arizona
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.
colorado
Charisma: Michael Brown: Once Again, I Denounce Acts of Violence Against the LGBTQ-Plus Community
Although we still do not know (as of this writing) if the massacre at a gay bar in Colorado Springs was a hate crime, it is always appropriate to denounce all acts of violence and hatred against the LGBTQ community. There is absolutely no justification for such acts no matter how deep the disagreements. You do not murder someone because you differ with them. -11.23.22
Although we still do not know (as of this writing) if the massacre at a gay bar in Colorado Springs was a hate crime, it is always appropriate to denounce all acts of violence and hatred against the LGBTQ community. There is absolutely no justification for such acts no matter how deep the disagreements. You do not murder someone because you differ with them. -11.23.22
florida
White evangelicalism enters DeSantis season
Last week, DeSantis raised some eyebrows with a new campaign ad, an ad that seems to claim the Almighty created DeSantis especially for the good people of Florida. According to the ad, on the eighth day of creation, “God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a protector.’ So God made a fighter.” The fighter is DeSantis, of course, who will “save their jobs, their livelihoods, their liberty, their happiness.” 11.13.22
Last week, DeSantis raised some eyebrows with a new campaign ad, an ad that seems to claim the Almighty created DeSantis especially for the good people of Florida. According to the ad, on the eighth day of creation, “God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a protector.’ So God made a fighter.” The fighter is DeSantis, of course, who will “save their jobs, their livelihoods, their liberty, their happiness.” 11.13.22
Apr 19, 2022: Church Leaders: Celebration Church Pastor Announces Resignation Amid Bitter Legal Dispute
Stovall Weems, who on Jan. 7 was suspended as the senior pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Fla., announced on Instagram Monday night that he was resigning from his positions at the church effective immediately. Weems’ resignation comes in the middle of a bitter legal dispute with Celebration Church.
Stovall Weems, who on Jan. 7 was suspended as the senior pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Fla., announced on Instagram Monday night that he was resigning from his positions at the church effective immediately. Weems’ resignation comes in the middle of a bitter legal dispute with Celebration Church.
March 6, 2022:
Rev James Wigton; pastor at First Baptist Church of Cape Coral in Florida wrote the following in a column a local paper there called the News-Press"
"The News Press carried a guest commentary on Oct. 17 (C.A. Farrington, Bible’s truth about a fetus, abortion) advocating that “there is nothing in the Bible to indicate that a fetus is considered to be anything other than living tissue,” and that the fetus does not become a living being until after it has taken its first “breath.” The author claims biblical support for this position. The author further claims that the Old Testament provides for a “ritual” abortion.
Nothing could be further from the truth – if you believe the Bible as I do."
The quote that caught my immediate attention was "..if you believe as I do." So, if you dont believe like he does, then it's Ok to accept the position he is trying to criticize?? The 9 words he chose leaves a lot of room for interpretation. As a believer ...... assuming he is...then truth is truth whether anyone else believes it or not.....in fact, truth is truth even if no one believes it. I didnt bother to read the rest because his truth appears to be subjective and truth is not subjective.
Rev James Wigton; pastor at First Baptist Church of Cape Coral in Florida wrote the following in a column a local paper there called the News-Press"
"The News Press carried a guest commentary on Oct. 17 (C.A. Farrington, Bible’s truth about a fetus, abortion) advocating that “there is nothing in the Bible to indicate that a fetus is considered to be anything other than living tissue,” and that the fetus does not become a living being until after it has taken its first “breath.” The author claims biblical support for this position. The author further claims that the Old Testament provides for a “ritual” abortion.
Nothing could be further from the truth – if you believe the Bible as I do."
The quote that caught my immediate attention was "..if you believe as I do." So, if you dont believe like he does, then it's Ok to accept the position he is trying to criticize?? The 9 words he chose leaves a lot of room for interpretation. As a believer ...... assuming he is...then truth is truth whether anyone else believes it or not.....in fact, truth is truth even if no one believes it. I didnt bother to read the rest because his truth appears to be subjective and truth is not subjective.
kansas
Feb 1, 2022: Christian Post: UMC megachurch touts benefits of online worship, says it makes ‘Gospel more available’
“Every week, [Resurrection Senior] Pastor Adam [Hamilton] meets somebody who has never walked into our physical doors before but has been worshiping online with us,” Kirk explained.
“Every week, [Resurrection Senior] Pastor Adam [Hamilton] meets somebody who has never walked into our physical doors before but has been worshiping online with us,” Kirk explained.
- Louisiana -
massachusetts
Feb 28, 2022: Christian Post: Supreme Court rejects Christian college’s bid to halt pro-LGBT professor's discrimination lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from a Christian college in Massachusetts that tried to use a ministerial exception to end a lawsuit by a former professor whom lower courts ruled could sue for alleged discrimination.
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from a Christian college in Massachusetts that tried to use a ministerial exception to end a lawsuit by a former professor whom lower courts ruled could sue for alleged discrimination.
mississippi
Jan 11, 2022: The Baptist Paper: Construction of Mississippi mosque approved
A federal court has approved a consent decree that will allow developers to construct the Abraham Church of God and Cemetery, the first Islamic mosque in the city of Horn Lake in DeSoto County, Mississippi, over the initial objections of local officials.
A federal court has approved a consent decree that will allow developers to construct the Abraham Church of God and Cemetery, the first Islamic mosque in the city of Horn Lake in DeSoto County, Mississippi, over the initial objections of local officials.
New Jersey
Feb 2, 2022: New Jersey Monitor: Fueled by faith, new Assemblyman vows to ‘keep God first’
The Rev. Reginald W. Atkins’ roots in religion run deep.
In Newark, where he grew up, he bought a bar and turned it into a church, becoming its senior pastor at age 28.
The Rev. Reginald W. Atkins’ roots in religion run deep.
In Newark, where he grew up, he bought a bar and turned it into a church, becoming its senior pastor at age 28.
new york
May 20, 2022: The Christian Beat: Hezekiah Walker Brings Comfort & Hope To Buffalo With Inspirational Concert May 22
Hezekiah Walker’s music is part of the soundtrack of the African American church, and it is in the most challenging times that communities look to the church for comfort.
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Buffalo, New York, Hezekiah Walker received a call from city officials to help their community heal.
Hezekiah Walker’s music is part of the soundtrack of the African American church, and it is in the most challenging times that communities look to the church for comfort.
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Buffalo, New York, Hezekiah Walker received a call from city officials to help their community heal.
Mar 7, 2022: Christian Leaders: Cuomo Uses Brooklyn Church Pulpit to Defend Himself Against Sexual Harassment Allegations
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, appeared at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sunday where he defended himself against allegations that he had sexually harassed multiple women. In his first public appearance since his resignation, Cuomo claimed he had been canceled and said that God and “the Good Book” had been guiding him.
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, appeared at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sunday where he defended himself against allegations that he had sexually harassed multiple women. In his first public appearance since his resignation, Cuomo claimed he had been canceled and said that God and “the Good Book” had been guiding him.
pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Capital Star: Were the 2022 midterm results a rejection of white Christian Nationalism?
Some elected officials— such as U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia — unapologetically espoused the belief that the United States is—or should be—a Christian country, governed by Christian beliefs and leaders.
Others — such as Pennsylvania senator and gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano — denied ties to this movement, but clearly delivered messages that were sympathetic, if not supportive without the specific statement of support. And I would venture to say that all the issues described above are tied into a White Christian Nationalist philosophy. 11.11.22
Some elected officials— such as U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia — unapologetically espoused the belief that the United States is—or should be—a Christian country, governed by Christian beliefs and leaders.
Others — such as Pennsylvania senator and gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano — denied ties to this movement, but clearly delivered messages that were sympathetic, if not supportive without the specific statement of support. And I would venture to say that all the issues described above are tied into a White Christian Nationalist philosophy. 11.11.22
Midland Daily News: Tennessee pastor takes on political polarization
Polarization nationwide has shaken many social institutions – schools, families and churches among them.
Disturbed by his perception that Americans have become terrible at talking to people they disagree with, and inspired by a recent book that details a strategy for the task, Malone hopes to bring the approach into the community at large.
11.12.22
Polarization nationwide has shaken many social institutions – schools, families and churches among them.
Disturbed by his perception that Americans have become terrible at talking to people they disagree with, and inspired by a recent book that details a strategy for the task, Malone hopes to bring the approach into the community at large.
11.12.22
tennessee
The IRS has received a complaint from a church-state watchdog group concerning the pastor's sermon in which he forbade Christians to vote for Democrats.
A nonprofit organization called Americans United for Separation of Church and State has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service or IRS on Monday over Pastor Greg Locke's recent Sunday sermon at Global Vision Bible Church of Mount Juliet in Tennessee, which they believed violated the Johnson Amendment. This provision in the U.S. tax code prohibits 501 non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Churches that meet certain requirements are classified as 501 non-profit organizations. -Christianity Daily: IRS Pressured To Investigate Pastor Greg Locke For Telling Church Not To Vote Democrat
A nonprofit organization called Americans United for Separation of Church and State has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service or IRS on Monday over Pastor Greg Locke's recent Sunday sermon at Global Vision Bible Church of Mount Juliet in Tennessee, which they believed violated the Johnson Amendment. This provision in the U.S. tax code prohibits 501 non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Churches that meet certain requirements are classified as 501 non-profit organizations. -Christianity Daily: IRS Pressured To Investigate Pastor Greg Locke For Telling Church Not To Vote Democrat
texas
Christian Headlines: Republicans Are 'Headed Toward a Civil War,' Pastor Robert Jeffress Says
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
November 11, 2022:
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, a national pro-life grassroots advocacy organization criticized Republican strategists for failing to make the party's position on abortion clear during the 2022 midterm elections, citing it as a potential reason for some of the party’s losses this election cycle. I have to disagree with the point. The position was pushed by most Republicans and it was a motivating factor for large Democrat turnout. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on the grounds that the substantive right to abortion was not "deeply rooted in this Nation's history or tradition", nor considered a right when the Due Process Clause was ratified in 1868, and was unknown in U.S. law until Roe.
Actions by prolife leaders like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed off on legislation which would allow a person to turn in anyone who even contemplated an abortion brought the issues of safety to the attention of pro-abortion advocates.. and the women who supported a woman's right to choose made the issue important to them so they campaigned against any and all Republicans. Posted on Blog HERE
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Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, a national pro-life grassroots advocacy organization criticized Republican strategists for failing to make the party's position on abortion clear during the 2022 midterm elections, citing it as a potential reason for some of the party’s losses this election cycle. I have to disagree with the point. The position was pushed by most Republicans and it was a motivating factor for large Democrat turnout. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on the grounds that the substantive right to abortion was not "deeply rooted in this Nation's history or tradition", nor considered a right when the Due Process Clause was ratified in 1868, and was unknown in U.S. law until Roe.
Actions by prolife leaders like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas signed off on legislation which would allow a person to turn in anyone who even contemplated an abortion brought the issues of safety to the attention of pro-abortion advocates.. and the women who supported a woman's right to choose made the issue important to them so they campaigned against any and all Republicans. Posted on Blog HERE
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Christian Post: Pastor advises young adults not to be 'discipled' by Taylor Swift, Disney on dating, marriage
A Texas pastor has warned a group of young adult Christians against allowing messages and themes found in Disney movies or Taylor Swift songs to inform their approach to dating and marriage.
Pastor David Marvin of Dallas' Watermark Community Church, who serves as the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch, preached a sermon last week outlining three common mistakes Christians make when dating.
11.10.22
A Texas pastor has warned a group of young adult Christians against allowing messages and themes found in Disney movies or Taylor Swift songs to inform their approach to dating and marriage.
Pastor David Marvin of Dallas' Watermark Community Church, who serves as the director of the young adult-centered ministry The Porch, preached a sermon last week outlining three common mistakes Christians make when dating.
11.10.22
Feb 4, 2022: Baptist Press: Churches not holy huddles; ‘We’re an army,’ Pitman says
One-hundred twenty. Vance Pitman wants Southern Baptists of Texas Convention churches to understand two significant things about that number: it’s the size of the crowd that took Jesus seriously when He first delivered His mission, and the size of the average SBTC church. In fact, a majority of churches affiliated with the state convention have an average attendance of 120 or fewer
One-hundred twenty. Vance Pitman wants Southern Baptists of Texas Convention churches to understand two significant things about that number: it’s the size of the crowd that took Jesus seriously when He first delivered His mission, and the size of the average SBTC church. In fact, a majority of churches affiliated with the state convention have an average attendance of 120 or fewer
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virginia
Jan 24, 2022: Religious Liberty TV: A Concept in Common: Are Sunday Blue Laws Making a Comeback?
On Monday, January 24, 2022, the Virginia state senate voted 29 to 11 (SB8) to allow people to hunt on Sundays on public or private land, so long as it takes place more than 200 yards from a place of worship.
On Monday, January 24, 2022, the Virginia state senate voted 29 to 11 (SB8) to allow people to hunt on Sundays on public or private land, so long as it takes place more than 200 yards from a place of worship.
washington
Mar 5, 2022: Christian Post: NFL greats rally behind high school coach fired for postgame prayer amid Supreme Court battle
Numerous “friend-of-the-court” briefs have been filed in the case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, in which former Seattle-area football coach Joe Kennedy is seeking to reverse a lower court decision that allowed the school district to fire him because fans and students could see him take a knee in silent prayer at the 50-yard line after football games.
Numerous “friend-of-the-court” briefs have been filed in the case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, in which former Seattle-area football coach Joe Kennedy is seeking to reverse a lower court decision that allowed the school district to fire him because fans and students could see him take a knee in silent prayer at the 50-yard line after football games.
west virginia
Feb 9, 2022: NPR: Students walk out at West Virginia school after Christian revival
Between calculus and European history classes at a West Virginia public high school, 16-year-old Cameron Mays and his classmates were told by their teacher to go to an evangelical Christian revival assembly.
Between calculus and European history classes at a West Virginia public high school, 16-year-old Cameron Mays and his classmates were told by their teacher to go to an evangelical Christian revival assembly.
wisconsin
Wisconsin Examiner: Pastor warns about Christian nationalism, preaches alternatives for faith-rooted politics
Pagitt is an evangelical pastor and the founder of the nonprofit organization Vote Common Good. His warning isn’t that religion and politics don’t mix.
Instead, it’s about how they mix — and how, he argues, a particular intersection of politics and religion threatens democracy in the United States.
That intersection is Christian nationalism: a movement to impose particular interpretations of Christian doctrine on public policy, using those doctrines as their own justification and with a willingness to enforce them with violence.
“It’s the belief that the United States of America is fundamentally committed to the Christian understanding and agenda in how it runs society and government,” Pagitt says. “There’s a movement afoot among a number of elected officials who are advocating for Christianity to play a more dominant role in our government — not just in our society, not just in public discourse, but in our government.”
11.8.22
Pagitt is an evangelical pastor and the founder of the nonprofit organization Vote Common Good. His warning isn’t that religion and politics don’t mix.
Instead, it’s about how they mix — and how, he argues, a particular intersection of politics and religion threatens democracy in the United States.
That intersection is Christian nationalism: a movement to impose particular interpretations of Christian doctrine on public policy, using those doctrines as their own justification and with a willingness to enforce them with violence.
“It’s the belief that the United States of America is fundamentally committed to the Christian understanding and agenda in how it runs society and government,” Pagitt says. “There’s a movement afoot among a number of elected officials who are advocating for Christianity to play a more dominant role in our government — not just in our society, not just in public discourse, but in our government.”
11.8.22
