A state Superior Court judge ruled in 2012 that the words "under God" did not violate the law, but reflected a political philosophy evident in the history of the pledge and state law itself.  The judge also stated reciting the pledge is not a religious exercise.

These are clear indications of the intention of some to remove the vestiges of our religious heritage from various parts of American life.  And, it underscores the importance of a commitment to not only know the Judeo-Christian principles upon which we were founded, but to pray for our nation's leaders, including judges, to recognize and uphold those magnificent truths.

1 - National Back to Church Sunday involving over 20,000 churches nationwide

This Sunday, September 15th, marked the 5th annual National Back to Church Sunday, and leading into the day, over 21,000 churches had signed up to participate.  According to a press release on behalf of the event, attendance estimates are related to results from the survey following Back to Church Sunday 2012, when survey respondents reported a 38% increase in their Sunday attendance over usual average attendance.  96% of 2012 respondents indicated their interest in participating again.  This initiative has now established a track record, which contributes to the increase of over 8000 churches from last year's effort.

Scott Evans, founder and CEO of Outreach, Inc., which provides church communications resources and helped launch the initiative, says, "Each year we've been excited to see the enormous increase in the number of participating churches as people get on board with the vision of National Back To Church Sunday." He went on the say that, "The movement was started with two stunning statistics: 82% of people said they would attend church if someone they knew invited them, but only 2% of church members were inviting people to come with them to their church. We wanted to make it easy on everyone and open church doors wide across our nation to welcome people back to church."

More than 3 million people were expected to be welcomed into churches across the nation on National Back to Church Sunday.   The website address is www.backtochurch.com.  

And, ChristianityToday.com has reported on why people do not go "back to church".   Citing a Pew Research poll, it stated that of those who do not attend, 24% cite personal priorities—including 16% who say they are too busy.

Also, 24% mention practical difficulties—including work conflicts, health problems or transportation difficulties.

37% point to an issue directly related to religion—including disagreements with the beliefs of the religion or their church leaders, or beliefs that attending worship services is not important.

Overall, Pew finds that church attendance in America has held rather steady over the past decade. Essentially, 37% of Americans in 2013 say they attend worship services at least weekly (vs. 39% in 2003), and 29% of Americans today say they seldom or never attend worship services (vs. 25% in 2003).

So, the encouraging word is that over 8-in-10 people said they would attend if someone invited them, and it's also important to know the personal barriers that people have to attending church - those can be determined in the course of personal relationships and sensitivity to the needs of others.

The 3 - September 8, 2013

This week's edition of "The 3" includes the actual passage of a new regulation in San Antonio that I reported on last week, that could limit freedom of religious expression in that city.   Also, that much-anticipated new organization designed as an alternative to the Boy Scouts had an official meeting this past weekend, including the announcement of its name.  And, while American leaders contemplate military action against Syria in the wake of an alleged chemical attack, Christians around the globe were being encouraged to pray for that nation this weekend.

3 - San Antonio council passed non-discrimination act; opponents say it stifles freedom of expression

In a follow-up story to one of last week's items from this blog, the San Antonio City Council, by an 8-3 margin, approved an ordinance that calls for the removal of city officials from office and businesses made liable if they demonstrate "a bias in word or deed" on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a report on the Baptist Press website.

For businesses that offer services to the general public, the ordinance makes such discrimination a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $500.

Last-minute amendments clarified that the measure does not require businesses to allow transgendered persons to use restrooms or locker rooms intended for people of the opposite sex -- a change that angered some of the ordinance's supporters.

One amendment stated that a "religious corporation, association, society or educational institution" may limit employment to members of the same religion.  Interestingly enough, another amendment added the phrase, "Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring any person or organization to support or advocate any particular lifestyle or religious view, or advance any particular message or idea."

Oh, really?  But, doesn't a demonstrated "bias in word or deed" actually require someone to adhere to a particular point of view?  Liberty Institute, in a press release, said that the ordinance is "one of the most dangerous constitutional violations Liberty Institute has ever seen" in limiting free speech and religious liberty.

Here is some language from the ordinance: it prohibits any "appointed official or member of a board or commission" from engaging "in discrimination or demonstrat[ing] a bias, by word or deed, against any person, group of persons, or organization on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age or disability, while acting in their official capacity while in such public position."

The Baptist Press report says that the ordinance labels "bias" against homosexuals as "malfeasance" and authorizes the city council to "remove the offending person from office."

Liberty Institute President Kelly Shackelford is quoted as saying that, "The ordinance is a cloudy and confusing collection of poorly thought out and conflicting statements that could have been more clearly and cleanly handled by simply including a broad religious liberty exemption to protect the free speech and religious liberty rights of both individuals and organizations that have religious objections to the requirements mandated by the ordinance."

He added that the ordinance "should alarm every American who values their religious freedom" and has ramifications that "could go far beyond San Antonio."

Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, said that, "This ordinance will be used as a weapon against people of faith and family values just as other laws have been used in other states...This ordinance lacks transparency, lacks evidence of a real need and is plagued with major constitutional concerns. The question now is when will the first legal challenge begin and what will the cost be to taxpayers at the end of the litigation that will certainly come." Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has already taken issue with the ordinance and former Texas Solicitor General, now U.S. Senator, Ted Cruz has also spoken out against it.

2 - Trail Life USA announced as alternative to Boy Scouts

This weekend in Nashville, over 1,200 people from 44 states gathered for a meeting at which Trail Life USA was unveiled.   Trail Life USA is a new group that is designed to be a Christian alternative for the Boy Scouts of America, focusing on adventure, character, and leadership for boys ages 5-17.

Warren Cole Smith, Vice-President of the WORLD News Group, reported on the event, which he says is the culmination of intense planning that began just over two months ago when a steering committee gathered in Louisville to discuss the feasibility of starting a new organization after the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) changed its membership policy in May to allow openly homosexual youth to participate in its program. Since then, the new group has created a constitution and bylaws, a logo, and other organizing documents and procedures.

According to Mark Hancock, vice chairman of the board and the convention’s host, said, “For this to happen in 68 days, that doesn’t happen by the power of men.”

In his opening address, John Stemberger, chairman of the board of directors for the new group, said,

“First of all, we’re not an anti-BSA organization...We’re not an anti-anything organization. We honor the legacy of the Boy Scouts of America and the contributions it has made to us and our families. The men and boys we have left behind are not our opponents. They are our brothers and our friends. I encourage you to interact with them with charity and good faith.” 

He did say that charity requires him to “continue to expose the real dangers and risks that the [BSA’s] new membership policy poses to boys. Real men value integrity above institutions.” 

He said Trail Life USA would be explicitly Christian, but would be open to boys of all religious faiths. 

Ranks would be transferable from the Boy Scouts, and Trail Life USA's top award would be the Freedom Award.

Stemberger said that, “Our vision will be to become the premier national character development organization for young men, which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.”


1 - Syrian conflict has religious elements; people of faith called to pray 

Christians around the world have been praying over the weekend for peace in Syria and for the wellbeing of millions of refugees who have left their homes because of the fighting.   The ChristianToday website has an overview.

Pope Francis appealed to the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to join him in a day of prayer and fasting for the country.   He stated, "From the bottom of my heart, I would like to express my closeness in prayer and solidarity with all the victims of this conflict, with all those who suffer, especially children, and I invite you to keep alive the hope of peace."  He encouraged the international community to be sensitive to the situation and to make every effort to help Syrians find a solution to the brutal civil war.

In a letter to Pope Francis, the Grand Mufti of Syria, Ahmad Badreddin Hassou, spiritual leader of Sunni Islam, welcomed the appeal and said he would be joining in praying and fasting for peace in his country.

Orthodox leader, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I and the head of the World Evangelical Alliance, Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, have both backed the prayer call.

The Bishop of Wakefield, the Right Reverend Stephen Platten, encouraged Church of England parishes to join with others this past weekend in praying for peace in Syria.

A group of Arab Christian leaders was called together by Jordan's King Abdullah this past week.   American Christians who attended include reality show and "The Bible" miniseries producer Mark Burnett, his wife Roma Downey, Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, and Dr. Tunnicliffe.   In a piece for the Washington Post, Roma Downey wrote: 

The consensus among the Arab Christian leaders in the region is that any military intervention by the United States will have a detrimental effect on the situation, and have unintended negative consequences particularly for Christians in Syria. Christians in Syria have already been threatened by some opposition leaders, indicating that a different regime in Syria will not welcome Christians. I was asked over and over: “Does the U.S. administration have a plan on how to protect Christians and perhaps other minority groups in the event of a regime change?

Syrian Christians are apparently quite concerned about how they will be treated if Bashir Assad is removed from power.  Several incidents, even within the last few days, are indicative of the tension in the country.  International Christian Concern cites a report from Al-Monitor, that said that jihadists from the Syrian armed opposition opened a new battle, this time in the historic town of Maaloula on the outskirts of Damascus.  Maaloula is one of the best-known Christian cities in the region or even the world and witnessed violent clashes on Wednesday between extremist militants and members of the Syrian regime army. Militants took control of large segments of that historical town.   Also, this week, ICC reports that a rebel group linked to Al-Qaeda took over a Christian village in the northeast section of the nation.   There is a convent in the village, and nuns report that some 100 people have travelled there to seek shelter in the midst of the rebel bombing.

The battles throughout Syria pit Muslim against Muslim and Muslims against Christians.   There is a significant religious component there and the makeup of the opposition is quite complex, with some strong Islamist elements.   There is a great need for prayer, as well as for humanitarian relief, as thousands have fled the nation.

The 3 - September 1, 2013

This week on "The 3", I begin with a high-profile Christian athlete who suffered what could be regarded a career setback, but handled the occasion with grace.  Also, officials in San Antonio are considering a new policy which some say would inhibit religious freedom.  And, the 50th anniversary of a landmark occasion in American and civil rights history was marked with festivities in the nation's capital.

3 - Tebow cut by Patriots, responds graciously

On Saturday, it was announced that the New England Patriots had cut former Heisman Trophy winner and outspoken Christian Tim Tebow from their roster.   Tebow had signed with the Patriots after a disastrous season last year with the New York Jets, following his successful stint leading the Denver Broncos to a playoff berth.

This is not your average case of an NFL player not making the cut - it's a larger-than-life figure who has instant name recognition and an unusual level of popularity, due in a large part to his ability to relate the Christian faith in a bold, but winsome manner.

Tebow took the news with grace and class.   According to WORLDmag.com, in a series of tweets, Tebow said, "“I would like to thank Mr. Kraft, Coach Belichick, Coach McDaniels and the entire Patriots organization for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a classy organization. I pray for nothing but the best for you all. I will remain in relentless pursuit of continuing my lifelong dream of being an NFL quarterback. 2 Corinthians 12:9: And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

So, even in a moment of defeat, if you will, Tim Tebow exalted Christ and exhibited a gracious spirit.   It's a great example for all of us when things don't go the way we think they should - we attempt to respond in a Christlike manner.

2 - San Antonio non-discrimination proposal stirs emotions

The City of San Antonio has proposed a new non-discrimination policy which would include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a list of categories, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, veteran status, age and disability, for which discrimination would be prohibited.

There is an exemption in the proposal for religious groups, but, according to a story on The Christian Post website, it only says that religious groups may limit hiring to co-religionists.

About 500 people showed up at a city council meeting this past Wednesday to voice their opinions on the measure, according to local television station KVEO. Most of them were opposed to the measure and wore blue shirts to demonstrate their solidarity.   African-American and Latino pastors have been on the forefront of the opposition to the measure.

Supporters say that the language of the ordinance is necessary to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians, but opponents claim it could prevent Christians from living according to their religious beliefs and censor their speech.

Rev. Eliezer Bonilla, pastor of Abundant Life Church in San Antonio and a National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Executive Board Member, said: "Now, the attack of cultural elites against everyday common law-abiding citizens is being fought at the altar of political expediency. Whether the ordinance passes or fails, the rise of a peace loving people has been awakened. Righteousness and justice will stand."

Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, claimed that the proposed ordinance would be used to harm those who believe that homosexuality is harmful and sinful.

"This ordinance is not about preventing discrimination," he said. "It is about promoting an intolerant agenda directed at Christians, people of faith, and those who believe that homosexuality is contrary to the natural order. This ordinance will punish people because of their views on human sexuality. Everyone must wake up and realize the agenda behind this ordinance before it is too late."

1 - Christian presence at 50th anniversary of MLK "I Have a Dream" speech

This past Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech on the National Mall in Washington, DC.   Speaking in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King laid out his vision for a colorblind society, and matters of justice and equality for African-Americans.   To commemorate the occasion, the day began with an interfaith service at the Shiloh Baptist Church in the nation's capital and concluded with a gathering of thousands at the site of the original speech.  Two former Presidents - Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter - and current President Obama also delivered messages.   Past Presidents George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, declined to attend because of health concerns.

The service at Shiloh featured a variety of faith perspectives represented.   The church's pastor, Wallace Charles Smith, had spoken with Washington television station, WUSA9, saying that the church was glad to host the event with only 2 weeks notice, and emphasized the importance of the church as a component in fueling Dr. King's dream:

"...He really saw himself as someone who was speaking for all people, not just to ... African-Americans. Although clearly, the African-American cause was most prominent in his mind and certainly in the minds of a lot of people in those days. His overall goal, his dream was that people would see that justice is not just for any one community but justice is for everyone."

In addition to a host of speakers, musicians included Natalie Grant, who sang "I Love the Lord" from the steps of the memorial.  The day's lineup also included BeBe Winans and his brothers, Marvin and Carvin, who debuted their new song, "If God Be For Us", which will be included on a new project slated for release in 2014. They are being called 3WB, or 3 Winans Brothers.   The ceremony at the memorial also included the ringing of bells at 3:00pm Eastern Time, which was duplicated at sites across America, marking the time the words, "Let Freedom Ring" were spoken.