Archive for the ‘FREEDOM’ Category

By Heather Clark
Christian News Network

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The popular craft chain Hobby Lobby has been granted a full rehearing of its case challenging Obamacare’s abortion pill mandate.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals announced on Friday that Hobby Lobby’s appeal will go before the entire court as per the company’s request. Cases are customarily held before a panel of three judges, except in what are called en banc hearings.

“It’s extraordinarily rare for the court to do that,” stated Kyle Duncan of The Beckett Fund, which is representing Hobby Lobby in the courts. “We think the takeaway is that the court as a whole recognizes how important the case is and wants to devote their full attention to it.”

“We are grateful that the court granted Hobby Lobby’s petition,” he said.

The court plans to hear the case soon as the company has until July before it will begin to be fined as much as $1.3 million a day for noncompliance. Click here to continue reading.

By Way of Life Ministries

If homosexuality is fully legalized, meaning if homosexual activists are given every right they demand, citizens in western nations will be robbed of many liberties they have heretofore enjoyed. This is not a guess; it is a judgment based on current facts. The right to free speech and the right to the free exercise of religion, in particular, will be effectively destroyed.

When Homosexuality is Fully Legal, You Won’t be Able to Say Anything That Might Appear Biased Against Homosexuality.

In 1997 Jo Ann Knight was fired by the Connecticut Department of Public Health after she counseled a homosexual couple from the Bible about salvation and about the necessity of repenting of sin. Knight’s job was to supervise the provision of medical services by Medicare agencies to home health care patients, and in that capacity she interviewed patients. The homosexuals filed a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights. A district court upheld Knight’s dismissal, claiming that her religious speech caused her clients distress and interfered with the performance of her duties.

In 2000 Evelyn Bodett was fired by CoxCom Cable for expressing her biblical views against homosexuality to a lesbian subordinate. They claimed that she was thereby “coercing and harassing” the lesbian contrary to company policy. The lesbian, Kelley Carson, had sought Bodett’s advice in regard to a recent breakup with her homosexual partner, and Bodett gave her biblical counsel that homosexuality is a sin. Carson complained about the matter to a supervisor. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Bodett’s religious discrimination suit. Click here to continue reading.

By Heather Clark
Christian News Network

As the Supreme Court heard oral argument yesterday in the case of Hollingsworth v. Perry, otherwise known as the California’s Proposition 8 challenge, and will hear argument today in United States v. Windsor, otherwise known as the effort to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act, pro-family groups across the nation are expressing concern over the potential ramifications for the country if the Supreme Court rules in favor of homosexual “marriage.”

“This would be a devastating setback for our country,” Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality told Christian News Network. “This would be the Roe v. Wade of the homosexual issue. … This could really create a crisis for our country.”

“The ramifications for all of society would be absolutely explosive,” agreed attorney Stephen Crampton of the Christian legal group Liberty Counsel. “I think we have not taken adequate stock of what we’re playing with here. This is a radioactive kind of issue.” Click here to continue reading.

By Heather Clark
Christian News Network

The U.S. Justice Department is fighting in court against a German family that came to America to homeschool their children.

Uwe and Hannelore Romeike fled to the United States in 2008 after German authorities demanded that they stop homeschooling their six children. Homeschooling was made illegal in the country in 1938 under the dictatorship of Adolph Hitler, and the law has never been repealed, but rather strengthened. In 2007, the German Supreme Court ruled that the country’s mandate that children be sent to public school is necessary to “counteract the development of religious and philosophically motivated parallel societies.”

German officials have been cracking down on families that keep their sons and daughters at home, and have threatened them with fines, imprisonment and even the removal of the children from the household. The Romeike children were taken from their parents for a time before fleeing to the United States for refuge. Click here to continue reading.

Related Articles:

Deportation of German homeschool family affects US homeschool freedom - 2/2013

German Family to Apply for Political Asylum Over Homeschooling Restrictions - 2010

LTRP Commentary: The article below our commentary written by Washington Times is a sign of the times. Here is the sign: If a bill is passed in California that removes the non-profit tax-exempt status from any youth organization that doesn’t allow those openly practicing homosexuality to be leaders in that organization, it is just a matter of time when other states will follow suit. California has usually  led the way in “revolutionary” law changes. We believe that day WILL come when such a bill passes. The Implications? In time, and probably less rather than more, ALL non-profits will be at risk of losing their tax-exempt status if they do not hire those who openly live a homosexual lifestyle as leaders. This will include missionary organizations, Christian youth organizations, retreat centers, churches, seminaries – virtually all facets of the Christian church because almost all Christian organizations are under the government’s tax-exempt status.

The handwriting is on the wall. Perhaps it’s time Christian non-profits start moving toward dropping their non-profit status and becoming financially independent without it. Otherwise, what could happen (and it could happen practically overnight) is that when it becomes “law” to allow those practicing homosexuality to lead Christian organizations, these organizations with either have to fall into step with these laws or lose their tax-exempt status and cave in financially because they depended so heavily on that status.

It isn’t easy being a Christian ministry that ISN”T non-profit 501 (c)3. We should know. Lighthouse Trails opted not to apply for that status 11 years ago when we launched because even back then we could see that it would both mean coming under restrictions that would one day mean having to compromise our faith and compromise our ability to report factual evidence accurately. Not having that status, though, means Lighthouse Trails doesn’t get very many donations because such donations are not tax deductible. Thus, we must work all the harder to keep financially sound.

While we realize that some day laws will most likely try to force even for-profit groups and businesses to hire those who practice homosexuality, the first target will be the non-profits. Perhaps it is time for Christian non-profits to evaluate just exactly what it means to take this handout from the government and to ponder just how high the cost may be. We live in a fallen sinful world with fallen sinful governments. Remember the admonitions of Jesus Christ: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16-see more below). The day is coming when we, as Christians, may not be able to work the work of God, at least in the same capacity and freedom we presently have in the Western world. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him tht sent me, whilt it is day: the night cometh when no man can work” (John 9:4).  We should not be disheartened though for we are also told by Jesus: “[S]ee that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass” (Matthew 24:6).

As for the Boy Scouts, obviously the Boy Scouts are being pressured to lift their ban on homosexuals not being allowed to be leaders in the Boy Scouts. If they do, there is another serious implication about this situation. In the history of man, societies and nations have come and gone. Some sociologists have taught that the final taboo societies and civilizations have become involved with before becoming extinct is what is referred to as “man-boy love.” By allowing openly practicing homosexuals complete access to young vulnerable boys, America is jeopardizing her existence like never before. Saying this is obviously politically incorrect, but it’s the truth and it needs to be said.

“Calif. [homosexual]-rights bill aims to strip Boy Scouts of tax-exempt status”

Scouting organizations in California that bar open homosexuals as leaders and members could lose their state tax-exempt status if a bill is enacted.

The Youth Equality Act has a broad sweep, covering not only the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girls Scouts, but also such youth organizations as the Little League, Bobby Sox, Campfire Inc., Future Farmers of America, 4-H Clubs, Boys’ Clubs, Girls’ Clubs, Special Olympics, California soccer associations and Pop Warner football.

The proposed legislation “seeks to end the unfortunate discriminatory and outdated practices by certain youth groups by revoking their tax-exemption privilege, should they not comply with our nondiscrimination laws,” said California State Sen. Ricardo Lara, an openly gay lawmaker who is also lead sponsor of SB 323. Click here to read more.

More of Matthew 10:

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.  And when ye come into an house, salute it.  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.  But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Matthew 10:11-23)

 The Washington Times
Communities

DALLAS  — In 1938, the practice of homeschooling was outlawed in Germany by Adolf Hitler and the infamous Third Reich. It was a rough period in German history, as thousands of young people were being pried from their parents’ direction and authority and drafted into the Hitler Youth program, where they were supposed to be trained as Aryan supermen (and women). In a few short years, vast numbers of these youth would be bleeding out on the battlefields of Europe, on the wrong side of the war for the soul of the world.

Sadly for freedom and for many families, Germany has never lifted this archaic and totalitarian ban on homeschooling. On the contrary, the German government seems to have stepped up its opposition to homeschooling over the past decade, forcing several families to flee, and others to enroll their children in state-approved schools against their will. The German Supreme Court has stated that the purpose of the homeschooling ban is to, “counteract the development of religious and philosophically motivated parallel societies.” It sounds like they aren’t really big on religious or philosophical diversity over there.

Some notable victims of this small-minded and grasping totalitarianism are Uwe and Hannelore Romeike and their five children. Uwe and his wife are music teachers and evangelical Christians who for years have been unsuccessfully seeking the right to homeschool their children. The Romeikes withdrew their children from German public schools in 2006, after becoming concerned that the educational material employed by the school was undermining the tenets of their Christian faith, and that the school was not providing their children with an ideal learning environment. “I don’t expect the school to teach about the Bible,” Mr. Romeike said, but “part of education should be character-building.”

After accruing the equivalent of around $10,000 in fines, and facing police visits to their home and the forcible removal of their children from the home, the Romeikes fled Germany in 2008 to seek asylum in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Click here to continue reading.

Related Articles:

Proposed Connecticut Bill Mandates Mental Health Assessments for Homeschooled Children

Homeschooler’s neighbor sparks social services case

Judge OKs social workers’ invasion of homeschoolers

Emerging Church Tony Jones Says: “Death to Homeschooling!”

War on U.S. homeschoolers escalates

Cultural Collapse in America – Christian Leaders Partly to Blame for Abandoning the Gospel

By Berit Kjos
Kjos Ministries

“Under the broad banner of ‘health,’ the federal government not only is telling Americans what to eat, it’s also telling us to make our homes safer…. The project has a name: ‘Advancing Healthy Housing: A Strategy for Action.’”[1] Obama Administration Says All Americans Must Have ‘Healthy Housing. 2013.

“‘Healthy City and Healthy Community’ initiatives are being pursued throughout the country. Hundreds of national organizations… have [adopted] the Year 2000 objectives… Healthy People 2010 is the United States’ contribution to the World Health Organization’s call to the nations of the world to renew their commitment to health for all.”[2] The UN Plan for Your Mental Health, 1999.

The blurred picture [to the right] was taken through a not-so-clear glass wall in Istanbul’s harbor during the 1996 UN Conference on Human Habitats. Yet it may look somewhat familiar. After all, similar condominium complexes are spreading throughout the world — including America. This particular illustration is just a miniature Chinese model among hundreds of others on display in one of the massive piers at Istanbul’s harbor.

Its small contribution to The UN Conference on Human Habitats (Habitat II) gives us a glimpse of the planned housing for the New World Order. No doubt our American leaders have noticed that most old towns and communities are fast becoming incompatible with their new rules, plans and government education. They don’t fit the new visions of spiritual compromise. Nor would they be welcome in the pluralistic community centers envisioned by the leaders of Habitat ll. After all, uncompromising Christians would disrupt the envisioned solidarity.

Obama’s view of government controlled housing fits right into this picture of a new global solidarity. A recent article titled “Mold? Leaky Roof? Obama Administration Says All Americans Must Have ‘Healthy Housing:”

“Under the broad banner of ‘health,’ the federal government not only is telling Americans what to eat, it’s also telling us to make our homes safer. This week, the Obama administration released a ‘bold new vision for addressing the nation’s health and economic burdens caused by preventable hazards associated with the home.’ The project has a name: ‘Advancing Healthy Housing: A Strategy for Action.’

“‘People in the United States spend about 70% of their time in a home,’ the announcement said….

“According to the Obama administration, the health and economic burdens from preventable hazards associated with both subsidized and privately owned homes cost billions of dollars. The new strategy ‘unifies’ federal efforts to advance healthy housing — ‘demonstrating the connection between housing conditions and residents’ health.’…

“Currently, millions of U.S. homes have moderate to severe physical housing problems, including dilapidated structure; roofing problems; heating, plumbing, and electrical deficiencies; water leaks and intrusion; pests; damaged paint; and high radon gas levels. These conditions are associated with a wide range of health issues, including unintentional injuries, respiratory illnesses…. as well as lost productivity in the labor force.

“The federal partners pushing healthy housing include the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Surgeon General, and Energy Department.”[1]

Who hasn’t faced chipped paint, broken pipes and water leaks on their property? But these problems don’t require government interference! Besides, who would pay the huge cost of examining each house and fixing it to comply with Obama’s new rules for home owners?

Will our individual freedoms be smothered by the bureaucratic regulations pushed by elite globalists who want to use and control us as if we were cattle? Click here to continue reading.

By Carl Teichrib
Forcing Change

“What’s old is new again.”

To some extent Agenda 21 fits this mold. Emanating from the 1992 United Nations Rio Earth Summit, officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), concerns were raised by political researchers during the mid-to-late 1990s about the dangers posed by federal agencies looking to implement Agenda 21 management principles, particularly as it related to property rights, energy and industry, and agriculture.

Research articles were published, hearings took place, education campaigns were launched, and the topic was a talking point on some radio shows. Arguably, it wasn’t a mainstream issue – not in the sense of being a nationally recognized news story. Nevertheless, an energized effort to inform the public did make headway during that time.

Then came the “war on terror, instantly becoming the international talking point. Paralleling this was the intensified battle over climate change. Agenda 21, it appeared to many, had faded into the background. Ironically, and not unknown to the research community, the Kyoto convention on climate change was launched through the Earth Summit process and was an extension of the Agenda 21 concept. All of this said, researchers and environmental lobbyists understood the long-term relevance of Agenda 21, and a back-story political struggle continued between advocates of private property versus those pushing socialized management. In this sense Agenda 21 never went “out of style” although the general public was largely ignorant of the controversy.

Now, approximately 20 years after UNCED and the release of Agenda 21, it has once again become a political focal point, especially in the United States. Consider the following.

In 2012 the Republican Party passed a resolution opposing Agenda 21, and in January 2013 a Missouri House committee found itself with an Agenda 21 ban proposal. In Oklahoma, two Agenda 21 ban resolutions are on the table, and anti-Agenda 21 legislation is before the Virginia House of Delegates. Educational meetings are springing up across the country as political researchers seek to inform the public about this critical issue.

the Obama administration has put forward environmental and economic platforms that are reminiscent of Agenda 21, and has enhanced the federal funding of Local Governments for Sustainability, also known as ICLEI – a global Agenda 21 support organization working with more than 600 jurisdictions in the United States. On another front, agri-industry giant Monsanto joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) on January 22, 2013. The WBCSD, established to draw global businesses into the Earth Summit framework, partners with more than 200 major corporations in the pursuit of Agenda 21 sustainability concepts.

And last year’s Rio+20 conference, meant to bolster the original 1992 UNCED package, helped reawaken the topic. Click here to continue reading.