ARIZONA
Aug 10, 2023: World: An unjust decision reversed A school board will end its discrimination against a Christian university
In the spring of 2023, a public school board in Arizona voted unanimously to cancel a Christian university’s student teaching contract with local elementary schools, citing the university’s Christian beliefs. The decision ended an 11-year relationship between Arizona Christian University (ACU) and the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) in Phoenix and Glendale, Ariz.—or so it seemed.
In the spring of 2023, a public school board in Arizona voted unanimously to cancel a Christian university’s student teaching contract with local elementary schools, citing the university’s Christian beliefs. The decision ended an 11-year relationship between Arizona Christian University (ACU) and the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) in Phoenix and Glendale, Ariz.—or so it seemed.
Aug 8, 2023: News Nation: Gen X church attendance decreasing, study finds
Pastor Paige Junaeus, the executive pastor at Congregation Family, says after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, she noticed “a slow drip” of parishioners returning to in-person services.....“Everyone lost their privilege to go out and do things and really spend time with relatives. It was almost like, psychologically, people just have just started to just travel, they just started to feel like they really needed to catch up on this the two years that they had lost,” Junaeus said.
The surge in attending church services online has continued to remain in place for a large majority of Americans.
In 2020, 41% of Gen X attended a Christian church worship service, in-person or online, during the
week compared to 35% of Millennials, 34% of Baby Boomers, and 56% of Elders.
Pastor Paige Junaeus, the executive pastor at Congregation Family, says after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, she noticed “a slow drip” of parishioners returning to in-person services.....“Everyone lost their privilege to go out and do things and really spend time with relatives. It was almost like, psychologically, people just have just started to just travel, they just started to feel like they really needed to catch up on this the two years that they had lost,” Junaeus said.
The surge in attending church services online has continued to remain in place for a large majority of Americans.
In 2020, 41% of Gen X attended a Christian church worship service, in-person or online, during the
week compared to 35% of Millennials, 34% of Baby Boomers, and 56% of Elders.
June 5, 2023: Roys Report: Arizona Mom Brings Anti-Racism to Christian Homeschooling
A few months ago, Brytni McNeil, a 34-year-old mother of five daughters, was flipping through a copy of a George Washington Carver biography listed in a homeschooling curriculum when she spotted some glaring inaccuracies.
Most notably, enslavers were referred to as “caregivers” who benevolently bestowed their last names on Black people.
A few months ago, Brytni McNeil, a 34-year-old mother of five daughters, was flipping through a copy of a George Washington Carver biography listed in a homeschooling curriculum when she spotted some glaring inaccuracies.
Most notably, enslavers were referred to as “caregivers” who benevolently bestowed their last names on Black people.
June 14, 2023: ON THE RECORD:
Arizona Mirror: Flag flown by extremists posted on AZ Senate security desk
A flag flown by extremists and Christian Nationalists that was quietly removed from a Senate security desk last session has been put back on display on a security desk out of public view, the Arizona Mirror has learned. The white flag with a pine tree on it and the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” was originally used by George Washington and the Continental Army. It was later adopted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as its naval and maritime flag from 1776 until 1971, when it was replaced by a similar flag that did not include the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven.” In recent years, the flag has been adopted by evangelical Christians and Christian nationalists, who see the flag as a rallying call. Christian nationalists believe that the United States is Christian nation that should base its laws and practices around the teachings of Christianity. For followers of the movement, the flag symbolizes what they view as America’s Christian roots.
The flag has also been embraced by far-right extremist organizations like the Proud Boys and some neo-Nazi groups.
Arizona Mirror: Flag flown by extremists posted on AZ Senate security desk
A flag flown by extremists and Christian Nationalists that was quietly removed from a Senate security desk last session has been put back on display on a security desk out of public view, the Arizona Mirror has learned. The white flag with a pine tree on it and the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” was originally used by George Washington and the Continental Army. It was later adopted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as its naval and maritime flag from 1776 until 1971, when it was replaced by a similar flag that did not include the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven.” In recent years, the flag has been adopted by evangelical Christians and Christian nationalists, who see the flag as a rallying call. Christian nationalists believe that the United States is Christian nation that should base its laws and practices around the teachings of Christianity. For followers of the movement, the flag symbolizes what they view as America’s Christian roots.
The flag has also been embraced by far-right extremist organizations like the Proud Boys and some neo-Nazi groups.
June 5, 2023:
A West Valley Republican state senator proudly displays a flag tied to Christian nationalism and other extremist movements on her desk on the floor of the Arizona Senate, though she says she has embraced the symbol for its historical meaning and doesn’t care that “fringe groups” have adopted it.
The white flag with a pine tree on it and the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” was originally used by George Washington and the Continental Army. It was later adopted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as its naval and maritime flag from 1776 until 1971, when it was replaced by a similar flag that did not include the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven................ Arizona Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, rejected the notion that her use of the flag indicates anything beyond her commitment to fighting to protect “our liberty and freedoms” from “the too many wanna be kings who inhabit elected office and (government) bureaucracies.” - AZ Mirror: AZ GOP senator proudly flies flag adopted by ‘fringe’ far-right extremists
A West Valley Republican state senator proudly displays a flag tied to Christian nationalism and other extremist movements on her desk on the floor of the Arizona Senate, though she says she has embraced the symbol for its historical meaning and doesn’t care that “fringe groups” have adopted it.
The white flag with a pine tree on it and the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” was originally used by George Washington and the Continental Army. It was later adopted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as its naval and maritime flag from 1776 until 1971, when it was replaced by a similar flag that did not include the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven................ Arizona Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, rejected the notion that her use of the flag indicates anything beyond her commitment to fighting to protect “our liberty and freedoms” from “the too many wanna be kings who inhabit elected office and (government) bureaucracies.” - AZ Mirror: AZ GOP senator proudly flies flag adopted by ‘fringe’ far-right extremists
May 4, 2023: Baptist News Global: Author of controversial book on sex as ‘icon of salvation’ resigns his pastorate
Josh Butler, co-lead pastor at Redemption Church in Tempe, Ariz., is author of the much-debated new book Beautiful Union. After The Gospel Coalition published an excerpt of the book online March 1, the criticism was so rapid and so intense that the article was taken down less than 24 hours later.
Josh Butler, co-lead pastor at Redemption Church in Tempe, Ariz., is author of the much-debated new book Beautiful Union. After The Gospel Coalition published an excerpt of the book online March 1, the criticism was so rapid and so intense that the article was taken down less than 24 hours later.
March 24, 2023: Christian Post: Docs show churches paid up to $100K to be part of Hillsong Family, an alleged honorarium scheme
Among the churches stateside that have paid or are currently paying since 2014 to be a part of the Hillsong Family are: The Judah Smith-led Churchome in Washington state; City of Life Church in Kissimmee, Florida; Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida; The Cause Community in Kansas City; Chicago City Church in Illinois; Calvary Church in Miami, Florida; City of Grace in Arizona; Capital City Church in Washington, D.C.; El Lugar De Su Presencia in Arizona; Citizen Heights in Washington, D.C., Christian Faith Center in Seattle, Washington; Colonial Church in St. Augustine, Florida; and Motor City Church in Detroit, Michigan
Among the churches stateside that have paid or are currently paying since 2014 to be a part of the Hillsong Family are: The Judah Smith-led Churchome in Washington state; City of Life Church in Kissimmee, Florida; Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida; The Cause Community in Kansas City; Chicago City Church in Illinois; Calvary Church in Miami, Florida; City of Grace in Arizona; Capital City Church in Washington, D.C.; El Lugar De Su Presencia in Arizona; Citizen Heights in Washington, D.C., Christian Faith Center in Seattle, Washington; Colonial Church in St. Augustine, Florida; and Motor City Church in Detroit, Michigan
March 11, 2023: Arizona Daily Sun: Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access
Many commenters who spoke against the resolution cited religion, specifically Christianity, as their reason for opposing abortion, quoting Bible verses and prayers and using religious language.
Many commenters who spoke against the resolution cited religion, specifically Christianity, as their reason for opposing abortion, quoting Bible verses and prayers and using religious language.
March 6, 2023: AZ Central: School board targets Christian student teachers to protect LGBTQ students
The Washington Elementary School District school board has a message for education majors who attend Arizona Christian University:
You aren’t welcome here.
The Washington Elementary School District school board has a message for education majors who attend Arizona Christian University:
You aren’t welcome here.
March 4, 2023: Christian Post: The Gospel Coalition takes down 'Sex Won't Save You' article; Rick Warren calls for apology
The Gospel Coalition faced calls for an apology Friday over a now-deleted post on its website in which the author discusses salvation and the Church in the context of sexual intercourse that some critics say approaches erotic literature.
Authored by Arizona Pastor Josh Butler, the article published on Wednesday, originally titled "Sex Won’t Save You (But It Points to the One Who Will)," is an excerpt from Butler’s book, Beautiful Union released last month.
The Gospel Coalition faced calls for an apology Friday over a now-deleted post on its website in which the author discusses salvation and the Church in the context of sexual intercourse that some critics say approaches erotic literature.
Authored by Arizona Pastor Josh Butler, the article published on Wednesday, originally titled "Sex Won’t Save You (But It Points to the One Who Will)," is an excerpt from Butler’s book, Beautiful Union released last month.
Feb 9, 2023: Stronghold Media: NFL Chaplains Speak at ACU Chapel
With the Super Bowl LVII taking place in Glendale, Arizona this February, Arizona Christian University was blessed to hear how God has moved in an NFL locker room through Miles Killebrew (#28), the safety/specialty captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he spoke at chapel on February 9, 2023.
Killebrew was joined by ACU Transformational Coach Randy Chambers, NFL Chaplains Reza Zadeh (Broncos), Kent Chevalier (Steelers), with LaMorris Crawford (Bengals) and his wife Megan Crawford.
With the Super Bowl LVII taking place in Glendale, Arizona this February, Arizona Christian University was blessed to hear how God has moved in an NFL locker room through Miles Killebrew (#28), the safety/specialty captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he spoke at chapel on February 9, 2023.
Killebrew was joined by ACU Transformational Coach Randy Chambers, NFL Chaplains Reza Zadeh (Broncos), Kent Chevalier (Steelers), with LaMorris Crawford (Bengals) and his wife Megan Crawford.
Feb 6, 2023: AzCentral: 'I felt very unsafe': Gay fathers confronted at Arizona religious school accepting vouchers
Don Williams and his husband, Jose Ortega, were told by the pastor of a religious Queen Creek school where Williams' daughter is a student that gay couples are not welcome on campus, the couple said.
"He made it clear to us that people bring their kids to him to stay away from people like us," Ortega said.
The confrontation at Heart Cry Christian Academy shows how, as publicly funded education vouchers blur the lines between public and private education, anti-discrimination provisions that protect families enrolled in district and charter schools may not apply.
Don Williams and his husband, Jose Ortega, were told by the pastor of a religious Queen Creek school where Williams' daughter is a student that gay couples are not welcome on campus, the couple said.
"He made it clear to us that people bring their kids to him to stay away from people like us," Ortega said.
The confrontation at Heart Cry Christian Academy shows how, as publicly funded education vouchers blur the lines between public and private education, anti-discrimination provisions that protect families enrolled in district and charter schools may not apply.
Jan 31, 2023: Arizonas Family: Pinal County library denies man’s request to host story time with Christian-themed book
The county told him it’s an issue of separation of church and state, even though that doesn’t appear to be addressed in their library guidelines. The saga began before Christmas when Ricardo Frias sent an email to the San Tan Library asking to host a story time with a Christian-themed book. But after the new year and several follow-up emails, he finally got an answer. “He was eventually denied that opportunity and denied access to the library,” said Andrew Gould, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute. Gould is representing Frias.
When Frias asked why he was being denied, a county representative sent an email back that said, “because the building is county owned we have to be careful about the separation of church and state and we aren’t allowed to offer the space for church or religious activities that could be considered preaching.”
The county told him it’s an issue of separation of church and state, even though that doesn’t appear to be addressed in their library guidelines. The saga began before Christmas when Ricardo Frias sent an email to the San Tan Library asking to host a story time with a Christian-themed book. But after the new year and several follow-up emails, he finally got an answer. “He was eventually denied that opportunity and denied access to the library,” said Andrew Gould, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute. Gould is representing Frias.
When Frias asked why he was being denied, a county representative sent an email back that said, “because the building is county owned we have to be careful about the separation of church and state and we aren’t allowed to offer the space for church or religious activities that could be considered preaching.”
Jan 10, 2023: World Magazine: Arizona Christian school sued for firing pro-LGBT teacher
Adam McDorman claims the school discriminated against LGBTQ-friendly views
Adam McDorman claims the school discriminated against LGBTQ-friendly views
Dec 14, 2022: The Independent: Evangelicals may be turning away from Trump, but Christian nationalism isn’t going anywhere
Since the heady days of Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign, Caleb Campbell’s congregation has been split in two. The pastor of an evangelical church in the northern suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, he has watched his flock both energised and repulsed by the real estate tycoon’s political rise.
Since the heady days of Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign, Caleb Campbell’s congregation has been split in two. The pastor of an evangelical church in the northern suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, he has watched his flock both energised and repulsed by the real estate tycoon’s political rise.
Apr 7, 2022: Pheonix New Times: Too Close for Comfort: The Ku Klux Klan's Global Headquarters is in Glendale
The global headquarters of the Aryan Nations Knights of the Ku Klux Klan is hidden in plain sight, not in some part of the country you might expect, but right here in metro Phoenix.
The KKK evokes images of mass rallies and terrorizing Black churches in the South, but today it's a far cry from the violent, secret fraternal society founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, on Christmas Eve 1865 to resist the emancipation of slaves.
The global headquarters of the Aryan Nations Knights of the Ku Klux Klan is hidden in plain sight, not in some part of the country you might expect, but right here in metro Phoenix.
The KKK evokes images of mass rallies and terrorizing Black churches in the South, but today it's a far cry from the violent, secret fraternal society founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, on Christmas Eve 1865 to resist the emancipation of slaves.
Jul 26, 2022: Religion News: Disgraced pastor Ted Haggard faces new allegations
Former Colorado megachurch pastor Ted Haggard, who fell from grace in 2006 after a gay sex-and-drug scandal, is now facing some of the same allegations at another church.
Haggard, 66, is being accused of using methamphetamine and behaving inappropriately with young men at St. James Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a church he founded in 2010, The Denver Gazette reported.
Former Colorado megachurch pastor Ted Haggard, who fell from grace in 2006 after a gay sex-and-drug scandal, is now facing some of the same allegations at another church.
Haggard, 66, is being accused of using methamphetamine and behaving inappropriately with young men at St. James Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a church he founded in 2010, The Denver Gazette reported.
Jun 23, 2022: Pheonix New Times: Another Phoenix Church Sues DEA Over Religious Use of Ayahuasca
The Church of the Eagle and the Condor, a religious congregation in Phoenix, gets its name from a prophecy originating in the Andes of Peru, which foretells a cultural unification of the North and South Americas.
In fulfillment of this prophecy, they say, members of the church drink ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew from South America. The drug, which has a long history of religious use, induces intense visions and hallucinations when ingested.
Over the last two years, however, shipments of the Church of the Eagle and the Condor's ayahuasca have been seized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — which says the drug is contraband. The small community has been threatened with federal prosecution.
The Church of the Eagle and the Condor, a religious congregation in Phoenix, gets its name from a prophecy originating in the Andes of Peru, which foretells a cultural unification of the North and South Americas.
In fulfillment of this prophecy, they say, members of the church drink ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew from South America. The drug, which has a long history of religious use, induces intense visions and hallucinations when ingested.
Over the last two years, however, shipments of the Church of the Eagle and the Condor's ayahuasca have been seized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — which says the drug is contraband. The small community has been threatened with federal prosecution.
Jan 31, 2022: Pheonix New Times: Why is a Symbol of Christian Nationalism Hanging in the Arizona House?
In the corner of the elegant public lobby of the Arizona House of Representatives building, a white flag with the symbol of a pine tree hangs.
“An appeal to heaven,” it reads, in black text.
While the flag’s message is simple and meant for all to see, its origins in the Arizona House are a mystery.
Lately, the flag’s presence has raised some eyebrows in the legislature.
In the corner of the elegant public lobby of the Arizona House of Representatives building, a white flag with the symbol of a pine tree hangs.
“An appeal to heaven,” it reads, in black text.
While the flag’s message is simple and meant for all to see, its origins in the Arizona House are a mystery.
Lately, the flag’s presence has raised some eyebrows in the legislature.
Nov 26, 2022: Salon: Evangelical pastor fights back against Christian nationalism
One pastor who is critical of the relationship between Trump and the Christian Right is Caleb Campbell of the Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona. According to a report from the Globe & Mail's Nathan VanderKlippe, Campbell is trying to counter the Trump/MAGA influence on evangelicals.
One pastor who is critical of the relationship between Trump and the Christian Right is Caleb Campbell of the Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona. According to a report from the Globe & Mail's Nathan VanderKlippe, Campbell is trying to counter the Trump/MAGA influence on evangelicals.
“It’s a perpetual heresy. This one just is sprinkled with red, white and blue. This one tastes like apple pie.”
--Pastor Caleb Campbell; Desert Springs Bible Church defining "Christian Nationalism."
--Pastor Caleb Campbell; Desert Springs Bible Church defining "Christian Nationalism."