STATEN ISLAND, Ny., April 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, today urged Christians to participate in tomorrow's 57th Annual National Day of Prayer, and to include the unborn in their prayers.
"On this National Day of Prayer, we turn to God in Jesus' Name, and His blessing on our nation, our leaders, and our fellow citizens. Moreover, we pray for an end to the most pervasive form of violence, that which occurs against children in the womb."
Fr. Pavone praised Shirley Dobson and her entire team for the work they put into this annual effort. "It is an inspiration to see all that the Dobsons have done for our nation and for the Body of Christ."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Reverend Wright's Theology is Wrong
MEDIA ADVISORY, April 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- In an attempt to clarify his position on race, patriotism, and his theology the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, former pastor to Senator Barrack Obama, has added to the firestorm and created further problems for the candidate for the Democrat nomination for the presidency according to the Rev Dr. Charles Nestor, Senior Fellow at the Washington, D. C. based National Clergy Council.
"Dr. Wright in his recent addresses to churches, to the NAACP convention in Detroit, and before the National Press Club reiterated his previous controversial statements about America and his commitment to an Afro-centric world view, raising even more questions than he answered," said Nestor In a detailed and a rather esoteric rehearsal of black history Wright focused on the differences in black and white learning styles, musical propensities, and religious experience. He avoided comment on his profane references about the damning of the United States, his characterization of the country as the KKK USA, and other statements found by many to be offensive.
Nestor indicated that Wright explicitly tied his views to those of James Cone, theology professor and liberation theology advocate. Liberation theology teaches that God is the liberator of those who labor under the oppression of ruling classes, especially in their economic pursuits, and that the gospel was given to provide a means of freedom from the oppressors. This ostensible Christian theology has its roots in the Marxist doctrines of class struggle and economic determinism.
Many within the Christian community will find this objectionable and not within mainstream historic Christian teaching. Nestor concluded that Senator Obama must now further explain to the electorate why he attended Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago for twenty years, and whether or not he embraces the pastor and his controversial theology. Dr. Nestor resides in Lakeland, Florida
Christian Newswire
"Dr. Wright in his recent addresses to churches, to the NAACP convention in Detroit, and before the National Press Club reiterated his previous controversial statements about America and his commitment to an Afro-centric world view, raising even more questions than he answered," said Nestor In a detailed and a rather esoteric rehearsal of black history Wright focused on the differences in black and white learning styles, musical propensities, and religious experience. He avoided comment on his profane references about the damning of the United States, his characterization of the country as the KKK USA, and other statements found by many to be offensive.
Nestor indicated that Wright explicitly tied his views to those of James Cone, theology professor and liberation theology advocate. Liberation theology teaches that God is the liberator of those who labor under the oppression of ruling classes, especially in their economic pursuits, and that the gospel was given to provide a means of freedom from the oppressors. This ostensible Christian theology has its roots in the Marxist doctrines of class struggle and economic determinism.
Many within the Christian community will find this objectionable and not within mainstream historic Christian teaching. Nestor concluded that Senator Obama must now further explain to the electorate why he attended Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago for twenty years, and whether or not he embraces the pastor and his controversial theology. Dr. Nestor resides in Lakeland, Florida
Christian Newswire
Monday, April 28, 2008
Priests for Life Comments on Giuliani Communion Issue
WASHINGTON, April 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rudy Giuliani, in response to Cardinal Egan's statement that he should not have received Communion because of his support of abortion rights, said that his faith "is a deeply personal matter and should remain confidential."
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, responded, "The Catholic faith is not simply about one's private and confidential relationship with God. It's public, as evidenced by the fact that Mr. Giuliani received Communion in public. Mr. Giuliani's support of legal abortion is also public. That's why Cardinal Egan's remarks are entirely appropriate, as is his expectation that Mr. Giuliani abide by those remarks."
Fr. Pavone continued, "In this election cycle, we are challenging all public officials who support legal abortion to admit exactly what it is. We have posted on YouTube a video demonstration of the two most common abortion procedures ( www.YouTube.com/frfrankpavone), as described by abortionists. We respectfully ask Mr. Giuliani, and everyone else who thinks abortion should be legal, to tell us whether, when they say 'abortion,' they are talking about the same thing that these videos depict."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, responded, "The Catholic faith is not simply about one's private and confidential relationship with God. It's public, as evidenced by the fact that Mr. Giuliani received Communion in public. Mr. Giuliani's support of legal abortion is also public. That's why Cardinal Egan's remarks are entirely appropriate, as is his expectation that Mr. Giuliani abide by those remarks."
Fr. Pavone continued, "In this election cycle, we are challenging all public officials who support legal abortion to admit exactly what it is. We have posted on YouTube a video demonstration of the two most common abortion procedures ( www.YouTube.com/frfrankpavone), as described by abortionists. We respectfully ask Mr. Giuliani, and everyone else who thinks abortion should be legal, to tell us whether, when they say 'abortion,' they are talking about the same thing that these videos depict."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Friday, April 25, 2008
Los Angeles- Based Organization Looks to Re-supply Troops Spiritually
Relics of military patron saints being sent to bases worldwide
LOS ANGELES, April 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- With US troops deployed around the world on a variety of missions, American personnel are receiving a spiritual boost from the Los Angeles-based Apostolate for Holy Relics (AHR).
Working with the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA in Washington DC, the AHR is sending relics of the Catholic saints considered patrons of the armed forces, to bases around the world, allowing troops at home and abroad a moment of prayerful reflection.
The relics of Saints Anthony of Padua (patron of sailors), Therese of Lisieux, patron of pilots and air crews, and Ignatius of Loyola, patron of soldiers, began a tour military bases with an opening celebration at the Archdiocese for Military Services Chapel at 1025 Michigan Avenue NE Washington, DC 20017 on April 22nd at 6:00 pm. The event was presided over by Archbishop Broglio.
"Under pressure and in circumstances that most civilians cannot even imagine, our troops have to deal not only with the constant reality of death but - in addition - with the ups and downs of life as well," said AHR President Thomas Serafin. "Our hope is that the visit of these relics will allow our troops a special moment of prayerful reflection and will give them a sense that we at home stand behind them in prayer as well as in word."
More than a dozen stops are currently scheduled and more are being added as the relics are requested by bases worldwide. A complete schedule is available at www.relictour.org.
The tour is being co-sponsored and funded by the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George.
The Apostolate for Holy Relics is a California non- profit organization that has previously organized tours of relics throughout the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of people.
Christian Newswire
LOS ANGELES, April 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- With US troops deployed around the world on a variety of missions, American personnel are receiving a spiritual boost from the Los Angeles-based Apostolate for Holy Relics (AHR).
Working with the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA in Washington DC, the AHR is sending relics of the Catholic saints considered patrons of the armed forces, to bases around the world, allowing troops at home and abroad a moment of prayerful reflection.
The relics of Saints Anthony of Padua (patron of sailors), Therese of Lisieux, patron of pilots and air crews, and Ignatius of Loyola, patron of soldiers, began a tour military bases with an opening celebration at the Archdiocese for Military Services Chapel at 1025 Michigan Avenue NE Washington, DC 20017 on April 22nd at 6:00 pm. The event was presided over by Archbishop Broglio.
"Under pressure and in circumstances that most civilians cannot even imagine, our troops have to deal not only with the constant reality of death but - in addition - with the ups and downs of life as well," said AHR President Thomas Serafin. "Our hope is that the visit of these relics will allow our troops a special moment of prayerful reflection and will give them a sense that we at home stand behind them in prayer as well as in word."
More than a dozen stops are currently scheduled and more are being added as the relics are requested by bases worldwide. A complete schedule is available at www.relictour.org.
The tour is being co-sponsored and funded by the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George.
The Apostolate for Holy Relics is a California non- profit organization that has previously organized tours of relics throughout the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of people.
Christian Newswire
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Maher Apologizes???
NEW YORK, April 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- On his HBO show last night, Bill Maher apologized for accusing the pope of being a Nazi; he acknowledged that the Catholic League was right when we said that Joseph Ratzinger was forced to join a German youth organization (from which he fled at the first instance). Maher then said that if a CEO were in charge of an institution that housed molesters, he would be fired.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows:
"We accept Maher's apology for accusing the pope of being a Nazi. Too bad he didn't stop there. For him to suggest that Pope Benedict XVI was in charge of policing molesters, and failed in doing so, is patently absurd.
"As Pope John Paul II's right-hand man, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger's principal job was to make sure that theologians were faithfully presenting the teachings of the Catholic Church. He was, to some extent, the Church's Academic Dean, someone who was charged with enforcing academic standards. He was not the Church's Dean of Students, i.e., he was not discharged with enforcing codes of conduct. Indeed, it wasn't until after the scandal hit the newspapers in 2002 that he was put in charge of dealing with predatory priests, and by all accounts did so effectively.
"Maher has to understand that no one person, including the pope, could possibly be held accountable for the behavior of its employees in a global institution. There are priests from Boston to Bosnia, and it is simply preposterous for any one person to know exactly what is going on everywhere at any given time. Maher would have been better advised to focus on those bishops who proved to be enablers-it is the bishop's job to know what is going on in his diocese, not the pope's.
"The larger issue remains. It would be great if Maher gave up his Catholic-bashing obsession once and for all."
The Catholic League is the nation's largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics - lay and clergy alike - to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination.
Christian Newswire
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented as follows:
"We accept Maher's apology for accusing the pope of being a Nazi. Too bad he didn't stop there. For him to suggest that Pope Benedict XVI was in charge of policing molesters, and failed in doing so, is patently absurd.
"As Pope John Paul II's right-hand man, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger's principal job was to make sure that theologians were faithfully presenting the teachings of the Catholic Church. He was, to some extent, the Church's Academic Dean, someone who was charged with enforcing academic standards. He was not the Church's Dean of Students, i.e., he was not discharged with enforcing codes of conduct. Indeed, it wasn't until after the scandal hit the newspapers in 2002 that he was put in charge of dealing with predatory priests, and by all accounts did so effectively.
"Maher has to understand that no one person, including the pope, could possibly be held accountable for the behavior of its employees in a global institution. There are priests from Boston to Bosnia, and it is simply preposterous for any one person to know exactly what is going on everywhere at any given time. Maher would have been better advised to focus on those bishops who proved to be enablers-it is the bishop's job to know what is going on in his diocese, not the pope's.
"The larger issue remains. It would be great if Maher gave up his Catholic-bashing obsession once and for all."
The Catholic League is the nation's largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics - lay and clergy alike - to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination.
Christian Newswire
Friday, April 18, 2008
Pope Benedict, in United States, meets sexual abuse victims
New York (ENI). Pope Benedict XVI has met privately and prayed with several survivors of sexual abuse by clergy during his visit to the United States, in a move that is believed to be the first time a pontiff has met with abuse survivors. The unannounced meeting on 17 April, reportedly at Benedict's request, was held at a chapel at the papal nuncio's residence in Washington. [591 words, ENI-08-0316]
ENI Online - www.eni.ch
Ecumenical News International
ENI Online - www.eni.ch
Ecumenical News International
Presidential Message -- Passover, 5768
Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand." -- Exodus 13:3
WASHINGTON, April 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following text is released by the White House:
I send greetings to those observing Passover.
More than 3,000 years ago, God liberated the Children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt and led them on a journey towards the Promised Land. During the holy days of Passover, Jews around the world celebrate this deliverance from oppression and give thanks to a loving God for His many blessings. Passover is an opportunity for Jewish families and friends to gather to read the Haggadah, share the Seder meal, and remember God's mercy through song and prayer. This eight-day observance brings a message of hope and freedom to the Jewish people.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous Passover.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Christian Newswire
WASHINGTON, April 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following text is released by the White House:
I send greetings to those observing Passover.
More than 3,000 years ago, God liberated the Children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt and led them on a journey towards the Promised Land. During the holy days of Passover, Jews around the world celebrate this deliverance from oppression and give thanks to a loving God for His many blessings. Passover is an opportunity for Jewish families and friends to gather to read the Haggadah, share the Seder meal, and remember God's mercy through song and prayer. This eight-day observance brings a message of hope and freedom to the Jewish people.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous Passover.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Christian Newswire
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Pope begins US visit by speaking out on sexual abuse scandals
New York (ENI). Pope Benedict XVI has begun his first papal visit to the United States by speaking out against the sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the US church in recent years. He told journalists on the flight from Rome he was "deeply ashamed" of the scandals, and he vowed that paedophiles would not be allowed to continue as priests or to be ordained into the Roman Catholic priesthood. [436 words, ENI-08-0309]
ENI Online - www.eni.ch
Ecumenical News International
ENI Online - www.eni.ch
Ecumenical News International
Joint Statement of The United States and Holy See
WASHINGTON, April 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following statement is released by The White House:
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush met today in the Oval Office of the White House.
President Bush, on behalf of all Americans, welcomed the Holy Father, wished him a happy birthday, and thanked him for the spiritual and moral guidance, which he offers to the whole human family. The President wished the Pope every success in his Apostolic Journey and in his address at the United Nations, and expressed appreciation for the Pope's upcoming visit to "Ground Zero" in New York.
During their meeting, the Holy Father and the President discussed a number of topics of common interest to the Holy See and the United States of America, including moral and religious considerations to which both parties are committed: the respect of the dignity of the human person; the defense and promotion of life, matrimony and the family; the education of future generations; human rights and religious freedom; sustainable development and the struggle against poverty and pandemics, especially in Africa. In regard to the latter, the Holy Father welcomed the United States' substantial financial contributions in this area. The two reaffirmed their total rejection of terrorism as well as the manipulation of religion to justify immoral and violent acts against innocents. They further touched on the need to confront terrorism with appropriate means that respect the human person and his or her rights.
The Holy Father and the President devoted considerable time in their discussions to the Middle East, in particular resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict in line with the vision of two states living side- by-side in peace and security, their mutual support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, and their common concern for the situation in Iraq and particularly the precarious state of Christian communities there and elsewhere in the region. The Holy Father and the President expressed hope for an end to violence and for a prompt and comprehensive solution to the crises which afflict the region.
The Holy Father and the President also considered the situation in Latin America with reference, among other matters, to immigrants, and the need for a coordinated policy regarding immigration, especially their humane treatment and the well being of their families.
Christian Newswire
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush met today in the Oval Office of the White House.
President Bush, on behalf of all Americans, welcomed the Holy Father, wished him a happy birthday, and thanked him for the spiritual and moral guidance, which he offers to the whole human family. The President wished the Pope every success in his Apostolic Journey and in his address at the United Nations, and expressed appreciation for the Pope's upcoming visit to "Ground Zero" in New York.
During their meeting, the Holy Father and the President discussed a number of topics of common interest to the Holy See and the United States of America, including moral and religious considerations to which both parties are committed: the respect of the dignity of the human person; the defense and promotion of life, matrimony and the family; the education of future generations; human rights and religious freedom; sustainable development and the struggle against poverty and pandemics, especially in Africa. In regard to the latter, the Holy Father welcomed the United States' substantial financial contributions in this area. The two reaffirmed their total rejection of terrorism as well as the manipulation of religion to justify immoral and violent acts against innocents. They further touched on the need to confront terrorism with appropriate means that respect the human person and his or her rights.
The Holy Father and the President devoted considerable time in their discussions to the Middle East, in particular resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict in line with the vision of two states living side- by-side in peace and security, their mutual support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, and their common concern for the situation in Iraq and particularly the precarious state of Christian communities there and elsewhere in the region. The Holy Father and the President expressed hope for an end to violence and for a prompt and comprehensive solution to the crises which afflict the region.
The Holy Father and the President also considered the situation in Latin America with reference, among other matters, to immigrants, and the need for a coordinated policy regarding immigration, especially their humane treatment and the well being of their families.
Christian Newswire
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Bishop MacBurney - FiF UK reacts
FiF UK • Apr 8, 2008
The purported inhibition of Bishop Edward MacBurney by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church is nothing less than contemptible, confirming our view that a ‘graceless and totalitarian’ mindset now holds sway in the upper echelons of TEC.
Edward MacBurney is a Bishop in the Church of God whom we are proud to salute. We assure him and his wife of our prayers and our heartfelt condolences in their great loss.
The purported inhibition of Bishop Edward MacBurney by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church is nothing less than contemptible, confirming our view that a ‘graceless and totalitarian’ mindset now holds sway in the upper echelons of TEC.
Edward MacBurney is a Bishop in the Church of God whom we are proud to salute. We assure him and his wife of our prayers and our heartfelt condolences in their great loss.
Bishop of Quincy reacts to MacBurney inhibition
FiF North America
Apr 8, 2008
I am beside myself with grief over this unnecessary action taken against my predecessor especially at a time when he is mourning the death of his son this past Friday. I am particularly saddened that with the exception of the Bishop who initiated this action those involved in determining this course have never spoken with Bishop MacBurney directly.
In the midst of this difficult time for Bishop MacBurney and his family I am really much more concerned about the implications of St Matthew 18:15-17 as it relates to how reconciliation is pursued than I am with Title IV, Canon 1, Section 6 as it relates to disciplining my dear brother.
In the meantime we are ministering to the needs of the MacBurney family.
Keith L Ackerman, SSC
Bishop of Quincy
President, Forward in Faith North America
Apr 8, 2008
I am beside myself with grief over this unnecessary action taken against my predecessor especially at a time when he is mourning the death of his son this past Friday. I am particularly saddened that with the exception of the Bishop who initiated this action those involved in determining this course have never spoken with Bishop MacBurney directly.
In the midst of this difficult time for Bishop MacBurney and his family I am really much more concerned about the implications of St Matthew 18:15-17 as it relates to how reconciliation is pursued than I am with Title IV, Canon 1, Section 6 as it relates to disciplining my dear brother.
In the meantime we are ministering to the needs of the MacBurney family.
Keith L Ackerman, SSC
Bishop of Quincy
President, Forward in Faith North America
Letter of Inhibition against The Right Revd Edward H MacBurney
FiF North America • Apr 8, 2008
The Chairman of Forward in Faith North America writes:
It is with deep regret that I must inform you of this action that has been taken against Bishop Edward MacBurney.
Bishop MacBurney's son, Page, died two days after this letter was signed.
We received the letter in the mail today, and I had to read it to Bishop MacBurney over the phone since he had not yet received it.
More to follow.
Bishop Keith L Ackerman SSC
Bishop of Quincy
The Chairman of Forward in Faith North America writes:
It is with deep regret that I must inform you of this action that has been taken against Bishop Edward MacBurney.
Bishop MacBurney's son, Page, died two days after this letter was signed.
We received the letter in the mail today, and I had to read it to Bishop MacBurney over the phone since he had not yet received it.
More to follow.
Bishop Keith L Ackerman SSC
Bishop of Quincy
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Judge to Dio BC: Let them back in…now!
Sarah Hey
This is great news from Canada. I seem to have flashbacks to a certain bishop in the Episcopal Church doing this. Good to see that this parish in Canada has received justice.
There's one issue, though, that I really am disheartened over. I continue to see both Episcopalians and Anglicans in general express "surprise" over Bishops Behaving Badly.
Folks -- we should be long long over the "shock and surprise" bit of this. Even calculating things only from the 2003 date, it's been four years. Note that I'm not talking about people who still have their heads in the sand -- I understand their surprise once they wake up. But to hear parishioners or clergy who have been following the news for four years [on blogs and elsewhere] articulate surprise when bishops break negotiations, or lie, or try to take over parish property while engaged in "peaceful negotiations" . . . well, it tells me that lessons aren't being learned.
At this point, I'm not exactly certain any more what it's going to take to make people who are otherwise intelligent and informed also as "wise as serpents." But so far . . . it does not appear to be happening. It does explain to me -- yet again -- just how our church got into the state that we are in. And it's just as much the "wise as doves conservatives" fault as the revisionists.
Posted April 06, 2008 at 10:29 am
The URL for this article is
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/11528/
©2008 Stand Firm, LLC
This is great news from Canada. I seem to have flashbacks to a certain bishop in the Episcopal Church doing this. Good to see that this parish in Canada has received justice.
There's one issue, though, that I really am disheartened over. I continue to see both Episcopalians and Anglicans in general express "surprise" over Bishops Behaving Badly.
Folks -- we should be long long over the "shock and surprise" bit of this. Even calculating things only from the 2003 date, it's been four years. Note that I'm not talking about people who still have their heads in the sand -- I understand their surprise once they wake up. But to hear parishioners or clergy who have been following the news for four years [on blogs and elsewhere] articulate surprise when bishops break negotiations, or lie, or try to take over parish property while engaged in "peaceful negotiations" . . . well, it tells me that lessons aren't being learned.
At this point, I'm not exactly certain any more what it's going to take to make people who are otherwise intelligent and informed also as "wise as serpents." But so far . . . it does not appear to be happening. It does explain to me -- yet again -- just how our church got into the state that we are in. And it's just as much the "wise as doves conservatives" fault as the revisionists.
Late this afternoon, a judge of the B.C. Supreme Court, Mr. Justice Sigurdson, ordered the Diocese of B.C (on Vancouver Island). to allow the people of St Mary of the Incarnation (Metchosin) in Victoria, BC, back into their building in time for Sunday services.
At 7pm Friday, April 4, a St Mary parishioner discovered Bishop James Cowan of the Diocese of British Columbia supervising the changing of the locks and installation of a security system at the St Mary church building, 4125 Metchosin Rd, Victoria, BC. No notice was given to the clergy or approximately 185 parishioners who were displaced from the building they worship in and which they built and paid for.
The parish and the diocese had been engaged in a discussion regarding an amicable process to address the property issues with the assistance of Archbishop Terry Buckle. The congregation was hopeful these discussions would avoid the need for court proceedings, so the diocese’s actions came as a complete surprise.
Posted April 06, 2008 at 10:29 am
The URL for this article is
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/11528/
©2008 Stand Firm, LLC
Oorah! Judge orders liens on Phelps church building, law office
Saturday, April 5, 2008 • 11:49 pm
A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday ordered liens on the Westboro Baptist Church building and the Phelps-Chartered Law office.
If the case presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Richard D. Bennett is upheld by an appeals court, the church, at 3701 S.W. 12th, and the office building, at 1414 S.W. Topeka Blvd., could be obtained by the court and sold, with the proceeds being applied toward $5 million in damages Bennett imposed on church members for picketing a military funeral.
The $5 million penalty is the result of a lawsuit filed against three of the church's principals by Albert Snyder, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder, whose funeral was picketed by church members.
Posted April 05, 2008 at 11:49 pm
The URL for this article is http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/11520/
Stand Firm, LLC
A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday ordered liens on the Westboro Baptist Church building and the Phelps-Chartered Law office.
If the case presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Richard D. Bennett is upheld by an appeals court, the church, at 3701 S.W. 12th, and the office building, at 1414 S.W. Topeka Blvd., could be obtained by the court and sold, with the proceeds being applied toward $5 million in damages Bennett imposed on church members for picketing a military funeral.
The $5 million penalty is the result of a lawsuit filed against three of the church's principals by Albert Snyder, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder, whose funeral was picketed by church members.
Posted April 05, 2008 at 11:49 pm
The URL for this article is http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/11520/
Stand Firm, LLC
Friday, April 04, 2008
Assemblywoman Reintroduces Law to Ban Spanking
AB 2943 would punish parents for lovingly disciplining their children
SACRAMENTO, April 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Assemblywoman Sally Lieber has introduced a bill that will effectively ban spanking in California. Identical to last year's highly publicized AB 755, this new AB 2943 will make it a crime to spank a child.
"Last session this same bill received national attention because of its assault on parents rights to discipline their children," stated Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Family Impact. "We succeeded in stopping the bill because parents were so outraged that an arrogant lawmaker thinks she knows better than parents how to raise their children."
According to AB 2943, a parent who spanks their child would be placed on probation for a minimum of 4 years, and would be forced to attend a "nonviolent parental education class" and the child would receive a criminal court protective order "protecting the victim from further acts of violence or threats" and "residence exclusion or stay-away conditions."
AB 2943 declares it illegal to inflict "physical pain or mental suffering." These ambiguous terms include any suffering cause by instruments including (but not limited to) "a stick, a rod, a switch, an electrical cord, an extension cord, a belt, a broom, or a shoe." Parents often use wooden spoons or rulers to discipline a disobedient child. Under AB 2943, such discipline would be illegal.
"In the legislature we often hear that schools have become too unsafe and we need 'sensitivity' or 'tolerance' training," stated Meredith Turney, legislative liaison for CRFI. "But the reason children are unruly is because they aren't being disciplined. Taking away the rights of parents to lovingly discipline their children will only worsen the behavior problems that justify indoctrination classes in schools."
"Current laws already punish abusive parents for shaking or harming children," explained England. "This bill goes much further and seeks to prohibit parents from raising healthy, responsible children."
"The legislature's analysis of this bill last year actually quoted from Bible passages admonishing parents to discipline their children, citing these quotes as justification for banning spanking," stated Turney. "There is contempt in the legislature for Judeo- Christian values and AB 2943 is the most blatant evidence of this attempt to take away our freedom to raise children according to our beliefs."
AB 2943 will be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee in the next few weeks.
Christian Newswire
SACRAMENTO, April 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Assemblywoman Sally Lieber has introduced a bill that will effectively ban spanking in California. Identical to last year's highly publicized AB 755, this new AB 2943 will make it a crime to spank a child.
"Last session this same bill received national attention because of its assault on parents rights to discipline their children," stated Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Family Impact. "We succeeded in stopping the bill because parents were so outraged that an arrogant lawmaker thinks she knows better than parents how to raise their children."
According to AB 2943, a parent who spanks their child would be placed on probation for a minimum of 4 years, and would be forced to attend a "nonviolent parental education class" and the child would receive a criminal court protective order "protecting the victim from further acts of violence or threats" and "residence exclusion or stay-away conditions."
AB 2943 declares it illegal to inflict "physical pain or mental suffering." These ambiguous terms include any suffering cause by instruments including (but not limited to) "a stick, a rod, a switch, an electrical cord, an extension cord, a belt, a broom, or a shoe." Parents often use wooden spoons or rulers to discipline a disobedient child. Under AB 2943, such discipline would be illegal.
"In the legislature we often hear that schools have become too unsafe and we need 'sensitivity' or 'tolerance' training," stated Meredith Turney, legislative liaison for CRFI. "But the reason children are unruly is because they aren't being disciplined. Taking away the rights of parents to lovingly discipline their children will only worsen the behavior problems that justify indoctrination classes in schools."
"Current laws already punish abusive parents for shaking or harming children," explained England. "This bill goes much further and seeks to prohibit parents from raising healthy, responsible children."
"The legislature's analysis of this bill last year actually quoted from Bible passages admonishing parents to discipline their children, citing these quotes as justification for banning spanking," stated Turney. "There is contempt in the legislature for Judeo- Christian values and AB 2943 is the most blatant evidence of this attempt to take away our freedom to raise children according to our beliefs."
AB 2943 will be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee in the next few weeks.
Christian Newswire
Benedict XVI and American Culture
A Discussion on the Teachings of the Holy Father on the occasion of the Papal visit to the United States
NEW YORK, April 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pope Benedict XVI is coming to America (April 15-20, 2008). In light of the Holy Father's upcoming visit, what are the issues having most relevance to American culture at large and how do they relate to the Roman Catholic Church?
Opening remarks from His Excellency Archbishop Celestino MIGLIORE, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, with speakers Monsignor Lorenzo ALBACETE, author and columnist, Carl ANDERSON, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Father Richard NEUHAUS, Editor-in-Chief of First Things, and Professor David SCHINDLER, theologian and editor of Communio. The panel will address these questions in a dialogue entitled "Only Something Infinite Will Suffice" (Spe Salvi, n.30), organized by Crossroads Cultural Center, and Columbia Campus Ministry.
The conference will take place at Columbia University, Earl Hall Auditorium.
Event Details---
WHAT: "Only Something Infinite Will Suffice": A discussion on the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI and their relevance to American culture on the occasion of the Holy Father's visit to the United States.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 7:00 PM EST
WHERE: Columbia University, Earl Hall Auditorium
117th Street and Broadway, New York, New York
WHO:
Opening remarks:
• H.E. Archbishop Celestino MIGLIORE, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
Speakers:
• Msgr. Lorenzo ALBACETE, Theologian, Author, Columnist
• Carl A. ANDERSON, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus
• Fr. Richard John NEUHAUS, Editor-in-Chief of First Things
• David SCHINDLER, Dean of John Paul II Institute; Editor-in-Chief of Communio
The event is free and open to the public.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK THE CROSSROADS WEB SITE AT WWW.CR OSSROADSNYC.COM.
Christian Newswire
NEW YORK, April 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pope Benedict XVI is coming to America (April 15-20, 2008). In light of the Holy Father's upcoming visit, what are the issues having most relevance to American culture at large and how do they relate to the Roman Catholic Church?
Opening remarks from His Excellency Archbishop Celestino MIGLIORE, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, with speakers Monsignor Lorenzo ALBACETE, author and columnist, Carl ANDERSON, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Father Richard NEUHAUS, Editor-in-Chief of First Things, and Professor David SCHINDLER, theologian and editor of Communio. The panel will address these questions in a dialogue entitled "Only Something Infinite Will Suffice" (Spe Salvi, n.30), organized by Crossroads Cultural Center, and Columbia Campus Ministry.
The conference will take place at Columbia University, Earl Hall Auditorium.
Event Details---
WHAT: "Only Something Infinite Will Suffice": A discussion on the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI and their relevance to American culture on the occasion of the Holy Father's visit to the United States.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 9, 2008, 7:00 PM EST
WHERE: Columbia University, Earl Hall Auditorium
117th Street and Broadway, New York, New York
WHO:
Opening remarks:
• H.E. Archbishop Celestino MIGLIORE, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
Speakers:
• Msgr. Lorenzo ALBACETE, Theologian, Author, Columnist
• Carl A. ANDERSON, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus
• Fr. Richard John NEUHAUS, Editor-in-Chief of First Things
• David SCHINDLER, Dean of John Paul II Institute; Editor-in-Chief of Communio
The event is free and open to the public.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK THE CROSSROADS WEB SITE AT WWW.CR OSSROADSNYC.COM.
Christian Newswire
FiF UK reacts to Welsh vote
Forward in Faith notes the failure of the Bill for the ordination of women as bishops recently brought before the Governing Body of the Church in Wales. This was despite confident predictions to the contrary, and despite the unequivocal support given to the unamended legislation by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan.
Many enthusiasts of the innovation in England had looked to Wales to give a lead – and many in Wales had hoped to pre-empt the English. Both parties need now to take stock. It is clear that the price of women bishops is clear and adequate provision for those whose obedience to scripture and to the Church’s two thousand year tradition prevents them from accepting the orders of ordained and consecrated women.
The recent Welsh experience will no doubt inform the minds of members of the General Synod as they gather in July to consider the recommendations of the Legislative Drafting Group chaired by the Bishop of Manchester.
Geoffrey Kirk
Secretary
Many enthusiasts of the innovation in England had looked to Wales to give a lead – and many in Wales had hoped to pre-empt the English. Both parties need now to take stock. It is clear that the price of women bishops is clear and adequate provision for those whose obedience to scripture and to the Church’s two thousand year tradition prevents them from accepting the orders of ordained and consecrated women.
The recent Welsh experience will no doubt inform the minds of members of the General Synod as they gather in July to consider the recommendations of the Legislative Drafting Group chaired by the Bishop of Manchester.
Geoffrey Kirk
Secretary
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Rick Warren Supports Ugandan Bishops’ Lambeth Boycott
Stand Firm • 3 April 2008
Popular American pastor Rick Warren said recently that he supports the decision made by Ugandan bishops to boycott the landmark Anglican conference to be held later this year in England.
Warren, who was in Uganda last week to launch the country’s first national Purpose Driven Living program, expressed his support last Thursday shortly after arriving in the country.
The influential pastor praised the Ugandan bishops who came across to him as “godly men who believe in the authority of Scripture, love Christ with all their hearts, and have a passion for taking the Good News to the entire world,” according to an email sent to The Christian post confirming Warren’s support.
Popular American pastor Rick Warren said recently that he supports the decision made by Ugandan bishops to boycott the landmark Anglican conference to be held later this year in England.
Warren, who was in Uganda last week to launch the country’s first national Purpose Driven Living program, expressed his support last Thursday shortly after arriving in the country.
The influential pastor praised the Ugandan bishops who came across to him as “godly men who believe in the authority of Scripture, love Christ with all their hearts, and have a passion for taking the Good News to the entire world,” according to an email sent to The Christian post confirming Warren’s support.
BREAKING: Virginia Judge Rules in Favor of Parishes
Stand Firm • 3 April 2008
"The Court agrees that it was major divisions such as those within the Methodist and Presbyterian churches that prompted the passage of 57-9. However, it blinks at reality to characterize the ongoing division within the Diocese, ECUSA, and the Anglican Communion as anything but a division of the first magnitude..."
"The Court agrees that it was major divisions such as those within the Methodist and Presbyterian churches that prompted the passage of 57-9. However, it blinks at reality to characterize the ongoing division within the Diocese, ECUSA, and the Anglican Communion as anything but a division of the first magnitude..."
A Statement by the Chairman of Credo Cymru
Apr 3, 2008
Commenting on the Governing Body of the Church in Wales’ decision on the Bill to enable women to be ordained as bishops the Reverend Alan Rabjohns, Chairman of Credo Cymru / Forward in Faith Wales, said today:
‘The extraordinary scenes at Lampeter yesterday have left many people reeling. Those in favour of the Bill must have thought that they had achieved their objective when the amendment recommended by the Select Committee which said that pastoral care for those unable to accept the provision would be provided by an assistant bishop was lost. But the substantive motion on the Bill in its final form was lost by three votes in the house of clergy and only four votes prevented it from failing in the house of laity too.
‘The reason for this is not hard to find. It is the result of trying prematurely to foreclose the period of reception and refusing to clarify the nature of the provision for opponents contained in the original bill, when the constitutional provision contained in the amended bill had been ruled out. This led to some of those who would not have voted against the Bill in the ordinary way of things to say that without even a modicum of fairness and justice they could not support it.
‘We should not be under any illusion that the issue has gone away; it will inevitably return. Let us hope that when it does so wiser counsels will prevail and the ‘experiment in internal ecumenism’ which began with the appointment of the first Provincial Assistant Bishop in 1996, and which has helped many of us to continue to play as full a part as possible in the Church of our land, will continue. In the meantime, we will continue to proclaim the full Gospel of Christ in season and out of season.’
Commenting on the Governing Body of the Church in Wales’ decision on the Bill to enable women to be ordained as bishops the Reverend Alan Rabjohns, Chairman of Credo Cymru / Forward in Faith Wales, said today:
‘The extraordinary scenes at Lampeter yesterday have left many people reeling. Those in favour of the Bill must have thought that they had achieved their objective when the amendment recommended by the Select Committee which said that pastoral care for those unable to accept the provision would be provided by an assistant bishop was lost. But the substantive motion on the Bill in its final form was lost by three votes in the house of clergy and only four votes prevented it from failing in the house of laity too.
‘The reason for this is not hard to find. It is the result of trying prematurely to foreclose the period of reception and refusing to clarify the nature of the provision for opponents contained in the original bill, when the constitutional provision contained in the amended bill had been ruled out. This led to some of those who would not have voted against the Bill in the ordinary way of things to say that without even a modicum of fairness and justice they could not support it.
‘We should not be under any illusion that the issue has gone away; it will inevitably return. Let us hope that when it does so wiser counsels will prevail and the ‘experiment in internal ecumenism’ which began with the appointment of the first Provincial Assistant Bishop in 1996, and which has helped many of us to continue to play as full a part as possible in the Church of our land, will continue. In the meantime, we will continue to proclaim the full Gospel of Christ in season and out of season.’
Welsh Anglican priests vote 'no' on women bishops
ENI Online - www.eni.ch • 3 April 2008
London (ENI). Welsh Anglican clergy have narrowly voted against a measure, supported unanimously by their bishops, to allow women to be appointed to the episcopate. At a meeting of the Church in Wales synod in Lampeter on 2 April, the bill to provide for the ordination of women bishops failed to get a necessary two-thirds majority in one of the three chambers of the church's governing body. The House of Laity backed the bill by 52 votes to 19 but the House of Clergy only voted 27 to 18 in favour, three votes short of the majority required in all three chambers for the measure to become canon law. [418 words, ENI-08-0273]
Ecumenical News International
PO Box 2100
CH - 1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
London (ENI). Welsh Anglican clergy have narrowly voted against a measure, supported unanimously by their bishops, to allow women to be appointed to the episcopate. At a meeting of the Church in Wales synod in Lampeter on 2 April, the bill to provide for the ordination of women bishops failed to get a necessary two-thirds majority in one of the three chambers of the church's governing body. The House of Laity backed the bill by 52 votes to 19 but the House of Clergy only voted 27 to 18 in favour, three votes short of the majority required in all three chambers for the measure to become canon law. [418 words, ENI-08-0273]
Ecumenical News International
PO Box 2100
CH - 1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Women bishops Bill falls in Wales
Apr 2, 2008
The Governing Body of the Church in Wales, meeting in Lampeter, has this evening voted down by just three votes the Bill to permit women to be ordained as bishops in the Church in Wales. Voting figures so far available indicate that the laity voted in favour by 52 : 19, and that the clergy voted in favour 27 : 18, thus failing to achieve the necessary majority in the latter house.
Comment from Credo Cymru and from Forward in Faith will follow.
The Governing Body of the Church in Wales, meeting in Lampeter, has this evening voted down by just three votes the Bill to permit women to be ordained as bishops in the Church in Wales. Voting figures so far available indicate that the laity voted in favour by 52 : 19, and that the clergy voted in favour 27 : 18, thus failing to achieve the necessary majority in the latter house.
Comment from Credo Cymru and from Forward in Faith will follow.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Great Britain Has Lost Its Humanity, Creating and Killing Human- Animal Embryos
SAN DIEGO, April 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Biblical Family Advocates condemns the recent morally bankrupt acts of scientists in Great Britain who have boasted in making human-animal embryos. According to Timesonline, "A team at Newcastle University announced yesterday that it had successfully generated "admixed embryos" by adding human DNA to empty cow eggs in the first experiment of its kind in Britain."
Phil Magnan, President of Biblical Family Advocates had this to say regarding the bizarre experimentation. "I can understand the need for finding cures for debilitating diseases, but creating a predominantly human embryo to be destroyed on the altar of finding cures is unconscionable. There are already many cures derived from using adult stem cells, why do we need to lower ourselves to the lowest common denominator by harvesting cells from pre born children made in the image of God? We were all embryos at one time."
The article went on to say that these human-animal hybrids would not be implanted in humans or grown beyond 6 days, possibly stating this to quell the fears of growing something that we are uncomfortable with, a human-animal child.
Magnan continued, "But shouldn't we in fact protect these embryos as they are according to the article, 99.9% human? We are morally obligated to protect these children regardless of their stage of development, instead of killing them for their parts. It appears that Great Britain, like the United States has lost their sense of humanity and dignity. It is apparent that morality has been thrown out the window in the interest of making a new discovery. It is our belief that when science no longer has a moral compass it forfeits its credibility to be of benefit to society and is in fact on the road to create scientific genocide."
Christian Newswire
Phil Magnan, President of Biblical Family Advocates had this to say regarding the bizarre experimentation. "I can understand the need for finding cures for debilitating diseases, but creating a predominantly human embryo to be destroyed on the altar of finding cures is unconscionable. There are already many cures derived from using adult stem cells, why do we need to lower ourselves to the lowest common denominator by harvesting cells from pre born children made in the image of God? We were all embryos at one time."
The article went on to say that these human-animal hybrids would not be implanted in humans or grown beyond 6 days, possibly stating this to quell the fears of growing something that we are uncomfortable with, a human-animal child.
Magnan continued, "But shouldn't we in fact protect these embryos as they are according to the article, 99.9% human? We are morally obligated to protect these children regardless of their stage of development, instead of killing them for their parts. It appears that Great Britain, like the United States has lost their sense of humanity and dignity. It is apparent that morality has been thrown out the window in the interest of making a new discovery. It is our belief that when science no longer has a moral compass it forfeits its credibility to be of benefit to society and is in fact on the road to create scientific genocide."
Christian Newswire
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