The Forgotten Passage: Praying for Those in Prison—As If We Were There Too

“allow your affections to be stirred to the point of action.”

By Joshua Pease
Open Doors

For eight years, Asia Bibi has been imprisoned, sitting in Pakistan’s version of death row, awaiting word on her appeal. In 2009, Bibi had a conversation with Muslim women in her village who were pressuring her to convert from Christianity. She told them Christ was alive and the true Savior and that Muhammad was dead and a fake.

She was arrested within hours.

In Oct. 2016, Bibi’s appeal was postponed and since, she has sat in her prison, largely forgotten and alone. And the question is, what does this mean for Christians in America – her brothers and sisters abroad – when we hear her story? What can we do? What does the Bible say about this?

At the end of a long, convoluted treatise on the identity of the church in this world, the writer of Hebrews ends encouraging Christians to live out their mission in Christ with each other. He instructs them to work hard, love well, submit to each other, and then in Hebrews 13:3, he says this:

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

This isn’t a verse many are familiar with, at least compared to the one right before it about “entertaining angels.” The idea of helping a random stranger on the road who might be a heavenly being captures the imagination, but how can we understand what it means to remember Bibi “as if you were there” and to feel her pain “in your own bodies?” 

Obviously this isn’t suggesting some sort of self-flagellating extremism. It’s not saying “sit around feeling miserable all the time.” This verse must be more than an exercise in passive empathy. So what does it mean for us practically, today?

Part of the answer is found in understanding the context. The church reading this message not only knew people in prison for their faith, but was in regular contact with them. In Roman culture being accused of a crime often led to a lengthy process of trial and punishment. 

While waiting many prisoners were dependent on the kindness of others for sustenance. Paul discusses this in his letters, thanking those who have both provided friendship and resources while he was under house arrest.

So when the writer of Hebrews tells people to “remember” it’s the type of remembering that leads to action. It not only means “think about and then pray” but “allow your affections to be stirred to the point of action.”

It’s the same for us today. Our first step is to allow God to break our hearts as we pray for our persecuted family. One way to do this is to sign up for Open Door’s Prayer Alerts. Each week, you’ll receive an email giving you practical ways you can pray for the Christians in need around the world.

Open Doors continues

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'The Cross is an Offense': Franklin Graham Blasts Judge's Decision to Remove 34-Foot Cross from Florida Park

By James Mcintyre
Christian Today

Franklin Graham has blasted as 'ridiculous' a decision by a federal judge ordering that a 34-foot tall cross be taken down from a Florida park on the grounds that it violates the US Constitution.

The evangelist blamed secularist organisations such as the American Humanist Association and the Freedom From Religion Foundation for 'ridiculous changes like this'.

Graham wrote on Facebook: 'The Bible tells us that the cross is an offense. That's because it represents the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the grave after three days to redeem us from the penalty of our sins.'

US District Judge Roger Vinson wrote in his ruling: 'I am aware that there is a lot of support in Pensacola to keep the cross as is, and I understand and respect that point of view. But, the law is the law.'

The lawsuit was filed in 2016 by the secularist groups on behalf of four citizens in Pensacola, where the Florida park with the cross is located.

The judge, who appeared to reach the ruling with some reluctance, pointed out that the park has hosted tens of thousands of people for roughly 75 years without causing anyone offense – until now.

The original cross, erected in 1941 at Bayview Park, was replaced with a 34-foot, white 'Latin Cross' in 1969.

Judge Vinson noted in his ruling the 'Bayview Cross' is 'part of the rich history of Pensacola and Bayview Park in particular,' adding that it had been the focal point for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day services as well as Easter Sunrise services.

'However, after about 75 years, the Bayview Cross can no longer stand as a permanent fixture on city-owned property,' the judge ruled, directing the city of Pensacola to remove the cross within 30 days. The judge also ordered the city to pay the aggrieved plaintiffs one dollar in damages – effectively a quarter each. 

Christian Today continues

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Teacher Under Fire for Christian View of Marriage, Resigns after LGBT Witch Hunt

By Michael Stack
Life Action News

A California teacher resigned after a letter he wrote for the school newspaper condemning homosexuality caused backlash.

Michael Stack, a special education teacher at San Luis Obispo High School, submitted the letter to editor of the online Expressions responding to its May issue covering LGBT issues that contained a cover photo of two women kissing.

He resigned May 11, the same day someone called in a death threat for him to the school. Stack had faced criticism after citing the Bible on the sinfulness of homosexuality in the letter.

The passage he referenced (Romans 1:16-32) states that individuals who take part in homosexual acts “suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved” “as a result of this sin.”

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God,” it says, “He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” The passage goes on to describe various elements of wickedness and into which their lives would descend because of God’s abandonment.

“They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway,” it states. “Worse yet, they encourage others to do them too.”

Stack said he wrote these things “in order to lift up those who have stumbled, or may stumble, and put you back on the right path.”

Stack had written as well that the Bible teaches we are all accountable for our actions and that teachers are especially accountable.

“I love the staff and students at SLOHS. My students know that,” he said. “But I love God more, so in obedience to Him, I am writing this letter.”

Aric Sweeney, editor-in-chief of Expressions and a senior at the high school, said he decided to publish the letter after talking with his staff adviser, according to Teen Vogue.

“Good journalism includes giving voice to both sides regardless of whether or not I agree with him,” Sweeney said. “Because I’ll say up front, I disagree with everything he said in the letter to the editor but decided to include it anyway because it’s important to give him a voice.”

The city’s mayor, Heidi Harmon, was part of the pushback, promoting and taking part in a protest at the school in support of its LGBTQ community. She called the letter “unacceptable” on Facebook.

Live Action News continues

Founder of Noah's Ark Replica Claims Atheists Are Out To Get It

By Andy Walton
Christian Today

Ken Ham, the creator of the Ark Encounter theme park, claims 'intolerant athiests' and 'secularists' are trying to undermine the Kentucky attraction.

Ham has written a long blog post outlining his complaints against the way the media has covered the Ark, which opened in July 2016.

The attraction aims to portray the story of the flood as literal historical fact and has been the subject of much mainstream media interest.

Ham says articles which claim the park is failing are wrong. In the blog on the young earth creationist group Answers In Genesis website, he claims that 'reporters generally do very poor or lazy research, they will actually make things up for their agenda purposes'.

He takes particular aim at the Lexington Herald Leader, saying the newspaper, 'has been known for antagonism toward anything Christian, and Answers in Genesis has experienced this agenda from the paper over the years; what's occurred here is yet another example of its anti-Christian bias'.

The park has been dogged by controversy since its inception. Critics have queried the tax exemptions given to it, as well as the need for such a costly project in the first place. Some Christians have opposed the park and the way it has been funded.

Answers in Genesis is the most prominent young earth creationist organization with partners around the world. It has been heavily criticized by scientists for promoting anti-scientific methods.

Website: Christian Today

Blogger's note: As one who has traveled to Kentucky to tour the exact replica of Noah's Ark as recorded in the Bible, it was an affirmation of my faith. For those with or without a biblical worldview see Ken Ham's response to Bill Nye's criticism of Ark Encounter.

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Christian Church Destroyed as Chinese Police Drag Worshippers into Street and Beat Them

Chinese police demolished a church in a similar incident to May 2016 (pictured)

By Katie Mansfield

Sunday Express

Violence broke out in Shanggiu in Henan province after 300 police officers and officials demolished the Shuangmiao Christian Church—which was under construction.

Officers dragged out around 40 Christians with one worshipper comparing the brutal scenes to the Japanese invasion of China during the Second World War, according to charity China Aid.

Eight Christians remain in custody following the incident amid a crackdown on churches by the communist regime.

China Aid said: “During the demolition, officials beat dozens of church members, pushing them to the ground and twisting their hands.

“The church was completely razed, and a church member likened the scene to the Japanese invasion of China during World War II.

“Of the 40 Christians seized, eight are still in custody, and the cases of Shuangmiao Christian Church pastor Zhang Di and the church’s vice director, Lü Yuexia, were recently transferred to the Procuratorate, which will decide whether or not to formalize their arrest.”

The Supreme People's Procuratorate is the highest agency in China responsible for prosecutions.

According to churchgoers Xi Jinping’s Communist Party ordered the church to be destroyed after branding the building an “illegal structure”.

Party officials were sent to the church to search the building and belongings of people on site.
China Aid said the party confiscated phones and other personal property, damaged closets, smashed offering boxes, and stole laptops, money, and jewellery.

The demolition came as row between the church and government escalated over allegations the church refused to pay a £450 arbitrary road usage fee.

Pastor Zhang Di was summoned for questioning last month and accused of assaulting police officers and attacking a village official.

Church leaders are urging the government to release the pastor and churchgoers. They are also calling for police linked to the investigation to be punished.

Sunday Express article continues

Pray For Us, Say Qatar's Christians As Crisis Deepens

Qatar is number 20 on the Open Doors World Watch list, a ranking of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

An aerial view of the diplomatic area in Doha, Qatar.

By Mark Woods

Christian Today

The Qatar crisis is deepening – and Christians in the Middle Eastern nation are calling for prayer for their country.

Nine nations have now moved to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar, which is scheduled to host the World Cup in 2022 after a controversial selection process.

The oil-rich country's inhabitants are now facing steep price rises for food and other goods as almost all food is imported. Airlines have halted flights and diplomats have been withdrawn.

The move is in response to Qatar's alleged support of the Muslim Brotherhood, regarded as a terrorist organisation by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia also distrusts its closeness to Iran, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Hamad Al Thani was recently reported to have made critical comments about US President Donald Trump; however, US analysts believe the reports were the work of Russian hackers intent on destabilising the relationship between allies.

While Qatar is a Muslim country, tens of thousands of Christian foreign workers live there.

Persecution watchdog Open Doors has spoken to Christian leaders who have asked for prayer for their situation.

'Life goes on, almost as normal,' said one. 'For us believers, life is same as last week, but please do pray for our safety. There are crowds in the supermarkets because people are scared and are buying food to stock.'

The same church leader said there have been special prayer gatherings by Christians to intercede for the leaders in Qatar and its neighbouring countries. 

'Because of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for the Muslims, most of the companies have cut the working hours by 50 per cent. Also, Christian workers only have to work half days, so they have more time go to Church and to pray.'

Christian Today report continues

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Local Market Bales on Christian Farmers

Family Research Council

You will know them by their fruits -- and at a prominent Michigan orchard, that was certainly true of the Tennes Family. Steve and Bridget, a husband and wife team who have poured their hearts into their 120-acre farm, have never shied away from their Christian faith. And now, they can’t sell their produce at the East Lansing Farmers Market because of it.

In another astounding case of intolerance, Country Mill Orchards was kicked out of the sellers group last August when city officials got wind of the couple’s biblical views on marriage.

After seven years of hosting one of the most popular stalls at the market, they’ve been pushed out because they dared to agree with 53 percent of the American people! Of course, the irony is, the Tenneses never mentioned marriage at the market -- this was all the result of a Facebook fishing expedition from a potential wedding client.

When two women asked to be married on the farm in 2014, the Tennes turned them down, explaining that because of their faith, they referred same-sex couples to neighboring farms. Two years later, the couple decided to launch a social media smear campaign, urging people to stay away from Country Mill. 

When their post was brought to East Lansing’s attention, local leaders raced to pass an ordinance directly targeting small business owners like the Tenneses. In a press conference this week, Steve could only shake his head at the strong-arm tactics of the Left.

“East Lansing [had] posted on their Facebook page: ‘We love the Country Mill.’ That came to an abrupt end that same August [when the family went public with their views].

"Because of our beliefs,”Steve went on, “the city of East Lansing strongly and immediately pressured us not to return to the farmers market that very weekend. Ultimately, the city developed a new policy to target and block our farm from further participation in their city-run farmers market.”

And here’s the kicker: the Tenneses not only serve people who identify as LGBT -- they employ them! But that’s not enough for the extreme Left, who will accept nothing less than the full and complete surrender of every Christian’s First Amendment rights.

As Steve pointed out, “Our faith and beliefs on marriage and hosting weddings at our home and in our backyard of our farm have nothing to do with the city of East Lansing. Nor does it have anything to do with the produce that we sell to the people that attend the farmers markets who are from all backgrounds and all beliefs.”

The attack on the Tenneses is especially upsetting since both Steve and Bridget are military veterans, and they -- more than anyone -- know the price of freedom.

“We were surprised, and we were shocked,” Steve told Fox News’s Todd Starnes. “My wife and I both volunteered to serve in the military to protect freedom. Now we come home and the freedom that we worked to protect, we have to defend in our own backyard.”

Family Research Council continues

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Anti-Semitism Now ‘Fashionable’ in the US, Warn Experts

Attacks Against Jews Account for Close to 60% of Hate Crimes, Despite Strong Cooperation Between Government Agencies to Combat the Scourge

By Cathryn J. Prince
The Times of Israel

Not a week seems to go by without an anti-Semitic attack in the United States – either verbal or violent – against Jews.

“Unfortunately anti-Semitism has become fashionable again,” Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president for the New York Board of Rabbis, told The Times of Israel. “It’s not a big deal to hate the Jews. The first group that gets attacked is the Jews.”

This week, a Boise woman attacked her Jewish neighbor and stood on her neck until she said she believes in Jesus. Also this week, swastikas were spray painted on some 30 homes in Madison, Wisconsin.

In January, pro-Palestinian protesters stormed a New York City Council meeting that was discussing a resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. And later in the month in California, two swastikas were found spray painted onto the wall and at the doorstep of the Jewish Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity at UC Davis.

Following the defacement of Emory University’s AEPi house with swastikas last September, members of the AEPi chapter at Washington University in St. Louis posed in front of their house with signs in support of their Emory brothers and against anti-Semitism (courtesy)

“Unfortunately, far too few have said too little for too long,” Potasnik said.

The New York rabbi couples these recent domestic examples of anti-Semitism to what’s going on in the rest of the world. The terror attack this week outside a synagogue in Denmark in which a 22-year-old lone shooter killed volunteer guard Dan Uzan is the latest in a string of violent European incidents.

The United States is not immune to the scourge.

“The world is witnessing an alarming rise in acts of anti-Semitism, and we must all do what we can to respond to this growing threat,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York. “History has shown us the ramifications of silence.

The Anti-Defamation League warned in a recent statement just what those ramifications are.

“There must be a clear and consistently reinforced and maintained understanding that the hatred, bigotry and prejudice against Jews that threatens the future of Jewish life in many places is indeed an assault on the well-being and sense of security for all minorities and on society as a whole,” said Michael A. Salberg, the Anti-Defamation League’s Director of International Affairs.

And while the number may wax and wane in the United States from year to year, the fact is more than half of all religiously motivated hate crimes target Jews and Jewish institutions.

“Very disturbingly nearly 60 percent of religious-based crimes are against Jews,” said Michael Lieberman, director of the Civil Rights Policy Planning Center for the Anti-Defamation League.

The Jewish Times continues 

Nine Christians 'Shot Dead' by Islamist Militants in Philippines as Chaos Descends on City after Church Kidnappings

An armoured personnel carrier belonging to government troops drives along a main highway of Pantar town, 

Lanao Del Norte, as it travels to reinforce Marawi city, southern Philippines May 24, 2017

By James Macintyre
Christian Today

Nine Christian civilians have reportedly been shot dead after being forced off their truck and having their hands tied together by Islamist militants in Marawi city in the Philippines. According to local reports, members of the militant so-called Maute group murdered the group by a check-point after they were identified as Christian.

Harrowing local television images show the Christians lying dead face-down in the grass, amid reports that villagers are afraid to move the bodies because terrorists are still in the area. A policeman was similarly caught at a checkpoint set up by the militants and beheaded on Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte said.

News of the killings come as chaos descended on the Muslim-majority Marawi city, where the Filipino army has sent in about 100 soldiers, including US military.

Thousands of citizens have fled after the Maute group torched several buildings and occupied various parts of Marawi. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on Mindanao Island, which includes Marawi, in an attempt to curtail the chaos. He promised the military rule would be 'harsh'.

'I warned everybody not to force my hand into it,' Duterte said, according to The National. 'I have to do it to preserve the republic.'

Attention has also been focused on the kidnapping of a local priest and his parishioners who were taken hostage by the Maute group on Tuesday.

The president of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines appealed for prayers for the hostages. He said: 

'Fr Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of St Mary's when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the cathedral, taking with them Fr Chito and others as hostages. They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled.'

 Christian News report continues

Bloggers note: Please pray for God's protection and swift release of Fr. Chito and the hostages. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

'We Trust Jesus to Walk with You': Persecuted Christians Around the World Pray for Manchester

By Ruth Gledhill
Christian Today

Normally, it is Christians in the West who are accustomed to being asked to pray for their persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

But now, persecuted Christians are themselves joining in prayer – for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

According to the Christian persecution charity Open Doors, believers in some of the countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian have shared their messages of support.

'It is precisely because they live under the constant threat of terrorism and violence that they are able to empathise with all of those caught up in this terrible attack,' said Open Doors.

One nun in Pakistan, who has helped many victims of terror in her own country, said: 

'I was a student in Manchester for three years. There, God called me to serve his Church. There I met people who prayed for the persecuted Church. I was moved by how believers really did pray for those who are suffering.

'Today, my team and I remember our praying friends and family in the UK. Today, we assure you that in your pain and grief and shock, in the trauma and tragedy of it all, we are standing by you and trusting Jesus, Emmanuel, to walk with you and comfort you and wipe your tears. We journey together.'

A pastor from Bangladesh said:

'I am shocked to hear this news as the UK is a highly protected country. I'm praying for the affected people and their families; may God pour His love and blessing over them. May God change the minds of the people who are behind the brutal attack, that they may also be caught by the fear of God. At the same time, we praying for our country, that God will save us all from these kinds of attacks.'

A church worker in Malaysia said: 

'I pray for those who have lost loved ones that God will comfort them in their sorrows. I also pray that this tragedy will help open our eyes to see the great need to share the truth of Jesus to all; for only His love can help them lay down their bombs.'

A young Christian, also from Malaysia, said: 

The first thought that came to my mind after I heard the bombing was "Why did he do it?" I cannot understand the reason why that man blew himself up and took the lives of others as well. But I can understand how you, our brothers and sisters in UK, feel. My heart goes out to you and I pray for God to comfort you in your grief.'

Photo of secret church leaders in Vietnam praying for

Manchester, blurred to protect identities. (Open Doors)

Christian Today Continues With prayers for Manchester Victims

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

Exclusive: Senior Jewish Leaders Intervene in Holocaust Denial Row at University

By James Macintyre
Christian Today

A heavyweight group of national Jewish leaders is demanding that Manchester University removes books by the Holocaust denier David Irving from 'open access' in its main library.

A letter appealing to Manchester's vice chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell will been sent this week, jointly signed by the Jewish Leadership Council, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Holocaust Education Trust, the Union of Jewish Students and the Community Security Trust.

The intervention marks a major boost for the ongoing campaign to persuade the university to change its position, led by Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Irene Lancaster, an eminent Jewish academic, and Guy Wilkinson, Dr Williams' former interfaith adviser.

It follows a letter sent last month by Dr Williams alongside repeated requests from Dr Lancaster as well as the local Labour MP, Graham Stringer, and coincides with a separate letter this week from local councilor John Merry on behalf of the City Mayor of Salford, who writes: 'As a local councillor who represents thousands of Jewish residents I feel personally very upset about this unfortunate situation.'

Dr. Williams wrote that the issue needs 'urgent attention' and warned that the current arrangement of Irving's work 'could be experienced as threatening by Jewish members of the University'. In response, the university said it was considering re-cataloguing the books but refused to move them from open display in the John Rylands library.

In their new letter, addressed to Dame Nancy, the Jewish leaders write: 'We understand that you have already received multiple complaints regarding these books and are yet to take appropriate measures. 

David Irving was labelled by a High Court Judge as an antisemitic, racist Holocaust denier in 2000 when he lost his libel case against historian Deborah Lipstadt. Irving was subsequently sentenced to three years in an Austrian prison following speeches in which he referred to the "gas chambers fairy tale" and called the Holocaust a "myth". 

More recently he spoke at a far-right event in London where, according to press reports, Auschwitz was compared to Disneyland and the death of Jo Cox was referred to as "cheery news". The fact that his writings can be found on the same shelves as books by legitimate historians is not just an insult to the victims of the Holocaust and their descendants, but also risks these books being endorsed as accurate historical fact.'

The Jewish leaders then call on the university to follow the example of Churchill College, Cambridge who in February removed Irving material followed a complaint by Lancaster, and other institutions such as neighbouring Manchester Metropolitan University who do not show Irving books on open display.

They appeal for the university immediately to remove all Irving literature from open-access shelving; appropriately label these books as being authored by a convicted Holocaust denier; re-catalogue the books; and permit access to such material on application for the purposes of genuine academic research.

'We firmly believe that these steps are wholly appropriate to ensure that these books are not seen as legitimate historical resources but are still available for academic purposes,' the Jewish groups write. 'The University of Manchester has attracted Jewish students from across the UK for many years and we feel that it is therefore of great importance that you are seen to take this matter seriously.

Website: Christiantoday.com

Catholic Priest and Parishioners Held Hostage by Islamist Terrorists in the Philippines

Filipino Priest, Fr. Chito Suganbob, has been kidnapped,
alongside others, by Islamist terrorists

By Joseph Hartrop

Christian Today

A Filipino Catholic priest and some parishioners have been kidnapped and taken hostage by radical Islamic terrorists.

Today the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) appealed for prayers for the victims of the attack in Marawi City in the Philippines, according to ABS-CBN News.

'Fr. Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of St Mary's when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr. Chito and others as hostages,' CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement. He added: 'They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled.'

The Maute group – radical Islamist militants – reportedly broke into Suganbob's house in the compound, kidnapping the priest, his secretary, two students and at least ten parishioners.

'At the time of his capture, Fr Chito was in the performance of his ministry as a priest. He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict,' Bishop Edwin dela Peña, Prelature of Marawi Diocese told radio DZMM.

The hashtag #PrayforMarawi has been used, and archbishop Villegas implored fervent prayer for Fr. Chito and rest of the hostages. He also asked the government to 'make the safety of the hostages a primordial consideration', while Marawi officials continue to assess the abduction and their response.

Website: Christiantoday.com

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice.  Follow us on  Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.  

School to Teacher: Don't Pray for your Colleagues

This is the state of modern America's hostility

to religion, and it doesn't look good. 

By Tony Perkins
Family Research Council

For those questioning the claim that the public expression of faith is under attack, actions by public school administrators in Augusta, Maine should school them well on the issue. School officials have assumed the authority to decide that teachers are not allowed to let their colleagues know they are praying for them -- even in private conversations. It makes you wonder if they are still allowed to pray for them at all. Perhaps the school's next steps will be to investigate their thoughts!

Teacher Tony Richardson informed a colleague who was facing some difficulty (and who also attended the same church as her) she would be praying for him. 

Yet months later after a falling out between her and the colleague, a complaint was lodged against her, and the school gave her a "coaching memorandum" which told her that "[s]tating 'I will pray for you,' and 'you were in my prayers' is not acceptable—even if that other person attends the same church as you." 

In making such statements, according to the school, she "may have imposed some strong religious/spiritual belief system" on the prayed-for coworker.

This is the state of modern America's hostility to religion, and it doesn't look good. From our military to government bureaucrats, public schools to the mass media, the indifference, ignorance, and outright opposition to a robust and serious faith in God is pervasive -- and ever increasing. 

FRC article continues

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Ravi Zacharias: Christians Must Reject 'Tepid' Christianity as 'Scorching Paganism' Rises in West

By Brandon Showalter
Christian Post

A renowned apologist is urging the Western Church to spurn comfortable Christianity and instead emulate the prophet Daniel, who made several key decisions to avoid becoming corrupted in a deeply evil society.

Ravi Zacharias noted on Friday at the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians that his calling is to hostile audiences, often like those one finds on secular university campuses. Addressing victims of persecution and their advocates was a bit unusual for him, he said, even saying he felt it was "audacious."

But his calling and this particular subject and speech Friday presented an irony.

"Who would have ever thought that of all the nations in the world now I have to go with security on the campuses of the United States?" the apologist asked.

Zacharias said he received threatening letters from "strongly atheistic groups," noting that he recently spoke at an Ivy League school with body guards present. He even heard from a Christian friend in Jakarta, Indonesia, who wrote him that morning saying that he and fellow Christians would be praying for him.

"Things have changed," he noted, highlighting the challenges of the day which come "in many garbs because of the resistance to the absolute claims of the living God."

"They will mock you, they will ridicule you, they will try to throw division in the ranks, and when all else fails they will use force."

Such was the case for the prophet Nehemiah when he tried to build the wall, he said.

Yet the resistance to the claims of God is not new and cunning leaders have strategized to erase them. But over time those whom God has marked for His purposes have prevailed.

Christian Post article continues

Christian Firefighter, Axed for Sharing His Faith, Now Heading to WA High Court

By Mark Martin
CBN News

A Christian firefighter will go before the Washington Supreme Court later this year, fighting for his religious rights.

The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has filed a legal brief on Capt. Jonathan Sprague's behalf, arguing that the Spokane Valley Fire Department fired him because he had expressed religious views.

"His offense was failing to self-censor his religious expression, which the SVFD called insubordination and unbecoming conduct," PJI said in a press release.

Sprague is encouraged that the state's high court wants to review his case after a lower court ruled against him.

"It's considered to be good news if you got a decision against you at a lower level," Sprague's attorney, Matt Albrecht, told The Spokesman-Review. "That tells you there is some reason they want to review it."

Sprague wants his job back after being fired in 2012. The conflict centered around e-mails and the use of an electronic bulletin board.

The Fire Department sent out newsletters from an employee assistance program covering topics such as family conflict, suicide, compulsive gambling, and eating disorders. The electronic bulletin board included posts by employees selling concert tickets and seeking babysitters.

"But when Sprague made announcements or sent e-mails with Scripture references—some on the very same social topics introduce by the fire department—he was disciplined and ultimately fired," PJI says.

Sprague filed a lawsuit to get his job back, arguing the fire department violated his First Amendment rights by placing restrictions on his emails and not other non-work-related messages. His case was tossed from lower courts.

Even so, Sprague said he was optimistic because of a strong dissent filed in the Court of Appeals case, according to The Spokesman-Review. Judge George Fearing argued that Sprague's emails were not different from health and wellness emails sent around by the fire department.

"The Spokane Valley Fire Department had no compelling, let alone important, interest in restricting Jonathan Sprague's speech," Fearing wrote.

CBN News article continues

Catholic Teacher Faces Dismissal at Catholic School for Quoting St. John Bosco on Islam

John Ritchie
TFP Student Action, Director

Can political correctness get worse than this?

Fact #1: Mark Smythe is a well-liked Catholic teacher at Blessed Trinity Catholic School in Ocala, Florida. He recently used Saint John Bosco's writing on Islam in his 6th grade social studies class.

Fact #2: The leftist Huffington Post found out that Saint John Bosco's writings were critical of Islam and immediately went public, attacking the teacher for sharing it.

Fact #3: The Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools -- with the support of the Human Resources Department of the Diocese of Orlando -- has reportedly not only reprimanded Mr. Smythe for using Saint John Bosco in class, but also threatened to dismiss him from his job. (The Catholic World Report)

You and I cannot allow true Catholic teaching to be CENSORED at Catholic schools.

Please Click Here to Politely Urge the Catholic Superintendent NOT to fire Mark

For the record, Mark Smythe is known for his loyalty to the Catholic Church.

"I have know Mark for many years," posted Debbie Hoffman Sosnicki. "He does not have a mean bone in his body..." she said. "It is my hope and prayer that Mark will come through this witch hunt and be allowed to continue teaching at Blessed Trinity, and support his wife and family."

In short:

Mark used a catechetical text by Saint John Bosco, a famous educator. The lesson was simple, true, yet politically incorrect: 'Mohammad was an immoral man who used violence to spread his religion.'

Mark got reported. The leftist media want his scalp.

But Dr. Jacquelyn Flanigan, Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orlando -- instead of standing by Mark – reportedly sided with the leftist media, and reprimanded him for "disrespect" to Islam. Even more mindboggling: Dr. Flanigan reportedly issued a statement, claiming that Mark's action was “not consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.” (Huffington Post)

Finally, diocesan officials urged Mark to sign a reprimand notice. He was told to acknowledge his "wrongdoing" or face the consequences: Dismissal. And since Mr. Smythe, in conscience, cannot say he was wrong without reneging his Faith, he refuses to sign the reprimand.

I think you're probably as perplexed as I am:  A Catholic instructor at a Catholic school can't quote a Catholic Saint without facing dismissal? What's going on? This is not only troublesome. It is profoundly unjust.

I believe Mark is suffering persecution. But "blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:10).  Thank you for fighting the good fight.

Click here to read another article from LifeSite News on this story

Bloggers Note:  We have watched in horror the stories and pictures of Christians in the Middle East being persecuted and murdered by islamic infidels (yes, they are the true infidels) the last few years.  Now we are seeing 'soft' persecution come to our own backyard; and to have it done by fellow Christians is alarming. 

If we do not stand up for our faith here in the USA, our county will soon face the same type of persecution as our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.   I urge everyone to share this article with all your contacts and please, sign the petition using the link in this article.  

How much longer can we expect Our Lord to hold back his anger? Please take action before it's too late!!! 

 

TFP Student Action is a project of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property. Founded in 1973, the American TFP was formed to resist, in the realm of ideas, the liberal, socialist and communist trends of the times and proudly affirm the positive values of tradition, family and private property. The American TFP was inspired by the work of the Brazilian intellectual and man of action Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. For more information on this organization, please click on this link.  

Over 8 in 10 Americans reported to be concerned about nation's moral decline

By Andy Walton
Christian Today

More than eight out of 10 Americans are concerned about the direction of moral behaviour, according to LifeWay Research.

LifeWay found that 81 per cent of people who responded to its survey agreed with the statement.  I am concerned about declining moral behavior in our nation.

There is some variation in how strongly held this belief is, though. Nearly half (46 per cent) of respondents said they 'strongly agree', while 35 per cent said they 'agree'.

LifeWay is part of the conservative Southern Baptist Convention and regularly polls Americans about their views on social, political and economic issues.

There are several other findings in the research which point to differences among different groups of Americans on the topic. For example, the research says that on the issue of declining moral standards, 

• Christians (85 per cent) are more likely to agree than Other Religions (70 per cent) and Nonreligious (72 per cent)

• It also points out that, 'Protestant Christians (89 per cent) are more likely to agree than Catholics (82 per cent)

• Meanwhile, those with Evangelical beliefs (91 per cent) are more likely to agree than those without evangelical beliefs (79 per cent)

Lifeway spokesperson Scott McConnell told the Christian Post: 'We are shifting very fast... We are not all on the same page when it comes to morality. And we haven't reckoned with what that means.

Website: Christian Today

Professor Caught Instructing Students to Deface and Erase Pro-Life Group’s Sidewalk Messages

By Steven Ertelt
Life News

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing a pro-life student organization filed suit in federal court Thursday against a Fresno State University professor who instructed students from his class to join him in defacing and erasing the group’s sidewalk chalk messages that affirmed life.

“No university professor has the authority to roam the campus, silencing any student speech he happens to find objectionable and recruiting students to participate in this censorship,” said ADF Legal Counsel Travis Barham. 

“Like all government officials, professors have an obligation to respect students’ free speech rights. And they should encourage all students to participate in the marketplace of ideas, rather than silencing those with whom they happen to differ. The professor’s actions here represent a flagrant violation of the First Amendment.”

In April, the Fresno State Students for Life received permission to chalk positive, life-affirming messages on the sidewalks leading to the university’s library. As its members finished chalking these messages on the morning of May 2, Gregory Thatcher, a public health professor, confronted them and falsely alleged they could not chalk messages near the library, and could only express themselves in the so-called “free speech area.” (The university eliminated this speech zone in June 2015.)

After club president Bernadette Tasy explained she had university permission to chalk messages in that spot, Thatcher announced that he would return to erase the messages shortly. He then recruited at least seven students from his 8:00 a.m. class to erase and deface the pro-life chalk messages. 

When Ms. Tasy reminded him that the club was acting with full permission, Thatcher walked over to one of the pro-life messages and began erasing it himself, claiming that he was exercising his free speech rights. And he erroneously proclaimed, “College campuses are not free speech areas.” The enclosed video documents Thatcher’s hostile statements and actions.

Life News report continues

Erdogan Urges Muslims to Swarm Temple Mount to Save Jerusalem from ‘Judaization’

By Deborah Danan
Breitbart

TEL AVIV — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday urged Muslims to visit the Temple Mount to act as a counter to the “insult” of “occupied Jerusalem,” and called Israel a “racist and discriminatory” state that is reminiscent of apartheid.

Erdogan also met with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to work on “unifying efforts to protect Jerusalem against attempts of Judaization,” the independent Palestinian Maan news agency reported.

“We, as Muslims, should be visiting Al-Quds more often,” he said, referring to Jerusalem by its Arabic name.

“As a Muslim community, we need to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque often, each day that Jerusalem is under occupation is an insult to us,” he stated at the opening ceremony of the International Forum on al-Quds Waqf in Istanbul.

Breitbart article continues

Blogger's comment: As one who has toured Israel, it's troubling to hear the rhetoric from a world leader against the State of Israel and Jerusalem in particular. The Temple Mount has been sacred to Jews for centuries before Muslims have claimed it as a holy site.  

During the 1967 Six-Day War, the Israeli Defense Forces conquered Jerusalem and liberated the Temple Mount, reclaiming Jewish control over the area for the first time since the destruction of the Second Temple. Source: Jewish Virtual Library/Temple Mount.