Christian News Brief Monthly Archive - Jun 2004
1 Jun 2004
Anglican Church of Canada has New Leader
The Anglican Church of Canada has a new leader, a man described as one of the church's most liberal and politically polished individuals. The Globe and Mail newspaper says the election of Montreal archbishop Andrew Hutchinson this weekend came as a surprise, given his excessive liberal views -- esp ...
1 Jun 2004
Texas Officials Reverse Tax Exemption Denial for Religious Cult
Texas officials have reversed an earlier decision denying tax-exempt status to a controversial religious cult in that state. The state's comptrollers office initially ruled that the Red River Unitarian Universalist Church was not a religious organization for tax purposes since it did not have one u ...
1 Jun 2004
Remuda Ranch Treatment Facility Learning how Eating Disorders Develop
A Christian organization dedicated to helping people with eating disorders says its researchers are learning new things about how those disorders develop. Marian Eberly is with the Remuda Ranch treatment facility in Arizona. Eberly says the media do have a strong influence on people with eating diso ...
1 Jun 2004
Former US Special Forces Member Says US Dealing with Prison Abuse in Timely Manner
A Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Special Forces believes the military is dealing with the prison-abuse controversy in a timely manner -- and that the media and the public need to move on. One U.S. military policeman has already been sentenced to the maximum year in prison after pleading guil ...
1 Jun 2004
Richard Clarke Gave Order to Allow Bin Laden Family Members to Leave after 911
A conservative leader is blowing the whistle on another liberal conspiracy theory. Just days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, while U.S. air flights were still grounded, authorities gave permission for one plane to take off. There were 26 passengers on board, most of them extended members of Osam ...
2 Jun 2004
World War II Memorial
Millions of American military veterans and their families around the country spent last weekend celebrating the dedication of the beautiful new World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC. The monument honors those who served in the Second World War, as well as the workers and families who s ...
2 Jun 2004
Michigan Residents Call on Election Officials to Verify Only Citizens Vote on Call to Prayer Referendum
A group of Michigan residents will contact state election officials and ask them to monitor an upcoming city referendum to ensure only citizens are able to vote. Last week, the Hamtramck City Council decided by a 5-0 vote not to rescind an ordinance designed to allow Muslims to broadcast their calls ...
2 Jun 2004
"Gay Day at Dollywood"
Dollywood -- which touts itself as a theme park offering "wholesome fun and entertainment" -- can now be added to the list of theme parks across the United States where annual "Gay Days" are being held. According to a Baptist Press report, the theme park owned by country singer Dolly Parton in t ...
2 Jun 2004
Some Equate Prosperity with Having Abortions
A Wisconsin home-school parent says she recently found out that some people equate prosperity with having abortions so that children do not get in the way of careers. Stephanie Overland is a Christian stay-at-home mother in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She says she recently attended a conference called ...
2 Jun 2004
Christian Medical Group Endorses Bush Support of Community Health Care Centers
A Christian medical group is endorsing President George W. Bush's contention that community health centers are a good way to control medical care costs. Bush has asserted that building or expanding 1,200 health centers around the nation is key to taking emergency rooms out of the business of routin ...
2 Jun 2004
Radical Muslims Attack Christian Serbs in Kosovo - Violence Escalating
Radical Muslims have been attacking Christian Serbs in Kosovo for many years, but the violence has escalated over the past six weeks. Institute on Religion and Public Policy president Joseph Grieboski says the persecution of Christians in Kosovo has been going on since the international intervention ...
3 Jun 2004
Homosexual Movement Agenda to Silence All Opposition to the Lifestyle
A pro-family leader says predictions about the prime objective of the homosexual movement -- to silence all opposition to the lifestyle -- are coming true. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council notes that his group has been warning churches that "if we continue down this path of legalizing sa ...
3 Jun 2004
60 Minutes to Devote Full Hour to Bill Clinton
In a move that USA Today describes as unprecedented, the CBS television news magazine 60 Minutes plans to devote an entire hour of the program to Bill Clinton when his new book is released later this month. CBS news anchor Dan Rather, who will do the interview, says the former president is worth the ...
3 Jun 2004
Author Says Bill Clinton's Legacy will be Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks
A conservative pundit and author says that historians 50 years, a century, and even 200 years from now will write that Bill Clinton's legacy was the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against America. David Bossie recently published Intelligence Failure: How Clinton's National Security Policy Se ...
3 Jun 2004
Media Bush-Bashing having Adverse Affect on his Approval Ratings
A conservative media watchdog group says the incessant Bush-bashing by the mainstream media is definitely having an adverse effect on the U.S. president's approval ratings. Tim Graham of the Media Research Center says it is quite evident that the liberal media has been successful in driving down Ge ...
3 Jun 2004
Oliver North says President George W. Bush Sincerely Seeks God's Guidance as he Leads the Nation
Former Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North says President George W. Bush sincerely seeks God's guidance as he leads the nation. North, who was chairman of last month's National Day of Prayer, recently addressed a President's Prayer Breakfast and encouraged Christians to pray for those serving ...
3 Jun 2004
Phyllis Schlafly says Abu Ghraib Prison Abuse Might Not Have Occurred had Military Not Involved Women
A leading conservative spokeswoman says while the outrage over the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad has centered on the humiliation of the terrorist captives, the reason behind the sexual nature of the alleged abuse has been largely ignored. Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum beli ...
3 Jun 2004
US Has No Plans to Stop Poppy Farming in Afghanistan Despite Terrorist Links
The U.S. still has no plan to stop a new strategy being used in Afghanistan to raise funds for al-Qaida. Afghan farmers raise poppies, from which heroin derives, and much of the drug money goes to al-Qaida. Some senior defense officials in the U.S. have raised concerns, but with the instability in p ...
4 Jun 2004
Essential that US Stay the Course in Iraq
A conservative attorney and author says it is essential that the United States stay the course in Iraq because it is better to fight terrorism in the terrorists' back yard, so to speak, rather than in America's own. Mark W. Smith is the author of The Official Handbook of the Vast Right-Wing Conspi ...
4 Jun 2004
Americans Pause to Pay Tribute to Military - Past and Present
Over the recent Memorial Day weekend, Americans paused to pay tribute to its military veterans who have given much -- and in some cases, all -- to preserve liberty and freedom for their nation. And, as one younger veteran points out, it was also a time to remember that many young service personnel a ...
4 Jun 2004
Moody Distance Learning Center and Logos Bible Software Partner for Courseware
Moody Distance Learning Center (MDLC) and Logos Bible Software have announced their partnership in developing new Bible courseware on CD-Rom. Containing access to a multitude of digital library resources, the electronic courseware will be available to learners via personal computer -- anytime, anywh ...
4 Jun 2004
Whitestone Technologies Announces Bible Music Division
Whitestone Technologies, a Tyler, Texas-based information systems company has announced the formation of a division called Bible Music Technologies along with the launch of a new CD series called The Bible to Music CD Series. This product, described as a literal translation of the Bible into music, ...
4 Jun 2004
Ted Baehr Beleives Lack of Moral Restraint Cause of Abu Ghraib Abuse
Christian Film and Television Commission founder Ted Baehr believes a lack of moral restraint is the best explanation for the perverse nature of the alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. personnel at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad. As media condemnation and official apologies flowed in recent weeks ...
4 Jun 2004
Time to Turn Attention to Growing Refugee Problem
A social justice advocate with the Christian Reformed Church noted in a recent article that June 20 is World Refugee Day. He suggests it would be "a good time for people concerned for the 'least' among us to reflect on what's happening to this huge segment of humanity" and to consider ways to h ...
7 Jun 2004
New Survey Indicates Americans Feeling Good About Life
A new survey indicates Americans are feeling good about life -- and one pollster says that good feeling could help the GOP in this fall's election. The survey says more than half of Americans think their lives are better than five years ago -- and an even greater number expect continued improvemen ...
7 Jun 2004
Bush Camp Working to Point out Differences in Ideologies
The Bush re-election campaign is working to point out the stark differences in ideologies between the president and Democratic rival John Kerry. Bush campaign manager Ken Mehlman says this is an election conservatives have been waiting for, when the choice between liberalism and conservatism is ver ...
7 Jun 2004
Kerry Working Hard for Homosexual Vote
It appears John Kerry is working hard to get the homosexual vote this fall -- and hundreds of thousands of dollars of their money. In what some supporters are calling an unprecedented effort, Kerry's campaign has launched an outreach drive that includes "Kerry for President" booths in more than ...
7 Jun 2004
Republican National Committee Teams with MTV
In an effort to get out the youth vote, the Republican National Committee has teamed up with MTV, both on the Internet and on television. It is called "Stand UP and Holla," and it is the Republicans' link from MTV's "Choose or Lose" campaign website. The idea is an essay contest open to youn ...
7 Jun 2004
Republicans Trying to Put Positive Spin on South Dakota Loss
Republicans are trying to put a positive spin on the GOP's loss last week in South Dakota. The Democrats came out on top in a special election to fill the un-expired seat of South Dakota's Bill Janklow. National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Pete Sessions says Larry Dietrich's los ...
7 Jun 2004
Hotel Chain Offering "Gay Pride" Package
Focus on the Family is warning people about a hotel chain that is offering a "gay pride" package. FOTF says that you are planning a family vacation to a popular tourist destination this summer, you will want to choose your hotel with care -- or you could be exposed to more than just the sun. It ...
7 Jun 2004
African-American Community has Highest Abortion Rate - Two Black Groups Aim to Educate
America's African-American community has the highest abortion rate in the country -- and that's why two black groups are focusing their efforts in June on making sure the black community is aware of that fact. Black Americans for Life (BAL) and the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life are ...
8 Jun 2004
Activist says Michigan Governor Using Tax Dollars to Promote Homosexual Agenda
A pro-family activist says the governor of Michigan is using taxpayer money to promote the homosexual agenda. A state-supported Web site acknowledges that Governor Jennifer Granholm's new tax-funded urban renewal plan, which is being touted as the key to economic development -- will promote "acce ...
8 Jun 2004
Most American Christians Have No Idea About Persecution Around World
A spokesman for Open Doors says most Christians in America have no idea how their fellow believers are being oppressed and mistreated in other parts of the world. Recently Open Doors, a ministry that serves the persecuted church, released its annual list of nations where persecution of Christians is ...
8 Jun 2004
Controversial Anti-AIDS Project in SF Denied Funding
A controversial anti-AIDS project in San Francisco has been denied a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because of that project's alleged abuses of the tax dollars it was given in the past. The anti-AIDS group was accused of holding sex orgies involving condoms as part ...
8 Jun 2004
Oregon Christian Coalition Abandons Effort to Recall Elected Officials
The Oregon Christian Coalition has abandoned its Multnomah County effort to recall two elected officials who supported same-sex "marriage." Coalition director John Belgarde says hundreds of petitions he wanted to turn in were stamped with incorrect dates by the circulators. Even though the dates h ...
8 Jun 2004
Senator Fritz Hollings Enrages Public with Statements
South Carolina Senator Fritz Hollings recently enraged a large segment of the nation by claiming that President Bush only went to war in Iraq to protect Israel and to garner Jewish votes. Such words are being echoed all over college campuses in America where anti-Semitism is on the rise. But stude ...
9 Jun 2004
Protestors Ignored, Cross Removed from LA County Seal
Despite more than a thousand protesters voicing their support to the contrary, the three Democrats on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors yesterday reaffirmed their decision to remove a tiny cross from the county's official seal. The American Civil Liberties Union had threatened to sue the ...
9 Jun 2004
Clear Channel Communications Will Pay Lump Sum Fine
A report says broadcasting giant Clear Channel Communications will pay one lump sum fine in connection with multiple complaints about indecent programming. The Washington Post reports Clear Channel has reached an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission to pay a $2 million fine. It wil ...
9 Jun 2004
14 Republicans Join in Asking Bush to Loosen Restrictions on Stem-Cell Research
A pro-family advocate says it's shocking that 14 Republicans have joined a majority in the U.S. Senate in asking President Bush to loosen restrictions on human embryonic stem-cell research. Pro-life supports have one major problem with such research: in order for researchers to obtain the stem cel ...
9 Jun 2004
Federal Court Halts 50 Years of Bible Classes in Tennessee Public School
A federal appeals court Monday upheld a court order that stopped 50 years of teaching Bible classes in the public schools of Rhea County, Tennessee -- home of the "Scopes Monkey Trial." A three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld a February 2002 ruling by U ...
9 Jun 2004
Overwhelming majority of Veterans Dislike John Kerry
The head of a veterans organization dedicated to keeping John Kerry out of the White House says an overwhelmingly majority of vets dislike the Massachusetts Democrat and do not want him to become Commander-in-Chief, despite Kerry's latest effort to get the veteran vote. Kerry recently rolled out h ...
10 Jun 2004
Broadcast Decency Bill Expected to Quickly and Easily Pass
Despite numerous delays, one of the sponsors of the new broadcast decency bills says their passage is still inevitable. Michigan Congressman Fred Upton expects his legislation to be on the president's desk within the month. He tells Family News In Focus that despite the political rancor that char ...
10 Jun 2004
Philadelphia Ad Campaign Targeting Homosexuals is a Slap in the Face to American Families says AFA President
The president of the American Family Association (http://www.afa.net) (AFA) says a new tourism ad campaign by the "City of Brotherly Love" is a slap in the face to American families. A new TV ad campaign for the City of Philadelphia features same-sex couples dressed in colonial costumes inviting ...
10 Jun 2004
US has Highest Rate of Mental Illness
A new study says the U.S. has the highest rate of mental illness out of a list of 14 countries. One Christian doctor says the issue isn't so much that the U.S. has so many people who are mentally ill but that other countries are under diagnosed. Dr. Robert Rogan is a psychiatrist and a member of ...
10 Jun 2004
Maryland Tuition Crack Down Reveals Some Surprises
A crackdown on students attending Maryland schools tuition-free has revealed surprising school policies in at least one district. In March, Montgomery County school officials began requiring parents to provide proof of residency in an effort to stop border crossers from illegally receiving free tui ...
10 Jun 2004
Economy Upturn and Pending Federal Budget Improvements Will Hurt John Kerry's Presidential Bid
Many political analysts believe the upturn in the economy and pending federal budget improvements will likely hurt John Kerry's effort to unseat President Bush this fall. Missouri Republican Roy Blunt says families will be happy with the new one-year budget Congress has put together because it kee ...
11 Jun 2004
President Reagan a Man of Faith
There has been much said during the week about the late president being a man of great faith. Dr. Paul Kengor of Grove City College says he wanted to write a book about President Reagan and the Cold War, but that his research sent him in a totally different direction. "It was clear after a while ...
11 Jun 2004
Religious Left Seeks to Restore their Voice
While thousands of people gathered on Thursday in Washington, DC, to honor the legacy and life of Ronald W. Reagan, there was another meeting across town involving more than 300 religious and political liberals. The Washington Post says the meeting was called to put together a strategy to restore t ...
11 Jun 2004
Federal Funding on Embryonic Stem Cells Wanted
A pro-family advocate says those conducting research on human embryonic stem cells desperately want federal funding because it's the only source of money that won't demand results. Fourteen Republican senators shocked their constituents recently by signing onto a letter to President Bush asking t ...
11 Jun 2004
Pro-Family Group Criticizes Australian Scientists Offering Embryonic Stem Cells
A U.S.-based pro-family group is sharply criticizing a decision by Australian scientists to offer human embryonic stem cells, free of charge, to other researchers around the world. In making the announcement, an Australian government official reportedly claimed that scientists in the United States ...
11 Jun 2004
Senate Committee Hears Testimony on Impact of Anti-Religious Government Policies
A Senate committee heard testimony this week about the impact of anti-religious government policies. Texas Senator John Cornyn, who chaired the hearing, wasted no time in summing up the situation. He says people of faith are increasingly besieged by court rulings and government policies. "Some c ...
11 Jun 2004
New Mexico Attorney General Blocking Attempt by Voters to Challenge States "Gay Rights Law"
The New Mexico attorney general is blocking an attempt by voters to challenge the state's "gay rights law." One legislator, Earlene Roberts of Lovington, New Mexico, says that Attorney General Patricia Madrid is "playing God." Roberts and other Christians are continuing to collect signatures ...
11 Jun 2004
Love Won Out - Conference for Those Seeking to Overcome Homosexuality
Love Won Out, a conference for people wanting to overcome homosexuality, is being held in North Carolina this weekend. Protesters are planning to be there as well. Among the groups planning protests is the National Organization for Women (NOW), a group that often strays from its feminist agenda to ...
14 Jun 2004
Homosexual Activists Pushing Idea of a Boycott on Virginia
Homosexual activists are pushing the idea of a boycott of Virginia as a response to the state's new ban on civil unions and other marriage-like arrangements for same-sex couples. Virginia's Affirmation of Marriage Act, which prohibits homosexual marriage, was amended this year to include a ban on ...
14 Jun 2004
Bishop John Chane Who Offered Prayer at President Reagans Casket Draws Criticism for Gay "Blessing"
The bishop who offered prayer as President Ronald Reagan's casket arrived at Washington's National Cathedral last Friday has drawn criticism from many of the more conservative members of the church by presiding at a weekend blessing ceremony over two homosexual men. Bishop John Chane, head of the ...
14 Jun 2004
Lutheran Clergyman Suspended for a Second Time
The Lutheran clergyman in Denmark who proclaimed last year that there was no God or afterlife has been suspended for a second time. Minister Thorkild Grosboell was forbidden from repeating those beliefs from the pulpit. However, his bishop says Grosboell has ignored that order, so the Danish governm ...
14 Jun 2004
Former FBI Agent says CIA Problems can be Traced to Political Correctness
A one-time member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation says most of the problems that have come to light recently at the Central Intelligence Agency can be traced to political correctness. Former FBI special agent Gary Aldrich says the problems at the CIA are enormous and, now that director George ...
14 Jun 2004
Colorado Congressman says its Unfair to Give Mexican Trucks Access to US Highways
A Colorado congressman says it is unfair for the Bush Administration to give Mexican trucks access to U.S. highways when they do not have to abide by the same restrictions U.S. truckers do. The Supreme Court ruled last week that the Bush Administration can skip a lengthy environmental study and open ...
15 Jun 2004
Crucial that Young Conservatives Vote Their Values
At a recent Capitol Hill summit, a Republican official told young conservatives it is crucial that Christians vote their values in this year's upcoming elections. According to an Associated Press report, Republican National Committee's Drew Ryun addressed the Eagle Forum Collegians Leadership Summ ...
15 Jun 2004
Porn Industry Annouces 60-Day Moratorium on Filming due to AIDS Problem
In mid-April, some of the largest pornography production companies in the U.S. announced a 60-day moratorium on filming because two porn stars have been diagnosed with HIV. The porn industry would appear to be susceptible to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. For one thing, most customers ...
15 Jun 2004
Head of Christian Defense Coalition - Greatest US Threat not Terrorism, but Activist Judiciary
The head of the Christian Defense Coalition says the greatest threat to the U.S. today is not from terrorism, but from America's own activist judiciary. Pat Mahoney say the rights and freedoms of Americans are being trampled daily by judges with personal agendas. Meanwhile, he says, these same judg ...
15 Jun 2004
Arizona Representative Says it Makes Sense for Military to Help Border Patrol
An Arizona state representative who wants to replace Jim Kolbe in Congress says it makes sense for the U.S. military to help the Border Patrol in preventing illegal immigration into the country. Randy Graf, who is challenging Kolbe in the September 7 Republican primary, does not agree with the ten-t ...
15 Jun 2004
Christian Coalition of Alabama Calls on National Indian Gaming Commission to Close Casinos
Earlier this month Christian Coalition of Alabama officials called on the National Indian Gaming Commission to close all three of the Alabama Poarch Creek Indian gambling facilities, claiming they are operating illegal and unauthorized Las Vegas-style casino-style gambling operations. Coalition pres ...
15 Jun 2004
Policy Expert says US Must Shore Up Support of Several European Countries
A European policy expert believes the United States must shore up its support of several European countries in order to counterbalance the defection of Spain to the Franco-German alliance. Nile Gardiner, visiting fellow for Anglo-American Security Policy at the Heritage Foundation, says thanks to th ...
16 Jun 2004
Three NC Teenagers Receive Apology from School Board
Three North Carolina teenagers have received an apology from a local school board after they were punished for speaking out against homosexuality. The Watauga high school students were suspended for wearing T-shirts with Bible verses that addressed homosexuality and stated that "hell is real" and ...
16 Jun 2004
America's Roman Catholic Bishops Hold Closed Door Retreat
As they conduct their closed-door retreat in Denver, Colorado, this week, America's Roman Catholic Bishops are deliberating over whether political officeholders and candidates who reject the Church's teachings on abortion should receive the sacrament of Communion. The Catholic leaders can set poli ...
16 Jun 2004
Pro-Abortion Group Promoting Myth of Safe Sex Through Condom Use
Focus on the Family's Abstinence Policy division is warning citizens about a movement by a pro-abortion group to promote the myth of safe sex through condom use. The Pro-Choice Caucus has introduced the "Putting Prevention First Act," proposed legislation that Focus on the Family believes is simp ...
16 Jun 2004
Two Congressman Attempting to Curtail Activist Judiciary
Two U.S. congressmen have fired a significant salvo in the effort to curtail an activist judiciary -- one that could have a direct impact on members of the Supreme Court. In recent decisions, a number of high court justices, including Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Anthony M. Kennedy ...
16 Jun 2004
Pentagon Pulling Nearly All Front Line South Korea Troops a Bad Idea
A former member of Ronald Reagan's Department of Defense team says he does not think it is a good idea for the Pentagon to pull nearly all of its front line troops from South Korea for use in other places, such as Iraq. Although the joint commander of U.S. forces in Korea says the pullout will allo ...
17 Jun 2004
Pro-Life Demonstrators Arrested in Wichita Kansas
In Wichita, Kansas, about a dozen pro-life demonstrators were arrested Wednesday after entering a compound outside a George Tiller abortion clinic. Nevertheless, the demonstrators are celebrating the fact that at least one woman changed her mind about having an abortion. The pro-life demonstrators c ...
17 Jun 2004
Rappahannock River Officials Clarify Policy
Park officials who interrupted outdoor baptisms in Virginia's Rappahannock River last month hope their new policy puts the issue to rest. In May, when Rev. Todd Pyle chose to hold a baptism of a dozen new church members at Falmouth Waterfront Park near Fredericksburg, park authorities objected and ...
17 Jun 2004
Mississippi Department of Human Services Partners with Mississippi Forum on Children and Families
In a spirit of support and appreciation for America's troops -- particularly those citizen soldiers of the National Guard and Reserve who have been deployed in the war on terrorism -- and their families, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) is partnering with the Mississippi Forum on ...
17 Jun 2004
Government Could Shut Down Internet Liquor Sales
The government could put an end to Internet liquor sales and shut down an outlet where kids are getting their hands on alcohol. Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is appealing a federal court decision to strike down the state's ban on home shipments of alcohol from out-of-state. Another court uphel ...
17 Jun 2004
Massachusetts School Bans Birthday Cupcakes in Interest of Child Health
In the interest of child health, a Massachusetts school has banned birthday cupcakes. Recently the Duxbury School Committee unanimously approved a new handbook for Chandler School (Duxbury, Mass.) that changes the way kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade students celebrate birthdays in class. ...
17 Jun 2004
Concerned Women for America Praises US Department of Justice
Concerned Women for America (CWA) is praising the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for convicting the owner and operator of 27 "adult" porn stores, along with several other individuals who pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including obscenity, fraud, income tax evasion, and racketeering. The 61- ...
18 Jun 2004
Internet Porn Viewing on the Rise
A new survey on the use of the Internet reveals that despite warnings and pleadings, an increasing number of people are accessing the Web to get pornography. The study indicates that the popularity of Internet porn has soared. Pat Trueman, a consultant with the Family Research Council (frc.org), not ...
18 Jun 2004
Missouri Governor Outlaws Sexually Explicit Billboards Promoting "Adult Entertainment"
The governor of Missouri has signed a bill that outlaws sexually suggestive billboards which promote "adult entertainment" businesses. According to USA Today, the billboards being targeted show scantily clad women and provocative language. Governor Bob Holden says the law will ensure that childre ...
18 Jun 2004
Christian Bookstores Struggling Against Secular Competition
Although Christian books have become an increasingly popular, multi-million-dollar industry, many Christian bookstores are struggling due to competition from secular retailers. Bill Anderson, president and CEO of the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) says in order to survive, those Christian b ...
18 Jun 2004
Christian Doctors Wrap up Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas
Several hundred Christian doctors have wrapped up their annual conference in Dallas, Texas, and are returning home with new insights and encouragement. Dr. David Stevens, president of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA), told attendees at the conference earlier this week that God ha ...
18 Jun 2004
Faith Plays Important Role in Helping Patient Recover From or Cope with Mental Illness
A Christian psychologist says faith plays a very important role in helping a patient recover from or cope with a mental illness. Dr. Robert Rogan, a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, says all physicians need to take spiritual foundation into consideration when treating mentall ...
21 Jun 2004
VoteSmart.com Spills the Beans on all State and National Candidates for Elected Office
Political candidates can no longer hide from their voting record, the sources of their money, or their background. A new website, VoteSmart.com, is spilling the beans on all state and national candidates for elected office. Spokeswoman Adelaide Elm says her group not only provides information, it ...
21 Jun 2004
Some Question Senator Kerry's Choice of Religious Advisor
Some people are questioning Senator John Kerry's choice of a religious advisor. The addition of Mara Vanderslice to the Kerry team left William Donahue of the Catholic League wondering what is going on. He believes the Christian community will be outraged at Kerry's move. "It's an incredible ...
21 Jun 2004
US Senate Decision to Add Sexual Orientation to "Hate Crimes" Bill Continues to Draw Criticism
Last week's decision by the U.S. Senate to insert sexual orientation into a "hate crimes" measure continues to draw sharp criticism. The Southeastern Legal Foundation says it represents a subversion of America's system of equal justice. Foundation spokesman Todd Young says making a crime again ...
21 Jun 2004
Star of New Movie Saved Views Gospel as "Self Help Program"
An actress who stars in a controversial new movie says she views the gospel as a "self-help program." The movie Saved has been described by at least one media critic as "anti-Christian propaganda," in which believers are portrayed as hypocritical hate-mongers. Actress Jena Malone's character ...
21 Jun 2004
Southern Baptist Official Says Young People Need to be Equipped to Assume Leadership
A top official in the Southern Baptist Convention says there needs to be more of a defined strategy to equip young people to assume leadership positions in the denomination. Dr. Jimmy Draper, a former SBC president, serves as the current president of LifeWay Christian Resources. He says many of th ...
21 Jun 2004
The Head of Eagle Forum Says Women Buying into Destructive Ideology when Subscribing to "Women's Liberation"
The head of the Eagle Forum says that women are buying into a destructive ideology when they subscribe to "women's liberation." Phyllis Schlafly, a noted conservative voice, defends marriage and motherhood in her new book, Feminist Fantasies. She says the feminist ideal of getting ahead in the ...
21 Jun 2004
Senator Trying to Get Tax Dollars Back from Liberal Groups who Abused Grant Process
A Senate crusader is trying to get misspent tax dollars back from liberal groups that have abused the grant process. Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe says some organizations are using the money to illegally lobby Congress, while others are just misspending the funds. He gives the example of one group w ...
22 Jun 2004
Alabama Governor Appoints New Chief Justice to Replace Roy Moore
Governor Bob Riley appoints a new Alabama chief justice today. The post has been vacant since Roy Moore was removed from office for refusing a federal court order to remove his Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse rotunda. Several officials say Riley will appoint his state finance d ...
22 Jun 2004
ACLU to Target Religious Symbols Across US
Flushed with success after forcing the removal of a small cross from the Los Angeles County seal, the American Civil Liberties Union is now setting its sights on other cities with similar religious symbols. The civil rights group says the cross on the seal of Virginia Beach, Virginia, will likely b ...
22 Jun 2004
Episcopal Church Gay Bishop says God is Still Teaching Us Things
The Episcopal Church's first openly homosexual bishop says he and his supporters "do not worship a God who got locked up in Scripture 2,000 years ago." New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson told Episcopalians in Minneapolis that he and other homosexual advocates "believe in a God who's still te ...
22 Jun 2004
Southern Baptist Seminary President Declares God is Raising Up Powerful New Generation for Ministry
A Southern Baptist seminary president has declared that God is raising up a powerful new generation for the ministry. Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says many American ministers today neither believe n ...
22 Jun 2004
US to Face More Foreign Policy Opposition from European Countries
A British foreign policy expert says the United States is going to face increased foreign policy opposition from European countries as the younger generation assumes more power in places like Poland. Dr. Nile Gardiner is the visiting fellow for Anglo-American security policy at the Heritage Foundation ...
23 Jun 2004
Pro-Family Group Calls Churches to Participate in Two days to Protect Traditional Marriage
A pro-family group is encouraging thousands of churches to participate in two days of protecting traditional marriage before the U.S. Senate starts debate on the Federal Marriage Amendment. American Family Association founder and chairman Don Wild ...
23 Jun 2004
Mass. Governor Mitt Romney Says US Constitution Should be Amended to Protect Marriage
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney says the U.S. Constitution should be amended to prevent his state's legalization of same-sex marriage from spreading nationwide. Romney told a Senate panel that same-sex couples who have wed in Massachusetts will use the courts to force other states to recognize ...
23 Jun 2004
Senate Approves Huge Fine Increase for Indecent Broadcasts
The Senate has overwhelmingly approved a huge increase in fines for indecent broadcasts. It voted 99-1 to increase the top fine for broadcasters and entertainers to $275,000 per incident. The maximum fine would be three million dollars a day. That is a huge jump from the current fines of $27,000 fo ...
23 Jun 2004
Penn State Denies Recognition of New Christian Club
Penn State University says it already has "too many" Christian clubs and has denied recognition of a new one -- resulting in a lawsuit being filed against the school, alleging the action violates First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. In April, the Disciplemakers Christian Fellowship applied for ...
23 Jun 2004
California Man Launches Campaign to Protest Removal of Christ from Christmas
A California man who says he's fed up with the removal of Christ from Christmas has launched a campaign to protest what he calls a "covert and deceptive war" led mostly by large retailers. Manual Zamarrano says merchants in America are largely to blame for the politically correct movement to rem ...
23 Jun 2004
Constitution Party to Kick Off Their Convention
This summer's Democratic and Republican conventions are still weeks away, but a third party is opening its convention on Thursday. Michael Peroutka says the Constitution Party is getting ready to kick off its stretch run at the upco ...
23 Jun 2004
GOP Tapdancing Around Immigration Issue
This election year, the grassroots is talking about one huge political issue the GOP leadership is trying to avoid. Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum says the Republican Party's leaders are tap dancing around the issue of immigration -- and ...
23 Jun 2004
Benjamin Netanyahu Believes US on Right Track in War on Terror
Benjamin Netanyahu believes the United States is on the right track in the war on terror. The former Israeli prime minister told CNN on Tuesday that applying both offensive and defensive measures is imperative in any arena, and he believes the U.S. is ably doing that. But beyond that, Netanyahu be ...
24 Jun 2004
Planned Parenthood Pleased with Kansas Federal Judge's Ruling
Planned Parenthood is happy that a federal judge in Kansas City has blocked a new law enacted by Missouri legislators that imposed a 24-hour waiting period after an initial consultation before an abortionist could taking the life of an unborn baby. U.S. District Judge Scott Wright signed an injuncti ...
24 Jun 2004
Honolulu to Allow Homosexuals to March in Upcoming Hawaii Christian Coalition Kids Parade
Honolulu won't stop homsosexual men and women from marching in an upcoming Hawaii Christian Coalition Kids Parade through Waikiki. The city has reached a legal settlement with groups represented by the American Civil Liberties Union calling for Honolulu to stop using city resources to support relig ...
24 Jun 2004
Christian Doctors Say ADA Endorsement of Homosexual Adoption a Recipe for Disaster
An organization of Christian doctors says the American Medical Association's endorsement of homosexual adoption is a prescription for disaster. That endorsement has been challenged by the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. CMDA preside ...
24 Jun 2004
US Supreme Court Accused of Promoting a Godless Society
The U.S. Supreme Court is being accused of trying to promote a godless society. Michael Schwartz, a policy analyst with Concerned Women for America, maintains the high court avoided dealing with the heart of the issue when it dismissed the consti ...
24 Jun 2004
Dr. James Dobson to Address National Press Club
Journalists in the Washington, DC, area are about to get an earful about traditional family values, the threat of same-sex "marriages," and the necessity for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family will be in the n ...
24 Jun 2004
President Bush Declares Support for Using Condoms to Prevent Spread of AIDS
In a move that may shock many pro-family advocates, President Bush has declared his support for using condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS. Bush used a speech at a church in Philadelphia on Wednesday to outline his latest stance on the subject. He told the audience that society can learn from the e ...
24 Jun 2004
Iraqi Pastor Says Church Thriving Despite Concerns Over Transfer of Power
An Iraqi pastor says his Baghdad church is thriving despite concerns about next week's transfer of power and the continuing lack of security. Rev. Ghassen Thomas says his "Jesus is the Light of the World" church is only about a year old -- but already has 450 to 500 Sunday worshipers, 300 childre ...
24 Jun 2004
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Helping Flood Victims
Families who lost everything in the Hispaniola floods might once again have a place to call home with help from the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC). In late May, weeks of heavy rains caused severe flooding in Haiti and the Domi ...
25 Jun 2004
Episcopalians Leave Church Rather than Accept Leadership of Gay Bishop - Only 3 Members Stay
Episcopalians in Rochester, New Hampshire, are starting a new church rather than accept the leadership of openly homosexual Bishop Gene Robinson. Thirty-six out of 39 parishioners walked out of the Church of the Redeemer to launch a new church outside the control of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hamp ...
25 Jun 2004
Pro-Family Activist says Bush Didn't Go Far Enough in Ignoring "Gay Pride" Month
A pro-family activist says President Bush didn't go far enough when he ignored "Gay Pride" month at the White House. Bob Knight of the Culture and Family Institute says there is nothing to celebrate when it comes to the tragedy of ...
25 Jun 2004
Recent Senate Action Rekindles Line Item Veto Question
Recent Senate action has one group calling for some major reforms. When a "hate crimes" amendment giving special protection to homosexuals was tacked onto a Senate defense bill, conservatives were angered at 18 Republicans who joined Democrats in the effort. Todd Young of the
25 Jun 2004
Some Say Senator George Allen Betrayed People Who Elected Him in Voting for "Hate Crimes" Bill
A Virginia pro-family advocate says Republican Senator George Allen betrayed the people who elected him when he supported that "hate crimes" amendment that gives special protected status to homosexuals. Joe Glover, president of the
25 Jun 2004
Catholic Priest Arrested in Melbourne Australia
Police in Melbourne, Australia, have arrested a Catholic priest who was deported from Samoa for failing to disclose a child molestation conviction. Police tell Associated Press that Rev. Frank Klep faces five indecent assault charges alleging offenses against boys dating to 1973. According to the Da ...
25 Jun 2004
Bishops Banning Communion for Liberal Politicians Receives Praise from Some
A Catholic pro-life group is praising the initiative some church bishops are taking when it comes to banning liberal politicians from communion services. The group's praise comes after it condemned the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for refusing to make the ban mandatory. Pro-life Catholic act ...
25 Jun 2004
Group Urging Recognition of God in Political Parties - Republicans Respond Favorably - Democrats Silent
For the second time this year, both major political parties in the United States are being challenged to acknowledge God's influence on the nation. Rob Schenck of the National Clergy Council leads a coalition of groups intent on getting both the GOP and the Democratic Party to acknowledge God in th ...
25 Jun 2004
Testing for Birth Defects "Slippery Slope" to Eugenics
The executive director of the Christian Medical Association says the growing numbers of tests for defects in unborn babies can be a good thing -- but there is a serious danger lurking. Dr. David Stevens has delivered thousands of babies in hi ...
25 Jun 2004
Freedom From Religion Foundation Playing Politics with Faith Based Initiative During Election Year
A White House spokesman is accusing an atheist group of playing politics. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking the Bush Administration to court, claiming the president's faith-based initiative favors religious groups. The Foundation claims the president's efforts to level the playing fie ...
25 Jun 2004
Clinton Book Success No Surprise
The director of media analysis at the Media Research Center says individuals should not be surprised that Bill Clinton is drawing huge crowds at book signings for his recently memoir, My Life. Tim Graham says it does not seem to matter to liberals ...
25 Jun 2004
Senate Hopeful Pete Coors Wants to Lower Legal Drinking Age
A Colorado politician and beer magnate wants to lower the legal drinking age. Republican Senate hopeful Pete Coors criticized the federal government for using strong-arm tactics in the 1980s to force states to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. According to the Washington Times, the former ...
28 Jun 2004
Conservative Leader would Bring Libertarian Aproach to Prime Minister Office
A Canadian pro-family activist says conservative leader Stephen Harper would bring a libertarian approach to the office of prime minister if his party triumphs in the June 28 parliamentary elections. The media have pounded on the conservatives ever since they surged into the lead in national polls s ...
28 Jun 2004
Virginia Senator George Allen Charged with Hypocrisy for Voting for Hate Crimes Law but Refusing Support for Tolerance for Former Homosexuals
The group Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, or PFOX, is charging a U.S. Senator with hypocrisy for voting to give special recognition to homosexuals in hate crime laws bu ...
28 Jun 2004
Presbyterian Church USA Elects Lay Leader Rick Ufford-Chase as Head and Spokesman
The Presbyterian Church USA has elected lay-leader and activist Rick Ufford-Chase as the mainline denomination's head and spokesman for the next two years, despite his association with a group that is seeking to change the church's ordination ...
28 Jun 2004
Episcopalians who Split from Homosexual Bishop Gene Robinson Now Meeting at Baptist Church
Episcopalians who have quit rather than submit to the openly homosexual Bishop Gene Robinson are now meeting at a Baptist Church in Rochester, New Hampshire. Grace Baptist Church has opened its doors to dozens of Episcopalians who have left the Church of the Redeemer and now hope to form an independ ...
28 Jun 2004
Evangelical Leaders Behind Group Americans of Faith
Several high-profile evangelical leaders are behind the formation of a new group whose focus is to identify, educate, and activate Christians and religious conservatives in America. Americans of Faith announced last week its plan to ...
28 Jun 2004
California Representative Sponsors College Access and Opportunity Act Bill
U.S. parents that are facing the high costs of their children's college education may be getting some good news, thanks to a bill sponsored by California representative, Buck McKeon. It's called the College Access and Opportunity Act. Aleksa Morero speaks for the subcommittee on the act, which is ...
28 Jun 2004
"Son of Sam" Killer Becoming a Christian Behind Bars
A leading evangelical ministry is offering recordings of an interview with the killer once widely known as "Son of Sam," who has become a Christian behind bars. Focus on the Family calls the March interview "David Berkowitz: Son of Hope." Berkowitz killed six people and wounded seven others, beg ...
29 Jun 2004
Saudi Arabia Offers Amnesty to Al-Queda Members who Give Themselves Up
A Middle East expert says Saudi Arabia's offer of amnesty to any Al-Qaeda members who give themselves up is the latest indication that the nation has painted itself into a corner. Author Robert Spencer notes that for decades the Saudis have bank-rolled Al-Qaeda and its projects. But now that the co ...
29 Jun 2004
Prayer Vigil Held in Batavia Ohio for Army Specialist Kieth Maupin
A prayer vigil was held Monday night in downtown Batavia, Ohio, for Army Specialist Keith "Matt" Maupin. The Arab TV station Al-Jazeera reported yesterday that Iraqi militants had killed Maupin, who was captured in an April ambush on a convoy west of Baghdad. The soldier's pastor, Rev. Brent Snoo ...
29 Jun 2004
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States Draws Criticism for Outdated Condom Based Sex Ed
The head of an abstinence advocacy group is criticizing a recent report from the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, or SEICUS, for its outdated commitment to dangerous and ineffective condom-based sex education. Leslee Unruh, the founder and president of the ...
29 Jun 2004
The Constitution Party Selects Michael Peroutka as the Man it Wants in the White House
A low-profile political party with a high-profile message has chosen its leader. This past weekend, one of the largest Christian-based third parties held its national convention at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Constitution Party officially tabbed Michael Peroutka as the man it wants in the White ...
29 Jun 2004
Pennsylvania State University Reverses Course on Denying Christian Group Recognition - Drops "Uniqueness" Requirement for Religious Groups
The Christian Legal Society's Center for Law and Religious Freedom has won a significant victory on behalf of a campus Christian student club, having demanded and secured recognition of the group from Pennsylvania State University. Last wee ...
29 Jun 2004
Costa Mesa Ordinance Requiring Churches Have Permits for Almost All Events Revised by Costa Mesa City Counsel
Imagine if your church had to obtain permission from the city every time it wanted to meet. According to a California-based legal group, that was almost the case in Costa Mesa, where a proposed ordinance would have required churches to obtain special event permits for such things as weeknight Bible ...
30 Jun 2004
AOL Blocking NoGayMarriage.com Emails and Federal Marriage Ammendment Efforts
The people behind NoGayMarriage.com says America Online is blocking its members' ability to forward the activism site's petition opposing same-sex marriage. NoGayMarriage.com is in the process of gathering names on a petition in suppor ...
30 Jun 2004
Presbyterian Church USA Considering Lifting Ban on Homosexual Ministers
A legislative committee of the Presbyterian Church USA recommends partially lifting the church's ban on homosexual ministers. The proposal will be put to a vote this week at the denomination's General Assembly in Richmond, Virginia. If passed, it would let individual churches dismiss a 1978 interp ...
30 Jun 2004
American Muslims Appear to Prefer John Kerry to George Bush
It appears most American Muslims want John Kerry in the White House rather than George Bush. A poll of Muslim-American voters finds more than half support Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, 26 percent favor independent candidate Ralph Nader, and just two percent plan to vote for President ...
30 Jun 2004
Christian Booksellers Association Convention Looking for ways to Attract and Keep Customers
Attendees at this week's Christian Booksellers Association Convention are looking for new ways to attract and keep customers. Books like The Purpose Driven Life (Zondervan) and The Makers Diet (Siloam, 2004) have become best sellers and crossed over into the mainstream market. But booksellers are s ...
30 Jun 2004
Prison Fellowship Ministries Writes Book
Since its inception, Prison Fellowship Ministries has extended the hand of Christian fellowship to those incarcerated in America's prison system. Now that ministry's vice president has written a book designed to be a blueprint for prisoners' su ...
30 Jun 2004
Book: "The Compleat Gentleman: the Modern Man's Guide to Chivalry"
The former literary editor of National Review and the executive editor of Bookspan Book Clubs says America is leaving its morals behind with its manners. In an effort to recall the nation to a more noble past, Brad Miner has written The Compleat Gentleman: the Modern Man's Guide to Chivalry (Spence ...
30 Jun 2004
Judge Ordered to Restore References to God When Entering Courtroom & Swearing Witnesses
A judge has been ordered to restore references to God when he enters the courtroom and when witnesses swear to tell the truth. North Carolina's Supreme Court sided with county officials who argued that District Judge James Honeycutt could not unilaterally change courtroom procedures. The high court ...
30 Jun 2004
American Civil Liberties Union Apparently Going to Court to Defend Teenagers "Right" to go Naked
The American Civil Liberties Union is apparently going to court to defend teenagers' "right" to go naked. According to an Associated Press report, the ACLU is filing a federal lawsuit against the state of Virginia to contest a law that bans nudist summer camps for teenagers. The law, which goes i ...