Equality Act Unequally Targets Faith Community, NRB Says

by: National Religious Broadcasters

Washington, D.C. - April 13, 2019 - (God Inspires News) -- Religious liberties were under direct attack in the U.S. House of Representatives this week, according to National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), an association of Christian radio, television, and internet communicators.

In a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, testimony was taken on H.R. 5, “The Equality Act,” an unprecedented expansion of federal civil rights laws to grant protections for transgender persons. As one witness warned, as a result of H.R. 5’s limitless redefinition of “places of accommodation” to include the provision of goods, services, and programs, including online activities, “churches and houses of worship” as well as pastors would be swept within its prohibitions against discrimination. Another witness suggested that church members ask their pastors to adopt an inclusive approach to transgender issues, and to switch churches or their charitable giving if their demands were not met.

NRB’s concerns that H.R. 5 contravenes fundamental religious freedoms are further supported by the text of the bill itself. The “Equality Act” unequally discriminates against religious people and faith-based employers and ministries by explicitly prohibiting the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), passed by overwhelming bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed into law in 1993 by President Bill Clinton to restore historic protections of religious liberty against abusive government actions. RFRA was the basis of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., upholding the rights of Hobby Lobby to be exempted from the abortion and contraception-related provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

NRB strongly urges lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to reject the “Equality Act.” It is an affront to the timeless guarantees of religious freedom that the Founders embedded within the liberties of the First Amendment, and recognized by Congress when it passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993 and later amended it favorably in 2000 in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). It is a self-evident truth that new forms of “equality” should not be legislated at the expense of historic freedoms.

Last month during its annual meeting in Anaheim, California, NRB’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution, “Opposing Coercive Measures Against the Freedom to Believe the Bible on Marriage, Sexuality, and Gender,” which specifically urges Congress “to reject coercive proposals like the Equality Act and rather to pass laws preventing government intolerance and discrimination against those who – with malice toward none – simply wish to adhere to biblical understandings of gender, sexuality, and marriage.” NRB’s Board of Directors is comprised of approximately 100 key leaders among Christian communicators.

United Methodists Reaffirm Biblical Faithfulness

by: Institute on Religion and Democracy

St. Louis, MO - April 8, 2019 - (God Inspires News) -- United Methodists have upheld their denomination’s rules on sexual ethics, rejecting plans that would permit same-sex marriages and clergy to be sexually active outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriages.

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church, the only body that can speak for the 12.6 million-member Christian denomination, voted Tuesday morning to reject a plan advocated for by the majority of the church’s bishops. Later in the day, delegates gathered in St. Louis adopted a plan advocated by traditionalists which increases accountability measures for clergy and local bodies.

The United Methodist Church is the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States, but has a global membership of more than 12 million members in the United States, Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

The denomination’s longstanding official standards are that all people are welcome in its churches, while also teaching that marriage is only between one man and one woman.

United Methodist Action Director and elected General Conference Delegate John Lomperis commented:

“This was a historic turning point for our denomination, and will hopefully help make the United Methodist Church look refreshingly very different from what we have seen in the last several years.”

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

“This General Conference is further proof that the center of gravity in the United Methodist Church is shifting from the United States and to the vibrant, growing Christian faith of the Global South.

“The United Methodist Church is no longer rooted in a declining liberal U.S. mainline Protestant tradition and is instead reflecting its identity as a global church.”

Event: Thousands of Christian Ministry and Media Professionals to Gather in Anaheim for Proclaim 19

by: National Religious Broadcasters

Washington, D.C. - March 4, 2019 - (God Inspires News) -- This month, thousands of Christian media and ministry professionals will make their way to Proclaim 19, the NRB International Christian Media Convention in Anaheim, California, to make strategic connections, to acquire new resources, and to discover the latest tips, trends, and insights in their respective field of work. The 75th anniversary of National Religious Broadcasters will be celebrated and the premiere of a new faith entertainment company will be highlights of the four-day gathering, March 26-29.

Every year, the Convention draws a wide range of participants, including radio and TV station owners and operators, pastors, church media professionals, radio and TV program producers, college educators, students, filmmakers, Web and mobile developers, social media managers, marketing representatives, and ministry staff members.

“Thousands of Christian communicators come to our annual Convention to find the insights, connections, resources, and opportunities that will help them advance their efforts,” said Michael Little, NRB’s board chairman. “If you’re endeavoring to reach people for Jesus Christ through media, Proclaim 19 is where you need to be!”

A highlight of the upcoming Convention is the celebration of NRB’s 75th anniversary as an association. NRB was founded in 1944 after the national radio networks of the time – spurred by a small group of cultural elites – moved to drop popular, self-supporting evangelical Christian ministries off the air. In response, NRB was formed and moved swiftly to end that assault, which eventually led to the newly formed ABC radio network’s reversal of the ban on paid religious broadcasting. Other networks would later follow their lead.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same,” Little said. “The challenges to free speech of the Gospel that brought NRB into existence in 1944 are even more urgently with us in 2019. Now, more than ever, NRB is needed to offer an effective defense of evangelicals’ rights to contend for the proclamation of the Gospel today.”

Also notable at Proclaim 19 will be the Super Session on Wednesday, March 27, at which there will be an unprecedented roll-out of content for the faith entertainment space. From the creators of I Can Only Imagine and Woodlawn, in partnership with Lionsgate™, comes Kingdom, an entertainment company 10 years in the making. Kingdom will be presenting an exclusive first-look of its new slate of films at Wednesday’s Super Session with a celebrity lineup including Jon and Andy Erwin, Kevin Downes, for KING & COUNTRY, Greg Laurie, Madeline Carroll, and an executive from Lionsgate. Kingdom is the Diamond Sponsor of Proclaim 19.

Another Super Session of note is the Public Policy Super Session on Tuesday, March 26, moderated by Fox News’ Todd Starnes and featuring U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, as well as representatives from leading legal organizations who will discuss the latest efforts in the defense of religious freedom.

In total, there will be four Super Sessions at Proclaim 19, as well as an Opening Session, Worship Service, Closing Gala, various industry 101 sessions, and four industry summits (Digital Media, Radio, TV & Film, Great Commission). The NRB Great Commission Summit, a pre-Convention event, will be held on March 25. The presentation of NRB’s annual media awards will take place during the Closing Gala and the Awards Luncheon.

Proclaim 19 will feature more than 80 speakers, including John MacArthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, Tony Evans, Priscilla Shirer, Rick Warren, DeVon Franklin, Erwin McManus, Mike Lindell, and Alex Kendrick.

In addition, there will be live radio broadcasts (Eric Metaxas, Dennis Prager, Larry Elder, Sebastian Gorka) and advanced screenings of Overcomer, Breakthrough, Roe v. Wade, Children of Shanghai, Jesus: His Life, and The Chosen.

Another major feature of the annual gathering is the award-winning Exposition, the world’s largest marketplace dedicated to Christian media and ministry professionals seeking to harness the power of electronic media to spread the Gospel. Showcasing their products and services will be around 200 companies, ministries, and organizations, including broadcasters, nonprofits, educational institutions, publishers, media agencies, and broadcast equipment and software companies.

Proclaim 19 will be held March 26-29 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The Exposition will officially open its doors Wednesday, March 27, at 8:20 a.m.

Convention details can be found at nrbconvention.org. Credentialed members of the news media interested in covering Proclaim 19 may apply for press passes at nrb.org/pressregistration.


About NRB

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. Our mission is to advance biblical truth, promote media excellence, and defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry, and fellowship opportunities for its members. This year, NRB marks its 75th anniversary as an association. Learn more at www.nrb.org.

About the NRB Convention

The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic Exposition consists of around 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their organizations. The next Convention will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, March 26-29, 2019. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.

CHURCH NEEDS MORE MASCULINE PRIESTS

Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

Washington, D.C. - February 26, 2019 - (God Inspires News) -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the need for more masculine priests:

The assault on masculinity has been going on inside and outside of the Catholic Church for decades, but it is now at a fever pitch. To cite one recent example, in his February 21 article, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof blamed masculinity for the sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic and Southern Baptist Churches. The Southern Baptist Convention was recently investigated by reporters.

Kristof quotes Serene Jones, president of the Union Theological Society: “They [the two Churches] both have very masculine understandings of God, and have a structure where men are considered the closest representatives of God.”

This remarkable comment deserves a serious rejoinder. But first a word on why the Southern Baptists were targeted and why Kristof interviewed Jones.

Why did the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News investigate the Southern Baptist Convention? There are several other Baptist denominations, so why the Southern Baptists? Alternatively, why didn’t they choose to probe the Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, or Presbyterians?

Let me take a wild guess. It’s for the same reason the media, until now, have focused exclusively on the Catholic Church: both Churches are known for their orthodox Christian teachings on sexuality. If they can be discredited, their moral voice will be compromised. One would have to be ideologically blind not to see what’s going on.

Why did Kristof tee it up for the president of the Union Theological Seminary? Because he knew she would feed his narrative. This New York-based institution has long been home to “progressive” thinkers, including dissident Catholic theologians (it has even employed those who have been banned from teaching at Catholic colleges due to their wholesale rejection of Catholicism).

More substantively, Kristof’s thesis—masculinity is related to sexual abuse—is so spurious that even he admits to its flaw.

For starters, he summarizes his argument by citing the Catholic Church’s male clergy and the “submissive” role occupied by females, but then a light goes off in his head. If this is the case, he wonders, then why haven’t most of the victims in the Catholic Church been women and girls?

Here is how he puts it. “It’s complicated, of course, for many of the Catholic victims were boys….” Actually, there is nothing complicated about it—he is simply wrong. Masculine priests, those who are naturally attracted to females, account for very little of the sexual abuse.

Kristof can’t even get this little bit right. The vast majority, 81 percent, of the victims were male. That’s not “many”—it’s most. And they were not boys: 78 percent were postpubescent; adolescents are properly regarded as young men. But to admit this is to admit that homosexual priests are responsible for the lion’s share of the abuse. And no one at the New York Times is going to admit to this verity.

The Catholic Church needs more masculine priests, not fewer. To put it differently, though matters are better today, for many years the Church had too many priests who were either effeminate or sexually immature. We’ve seen where that got us.

Many Will be Shocked at What God’s Word Says About Immigration and Borders

American Pastors Network

Washington, D.C. - February 23, 2019 - (God Inspires News) -- Borders and immigration are the top issues across the country right now, and Americans are viewing the headlines from moral, political, constitutional, humanitarian, financial and defensive perspectives.

The American Pastors Network (APN), however, says the answers to these hot-button issues are found in God’s unchanging Word—the Bible.

APN President Sam Rohrer has shared insight about the biblical guidance available on border security and immigration on the APN daily 60-second radio feature, “Stand in the Gap Minute,” heard on hundreds of stations nationwide. Rohrer and his radio co-hosts also frequently explore immigration and how it relates to both the Bible and the Constitution on the daily, live, one-hour radio program, “Stand in the Gap Today.”

“Immigration and border control issues dominate our news and divide our nation, but God is not divided nor is He confused on this or any issue—and we should not be either,” Rohrer says. “In fact, there are clear, biblical principles on why no one should be confused about God’s position on immigration and borders.”

In Acts 17:26, for example, Paul says that God established nations and borders. Daniel 2 says God raises up leaders and nations, and He puts them down.

“Without borders there’s no order, no law, no justice,” Rohrer adds. “Without borders, God’s promise to bless the nation whose God is the Lord could never occur. God’s plan of redemption revolves around nations. In time, God will judge all nations who reject Him. Is it any wonder that the coming antichrist and globalists demand open borders?”

If borders or walls are immoral—as even some religious leaders contend—then Nehemiah was wrong. And even more so, God Himself is wrong, because heaven has walls and gates, and Jesus says that whoever circumvents one gate and climbs in another way is a thief and robber.

“Borders are essential to nations,” Rohrer says. “In fact, the definition of nation includes a common language, a common view of God and common borders. God’s blessings and judgment are bestowed on individuals and nations. Therefore, borders and border control are essential to protect a nation’s citizens and should rise to the highest of concerns for those in civil authority.”

Additionally, the immigration controversy is not only political but moral. The Scripture passage most used to justify open borders and weak immigration policies is Leviticus 19:34, Rohrer says, where God commanded Israel to welcome the stranger or sojourner as one who’s native born.

“By itself,” Rohrer asserts, “this verse sounds compelling and unconditional, but it’s not. The Hebrew word for stranger in this text is ‘ger,’ and it means the immigrant wanting to assimilate—to embrace the God of Israel and their laws. King Solomon in II Chronicles 6:32 repeated this: ‘If a sojourner comes to the land ‘because of our God’ and prays in the temple … then welcome them in.’ To be welcome, immigrants must submit not rebel, fear God and not fight for atheism or Allah.”

The government has a unique duty to God and to the citizen—one might even call it a moral duty. Different from the Church’s duty to care for the sick and reach out to those who don’t yet know the God of heaven, government’s duty according to Romans 13 is to enact justice, enforce the law and protect the citizen.

“This is why God provided civil government with the sword of justice,” Rohrer says. “This is, in part, why we are to pray for those in authority—that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives and because they are accountable to God. God’s Word does hold all the answers about borders, immigration and much more, we just need to read God’s instruction for our lives and our nation, take them to heart and follow them.”

Additionally, Rohrer was featured in a commentary for Charisma News, which asked: “What Is the Truth Concerning Americans’ Wants and Needs for Immigration and Secure Borders?”

Keeping Churches Safe at Christmas

By The American Pastors Network

Washington, D.C. - December 17, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Much like the stable and the manger kept the Christ child protected, and as the shepherds guarded their flocks in the fields by night, churches must now keep their congregations safe.

Many churches are considering safety measures they previously hadn’t thought about after a deadly shooting at a small Texas church last month rocked both that community and the nation. Suddenly, pastors and church leaders are thinking about safety—no matter the size of the church.

The American Pastors Network, the largest national network dedicated to equipping pastors to be a voice for truth in the public square, has been focusing on church security by guiding pastors in the wake of the Texas tragedy.

In 2015, LifeWay Research conducted a study to learn more about church attendance patterns during Christmastime, reported Christianity Today. Historically, Christmastime attracts more visitors than perhaps any other time of the year. In fact, for the survey, LifeWay found that six out of 10 Americans typically attend church at Christmastime. Among those who don’t attend at Christmas, a majority (57 percent) say they would likely attend if someone they knew invited them.

With these trends in mind, church leaders know they will welcome many visitors through the doors this month. And with church security front and center, some churches need a starting place to keep everyone inside the church safe.

“Over the past several weeks, leaders of the American Pastors Network have had many conversations with pastors who want to make safety a priority in their churches, but don’t know where to start,” said APN President Sam Rohrer. “We live in a time where we now must acknowledge the harsh reality that the church sanctuary does not shield us from the evils of this world. Especially knowing that more people will visit American churches this month perhaps than any other time of year, the American Pastors Network wants to help church leaders as they make plans that will keep churchgoers safe—and so that many visitors will feel welcomed and want to return in the new year.”

After having internal meetings and conference calls on the matter, and while addressing the topic on “Stand in the Gap Today,” the daily radio ministry of APN, leaders developed recommendations for churches to consider when it comes to the important matter of church security.

1. Understand the biblical and moral responsibility of safety. It is the duty of pastors and church leadership to do all they can to protect the lives of those in the congregation.

2. Develop and train a security team.Dedicate certain individuals, whether staff or volunteers, to undertake the important issue of security. Train these personnel how to identify potential threats and how to de-escalate potential threat situations. During services or functions, outfit the team in plain clothes.

3. Perform a risk assessment.Where is the church vulnerable in its facility and grounds? Consider a community threat assessment as well.

4. Implement security protocols.Consider these suggestions: 1) Lock doors after services begin; 2) Post security team members at entrances; 3) Conduct a regular, annual re-assessment of the security plan.

5. Install security cameras.Consider video surveillance to document and record potential threats or incidents.
Establish a medical response team.Mobilize medical personnel already within the congregation who can take action if injuries ever occur.

6. Evaluate the legal parameters for security measures.Research insurance requirements and conduct a liability assessment. Identify state civil laws regarding security measures, which can vary from state to state.

7. Create an evacuation plan. Be sure the security team knows how to best evacuate churchgoers of all ages and mobility ranges, and

8. consider creating another key team to assist. Practice the plan through drills.

9. Involve local law enforcement in the security plan.Tell local police departments and other emergency responders about the security plan, perhaps through an evening meeting. They may be able to offer additional suggestions or protocols.

10. Communicate the new or existing security measures with the congregation.Members will appreciate knowing the church has a plan to keep them safe.

See more at the God Inspires Web Site

Back to Basics: What to Learn from America’s Rash of Sex Scandals

By Cornwall Alliance

Washington, D.C. - December 11, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Anyone who’s paid even the slightest attention to national news lately knows that the careers of the rich, the famous, the powerful—politicians, entertainers, newscasters, and more—are crashing and burning amid revelations of sexual harassment and rape.

“Shocking as it is, this should be no surprise,” says Dr. E. Calvin Beisner, former seminary ethics professor and now Founder and National Spokesman of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation.

“Unlike America’s founders, recent generations of Americans have turned their backs on God and His laws. Rampant sexual infidelity of any sort is just one of many ways, and it reveals even deeper rot: ‘covetousness, which is idolatry’ (Colossians 3:5), because it grows out of discontent with one’s circumstances and, most important, with the God who providentially planned them.”

Long concerned about the decline of morality in America and the social harm it has done, Dr. Beisner, working with Cornwall Alliance’s parent organization The James Partnership and 1Voice Films, has produced a series of video lectures on the Ten Commandments, one of the foundation stones of Western civilization, of American law and culture, and of Jewish and Christian faith.

Theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem calls the lectures “fascinating, challenging, life-changing, reverent, and God-centered.” Rev. Jim Garlow says “people who listen to Dr. Beisner’s brilliant messages … will learn to see the law as a wonderful blessing and, even more important, to know and love Christ better.”

The lectures are designed for presentation in either 23 or 13 sessions, suitable for either a quarter or a semester in Christian schools, home schools, Sunday schools, and other settings. An online study guide will assist viewers to dive deeper into the Ten Commandments.

Dr. Michael Milton, President of the D. James Kennedy Institute and professor of missions and evangelism at Erskine Theological Seminary, says, “We need a right teaching on the Law now more than ever. … Dr. Cal Beisner’s teaching strikes a Biblical, Christ-centered, and historically orthodox balance in presenting God’s Law. Christian families and churches will be blessed by the teaching.”

Jeffery Ventrella, Senior Vice President for the Alliance Defending Freedom and a featured speaker for a History Channel documentary on the Ten Commandments, calls the lectures “crucial” and “succinct, yet not simplistic; solid, yet not sectarian; timely, yet not trendy; detailed, yet still doxological … [an] excellent, and edifying, project.”

“I am pleased to recommend this new lecture series by Cal Beisner as a resource for churches, schools, and small groups,” says Dr. Daniel R. Heimbach, Senior Professor of Christian Ethics, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. “I can think of nothing more relevant or more important than understanding what our Creator reveals about moral reality. … Nothing in life is … more important—both now and forever. … Beisner has done an excellent job explaining each of the Ten Commandments and does it in a way regular people can easily understand and apply.”

The series is available on 6 DVDs or streaming online by clicking HERE

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

By Christian and Missionary Alliance

Washington, D.C. - December 9, 2017 - (God Inspires News) -- Alliance family members are reported to be safe as recent wildfires have erupted in the Los Angeles area. As we pray for those who are affected by these blazes, please remember our Alliance people who lost their homes to the Santa Rosa fire in October.

Ray Van Gilst, Central Pacific District superintendent, writes the following:

This month I have been reflecting back on how we respond in the midst of chaos.

On Sunday, October 22, we were at The Bridge Church in Santa Rosa where the message to a standing-room-only crowd was “Hope Out of Chaos.” I have rarely heard a more poignant and timely message. The focus was on the fact that even though 2 of their pastors and 40 of their families lost their homes—and they lost one of their venues with a bunch of equipment—God is still on the throne!

They embraced the fact that they are in this together with their community, and in the midst of the pain, God really is in control. He really is their strength. And not only does He redeem us—He redeems our circumstances! There is no question in their minds that God is bringing hope out of the chaos of this tragedy. There is no doubt in their hearts that God is bringing redemption to the city of Santa Rosa out of their shared suffering. It was incredibly humbling to worship with people who were in the midst of such trial yet focused not on their own needs but only on the needs of their community. They started by housing and serving evacuees and continued by looking for ways to unite the churches through a service with Francis Chan at the fairgrounds this past Sunday night. They are doing everything in their power (God’s power) to meet the needs of those around them.

In the newsletter of the Alliance Redwoods, who also served well by housing firefighters and evacuees, was this verse from Isaiah 25:4 (ESV):

“For you have been a stronghold for the poor, a stronghold for the needy person in his distress, a refuge from the rain, a shade from the heat.”

May we all be [a stronghold] as we minister to a broken world, pointing them to the One who has the answers, because He IS the answer!

Has Political Correctness Silenced Us?

by The Pastor's Network

The Greek poet Euripides was known to say that “Silence is true wisdom’s best reply.”

But when it comes to discussing political views in this sometimes-tempestuous society, many are taking the stance that silence—especially in difficult conversations about politics, religion and other controversial topics—is preferred and safer.

As evidence, the American Pastors Network, the largest national network dedicated to equipping pastors to be a voice for truth in the public square, is pointing to a new Cato Institute study that found 71 percent of Americans say political correctness has silenced some of the discussions society must have, and 58 percent have political views they are afraid to share.

APN President Sam Rohrer says these findings are telling in regards to how Americans interact with each other, the cultural climate and the role of the church in these important conversations.

“The most pressing topics in our society are not being discussed because a culture has been created that silences our voices,” Rohrer said. “This can be due to a variety of reasons, including fear, isolation or ridicule. These are the topics, however, Americans should be discussing, and especially Christians as they hopefully bring the truth of God’s Word to our everyday conversations. Furthermore, how does this translate to the Church? We pray pastors are not silencing themselves as well, but we know that many choose not to address from the pulpit the crucial matters in our culture for whatever reason.

“One of the missional goals of the American Pastors Network is to encourage biblically faithful clergy to take seriously Jesus’ command to be the ‘salt and light’ to the culture, encourage informed Christian thinking about contemporary social issues, examine public policy issues without politicizing their pulpits and engage their congregations in taking part in the political process on a non-partisan basis,” Rohrer added. “We certainly can’t act as salt and light by hiding the light of God’s truth under a bushel, which is exactly what we resort to when we keep silent in an increasingly PC culture.”

The Cato 2017 Free Speech and Tolerance Survey, which polled 2,300 U.S. adults, also found that political party somewhat dictated how people felt about silencing their conversations. For example, a slim majority (53 percent) of Democrats do not feel the need to self-censor. Conversely, strong majorities of Republicans (73 percent) and independents (58 percent) say they keep some political beliefs to themselves.

Cato also reported, “A solid majority (59 percent) of Americans think people should be allowed to express unpopular opinions in public, even those deeply offensive to others. On the other hand, 40 percent think government should prevent hate speech.”

Despite this, the survey also found Americans willing to censor, regulate, or punish a wide variety of speech and expression they personally find offensive:

51 percent of staunch liberals say it’s “morally acceptable” to punch Nazis.

53 percent of Republicans favor stripping U.S. citizenship from people who burn the American flag.

51 percent of Democrats support a law that requires Americans use transgender people’s preferred gender pronouns.

65 percent of Republicans say NFL players should be fired if they refuse to stand for the anthem.

58 percent of Democrats say employers should punish employees for offensive Facebook posts.

47 percent of Republicans favor bans on building new mosques.

59 percent of liberals say it’s hate speech to say transgender people have a mental disorder; only 17 percent of conservatives agree.

39 percent of conservatives believe it’s hate speech to say the police are racist; only 17 percent of liberals agree.

80 percent of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say illegal immigrants should be deported; only 36 percent of conservatives agree.

87 percent of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say women shouldn’t fight in military combat roles, while 47 percent of conservatives agree.

90 percent of liberals say it’s hateful or offensive to say homosexuality is a sin, while 47 percent of conservatives agree.

“These findings, especially the chasms between liberals and conservatives when it comes to moral and biblical issues such as a homosexuality, immigration, religion and gender, are especially important for church leaders,” Rohrer added. “While every pastor must first and foremost preach the whole counsel of God and reveal the Bible’s truth without waver, it is helpful to know where the people in the pews stand and the conversations they are having—or not having—regarding these important matters.”

Local Foundation: 'Stand Up to Anti-Prayer Demands'

Source: Foundation for Moral Law

Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2017 (God Inspires News) -- The Foundation for Moral Law, a Montgomery-based legal foundation established to defend religious liberty under the United States Constitution, urged Alabama school districts to resist the demands of the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) and others who are trying to drive prayer out of school athletic events.

On October 23, 2017, the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation sent a letter to the Trussville City Schools demanding that they stop allowing student-led prayers at athletic events.

But in an October 27 letter to the Trussville City Schools, the Foundation for Moral Law says the FFRF has misinterpreted the First Amendment and the case law on this issue, and observes that while the FFRF sends out hundreds of letters demanding that various religious practices cease, they often fail to follow through with legal action if local officials refuse to cave in to their demands.

Foundation for Moral Law President Kayla Moore stated, "Officials should realize that these threatening letters say only what the FFRF wishes the Constitution said, not what it actually says. The Foundation for Moral Law is willing to talk with school officials and school attorneys directly, analyze their policies, and determine what if anything needs to be done to ensure compliance with the Constitution. Please feel free to contact us if we can be of help. That's what we were formed to do."