AFDI/SIOA Calls for Congressional Inquiry on Obama’s Sabotage of Israel’s Defense Against Iran
NEW YORK, March 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ – A prominent national human rights organization is calling for Congress to open an inquiry into allegations that Barack Obama has leaked information to the press in order to pressure Israel into not defending itself against Iran’s nuclear program.
The American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI) and its Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) program deplored reports that Obama was moving to prevent Israel from acting in its own defense. ABC News reported Thursday: “Two reports today about Iran’s nuclear program and the possibility of an Israeli military strike have analysts in Israel accusing the Obama administration leaking information to pressure Israel not to bomb Iran and for Iran to reach a compromise in upcoming nuclear talks.”
AFDI/SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller said in a statement: “Obama’s policies compromise American security. Iran is clearly a threat to America. They have been at war with us since 1979. Israel was willing to do the heavy lifting because our reckless and feckless president was too weak, too compromised. But to betray an ally like this? This leak is part of an ongoing campaign to thwart Israeli defense strategy against the Iranian genocidal threat.”
AFDI/SIOA Associate Director Robert Spencer: “We call on patriotic members of Congress who respect Israel as America’s most reliable ally in the Middle East to launch an immediate full-scale investigation into Obama’s efforts to undermine Israel’s security, and the larger implications of those efforts for our own national security.”
AFDI/SIOA is one of America’s foremost organizations defending human rights, religious liberty, and the freedom of speech against Islamic supremacist intimidation and attempts to bring elements of Sharia to the United States.
GO2 Ministries’ Circles of Grace Prayer Project Debuts iPhone App
Today, there’s a whole new way to pray. The Circles of Grace mobile app is now available for iPhone.
Choose up to five Circles of Grace to include in your daily prayer time. As well as receiving prompts when the prayer requests in your Circles are updated, you’ll be invited to send requests back to GO2 Ministries. You will also have the option of being notified every day at 10:02AM to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
“This mobile app is such a crucial component of the Circles of Grace project,” said executive director Tim Boal. “Not only does it allow people to stay engaged in prayer on the go, but the user’s ability to send us new prayer requests and information about the needs of their Circles helps GO2 Ministries serve them to the fullest. If someone sends a prayer request about a particular local issue, we’re able to react to that specific need both by praying for and engaging with them.”
GO2 Ministries’ Circles of Grace project is a movement of people of common purpose joining together in a concerted effort to bring about change. The goal is 500,000 people praying for the 1,765 “Circles of Grace” across the United States of America.
The Circles of Grace mobile app was developed by Philadelphia-based eCity Interactive. eCity Interactive is a full service interactive agency that creates award-winning digital solutions that range from websites, online marketing campaigns to mobile applications for major brands, mid-sized companies and non-profits. Graphic Design for Circles of Grace is courtesy of 3 Strand Studio, specializing in results-driven visual solutions.
About GO2 Ministries:
GO2 Ministries is a national missions agency dedicated to the starting and establishing of new churches in the United States of America by equipping leaders, evangelizing, and engaging in projects of justice and mercy, Our goals are to start 5,000 new churches, see 500,000 new believers and serve 50 million Americans by 2020 AD.
Georgia Right to Life Notes Progress in Abortion Debate
NORCROSS, Ga., March 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ — GRTL President Dan Becker today called passage of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, HB 954, a step in the right direction.
The state’s current law allows abortions for almost any reason throughout all nine months of pregnancy.
“While this bill will save well over 1,000 babies a year, it still is far short of our goal of protecting all human life,” Becker said. “The final outcome was heavily affected by intense pressure from those who resorted to half-truths, misinformation and in some cases outright intimidation,” he added.
The original measure would have banned any abortion at the point a fetus can feel pain, which has been established at 20 weeks or earlier. The amended version includes an exception for “medically futile” pregnancies that will give doctors the option to kill a baby they think may have a condition that would not allow it to live after birth. It also includes an exception to protect the physical life of the mother.
“The futile pregnancy exception leaves the door open to destroy a whole class of babies a doctor decides may be less than perfect,” Becker said, “that’s not who we should be as a society.”
Becker thanked Rep. Doug McKillip (District 115), who sponsored the bill, and many other legislators who tried to maintain the original language.
“This was an intense and highly emotional debate,” Becker said, “and I am grateful to Lt. Governor, Casey Cagle, and House Speaker, David Ralston, for their efforts to protect the unborn.”
The bill, which now goes to Governor Nathan Deal for his signature, will make Georgia the seventh state to adopt such a law. None of those measures has been successfully challenged.
“It was truly disheartening to witness the lengths to which the abortionists would go,” Becker said, “they ignored the horror of abortion, dismissed proven scientific evidence and in some cases resorted to outright slander in making their case.”
Georgia Right to Life promotes respect and effective legal protection for all human life from its earliest biological beginning through natural death. GRTL is one of a number of organizations that have adopted Personhood as the most effective pro-life strategy for the 21st century.
Two Christians Prosecuted for Reading the Bible in Public
MURRIETA, Calif., March 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ – Yesterday, a trial court in Riverside County, California, heard arguments why the prosecution’s case should be dismissed in the case of People v. Brett Coronado. Advocates for Faith & Freedom are defending Pastor Brett Coronado and Mark Mackey on misdemeanor charges after they were arrested in front of a California DMV while Mr. Mackey was reading the Bible out loud. The incident took place on February 2, 2011, in front of a group waiting for the DMV to open for business.
This case has generated national news, such as the story that ran on Fox News Channel today. Additionally, a YouTube video of the incident and arrest can be viewed by typing in “Hemet Pastor Arrested for Reading Bible”. Both men have been spit on and threatened at other locations in the past when engaging in similar activities. As a result, it is their practice to video their evangelism to protect them from false accusations — just as appears to be occurring in this case.
Initially, when Mr. Mackey was arrested, the CHP officer stated that it was illegal to “preach to a captive audience.” After the defendants were placed in jail and upon learning that no such penal code prohibits preaching to a “captive audience,” the officer issued a citation for “impeding an open business” with threats or intimidation under Penal Code Section 602.1(b). However, the district attorney again changed the charges claiming trespass after the government realized the business was not actually open and, presumably, saw the video showing no threats or intimidation.
Unfortunately, the trial judge declined to dismiss the case. Advocates vows to appeal the decision because the trespass law the CHP is currently relying on is unconstitutional. In fact, other federal courts that have reviewed the same statutory language used in the California Penal Code have been declared unconstitutional.
“This is an abuse of power on the part of the CHP,” said Robert Tyler, Associate General Counsel for Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “The arresting officer could find no appropriate penal/ code to use when arresting these men. The purpose of the arrests appears to have been to censor them.”
Advocates for Faith & Freedom has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of these three men for violation of their right to free speech and for unlawful arrest, but that case has been stayed pending the resolution of the state court prosecution. Also, join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on our progress in this case and others.
Help for Catholic Men Struggling with Pornography
Morality in Media Responds to Spiritual Threat
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ – Asserting that pornography is now more popular than baseball as a pastime, Morality in Media today released a new pamphlet directed at Catholic men titled, “The Pornography Pandemic: A Message to Catholics.”
“The sin of pornography is overwhelming Catholic men,” said MIM President Patrick Trueman, who wrote a similar piece for the Knights of Columbus magazine Columbia.
“Pornography is now more popular than baseball. In fact, it has become America’s pastime.” He warns that pornography changes the user’s attitude toward sex, his or her spouse, and is causing the breakup of many marriages.
“We hope to distribute ‘The Pornography Pandemic’ to every Catholic Church in America this year,” Trueman said. “It provides great reference material for Catholic men who are confessing sins of pornography.”
The pamphlet addresses addiction, a common problem today. “Sadly, for the regular consumer of pornography, confession and contrition are normally not sufficient to break from pornography because, like drug abuse, pornography is not just a bad habit – it is often an addiction.”
The pamphlet includes links to several Morality in Media websites, all of which provide resources for addicts and others harmed by pornography.
The effects of pornography on children are highlighted in the pamphlet; fathers are encouraged to set an example of purity for their children and family.
Morality in Media is encouraging Catholic diocesan newspapers to reprint the pamphlet material in their online and printed publications. Permission to do so may be sought from the MIM staff (dhawkins@pornharms.com).
The Catholic version is available now for $75 per 300 copies, but is available at no cost for those churches that cannot afford them. A free online version can be found at bit.ly/HiMril. Protestant and Jewish versions of “The Pornography Pandemic” are also being prepared and can be pre-ordered at same price.
About Morality in Media
Founded in 1962, Morality in Media, Inc. is the leading organization focused on opposing pornography and indecency through public education and the application of the law. MIM is leading The War on Illegal Pornography, a coalition of more than 100 groups whose goal is to stop the distribution of illegal pornography. For more information visit www.PornHarms.com.
Pastor Calls Church to Repent at Rally For Religious Freedom
FORT LAUDERDALE, March 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ — Speaking at the Rally For Religious Freedom last Friday, pro-life advocate Rev. Jim McGarvey of Church for Life, told the crowd, “…two Biblical mandates…should guide our prayers and response” to the Obama administration’s recent Health and Human Services mandate.
“First, the Church must begin by repenting of its own sin.” In Peter’s words, “It is time for judgment to begin with God’s household.”
According to a recent report from the National Association of Evangelicals, “Eighty percent of unmarried evangelicals between the ages of 18 and 29 have had sex. That’s 4 out of 5…’ (“Insight”, Spring 2012)
He called the Church to repent of its complicity with abortion. “One study found that 43% of women having abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 27% as Roman Catholic. (AGI ‘In Brief’ 2008) That’s 70% of all abortions.”
“The healing of our land depends more on the Church repenting, than anything anyone else can do,” he said. “I almost hesitate to cite 2 Chronicles 7:13,14 because it is so often quoted…it could very well be the most under-practiced quoted Scripture in the Bible.”
“No mention of the sins of politicians, judges or others in authority,” he said, “No, it’s, ‘if my people’ — that’s us. That’s where we must begin. Our repentant prayer will unlock the outpouring of God’s healing upon our land.”
Secondly, based on Paul’s words (1 Timothy 2:1-6), “we must involve ourselves in intercession for President Obama and those who govern us.” He continued, “Have you ever wondered why the command to pray for those in authority is followed by a clear declaration of the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God…Could it be that God wants to change the heart of those who serve Him in government and bring revival to our land — in response to our humility, repentance, and obedience in prayer?”
“I ask you, to join me in taking a stand for religious freedom. But may it be from a posture of bowing in humility and repentance before God, first of all me, for my sin and you for yours, the sin of the Church and then the sin of our nation.”
You can read the full text of Pastor McGarvey’s message atwww.churchforlife.blogspot.com Church for Life: Serving the Church in its response to America’s abortion crisis.
HHS Mandate is a Battle, the War is Rights of Conscience, Says Life Legal Defense Foundation
SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ — The war over Obamacare has spilled onto the streets and is being waged in the Supreme Court. Citizens are fighting for their rights – and the right of conscience is center stage. This weekend, the battle moves to San Francisco where a unique gathering, “Make Straight the Pathway,” tackles the right of conscience head-on.
“This is about having the freedom to act in accordance with what one believes is right. We recognize conscientious objectors in war – the Obama healthcare mandates are just as deadly,” explained Dana Cody, Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF), which is hosting the conference.
Since 1989 LLDF has defended the civil rights of pro-life advocates and has advised them on rights of conscience. However, in 2011, LLDF received exponentially more legal counsel calls from medical professionals who had conscientious objections to dispensing drugs harmful to human life. Of primary concern were contraceptives.
Make Straight the Pathway presents an integrated and unified solution for Catholic healthcare reform and has drawn the attention of religious and healthcare leaders from across the country. Attendance at the symposium will include healthcare administrators, medical practitioners, pastors, lay leaders, hospital workers, and concerned citizens from across the faith, health, and political arenas.
Ms. Cody, one of the presenters at the event, will address how to:
- Advocate for state and federal public policy that actively protects and promotes religious liberty and individual right of conscience in healthcare, and allows all Americans to select qualified health plans that do not violate their religious liberty.
- Develop Culture of Life Primary Care Medical Centers.
- Establish a National Catholic Health Plan that is Christ-centered and consistent with the Ethical and Religious Directives (ERDs) of Catholic Healthcare.
San Francisco’s harmonious Hotel Kabuki provides the setting for the three-day conference, March 29 through March 31. The seminar’s focus is on equipping attendees for right of conscience advocacy. “The goal is to collectively push for state and federal policy that actively protects and promotes religious liberty and individual right of conscience in healthcare,” said Cody, “because each American should have the freedom to select qualified health plans that do not violate their religious liberty.”
Bishop Robert E. Vasa of the Diocese of Santa Rosa will speak on “Giving Poisoned Water to the Thirsty.” Vasa has been outspoken on life issues and healthcare and is a noted advocate for making Catholic-based healthcare more intentionally Catholic. As the March 20, 2010 letter from the U.S. Bishops to Congress stated, “Healthcare reform that protects the life and dignity of all, especially the poor and vulnerable, is a moral imperative and an urgent national priority.”
About the conference: Make Straight the Pathway: An Integrated and Unified Solution for Catholic Healthcare Reform, March 29 – March 31, 2012, Hotel Kabuki and St. Mary’s Cathedral event center, San Francisco, CA. Presented by the Life Legal Defense Foundation and Christus Medicus Foundation. More information is available at the LLDF website
About the Life Legal Defense Foundation
Life Legal Defense Foundation is a non-profit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens, committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information, go to www.lldf.org.
Titanic 100: International Event to Celebrate Christian Legacy of Titanic’s Sinking
BRANSON, Mo., March 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ – As the world pauses this April to remember the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, one group will gather to celebrate the sacrifice of the men and boys on board the ship who gave their lives so women and children might live. Titanic 100: An International Centennial Event will be held on April 13-15 in Branson, Missouri, and is unique as an anniversary commemoration in focusing on the Christian doctrine of “women and children first” that was displayed in the midst of Titanic’stragic sinking.
Sponsored by Vision Forum Ministries and the Christian Boy’s and Men’s Titanic Society, Titanic 100 will feature living history presentations, dramatic performances, live music of the 1912 era, stirring messages, costume events, an anniversary banquet riverboat cruise, and an interactive journey through the largestTitanic museum in the world.
“Next to Noah’s Ark, no other ship in history has captured the imagination of more people than the R.M.S. Titanic,” noted Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum and Founder of the Christian Boy’s and Men’s Titanic Society. “Yet most people today ‘miss the boat’ when it comes to understanding the most important legacy from Titanic: the heroic examples of manly sacrifice displayed during the ship’s demise, as men and boys stepped aside to let women and children board the ship’s handful of lifeboats.
“Regrettably, popular books and films such as James Cameron’s box-office smash have portrayed a false image of Marxist class-warfare as Titanic foundered, with the rich seeking to bribe their way to freedom, the poor deliberately prevented from reaching safety, and the nobility of Christian sacrifice minimized and ridiculed,” Phillips observed. “Such depictions are historical nonsense.”
“Titanic 100 is an international event designed to set the record straight by celebrating the true legacy of the men of Titanic who gave their lives for women and children.”
The Titanic 100 will feature a wide range of exciting activities for the whole family, including a live play and musical performances at the Lawrence Welk Theatre, an Edwardian Ladies Tea hosted on the Chateau on the Lake, exclusive tours of the world’s largestTitanic attraction, a special film screening of A Night to Remember, a Gala Banquet and Celebration on board the Branson Belle, and the opportunity to engage with reenactors who will bring to life the passengers and crew who were on Titanic’smaiden voyage.
“The Titanic 100 will be a joyous, uplifting family event,” Phillips remarked. “Every element of the celebration is designed to inspire families to remember the heroism of the past and to embrace a fundamental principle of Christian civilization – that women and children are to be honored and protected.”
“In a day when men shirk sacrifice and we send our women into combat, the doctrine and legacy of ‘women and children first’ has been all but been abandoned – and it’s high time we remember and reclaim this foundational principle,” continued Phillips. “It’s our prayer that the Titanic 100 will encourage many to do just this.”
Doug Phillips founded the Christian Boy’s and Men’s Titanic Society in 1997, and each year the society hosts a gathering on the anniversary of Titanic’s sinking to commemorate the legacy of male chivalry demonstrated on board the ship when the great ocean liner foundered. The society stands for the proposition that the strong must sacrifice for the weak, that greater love has no man than he lay down his life for another, and that the doctrine of “women and children first” must be preserved.
“Titanic’s sinking marked the darkest and brightest night in maritime history,” Phillips commented. “Though more than 1,500 people died in this international tragedy, the Darwinian notion of the ‘survival of the fittest’ was rejected in favor of the age-old Christian doctrine that the ‘strong sacrifice for the weak.’ No event in modern history has done more to remind the world of this important bedrock of Western culture, and we hope that many will join us at the Titanic 100 as we showcase this legacy.”
To learn more about or to register for the Titanic 100, visit:www.visionforumministries.org/events/cbmts/013
To interview Doug Phillips about the Titanic 100 Celebration, contact Wesley Strackbein by e-mail at wesley@visionforum.orgor by phone at (210) 340-5250, ext. 222.
