Ed Thomas
OneNewsNow.com
A spokesman for the Alliance Defense Fund says the ACLU's now-standard strategy of demanding that opening prayers at government meetings be stopped has worked in Oconee County, South Carolina, as county council members voted Tuesday to drop their invocation and adopt a moment of silence.
Local officials of the Oconee County Council in South Carolina decided Tuesday afternoon to adopt a moment of silence at the start of their government meetings and no longer open with prayer. The decision was made despite a proposed policy from the Alliance Defense Fund that it assured would legally allow the invocations to continue by allowing prayer from spokesmen of any community religions.
ADF senior counsel Gary McCaleb says the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had already used what he described as its now-standard tactic, and threatened a lawsuit if the Council did not stop opening its meetings with prayer. The Oconee Ministerial Association had asked the legal coalition for its help for the county.
"ADF stepped in and tried to offer a solid alternative, which unfortunately the county backed down on and then instead adopted a moment of silence," McCaleb explains.
The attorney called the Oconee Council's choice unfortunate, because the ACLU was once again able to silence the First Amendment by employing what he called the classic fear, intimidation, and disinformation tactics that are being used in demand letters to towns and cities across the country. "It's kind of a sad situation, both from the standpoint of here you have them coming in and getting rid of free speech; and the other is that this is a classic 'victory without a fight' for the ACLU."
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Thursday, February 8, 2007
Haggard denies homosexuality, says Jesus is healing him
Haggard denies homosexuality, says Jesus is healing him
By Staff
Baptist Press
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BP)--Having been “paralyzed by shame” since news of his involvement with a male prostitute surfaced in November, Ted Haggard emerged from three weeks of intense psychological treatment with an e-mail to members of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, where he formerly served as pastor, Feb. 5.
“We all wanted to know why I developed such incongruity in my life. Thankfully, with the tools we gained there, along with the powerful way God has been illuminating His Word and the Holy Spirit has been convicting and healing me, we now have growing understanding which is giving me some hope for a future,” Haggard said of the treatment he and his wife received in Phoenix.
Tim Ralph, a member of the four-man board of overseers charged with guiding Haggard toward restoration, told The Denver Post that Haggard’s homosexual behavior with a male prostitute named Mike Jones was not a lifelong pattern.
“He is completely heterosexual,” Ralph, pastor of New Covenant Fellowship in Larkspur, Colo., said. “That is something he discovered. It was the acting-out situations where things took place. It wasn’t a constant thing.”
Haggard, 50, told the board that the only extramarital sexual contact he had was with Jones, and Ralph said several people close to Haggard found no contradicting evidence, The Post reported Feb. 6.
“If we’re going to be proved wrong, somebody else is going to come forward, and that usually happens really quickly,” Ralph said. “We’re into this thing over 90 days, and it hasn’t happened.”
Ralph said Haggard continues to receive Christian counseling twice a week, and the board of overseers has advised the Haggards to relocate from Colorado Springs in order to continue the healing process. They also advised him to begin a 12-step program for sexual addiction, The Post reported.
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By Staff
Baptist Press
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BP)--Having been “paralyzed by shame” since news of his involvement with a male prostitute surfaced in November, Ted Haggard emerged from three weeks of intense psychological treatment with an e-mail to members of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, where he formerly served as pastor, Feb. 5.
“We all wanted to know why I developed such incongruity in my life. Thankfully, with the tools we gained there, along with the powerful way God has been illuminating His Word and the Holy Spirit has been convicting and healing me, we now have growing understanding which is giving me some hope for a future,” Haggard said of the treatment he and his wife received in Phoenix.
Tim Ralph, a member of the four-man board of overseers charged with guiding Haggard toward restoration, told The Denver Post that Haggard’s homosexual behavior with a male prostitute named Mike Jones was not a lifelong pattern.
“He is completely heterosexual,” Ralph, pastor of New Covenant Fellowship in Larkspur, Colo., said. “That is something he discovered. It was the acting-out situations where things took place. It wasn’t a constant thing.”
Haggard, 50, told the board that the only extramarital sexual contact he had was with Jones, and Ralph said several people close to Haggard found no contradicting evidence, The Post reported Feb. 6.
“If we’re going to be proved wrong, somebody else is going to come forward, and that usually happens really quickly,” Ralph said. “We’re into this thing over 90 days, and it hasn’t happened.”
Ralph said Haggard continues to receive Christian counseling twice a week, and the board of overseers has advised the Haggards to relocate from Colorado Springs in order to continue the healing process. They also advised him to begin a 12-step program for sexual addiction, The Post reported.
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FBI to Rescue U.S. Missionary in Haiti
FBI to Rescue U.S. Missionary in Haiti
By Michael F. Haverluck
CBNNews.com
CBNNews.com -- PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- An American missionary of Haitian descent kidnapped on Sunday near Port-au-Prince is hoping for his release, as two FBI hostage negotiators are working to secure him, according to officials.
After driving home from church with three others in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Croix-de-Bouquets, 58-year-old U.S. citizen Nathan Jean-Dieubonne was abducted Sunday afternoon, reported U.N. police spokesman Fred Blaise.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom from Jean-Dieudonne's family for his release, according to a report from Miami by FBI special agent Judy Orihuela. Soon afterwards, family members asked for help in the negotioations, but the amount demanded by the abductors was not disclosed by authorities.
Jean-Dieudonne was not injured and in good spirits when he spoke with family members.
The missionary's place of residence in the U.S. and his church denomination were not made known at the time of the press release.
The impoverished nation of Haiti has seen a substantial rise in kidnappings for ransoms over the past year, yet the numbers over the past few weeks have declined, which could be a result of a peacekeeping force of 9,000 from the United Nations, along with the augmented patrols of Haitian police in and around Port-au-Prince.
Because foreign missionaries are not as heavily protected as diplomats and business people, they have become higher targets for abductors.
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By Michael F. Haverluck
CBNNews.com
CBNNews.com -- PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- An American missionary of Haitian descent kidnapped on Sunday near Port-au-Prince is hoping for his release, as two FBI hostage negotiators are working to secure him, according to officials.
After driving home from church with three others in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Croix-de-Bouquets, 58-year-old U.S. citizen Nathan Jean-Dieubonne was abducted Sunday afternoon, reported U.N. police spokesman Fred Blaise.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom from Jean-Dieudonne's family for his release, according to a report from Miami by FBI special agent Judy Orihuela. Soon afterwards, family members asked for help in the negotioations, but the amount demanded by the abductors was not disclosed by authorities.
Jean-Dieudonne was not injured and in good spirits when he spoke with family members.
The missionary's place of residence in the U.S. and his church denomination were not made known at the time of the press release.
The impoverished nation of Haiti has seen a substantial rise in kidnappings for ransoms over the past year, yet the numbers over the past few weeks have declined, which could be a result of a peacekeeping force of 9,000 from the United Nations, along with the augmented patrols of Haitian police in and around Port-au-Prince.
Because foreign missionaries are not as heavily protected as diplomats and business people, they have become higher targets for abductors.
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Iran's Khamenei urges Muslim revenge for Jerusalem dig
Ahmadinejad warns of 'deterioration'
Iranian president says provocative act will lead to the deterioration of hostilities in the region. Iranian supreme leader urges Muslims to revenge Jerusalem dig. Livni: Leaders merely 'inciting religious flames for political gain'
Dudi Cohen Latest Update: 02.07.07, 22:17 / Israel News
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Israel's excavation work at the Mugrabi gate near the Temple Mount was a "provocative action which would lead to the deterioration of hostilities in the region," the Fars news agency reported Wednesday evening.
The Iranian president added that "destruction, conflict and tension constitute the nature of the Zionist regime."
He also called on the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the world Muslim states to "foil the devilish plot of the Israeli regime," and slammed the United Nations over what he described as "their silence in the face of the incident."
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini echoed Ahmadinejad's statement, claiming that "the destruction of al-Aqsa was part of a premeditated plot against Muslims."
Supreme leader calls for revenge
A few hours earlier, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Jerusalem excavations and called on Islamic nations to retaliate against Israel .
''The world of Islam should show a serious reaction to the Zionist regime's insult to Al-Aqsa Mosque,'' Iranian state television quoted Khamenei as saying during a meeting with Ramadan Abdullah Shallah, leader of the Islamic Jihad organization.
"Silence is not an option given these actions, the Muslim world must respond," said Khamenei. Khamenei did not say what sort of response he intended, but said Israel should be made to ''regret'' what it is doing.
Khamenei also addressed the violent clashes within the Palestinian Authority: "Everyone, including the Palestinian factions and Islamic states, needs to make an effort to agree on a ceasefire soon so that the enemy's plot will fail."
"Hizbullah's victory, the successes of Hamas and Iran's achievements all fulfill Allah's promises and fill the hearts of Muslims with hope and determination," said Khamenei.
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Iranian president says provocative act will lead to the deterioration of hostilities in the region. Iranian supreme leader urges Muslims to revenge Jerusalem dig. Livni: Leaders merely 'inciting religious flames for political gain'
Dudi Cohen Latest Update: 02.07.07, 22:17 / Israel News
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Israel's excavation work at the Mugrabi gate near the Temple Mount was a "provocative action which would lead to the deterioration of hostilities in the region," the Fars news agency reported Wednesday evening.
The Iranian president added that "destruction, conflict and tension constitute the nature of the Zionist regime."
He also called on the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the world Muslim states to "foil the devilish plot of the Israeli regime," and slammed the United Nations over what he described as "their silence in the face of the incident."
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini echoed Ahmadinejad's statement, claiming that "the destruction of al-Aqsa was part of a premeditated plot against Muslims."
Supreme leader calls for revenge
A few hours earlier, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Jerusalem excavations and called on Islamic nations to retaliate against Israel .
''The world of Islam should show a serious reaction to the Zionist regime's insult to Al-Aqsa Mosque,'' Iranian state television quoted Khamenei as saying during a meeting with Ramadan Abdullah Shallah, leader of the Islamic Jihad organization.
"Silence is not an option given these actions, the Muslim world must respond," said Khamenei. Khamenei did not say what sort of response he intended, but said Israel should be made to ''regret'' what it is doing.
Khamenei also addressed the violent clashes within the Palestinian Authority: "Everyone, including the Palestinian factions and Islamic states, needs to make an effort to agree on a ceasefire soon so that the enemy's plot will fail."
"Hizbullah's victory, the successes of Hamas and Iran's achievements all fulfill Allah's promises and fill the hearts of Muslims with hope and determination," said Khamenei.
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Temple Mount becoming mosque for Muslims only
Temple Mount becoming mosque for Muslims only
Top archaeologist blasts Israeli inaction as Islam 'takes over' Judaism's holiest site
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By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
JERUSALEM – The Israeli government is "doing nothing" while the Muslim custodians of the Temple Mount discard Jewish artifacts and attempt to turn Judaism's holiest site into an exclusive prayer zone for Islam, a leading Israeli archeologist charged today.
Hebrew University's Eilat Mazor said the Waqf, the site's Muslim custodians, "want to turn the whole of the Temple Mount into a mosque for Muslims only."
"They don't care about the artifacts or heritage on the site," Mazor told the Israeli news site YnetNews.com.
"The Waqf has acted terribly, taking thousands of tons of artifacts from the First Temple, the Second Temple, as well as Muslim artifacts, and throwing them away."
Mazor was referring to Muslim excavations near a new mosque constructed at the Temple Mount's Solomon's Stables. During the excavations, the Wafq reportedly disposed truckloads of dirt containing Jewish artifacts from the First and Second Temple periods. After the media reported this, Israeli authorities froze the construction permit given to the Wafq.
"There is a total ignorance of history and archeology. Artifacts showing ancient history are hidden," Mazor said.
Meanwhile, Muslims here this week are protesting work by the Israeli antiquities authority to repair a ramp near the Temple Mount even though the work, at the Western Wall plaza, is not taking place on the Mount and poses no threat to the holy site. Muslim leaders are calling for a "new intifada" to protest the routine Israeli repair work.
Mazor, a third-generation Israeli Temple Mount archaeologist, is the discoverer and lead archaeologist of Israel's City of David, believed to be the palace of the biblical King David, the second leader of a united Kingdom of Israel, who ruled from around 1005 to 965 B.C.
Mazor slammed the inaction of the Israeli government while Islam "takes over" the Temple Mount.
"The (Israeli) authorities have failed to deal with this issue. The only ones paying attention are the police, and they are only interested in quiet, so they do nothing," Mazor said.
But the Israeli government lately has been active on the issue of the Temple Mount.
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Top archaeologist blasts Israeli inaction as Islam 'takes over' Judaism's holiest site
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
JERUSALEM – The Israeli government is "doing nothing" while the Muslim custodians of the Temple Mount discard Jewish artifacts and attempt to turn Judaism's holiest site into an exclusive prayer zone for Islam, a leading Israeli archeologist charged today.
Hebrew University's Eilat Mazor said the Waqf, the site's Muslim custodians, "want to turn the whole of the Temple Mount into a mosque for Muslims only."
"They don't care about the artifacts or heritage on the site," Mazor told the Israeli news site YnetNews.com.
"The Waqf has acted terribly, taking thousands of tons of artifacts from the First Temple, the Second Temple, as well as Muslim artifacts, and throwing them away."
Mazor was referring to Muslim excavations near a new mosque constructed at the Temple Mount's Solomon's Stables. During the excavations, the Wafq reportedly disposed truckloads of dirt containing Jewish artifacts from the First and Second Temple periods. After the media reported this, Israeli authorities froze the construction permit given to the Wafq.
"There is a total ignorance of history and archeology. Artifacts showing ancient history are hidden," Mazor said.
Meanwhile, Muslims here this week are protesting work by the Israeli antiquities authority to repair a ramp near the Temple Mount even though the work, at the Western Wall plaza, is not taking place on the Mount and poses no threat to the holy site. Muslim leaders are calling for a "new intifada" to protest the routine Israeli repair work.
Mazor, a third-generation Israeli Temple Mount archaeologist, is the discoverer and lead archaeologist of Israel's City of David, believed to be the palace of the biblical King David, the second leader of a united Kingdom of Israel, who ruled from around 1005 to 965 B.C.
Mazor slammed the inaction of the Israeli government while Islam "takes over" the Temple Mount.
"The (Israeli) authorities have failed to deal with this issue. The only ones paying attention are the police, and they are only interested in quiet, so they do nothing," Mazor said.
But the Israeli government lately has been active on the issue of the Temple Mount.
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Abortionist arrested in Florida investigation
Abortionist arrested in Florida investigation
Accused of allowing unlicensed workers to perform medical procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
The owner of an abortion clinic where the body of a baby who was born alive and then allegedly killed was found has been arrested on allegations stemming from her operation of a second clinic, authorities report.
Belkis Gonzalez was arrested and jailed on two felony counts related to abortions at A Gyn of Miramar, Inc., an abortion business in Miramar, Fla., which is known as Miramar Women's Center, according to a report from Operation Rescue, an organization of pro-life activists.
Bill Robertson, an information officer in the Miramar police department, told Operation Rescue that Gonzales had been taken into custody at her Miramar abortion business, and released over the weekend on $1,000 cash bond.
And he reported that a suspect believed to be Gonzalez' partner, Siomara Senesis, also had been apprehended.
The arrests are a result of an investigation that began with a tip supplied to Miramar police in November 2004, by a pro-life investigator whose identity was not revealed by Operation Rescue. They were the seventh and eighth arrests, however, that have resulted from that ongoing investigation, officials said.
Operation Rescue said the two are business partners who have run a number of abortion clinics in the Broward County area, and the felony counts name both as defendants. The counts include "Principle in the First Degree" and relates to aiding in the commission of a crime, and "Unlicensed Practice of Health Care," which relates to running the abortion clinics with employees who were not licensed by the state to do those activities.
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Accused of allowing unlicensed workers to perform medical procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
The owner of an abortion clinic where the body of a baby who was born alive and then allegedly killed was found has been arrested on allegations stemming from her operation of a second clinic, authorities report.
Belkis Gonzalez was arrested and jailed on two felony counts related to abortions at A Gyn of Miramar, Inc., an abortion business in Miramar, Fla., which is known as Miramar Women's Center, according to a report from Operation Rescue, an organization of pro-life activists.
Bill Robertson, an information officer in the Miramar police department, told Operation Rescue that Gonzales had been taken into custody at her Miramar abortion business, and released over the weekend on $1,000 cash bond.
And he reported that a suspect believed to be Gonzalez' partner, Siomara Senesis, also had been apprehended.
The arrests are a result of an investigation that began with a tip supplied to Miramar police in November 2004, by a pro-life investigator whose identity was not revealed by Operation Rescue. They were the seventh and eighth arrests, however, that have resulted from that ongoing investigation, officials said.
Operation Rescue said the two are business partners who have run a number of abortion clinics in the Broward County area, and the felony counts name both as defendants. The counts include "Principle in the First Degree" and relates to aiding in the commission of a crime, and "Unlicensed Practice of Health Care," which relates to running the abortion clinics with employees who were not licensed by the state to do those activities.
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Officials urged to resign for lie about border agents
Officials urged to resign for lie about border agents
Congressman calls for ouster of DHS deputies after IG admits agency gave false information
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A Republican congressman is calling for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security officials who he says lied about the case of two Border Patrol agents imprisoned for their actions in the shooting of a drug smuggler.
As WND reported, at a congressional hearing yesterday, Rep. John Culberson of Texas confronted DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner about his agency's claim it had documentary proof of the guilt of former agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.
"Richard Skinner admitted yesterday under oath that his top deputies gave members of Congress false information painting Border Patrol agents as rogue cops who were not in fear for their lives and who were 'out to shoot Mexicans,'" Culberson said in a statement.
Culberson said he believes false information was given to congressmen to "throw us off the scent and cover up what appears to be an unjust criminal prosecution of two U.S. law enforcement officers whose job was protecting our country's borders from criminals and terrorists."
The admission came during Skinner's testimony before the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Culberson was asking questions about a meeting DHS officials had Sept. 26 with him and three other Republican congressman from Texas, Reps. Ted Poe, Michael McCaul and Kenny Marchant.
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Congressman calls for ouster of DHS deputies after IG admits agency gave false information
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A Republican congressman is calling for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security officials who he says lied about the case of two Border Patrol agents imprisoned for their actions in the shooting of a drug smuggler.
As WND reported, at a congressional hearing yesterday, Rep. John Culberson of Texas confronted DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner about his agency's claim it had documentary proof of the guilt of former agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.
"Richard Skinner admitted yesterday under oath that his top deputies gave members of Congress false information painting Border Patrol agents as rogue cops who were not in fear for their lives and who were 'out to shoot Mexicans,'" Culberson said in a statement.
Culberson said he believes false information was given to congressmen to "throw us off the scent and cover up what appears to be an unjust criminal prosecution of two U.S. law enforcement officers whose job was protecting our country's borders from criminals and terrorists."
The admission came during Skinner's testimony before the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Culberson was asking questions about a meeting DHS officials had Sept. 26 with him and three other Republican congressman from Texas, Reps. Ted Poe, Michael McCaul and Kenny Marchant.
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STD vaccine campaign sweeping the nation
STD vaccine campaign sweeping the nation
26 states could mandate Merck drug for schoolgirls in coming months
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Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
State laws requiring young girls to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted disease soon could be controlling the decisions parents make regarding their daughters in 26 states, as a result of the financial influence of drug maker Merck & Co. and the support it has gotten for its campaign from Women in Government as well as a prominent Republican lobbyist.
The drug manufacturer, the only company now making the vaccine for human papillomavirus, stands to be the immediate beneficiary – with estimates of up to $4 billion in sales – as well as those few thousand individuals whose complications from the HPV virus may well be eliminated.
The powerful connections behind the apparently separate but simultaneous state legislative proposals to mandate the HPV vaccine across the nation became apparent when Fran Eaton, the editor for the Illinois Review blog posted a commentary on the situation in Illinois.
There she noted with dismay that Texas Gov. Rick Perry had signed into law by executive fiat a requirement that all schoolgirls be vaccinated – at costs that have been estimated at up to $400 per student – with the vaccine created by Merck.
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26 states could mandate Merck drug for schoolgirls in coming months
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
State laws requiring young girls to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted disease soon could be controlling the decisions parents make regarding their daughters in 26 states, as a result of the financial influence of drug maker Merck & Co. and the support it has gotten for its campaign from Women in Government as well as a prominent Republican lobbyist.
The drug manufacturer, the only company now making the vaccine for human papillomavirus, stands to be the immediate beneficiary – with estimates of up to $4 billion in sales – as well as those few thousand individuals whose complications from the HPV virus may well be eliminated.
The powerful connections behind the apparently separate but simultaneous state legislative proposals to mandate the HPV vaccine across the nation became apparent when Fran Eaton, the editor for the Illinois Review blog posted a commentary on the situation in Illinois.
There she noted with dismay that Texas Gov. Rick Perry had signed into law by executive fiat a requirement that all schoolgirls be vaccinated – at costs that have been estimated at up to $400 per student – with the vaccine created by Merck.
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Evangelists beaten for handing out tracts
Evangelists beaten for handing out tracts
Four took Christian message to conference that taught Islam
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Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Four evangelists who are supported by Voice of the Martyrs have suffered beatings by a crowd of irate Muslims, but they first succeeded in handing out more than 13,000 Christian tracts at a conference on Islam.
Officials with VOM, a U.S.-based Christian group helping members of the persecuted Christian church worldwide, said one of the beatings was so severe that the Christian apparently suffered internal bleeding as a result.
But the message was delivered, much as Jesus described in Matthew 16:18, where he announces that "thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Gates, of course, generally are immobile, implying that it is the Christian message that advances. That is what happened at the Pakistan conference, VOM said.
"We are thrilled to stand with such courageous Christians," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for VOM. "These men bravely carried Christ's message of love to some of those who need it most, even though it was costly to do so.
"We are blessed to be able to provide medical care for them, and to continue to provide gospel materials to Pakistani Christians who risk so much to live for Christ," he said.
The team was at a Muslim festival in the city of Pakpattan on a Friday late last month. The four-member team handed out more than 13,000 Christian messages at that event before being attacked by radical Muslims.
VOM reports that three members of the team were beaten up, then taken to the police station where they were detained and questioned before being released.
The fourth member, however, "was badly beaten by a mob of more than 100 angry Muslims, who then dragged him through the crowd before taking him to the police station," the VOM reported. "He was beaten so severely that he reported blood in his urine and his stool."
VOM said workers on the scene are overseeing his hospitalization and care.
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Four took Christian message to conference that taught Islam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Four evangelists who are supported by Voice of the Martyrs have suffered beatings by a crowd of irate Muslims, but they first succeeded in handing out more than 13,000 Christian tracts at a conference on Islam.
Officials with VOM, a U.S.-based Christian group helping members of the persecuted Christian church worldwide, said one of the beatings was so severe that the Christian apparently suffered internal bleeding as a result.
But the message was delivered, much as Jesus described in Matthew 16:18, where he announces that "thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Gates, of course, generally are immobile, implying that it is the Christian message that advances. That is what happened at the Pakistan conference, VOM said.
"We are thrilled to stand with such courageous Christians," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for VOM. "These men bravely carried Christ's message of love to some of those who need it most, even though it was costly to do so.
"We are blessed to be able to provide medical care for them, and to continue to provide gospel materials to Pakistani Christians who risk so much to live for Christ," he said.
The team was at a Muslim festival in the city of Pakpattan on a Friday late last month. The four-member team handed out more than 13,000 Christian messages at that event before being attacked by radical Muslims.
VOM reports that three members of the team were beaten up, then taken to the police station where they were detained and questioned before being released.
The fourth member, however, "was badly beaten by a mob of more than 100 angry Muslims, who then dragged him through the crowd before taking him to the police station," the VOM reported. "He was beaten so severely that he reported blood in his urine and his stool."
VOM said workers on the scene are overseeing his hospitalization and care.
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Men jailed for being on public sidewalk
Men jailed for being on public sidewalk
Gideons arrested after school officials complain they were handing out Bibles
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Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Two men who are members of Gideons International, the Christian organization that is famous for, among other ministries, placing Bibles in motels and giving them to children, have been arrested after trying to hand out Bibles on a public sidewalk in Florida, according to a law firm.
Officials with the Alliance Defense Fund have confirmed they will be representing Anthony Mirto and Ernest Simpson, who were arrested, booked into jail and charged with trespassing.
Jeremy Tedesco, one of the ADF's lawyers on the case, confirmed to WND that the organization's clients were on a public sidewalk when they were handing out Bibles and school officials summoned police.
"The First Amendment protects the right to engage in religious speech on a public sidewalk," ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman said. "Members of the Gideons have been highly respected for decades as peaceful providers of free Bibles to those who want them."
The arrest happened Jan. 19, when Mirto and Simpson were on the sidewalk outside of Key Largo School in Key Largo, Fla., and were distributing copies of the Bible to those interested.
"Neither man entered school grounds," the law firm said. "After the school's principal called police, a Monroe County sheriff's officer asked the men to leave immediately or face trespassing charges. As the men prepared to leave, the officer decided to arrest both individuals."
A hearing is scheduled March 5 in Monroe County Court in the cases, and ADF attorneys are preparing motions to dismiss the charges.
"Officials cannot use fear of arrest as a means of bullying law-abiding Christians into silence," Cortman said. "These men broke no laws when they decided to communicate their message on a public sidewalk."
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Gideons arrested after school officials complain they were handing out Bibles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 8, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Two men who are members of Gideons International, the Christian organization that is famous for, among other ministries, placing Bibles in motels and giving them to children, have been arrested after trying to hand out Bibles on a public sidewalk in Florida, according to a law firm.
Officials with the Alliance Defense Fund have confirmed they will be representing Anthony Mirto and Ernest Simpson, who were arrested, booked into jail and charged with trespassing.
Jeremy Tedesco, one of the ADF's lawyers on the case, confirmed to WND that the organization's clients were on a public sidewalk when they were handing out Bibles and school officials summoned police.
"The First Amendment protects the right to engage in religious speech on a public sidewalk," ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman said. "Members of the Gideons have been highly respected for decades as peaceful providers of free Bibles to those who want them."
The arrest happened Jan. 19, when Mirto and Simpson were on the sidewalk outside of Key Largo School in Key Largo, Fla., and were distributing copies of the Bible to those interested.
"Neither man entered school grounds," the law firm said. "After the school's principal called police, a Monroe County sheriff's officer asked the men to leave immediately or face trespassing charges. As the men prepared to leave, the officer decided to arrest both individuals."
A hearing is scheduled March 5 in Monroe County Court in the cases, and ADF attorneys are preparing motions to dismiss the charges.
"Officials cannot use fear of arrest as a means of bullying law-abiding Christians into silence," Cortman said. "These men broke no laws when they decided to communicate their message on a public sidewalk."
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Saturday, February 3, 2007
Fox's John Kasich interviews atheist Brian Flemming about the Blasphemy Challenge.
Fox News Blasphemy Challenge
Fox's John Kasich interviews atheist Brian Flemming about the Blasphemy Challenge.
Click here to watch the video!
Very foolish...They know not what they do! Professing to be wise, they became fools. They will have to bow down to the God they deny one day soon. Then, it will be too late.
Fox's John Kasich interviews atheist Brian Flemming about the Blasphemy Challenge.
Click here to watch the video!
Very foolish...They know not what they do! Professing to be wise, they became fools. They will have to bow down to the God they deny one day soon. Then, it will be too late.
Police take home-taught student to psych ward
Police take home-taught student to psych ward
Government objected to her parent-led courses in math, Latin
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Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A nation whose education officials already have warned that they will, when necessary, "bring the religious convictions of the family into line" with state requirements, now has removed a 16-year-old girl from her family and placed her in a child psychiatry unit after she turned in below-expected grades in math and Latin.
The news of nearly two dozen officials and uniformed police officers physically taking the teen from her home in front of her shocked family is just the latest horror story to come out of Germany, where homeschooling was placed under a ban by Adolf Hitler and der Fuhrer's law still is enforced.
The stories are concerning to homeschoolers in the rest of the world, including the United States, because of the real potential that international law eventually could be used to ban such activities in places where it now is legal.
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Government objected to her parent-led courses in math, Latin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A nation whose education officials already have warned that they will, when necessary, "bring the religious convictions of the family into line" with state requirements, now has removed a 16-year-old girl from her family and placed her in a child psychiatry unit after she turned in below-expected grades in math and Latin.
The news of nearly two dozen officials and uniformed police officers physically taking the teen from her home in front of her shocked family is just the latest horror story to come out of Germany, where homeschooling was placed under a ban by Adolf Hitler and der Fuhrer's law still is enforced.
The stories are concerning to homeschoolers in the rest of the world, including the United States, because of the real potential that international law eventually could be used to ban such activities in places where it now is legal.
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Christians Concerned for Venezuela as Chavez Granted Sweeping Powers
Christians Concerned for Venezuela as Chavez Granted Sweeping Powers
Christians are concerned for the future of religious freedom in Venezuela after the country's Congress granted President Hugo Chavez powers to rule by decree.
by Maria Mackay
Voice of the Martyrs, a Christian persecution watchdog, has expressed its concern for the future of religious freedom in Venezuela after the country’s Congress granted President Hugo Chavez powers earlier in the week to rule by decree for 18 months.
Chavez’s new powers come as he attempts to force through nationalisations key to the new era of “maximum revolution” in which he aims to transform 11 broadly defined areas, including the economy, energy and defence.
Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton said, "President Hugo Chavez is gaining almost dictatorial powers over that country. He will be allowed to stay in office as long as he wants and basically rule the country by his decree."
The future for Christians in the country looks uncertain and Nettleton says Chavez doesn’t have a good track record, reports Mission Network News.
"Chavez is very fond of Fidel Castro. We know he's not a friend of the church in his country. So, you just look at the evidence and you look at the past and you look at who Hugo Chavez' friends are, it's got to make you nervous if you have Christian workers in Venezuela."
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Christians are concerned for the future of religious freedom in Venezuela after the country's Congress granted President Hugo Chavez powers to rule by decree.
by Maria Mackay
Voice of the Martyrs, a Christian persecution watchdog, has expressed its concern for the future of religious freedom in Venezuela after the country’s Congress granted President Hugo Chavez powers earlier in the week to rule by decree for 18 months.
Chavez’s new powers come as he attempts to force through nationalisations key to the new era of “maximum revolution” in which he aims to transform 11 broadly defined areas, including the economy, energy and defence.
Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton said, "President Hugo Chavez is gaining almost dictatorial powers over that country. He will be allowed to stay in office as long as he wants and basically rule the country by his decree."
The future for Christians in the country looks uncertain and Nettleton says Chavez doesn’t have a good track record, reports Mission Network News.
"Chavez is very fond of Fidel Castro. We know he's not a friend of the church in his country. So, you just look at the evidence and you look at the past and you look at who Hugo Chavez' friends are, it's got to make you nervous if you have Christian workers in Venezuela."
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Abortion Bill Rejected in Wyoming
Abortion Bill Rejected in Wyoming
CBN News
CBNNews.com – Wyoming’s House of Representatives recently rejected a bill requiring a 24-hour waiting period for women who want an abortion.
Women are also required to look at materials showing the risks and side effects of abortion.
Supporters called it the “Women’s Right to Know Act.”
One sponsor said he’d talked to women who were harmed physically and mentally by abortion.
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CBN News
CBNNews.com – Wyoming’s House of Representatives recently rejected a bill requiring a 24-hour waiting period for women who want an abortion.
Women are also required to look at materials showing the risks and side effects of abortion.
Supporters called it the “Women’s Right to Know Act.”
One sponsor said he’d talked to women who were harmed physically and mentally by abortion.
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Current birth rates could produce Muslim domination
Chad Groening
OneNewsNow.com
The Population Research Institute says the Western world is facing a crisis as virtually every country has birth rates well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman.
A pro-family organization has done extensive research into birth rates around the world and has concluded that if the Western world wants to survive, it better start having more children. The Population Research Institute (PRI) says virtually every Western or Westernized nation on the planet is slowly dying off because birth rates have fallen below the 2.1-child-per-woman replacement level.
PRI spokesman Joseph D'Agostino says for the most part, only Muslims have high birth rates. "It's because Christians and Jews are refusing to have children, refusing to get married, [and] having such low birth rates that the Muslims are going to inherit the Earth," he explains. "It's not anything the Muslims are doing; it's what Christians and Jews are not doing."
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OneNewsNow.com
The Population Research Institute says the Western world is facing a crisis as virtually every country has birth rates well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman.
A pro-family organization has done extensive research into birth rates around the world and has concluded that if the Western world wants to survive, it better start having more children. The Population Research Institute (PRI) says virtually every Western or Westernized nation on the planet is slowly dying off because birth rates have fallen below the 2.1-child-per-woman replacement level.
PRI spokesman Joseph D'Agostino says for the most part, only Muslims have high birth rates. "It's because Christians and Jews are refusing to have children, refusing to get married, [and] having such low birth rates that the Muslims are going to inherit the Earth," he explains. "It's not anything the Muslims are doing; it's what Christians and Jews are not doing."
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Pastors can motivate church members to evangelize, LifeWay Research says
Allie Martin
OneNewsNow.com
A Lifeway Research study finds the churches that are most successful in the area of evangelism are those whose pastors set the tone for an emphasis on soul winning and lead their congregations by example.
A new study by the research arm of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) finds churches that excel in evangelism have pastors who emphasize soul winning. LifeWay Research interviewed staff from several SBC churches and found that the senior pastor’s involvement was the most important determiner of a church’s success at evangelistic outreach.
In its study, LifeWay Research wanted to focus on churches that met the following criteria: churches that had baptized at least 26 people each year for 10 consecutive years; had overall worship attendance growth during the same 10 years; and had a membership to baptism ratio of no more than 20-to-1.
Out of more than 43,000 churches in the denomination, only 22 Southern Baptist congregations met those criteria. In interviews conducted with staff members from 19 of those churches, LifeWay’s researchers found the involvement of a senior pastor to be the most critical factor when it came to soul winning.
"In every case,” LifeWay Research director Brad Waggoner says, the study showed that senior pastors “set the tone for the whole church,” leading not only in terms of preaching and encouraging people but also by example. “Once again,” the LifeWay official notes, “we were reminded of the importance of God calling out leaders who set the pace."
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OneNewsNow.com
A Lifeway Research study finds the churches that are most successful in the area of evangelism are those whose pastors set the tone for an emphasis on soul winning and lead their congregations by example.
A new study by the research arm of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) finds churches that excel in evangelism have pastors who emphasize soul winning. LifeWay Research interviewed staff from several SBC churches and found that the senior pastor’s involvement was the most important determiner of a church’s success at evangelistic outreach.
In its study, LifeWay Research wanted to focus on churches that met the following criteria: churches that had baptized at least 26 people each year for 10 consecutive years; had overall worship attendance growth during the same 10 years; and had a membership to baptism ratio of no more than 20-to-1.
Out of more than 43,000 churches in the denomination, only 22 Southern Baptist congregations met those criteria. In interviews conducted with staff members from 19 of those churches, LifeWay’s researchers found the involvement of a senior pastor to be the most critical factor when it came to soul winning.
"In every case,” LifeWay Research director Brad Waggoner says, the study showed that senior pastors “set the tone for the whole church,” leading not only in terms of preaching and encouraging people but also by example. “Once again,” the LifeWay official notes, “we were reminded of the importance of God calling out leaders who set the pace."
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'Amazing Grace' film about Wilberforce called inspirational
'Amazing Grace' film about Wilberforce called inspirational
By Michael Foust
Baptist Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--William Wilberforce isn't a household name in America, but an upcoming motion picture is trying to change that.
"Amazing Grace" is the story of Wilberforce, a devout Christian and a member of the British Parliament who, beginning around 1787, sought to do what then seemed impossible -- lead the British Empire to abolish the slave trade, what supporters called the lifeblood of the economy. He failed year after year before, finally, in 1807 -- 200 years ago -- his bill became law, abolishing an evil that had resulted in the enslavement and death of millions of Africans. Shortly before his death in 1833, he learned that another bill -- to abolish the practice of slavery itself in the empire -- would soon become law
The movie -– to be released Feb. 23 and rated PG for mild language -- gets its name from Wilberforce's friendship with John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace" and a former slave trader who -- several years after becoming a Christian -- teamed up with Wilberforce to abolish the trade.
Christian leaders today say the church could learn much from the way Wilberforce's faith drove him to moral action and kept him from giving up, despite obstacles.
"Anyone would be uplifted by seeing this movie, and people of faith should be inspired by it," said Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Richard Land, who saw the movie at a January screening. "I thought it was an excellent movie that shows what happens when a man of true faith takes seriously the command to be salt and light. Wilberforce should be an inspiration to every person of faith who takes seriously the obligation, responsibility and commission to make a difference in society."
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By Michael Foust
Baptist Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--William Wilberforce isn't a household name in America, but an upcoming motion picture is trying to change that.
"Amazing Grace" is the story of Wilberforce, a devout Christian and a member of the British Parliament who, beginning around 1787, sought to do what then seemed impossible -- lead the British Empire to abolish the slave trade, what supporters called the lifeblood of the economy. He failed year after year before, finally, in 1807 -- 200 years ago -- his bill became law, abolishing an evil that had resulted in the enslavement and death of millions of Africans. Shortly before his death in 1833, he learned that another bill -- to abolish the practice of slavery itself in the empire -- would soon become law
The movie -– to be released Feb. 23 and rated PG for mild language -- gets its name from Wilberforce's friendship with John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace" and a former slave trader who -- several years after becoming a Christian -- teamed up with Wilberforce to abolish the trade.
Christian leaders today say the church could learn much from the way Wilberforce's faith drove him to moral action and kept him from giving up, despite obstacles.
"Anyone would be uplifted by seeing this movie, and people of faith should be inspired by it," said Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Richard Land, who saw the movie at a January screening. "I thought it was an excellent movie that shows what happens when a man of true faith takes seriously the command to be salt and light. Wilberforce should be an inspiration to every person of faith who takes seriously the obligation, responsibility and commission to make a difference in society."
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Tortured brickmakers refuse to embrace Islam
Tortured brickmakers refuse to embrace Islam
Steadfast Christian faith sustains them through month-long imprisonment
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Two brothers who used to work at a brick kiln have escaped from what they describe as a kidnapping and torture by the business owner, who wanted them to convert from Christianity to Islam, according to a new report from Voice of the Martyrs, a U.S.-based Christian group helping members of the persecuted Christian church worldwide.
The two now have had to move to a new location in Pakistan, since the kiln owner continues to search for them, alleging they owe him a sum of about $750 – or 45,000 rupees
The brothers, Shahzad, 18, and Saraj Bashir, 20, were working for the kiln company – at the rate of about 200 to 300 rupees per 1,000 bricks, but were being pressured by the owner to forsake Christianity.
One day their steadfast Christian faith brought their Islamic boss to a breaking point.
"When Shahzad and Saraj refused to convert, the brick kiln owner took them away," according to a VOM source within Pakistan. "He put them in a small, empty room with a mud floor without a bed, chair or mattress."
The source continued: "He kept them there for a month. He gave them food once a day and beat them with a stick when they refused to convert back to Islam. He also threw acid on their arms, but they remained true to their Christ."
The tension between the kiln owner's demands and the brothers' faith had been building for some time. The brothers had been paid for the first few weeks of work, but then the owner, angered by meetings the Christians held, stopped paying for the work and instead told the family they owed him the 45,000 rupees.
"What angered the brick kiln owner more were the prayer meetings conducted by Pastor Emmanuel. Christians attended the prayer meetings and refused converting to Islam," the VOM source reported.
Throughout the time the brothers were held, they prayed daily and asked God to rescue them, VOM said.
One day, their chance came.
"When they discovered the door [to their prison] was open, they bowed before God and thanked Him for the miracle and then escaped," the informant told VOM. The brothers fled for days, without food, until they could reach their family.
Their fear of the kiln owner's anger and potential future actions have forced them now to move from the area. Reports are that the kiln owner continues searching for the brothers in order to get repayment of their "debt," according to VOM.
The brothers pray their experience will bring other Muslims to a knowledge of Christianity, VOM said.
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Steadfast Christian faith sustains them through month-long imprisonment
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Two brothers who used to work at a brick kiln have escaped from what they describe as a kidnapping and torture by the business owner, who wanted them to convert from Christianity to Islam, according to a new report from Voice of the Martyrs, a U.S.-based Christian group helping members of the persecuted Christian church worldwide.
The two now have had to move to a new location in Pakistan, since the kiln owner continues to search for them, alleging they owe him a sum of about $750 – or 45,000 rupees
The brothers, Shahzad, 18, and Saraj Bashir, 20, were working for the kiln company – at the rate of about 200 to 300 rupees per 1,000 bricks, but were being pressured by the owner to forsake Christianity.
One day their steadfast Christian faith brought their Islamic boss to a breaking point.
"When Shahzad and Saraj refused to convert, the brick kiln owner took them away," according to a VOM source within Pakistan. "He put them in a small, empty room with a mud floor without a bed, chair or mattress."
The source continued: "He kept them there for a month. He gave them food once a day and beat them with a stick when they refused to convert back to Islam. He also threw acid on their arms, but they remained true to their Christ."
The tension between the kiln owner's demands and the brothers' faith had been building for some time. The brothers had been paid for the first few weeks of work, but then the owner, angered by meetings the Christians held, stopped paying for the work and instead told the family they owed him the 45,000 rupees.
"What angered the brick kiln owner more were the prayer meetings conducted by Pastor Emmanuel. Christians attended the prayer meetings and refused converting to Islam," the VOM source reported.
Throughout the time the brothers were held, they prayed daily and asked God to rescue them, VOM said.
One day, their chance came.
"When they discovered the door [to their prison] was open, they bowed before God and thanked Him for the miracle and then escaped," the informant told VOM. The brothers fled for days, without food, until they could reach their family.
Their fear of the kiln owner's anger and potential future actions have forced them now to move from the area. Reports are that the kiln owner continues searching for the brothers in order to get repayment of their "debt," according to VOM.
The brothers pray their experience will bring other Muslims to a knowledge of Christianity, VOM said.
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Investigation of pastor's shooting death sought
Investigation of pastor's shooting death sought
Government forces gun down Tamil Mission Church leader
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Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Church officials who oversee the work of Christian ministers in Sri Lanka are calling for international intervention in that nation, after a church pastor was gunned down by Sri Lankan government security forces.
The report comes from Assist News Service.
It identifies the victim of the government-forces shooting as Rev. Nallathamby Gnanaseelan, the pastor of Tamil Mission Church Jaffna, and the father of four children, ages 1 to 7.
ASSIST reported that the bishop of Colombo noted the pastor had taken his wife Serena and his daughter to the hospital on his bike.
"The killing took place at Chapel Street when Rev. Gnanaseelan was returning, after dropping his wife and daughter at the hospital. He was heading to his church to conduct a fasting and prayer event," the bishop said.
Reports reaching the bishop's office from the Clergy Fellowship of Jaffna indicate that Rev. Gnanaseelan was shot in the stomach and then as he lay on the street, shot in the head and killed. "His Bible, bag, identity card and motorcycle were taken away and he was left lying on the road," the report said.
"The security forces reports initially indicated that Rev. Ghanaseelan was carrying explosives. Subsequently it was said that he was shot as he did not stop when challenged to do so. This is a deliberate attempt to frame Rev. Gnanaseelan," according to the bishop's report on the Jan. 13 death.
Lanka Nesiah, personal assistant to the bishop of Colombo, told ASSIST: "Rev. Gnanaseelan was a member of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance Clergy Fellowship in Jaffna and was not involved in any political activity. He was a law abiding citizen and a pastor to his congregation. His death is not an isolated incident, but one of many, which takes place in the North East of Sri Lanka, daily."
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Government forces gun down Tamil Mission Church leader
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Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Church officials who oversee the work of Christian ministers in Sri Lanka are calling for international intervention in that nation, after a church pastor was gunned down by Sri Lankan government security forces.
The report comes from Assist News Service.
It identifies the victim of the government-forces shooting as Rev. Nallathamby Gnanaseelan, the pastor of Tamil Mission Church Jaffna, and the father of four children, ages 1 to 7.
ASSIST reported that the bishop of Colombo noted the pastor had taken his wife Serena and his daughter to the hospital on his bike.
"The killing took place at Chapel Street when Rev. Gnanaseelan was returning, after dropping his wife and daughter at the hospital. He was heading to his church to conduct a fasting and prayer event," the bishop said.
Reports reaching the bishop's office from the Clergy Fellowship of Jaffna indicate that Rev. Gnanaseelan was shot in the stomach and then as he lay on the street, shot in the head and killed. "His Bible, bag, identity card and motorcycle were taken away and he was left lying on the road," the report said.
"The security forces reports initially indicated that Rev. Ghanaseelan was carrying explosives. Subsequently it was said that he was shot as he did not stop when challenged to do so. This is a deliberate attempt to frame Rev. Gnanaseelan," according to the bishop's report on the Jan. 13 death.
Lanka Nesiah, personal assistant to the bishop of Colombo, told ASSIST: "Rev. Gnanaseelan was a member of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance Clergy Fellowship in Jaffna and was not involved in any political activity. He was a law abiding citizen and a pastor to his congregation. His death is not an isolated incident, but one of many, which takes place in the North East of Sri Lanka, daily."
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Church 'Super Bowl' festivities may go on
Church 'Super Bowl' festivities may go on
NFL says just don't charge admission fees to parties
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Posted: February 2, 2007
5:00 p.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Churches across the U.S. planning Super Bowl parties Sunday, as the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears meet in the 41st edition of the classic first won by the Green Bay Packers, have been given sweeping permission by the NFL to go ahead – just as long as no admission fees are charged.
A dispute arose several days ago in the Midwest when the NFL sent a letter to one church based on its website advertisement for a "Super Bowl Party." That letter to Fall Creek Baptist Church in Indianapolis said the church couldn't use the words "Super Bowl," it couldn't charge admission, it couldn't use its projection screen for the game, and a number of other things.
Those limits, coupled with the fact no church felt willing to take on a financial behemoth like the National Football League in court, sparked a series of cancellations of those parties.
"We regret to inform you that we have had to cancel our bash to view the Colts game this Sunday in a family friendly environment due to the fact that the NFL believes we would be in violation of the Copyright Act, because we had planned to show the game on a screen bigger than a 55 inch diagonal," said a website statement from Pastor John D. Newland of Fall Creek Baptist.
However, a written statement given to WND by the NFL late today made no mention of many of those restrictions. It was attributed only to "an NFL spokesman."
"The National Football League has absolutely no objection to churches and others hosting Super Bowl viewing parties as long as they do not charge admission and show the game on a television of the type commonly used at home.
"We are simply following copyright law and have done so with regard to any type of commercial establishment including hotels, theatres, museums, schools, arenas and others.
"This is nothing new. It is a matter of longstanding policy and the law.
"We have no rules that relate to viewing at home on any type of television."
NFL officials, after the statement was released, could not be reached by WND for any elaboration.
Earlier, they forwarded to WND their "Policy On The Public Performance Of Game Broadcasts," which expressed the league's "exclusive" ownership of the games and broadcasts.
The policy also describes the "homestyle exemption," which allows that in certain circumstances "conduct that otherwise violates the public performance right is deemed noninfringing. Specifically, 17 U.S.C. Paragraph 110(5)(A) provides that performance of a televised game will be excused if such performance is 'on a single receiving apparatus of a kind commonly used in private homes, unless (1) a direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission; or (2) the transmission thus received is further transmitted to the public.'"
The NFL policy notes that the league doesn't object to having games played on a single television receiver, "set up in a room or bar, provided payment is not a condition of entry."
Elaborate performances, such as those using a movie theater with multiple, oversized television monitors and entry fees would, however, cause objections.
Pastor Mark Miller, of Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis, said his church's party was cancelled, but when he heard from WND the NFL was committed to being flexible, said it would depend on whether the youth ministry team could re-group – again – that fast.
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NFL says just don't charge admission fees to parties
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Posted: February 2, 2007
5:00 p.m. Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Churches across the U.S. planning Super Bowl parties Sunday, as the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears meet in the 41st edition of the classic first won by the Green Bay Packers, have been given sweeping permission by the NFL to go ahead – just as long as no admission fees are charged.
A dispute arose several days ago in the Midwest when the NFL sent a letter to one church based on its website advertisement for a "Super Bowl Party." That letter to Fall Creek Baptist Church in Indianapolis said the church couldn't use the words "Super Bowl," it couldn't charge admission, it couldn't use its projection screen for the game, and a number of other things.
Those limits, coupled with the fact no church felt willing to take on a financial behemoth like the National Football League in court, sparked a series of cancellations of those parties.
"We regret to inform you that we have had to cancel our bash to view the Colts game this Sunday in a family friendly environment due to the fact that the NFL believes we would be in violation of the Copyright Act, because we had planned to show the game on a screen bigger than a 55 inch diagonal," said a website statement from Pastor John D. Newland of Fall Creek Baptist.
However, a written statement given to WND by the NFL late today made no mention of many of those restrictions. It was attributed only to "an NFL spokesman."
"The National Football League has absolutely no objection to churches and others hosting Super Bowl viewing parties as long as they do not charge admission and show the game on a television of the type commonly used at home.
"We are simply following copyright law and have done so with regard to any type of commercial establishment including hotels, theatres, museums, schools, arenas and others.
"This is nothing new. It is a matter of longstanding policy and the law.
"We have no rules that relate to viewing at home on any type of television."
NFL officials, after the statement was released, could not be reached by WND for any elaboration.
Earlier, they forwarded to WND their "Policy On The Public Performance Of Game Broadcasts," which expressed the league's "exclusive" ownership of the games and broadcasts.
The policy also describes the "homestyle exemption," which allows that in certain circumstances "conduct that otherwise violates the public performance right is deemed noninfringing. Specifically, 17 U.S.C. Paragraph 110(5)(A) provides that performance of a televised game will be excused if such performance is 'on a single receiving apparatus of a kind commonly used in private homes, unless (1) a direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission; or (2) the transmission thus received is further transmitted to the public.'"
The NFL policy notes that the league doesn't object to having games played on a single television receiver, "set up in a room or bar, provided payment is not a condition of entry."
Elaborate performances, such as those using a movie theater with multiple, oversized television monitors and entry fees would, however, cause objections.
Pastor Mark Miller, of Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis, said his church's party was cancelled, but when he heard from WND the NFL was committed to being flexible, said it would depend on whether the youth ministry team could re-group – again – that fast.
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Mt. Soledad case 'should be put to rest'
Mt. Soledad case 'should be put to rest'
ACLJ argues more appeals in dispute over San Diego cross unneeded
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Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A brief has been filed with the California Supreme Court on behalf of nearly two dozens members of Congress asking that a lower court ruling in the dispute over the Mt. Soledad Memorial be affirmed.
That lower court decision concluded that a ballot proposition in which San Diego voters overwhelmingly supported a plan to donate the memorial and its land to the federal government was constitutional.
The new filing comes from the American Center for Law and Justice, which wants the state Supreme Court to deny a further review of the dispute and allow the cross memorial to stay where it is.
The ACLJ's filing come just a few weeks after a federal appeals court dismissed a separate legal proceeding that challenged the cross memorial.
"The state appeals court got this right and there is simply no reason for the California Supreme Court to take this appeal," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ, which is active in defending the constitutionality of the cross.
"It's clear the legal challenges at both the state and federal levels are not succeeding and we're confident that ultimately this issue can be put to rest once and for all. The Mt. Soledad Memorial is a historically significant tribute honoring veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and poses no constitutional crisis," he said.
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ACLJ argues more appeals in dispute over San Diego cross unneeded
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Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A brief has been filed with the California Supreme Court on behalf of nearly two dozens members of Congress asking that a lower court ruling in the dispute over the Mt. Soledad Memorial be affirmed.
That lower court decision concluded that a ballot proposition in which San Diego voters overwhelmingly supported a plan to donate the memorial and its land to the federal government was constitutional.
The new filing comes from the American Center for Law and Justice, which wants the state Supreme Court to deny a further review of the dispute and allow the cross memorial to stay where it is.
The ACLJ's filing come just a few weeks after a federal appeals court dismissed a separate legal proceeding that challenged the cross memorial.
"The state appeals court got this right and there is simply no reason for the California Supreme Court to take this appeal," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ, which is active in defending the constitutionality of the cross.
"It's clear the legal challenges at both the state and federal levels are not succeeding and we're confident that ultimately this issue can be put to rest once and for all. The Mt. Soledad Memorial is a historically significant tribute honoring veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and poses no constitutional crisis," he said.
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Imam leads Democrats in prayer of conversion
Imam leads Democrats in prayer of conversion
Muslim leader at party's winter meeting also asks Allah to stop 'the occupation'
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Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
With heads bowed reverently, Democrats were led in prayer yesterday by a Muslim imam who essentially asked Allah to assist in converting the party members to Islam, according to a scholar and author.
Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and author of "The Truth about Muhammad," took note of the invocation given at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting by Husham Al-Husainy, imam of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center, a shiite mosque in Dearborn, Mich.
According to a transcript of the prayer, which can be seen on a video clip provided by HotAir.com, the imam said:
In the name of God the most merciful, the most compassionate. We thank you, God, to bless us among your creations. We thank you, God, to make us as a great nation. We thank you God, to send us your messages through our father Abraham and Moses and Jesus and Muhammad. Through you, God, we unite. So guide us to the right path. The path of the people you bless, not the path of the people you doom. Help us God to liberate and fill this earth with justice and peace and love and equality. And help us to stop the war and violence, and oppression and occupation. Ameen.
Spencer, in a post on his Jihad Watch website, said he found it interesting to see the Muslim leader praying, "in veiled terms to be sure, for their conversion to Islam, and, oh yes, for the destruction of Israel ("And help us to stop the war and violence, and oppression and occupation").
"Imagine if a Christian priest or minister had prayed at a DNC meeting that those attending be guided away from the path of those doomed by God," Spencer said.
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Muslim leader at party's winter meeting also asks Allah to stop 'the occupation'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
With heads bowed reverently, Democrats were led in prayer yesterday by a Muslim imam who essentially asked Allah to assist in converting the party members to Islam, according to a scholar and author.
Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch and author of "The Truth about Muhammad," took note of the invocation given at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting by Husham Al-Husainy, imam of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center, a shiite mosque in Dearborn, Mich.
According to a transcript of the prayer, which can be seen on a video clip provided by HotAir.com, the imam said:
In the name of God the most merciful, the most compassionate. We thank you, God, to bless us among your creations. We thank you, God, to make us as a great nation. We thank you God, to send us your messages through our father Abraham and Moses and Jesus and Muhammad. Through you, God, we unite. So guide us to the right path. The path of the people you bless, not the path of the people you doom. Help us God to liberate and fill this earth with justice and peace and love and equality. And help us to stop the war and violence, and oppression and occupation. Ameen.
Spencer, in a post on his Jihad Watch website, said he found it interesting to see the Muslim leader praying, "in veiled terms to be sure, for their conversion to Islam, and, oh yes, for the destruction of Israel ("And help us to stop the war and violence, and oppression and occupation").
"Imagine if a Christian priest or minister had prayed at a DNC meeting that those attending be guided away from the path of those doomed by God," Spencer said.
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MARRIAGE DIGEST: Israel recognizes first 'gay marriage'; Hawaii legislators may pass civil unions bill; ...
MARRIAGE DIGEST: Israel recognizes first 'gay marriage'; Hawaii legislators may pass civil unions bill; ...
By Michael Foust
Baptist Press
JERUSALEM (BP)--Israel registered its first "gay marriage" Jan. 29, two months after the nation's highest court issued a landmark ruling for homosexual couples.
Binyamin and Avi Rose, two homosexual men from Israel, became the first couple to have their marriage license recognized, the Jerusalem Post reported. They "married" in Canada last June.
The November decision by the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the country to recognize "gay marriages" from other countries, such as Canada and Spain. Although the ruling didn't allow same-sex couples to get "married" within Israel's borders, it nonetheless put the country at odds with other nations such as the United States and Great Britain, neither of which recognizes foreign "gay marriages." The U.S. government doesn't even recognize "gay marriages" from the state of Massachusetts, where it is legal.
"It was wonderful to get married at the city hall in Toronto, but it was far more important for the state of Israel to recognize us as a couple," Avi told the Jerusalem Post.
His father is a rabbi in the United States and supports "gay marriage."
"We wanted the government of Israel to recognize that we are a couple," Avi told the paper. "It was no more of a statement than [coming from] a 'regular' couple, but we are both committed Zionists and are hopeful that our union will bring more progress on this issue."
Despite Israel's conservative image, homosexual activists there have won significant legal and political battles in recent years. For instance, homosexuals in Israel can serve openly in the military. America's "don't ask, don't tell" policy prevents such open service, with U.S. military leaders saying open service would harm morale and cohesion.
Canada is a popular destination for homosexual couples because its marriage law doesn't require residency.
The 6-1 decision by Israel's highest court sparked outrage by some politicians.
"We don't have a Jewish state here. We have Sodom and Gomorrah here," lawmaker Moshe Gafni told Israel's Army Radio, according to the Associated Press. "I assume that every sane person in the state of Israel, possibly the entire Jewish world, is shocked, because the significance is ... the destruction of the family unit in the state of Israel."
Some legislators support passage of a bill that would prohibit the recognition of "gay marriage." Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, though, opposes the bill.
HAWAII CONSIDERS CIVIL UNIONS -- Democrats in Hawaii's legislature are hoping to pass a bill this session that would legalize same-sex civil unions, putting the state alongside Connecticut, New Jersey and Vermont. Democrats control both chambers. Civil unions grant same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage.
"Committed couples, regardless of their sexual preference or orientation, should have the same rights. That's the bottom line -- we should treat people equally," state Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser said, according to AP. "There's broad support among Democratic party members."
Republican Gov. Linda Lingle hasn't taken a position on the bill, AP said.
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By Michael Foust
Baptist Press
JERUSALEM (BP)--Israel registered its first "gay marriage" Jan. 29, two months after the nation's highest court issued a landmark ruling for homosexual couples.
Binyamin and Avi Rose, two homosexual men from Israel, became the first couple to have their marriage license recognized, the Jerusalem Post reported. They "married" in Canada last June.
The November decision by the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the country to recognize "gay marriages" from other countries, such as Canada and Spain. Although the ruling didn't allow same-sex couples to get "married" within Israel's borders, it nonetheless put the country at odds with other nations such as the United States and Great Britain, neither of which recognizes foreign "gay marriages." The U.S. government doesn't even recognize "gay marriages" from the state of Massachusetts, where it is legal.
"It was wonderful to get married at the city hall in Toronto, but it was far more important for the state of Israel to recognize us as a couple," Avi told the Jerusalem Post.
His father is a rabbi in the United States and supports "gay marriage."
"We wanted the government of Israel to recognize that we are a couple," Avi told the paper. "It was no more of a statement than [coming from] a 'regular' couple, but we are both committed Zionists and are hopeful that our union will bring more progress on this issue."
Despite Israel's conservative image, homosexual activists there have won significant legal and political battles in recent years. For instance, homosexuals in Israel can serve openly in the military. America's "don't ask, don't tell" policy prevents such open service, with U.S. military leaders saying open service would harm morale and cohesion.
Canada is a popular destination for homosexual couples because its marriage law doesn't require residency.
The 6-1 decision by Israel's highest court sparked outrage by some politicians.
"We don't have a Jewish state here. We have Sodom and Gomorrah here," lawmaker Moshe Gafni told Israel's Army Radio, according to the Associated Press. "I assume that every sane person in the state of Israel, possibly the entire Jewish world, is shocked, because the significance is ... the destruction of the family unit in the state of Israel."
Some legislators support passage of a bill that would prohibit the recognition of "gay marriage." Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, though, opposes the bill.
HAWAII CONSIDERS CIVIL UNIONS -- Democrats in Hawaii's legislature are hoping to pass a bill this session that would legalize same-sex civil unions, putting the state alongside Connecticut, New Jersey and Vermont. Democrats control both chambers. Civil unions grant same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage.
"Committed couples, regardless of their sexual preference or orientation, should have the same rights. That's the bottom line -- we should treat people equally," state Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser said, according to AP. "There's broad support among Democratic party members."
Republican Gov. Linda Lingle hasn't taken a position on the bill, AP said.
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Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Hit Christian Movie on a Mission 'Facing the Giants'
Hit Christian Movie on a Mission
CBN News
CBNNews.com - Sports Illustrated called it one of the most inspirational movies of the year and now "Facing the Giants" is out on DVD.
It has been dubbed "the little movie that could" because of the positive message it sent to the nation and hollywood.
It's about a high school football coach who trusts God to do the impossible which He did in the movie.
Click here for the full story, and for a link to learn more about how the movie is being used to share Biblical principles for living.
CBN News
CBNNews.com - Sports Illustrated called it one of the most inspirational movies of the year and now "Facing the Giants" is out on DVD.
It has been dubbed "the little movie that could" because of the positive message it sent to the nation and hollywood.
It's about a high school football coach who trusts God to do the impossible which He did in the movie.
Click here for the full story, and for a link to learn more about how the movie is being used to share Biblical principles for living.
So Just What Is Iran Up to Anyway?
So Just What Is Iran Up to Anyway?
By John Jessup
CBN News
January 31, 2007
CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON- The accusations against Iran are coming from the highest level of government and include some Iraqis, too.
On Capitol Hill, the man who's preparing to direct U.S. policy in Iraq for the State Department says Iran is making progress in Iraq difficult.
"We have increasing evidence that they have been providing lethal assistance to extremist Shia groups in that country," said John Negroponte, director of National Intelligence.
Iran denies those charges, but they're getting harder to escape.
This week, a top U.S. general in Iraq told USA Today Tehran is supplying militia groups with katyusha rockets, explosively formed projectiles, and rocket propelled grenades strong enough to pierce through armor. The military has been able to trace them back to Iran through serial numbers.
There's also a report that the attackers responsible for the deaths of five American soldiers in Karbala earlier this month may have been trained and financed by Iran.
Bush, in an interview with ABC News, said the U.S. will deal with Iran to protect U.S. forces in the region.
"Some are trying to take my words and say, 'Well, what he's really trying to do is go invade Iran.' Nobody's talking about that. All options are on the table, of course, in anything. But to say that defending ourselves in Iraq means that… has some greater goal is just simply not the case," said Bush.
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By John Jessup
CBN News
January 31, 2007
CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON- The accusations against Iran are coming from the highest level of government and include some Iraqis, too.
On Capitol Hill, the man who's preparing to direct U.S. policy in Iraq for the State Department says Iran is making progress in Iraq difficult.
"We have increasing evidence that they have been providing lethal assistance to extremist Shia groups in that country," said John Negroponte, director of National Intelligence.
Iran denies those charges, but they're getting harder to escape.
This week, a top U.S. general in Iraq told USA Today Tehran is supplying militia groups with katyusha rockets, explosively formed projectiles, and rocket propelled grenades strong enough to pierce through armor. The military has been able to trace them back to Iran through serial numbers.
There's also a report that the attackers responsible for the deaths of five American soldiers in Karbala earlier this month may have been trained and financed by Iran.
Bush, in an interview with ABC News, said the U.S. will deal with Iran to protect U.S. forces in the region.
"Some are trying to take my words and say, 'Well, what he's really trying to do is go invade Iran.' Nobody's talking about that. All options are on the table, of course, in anything. But to say that defending ourselves in Iraq means that… has some greater goal is just simply not the case," said Bush.
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Minister believes he's Jesus incarnate
Note from Lighthouse:
Matthew 24:4-8
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Matthew 24:26-27
"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man...
*End of Note*
He Calls Himself God
A Puerto Rican minister says Christ 'integrated' with him. Others call him a cult leader and a charlatan.
By Arian Campo-Flores
Newsweek
Feb. 5, 2007 issue -
At first glance, the congregation gathered in a warehouse in Doral, Fla., seems like a typical Hispanic evangelical group. There's the 10-piece band, the singing and swaying, the whooping and hollering. But look a little more closely. There's not a cross in sight. The lectern is emblazoned with a near replica of the U.S. presidential seal, except that it reads in Spanish, government of god on earth. Off to the side stand three burly guys in dark suits with Secret Service-style earpieces. When a door by the stage opens, the guards leap into action. They surround the man with slicked-back hair who emerges and escort him to his seat. When the crowd spots him, it goes wild. People chant, "Lord! Lord! Lord!" It quickly becomes clear that they're referring to him. "It's Jesus Christ himself!" a preacher onstage announces. "Let's welcome Jesus Christ Man!"
In the rapturous eyes of his flock, Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is, in fact, the second coming of Christ. As the head of the Growing in Grace International Ministry, he presides over a sprawling organization that includes more than 300 congregations in two dozen countries, from Argentina to Australia. He counts more than 100,000 followers and claims to reach millions more through a 24-hour TV channel, a radio show and several Web sites. He is supported by the generosity of his devotees, who have launched some 450 businesses to pour cash into Growing in Grace's coffers. Though de Jesus' followers worship him, others denounce him as a charlatan. Everyone, however, agrees on one thing: his teachings are incendiary.
A native of Puerto Rico, de Jesus, 60, spent his youth drifting from the Roman Catholics to the Pentecostals to the Baptists. Then one night in 1973, he says, he awoke to a vision of two hulking men at his bedside who announced the arrival of the Lord, who, says de Jesus, "came to me and integrated with me." In the early years after founding Growing in Grace in Miami in 1986, de Jesus didn't claim to be Christ. Instead, he worked as a pastor spreading his doctrine: that under a new covenant with God, there is no sin and no Satan, and people are predestined to be saved. But as his following expanded, his claims did, too. In 1998, de Jesus avowed that he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. Two years ago at Growing in Grace's world convention in Venezuela, he declared himself Christ. And just last week, he called himself the Antichrist and revealed a "666" tattooed on his forearm. His explanation: that, as the second coming of Christ, he rejects the continued worship of Jesus of Nazareth.
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Matthew 24:4-8
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Matthew 24:26-27
"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man...
*End of Note*
He Calls Himself God
A Puerto Rican minister says Christ 'integrated' with him. Others call him a cult leader and a charlatan.
By Arian Campo-Flores
Newsweek
Feb. 5, 2007 issue -
At first glance, the congregation gathered in a warehouse in Doral, Fla., seems like a typical Hispanic evangelical group. There's the 10-piece band, the singing and swaying, the whooping and hollering. But look a little more closely. There's not a cross in sight. The lectern is emblazoned with a near replica of the U.S. presidential seal, except that it reads in Spanish, government of god on earth. Off to the side stand three burly guys in dark suits with Secret Service-style earpieces. When a door by the stage opens, the guards leap into action. They surround the man with slicked-back hair who emerges and escort him to his seat. When the crowd spots him, it goes wild. People chant, "Lord! Lord! Lord!" It quickly becomes clear that they're referring to him. "It's Jesus Christ himself!" a preacher onstage announces. "Let's welcome Jesus Christ Man!"
In the rapturous eyes of his flock, Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is, in fact, the second coming of Christ. As the head of the Growing in Grace International Ministry, he presides over a sprawling organization that includes more than 300 congregations in two dozen countries, from Argentina to Australia. He counts more than 100,000 followers and claims to reach millions more through a 24-hour TV channel, a radio show and several Web sites. He is supported by the generosity of his devotees, who have launched some 450 businesses to pour cash into Growing in Grace's coffers. Though de Jesus' followers worship him, others denounce him as a charlatan. Everyone, however, agrees on one thing: his teachings are incendiary.
A native of Puerto Rico, de Jesus, 60, spent his youth drifting from the Roman Catholics to the Pentecostals to the Baptists. Then one night in 1973, he says, he awoke to a vision of two hulking men at his bedside who announced the arrival of the Lord, who, says de Jesus, "came to me and integrated with me." In the early years after founding Growing in Grace in Miami in 1986, de Jesus didn't claim to be Christ. Instead, he worked as a pastor spreading his doctrine: that under a new covenant with God, there is no sin and no Satan, and people are predestined to be saved. But as his following expanded, his claims did, too. In 1998, de Jesus avowed that he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. Two years ago at Growing in Grace's world convention in Venezuela, he declared himself Christ. And just last week, he called himself the Antichrist and revealed a "666" tattooed on his forearm. His explanation: that, as the second coming of Christ, he rejects the continued worship of Jesus of Nazareth.
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Iran celebrates revolution vowing nuclear advance
Iran celebrates revolution vowing nuclear advance
Jan 31 8:32 AM US/Eastern
Iran kicks off 10 days of celebrations on Thursday marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, with officials promising the unveiling of a major advance in its controversial nuclear drive.
The festivities known as the "Decade of Fajr" (Dawn) culminate on February 11, the date 28 years ago when the US-backed Shah's regime fell to revolutionaries led by the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has already said he will announce "good news" about the development of the nation's nuclear programme during the anniversary celebrations.
Iran has defied the international community and vowed to press on with its nuclear work despite a UN resolution in December imposing sanctions over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment.
Enrichment is the focus of Western fears that Tehran is seeking to build nuclear weapons as the process can make the fissile core of an atom bomb as well as nuclear fuel.
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Jan 31 8:32 AM US/Eastern
Iran kicks off 10 days of celebrations on Thursday marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, with officials promising the unveiling of a major advance in its controversial nuclear drive.
The festivities known as the "Decade of Fajr" (Dawn) culminate on February 11, the date 28 years ago when the US-backed Shah's regime fell to revolutionaries led by the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has already said he will announce "good news" about the development of the nation's nuclear programme during the anniversary celebrations.
Iran has defied the international community and vowed to press on with its nuclear work despite a UN resolution in December imposing sanctions over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment.
Enrichment is the focus of Western fears that Tehran is seeking to build nuclear weapons as the process can make the fissile core of an atom bomb as well as nuclear fuel.
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U.S. unveils evidence Iran fueling Iraq war
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Agents on Tehran's payroll involved in death squads hold prominent positions in the U.S.-backed Iraqi government and National Assembly, according to an expert on Iran who broke the news about the country's nuclear weapons program.
Alireza Jafarzadeh, author of the new book "The Iran threat: President Ahmadinejad and the Coming Nuclear Crisis," said the efforts by Iran to place its agents in the Iraqi government form a part of Tehran's larger plan to export its revolution.
The U.S. is having such a difficult time winning the war, he said, because Iran is fueling the Iraqis with bombs and weapons that are killing American soldiers.
Tomorrow, Jafarzadeh noted, the U.S. ambassador to Baghdad, Zalmay Khalilzad, will hold a news conference to present a dossier of Iran's efforts to fuel sectarian violence in Iraq.
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Agents on Tehran's payroll involved in death squads hold prominent positions in the U.S.-backed Iraqi government and National Assembly, according to an expert on Iran who broke the news about the country's nuclear weapons program.
Alireza Jafarzadeh, author of the new book "The Iran threat: President Ahmadinejad and the Coming Nuclear Crisis," said the efforts by Iran to place its agents in the Iraqi government form a part of Tehran's larger plan to export its revolution.
The U.S. is having such a difficult time winning the war, he said, because Iran is fueling the Iraqis with bombs and weapons that are killing American soldiers.
Tomorrow, Jafarzadeh noted, the U.S. ambassador to Baghdad, Zalmay Khalilzad, will hold a news conference to present a dossier of Iran's efforts to fuel sectarian violence in Iraq.
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Terrorist: We'll use U.S. weapons if Israel retaliates
Terrorist: We'll use U.S. weapons if Israel retaliates
Abbas-related group vows 'to use all tools at our disposal'
By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
TEL AVIV – If Israel retaliates for yesterday's suicide bombing with a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian groups will use "all tools" at their disposal to attack the Jewish state, including American weapons recently transferred to security forces associated with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah organization, a leader of Fatah's declared military wing told WND today.
"If Israel dares any major atrocities in Gaza in response to yesterday's martyrdom operation, we vow to use all tools at our disposal to attack Israel and prove to the Zionists the heavy price of entering Gaza," said Abu Ahmed, a northern Gaza leader of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror organization. "This means also the American weapons sent to Fatah as part of an American-Zionist conspiracy to generate internal fighting between us (Fatah) and Hamas."
The Brigades, the declared military wing of Fatah, took responsibility along with the Islamic Jihad terror group for yesterday's attack, which killed three people when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a bakery in the southern resort city of Eilat.
Many members of the Brigades also openly serve in Fatah's security organizations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this month told reporters the U.S. is working with Fatah to create a unified Palestinian security force. The Bush administration reportedly will grant $86.4 million to strengthen the Fatah forces, including Force 17, Abbas' security detail, which also serves as de facto police units in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
The U.S. aid is meant to bolster Fatah, which the U.S. considers moderate, against Hamas. Fatah and Hamas have engaged in nearly two months of deadly factional clashes after Abbas called for new Palestinian elections in a move widely seen as an attempt to dismantle the Hamas-led PA.
WND reported the U.S. in recent weeks transferred 7,000 assault rifles and more than 1 million rounds of ammunition to Fatah militias.
The last confirmed American arms shipment to Fatah took place in May. At first, the shipment, consisting of 3,000 rifles, was denied by the U.S. and Israel, but Olmert in June admitted the transfer took place, telling reporters, "I needed to approve the shipment to help bolster Abbas."
At the time, Abu Yousuf, a Fatah militant from Abba's Force 17 security forces, told WND while some of the weapons may be used in confrontations against Hamas, the bulk of the American arms would be utilized to "hit the Zionists."
He said if there is a major conflict with Israel, U.S. weapons provided to Fatah may be shared with other "Palestinian resistance organizations."
"The first place of these U.S. weapons will be to defend the Palestinian national project, which is reflected by the foundation of the Palestinian Authority. If Hamas or any other group under the influence of Iran and Syria wants to make a coup de tat against our institution, these weapons are there to defend the PA," said Abu Yousuf.
"We don't want to go to civil war with Hamas, because this is what both the U.S. and Israel want. This is our last option. We hope our brothers in Hamas won't oblige us to find ourselves in confrontation," Abu Yousuf said.
But the Fatah militant said the new American weapons may also be used to target Israelis. He admitted previous American arms supplied to Fatah were used in "resistance operations" against the Jewish state.
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Abbas-related group vows 'to use all tools at our disposal'
By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
TEL AVIV – If Israel retaliates for yesterday's suicide bombing with a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian groups will use "all tools" at their disposal to attack the Jewish state, including American weapons recently transferred to security forces associated with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah organization, a leader of Fatah's declared military wing told WND today.
"If Israel dares any major atrocities in Gaza in response to yesterday's martyrdom operation, we vow to use all tools at our disposal to attack Israel and prove to the Zionists the heavy price of entering Gaza," said Abu Ahmed, a northern Gaza leader of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror organization. "This means also the American weapons sent to Fatah as part of an American-Zionist conspiracy to generate internal fighting between us (Fatah) and Hamas."
The Brigades, the declared military wing of Fatah, took responsibility along with the Islamic Jihad terror group for yesterday's attack, which killed three people when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a bakery in the southern resort city of Eilat.
Many members of the Brigades also openly serve in Fatah's security organizations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this month told reporters the U.S. is working with Fatah to create a unified Palestinian security force. The Bush administration reportedly will grant $86.4 million to strengthen the Fatah forces, including Force 17, Abbas' security detail, which also serves as de facto police units in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
The U.S. aid is meant to bolster Fatah, which the U.S. considers moderate, against Hamas. Fatah and Hamas have engaged in nearly two months of deadly factional clashes after Abbas called for new Palestinian elections in a move widely seen as an attempt to dismantle the Hamas-led PA.
WND reported the U.S. in recent weeks transferred 7,000 assault rifles and more than 1 million rounds of ammunition to Fatah militias.
The last confirmed American arms shipment to Fatah took place in May. At first, the shipment, consisting of 3,000 rifles, was denied by the U.S. and Israel, but Olmert in June admitted the transfer took place, telling reporters, "I needed to approve the shipment to help bolster Abbas."
At the time, Abu Yousuf, a Fatah militant from Abba's Force 17 security forces, told WND while some of the weapons may be used in confrontations against Hamas, the bulk of the American arms would be utilized to "hit the Zionists."
He said if there is a major conflict with Israel, U.S. weapons provided to Fatah may be shared with other "Palestinian resistance organizations."
"The first place of these U.S. weapons will be to defend the Palestinian national project, which is reflected by the foundation of the Palestinian Authority. If Hamas or any other group under the influence of Iran and Syria wants to make a coup de tat against our institution, these weapons are there to defend the PA," said Abu Yousuf.
"We don't want to go to civil war with Hamas, because this is what both the U.S. and Israel want. This is our last option. We hope our brothers in Hamas won't oblige us to find ourselves in confrontation," Abu Yousuf said.
But the Fatah militant said the new American weapons may also be used to target Israelis. He admitted previous American arms supplied to Fatah were used in "resistance operations" against the Jewish state.
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Chavez to Get Powers to Remake Venezuela
Jan 31, 10:52 AM (ET)
By FABIOLA SANCHEZ
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - A Congress wholly loyal to President Hugo Chavez met at a downtown plaza Wednesday to give the Venezuelan leader authority to enact sweeping measures by presidential decree.
Hundreds of Chavez supporters wearing red - the color of Venezuela's ruling party - gathered in the plaza, waving signs reading "Socialism is democracy!" as lawmakers read out the proposed bill giving the president special powers for 18 months to transform 11 broadly defined areas, including the economy, energy and defense.
"The people of Venezuela, not just the National Assembly, are giving this enabling power to the president of the republic," said congresswoman Iris Varela, addressing the crowd next to the National Assembly.
Chavez, who is beginning a fresh six-year term, says the legislation will be the start of a new era of "maximum revolution" during which he will consolidate Venezuela's transformation into a socialist society. His critics, however, are calling it a radical lurch toward authoritarianism by a leader with unchecked power.
The former paratroop commander has already said he will use the law to decree nationalizations of Venezuela's largest telecommunications company and the electricity sector, slap new taxes on the rich and impose greater state control over the oil and natural gas industries.
A final draft of the law shows Chavez will also be allowed to dictate unspecified measures to transform state institutions; reform banking, tax, insurance and financial regulations; decide on security and defense matters such as gun regulations and military organization; and "adapt" legislation to ensure "the equal distribution of wealth" as part of a new "social and economic model."
Chavez also plans to reorganize regional territories and carry out reforms aimed at bringing "power to the people" through thousands of newly formed Communal Councils, in which Venezuelans will have a say on spending an increasing flow of state money on neighborhood projects from public housing to road repaving.
Lawmakers were scheduled to formally approve the law Wednesday in an outdoor session in Caracas' Plaza Bolivar, next to the National Assembly.
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By FABIOLA SANCHEZ
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - A Congress wholly loyal to President Hugo Chavez met at a downtown plaza Wednesday to give the Venezuelan leader authority to enact sweeping measures by presidential decree.
Hundreds of Chavez supporters wearing red - the color of Venezuela's ruling party - gathered in the plaza, waving signs reading "Socialism is democracy!" as lawmakers read out the proposed bill giving the president special powers for 18 months to transform 11 broadly defined areas, including the economy, energy and defense.
"The people of Venezuela, not just the National Assembly, are giving this enabling power to the president of the republic," said congresswoman Iris Varela, addressing the crowd next to the National Assembly.
Chavez, who is beginning a fresh six-year term, says the legislation will be the start of a new era of "maximum revolution" during which he will consolidate Venezuela's transformation into a socialist society. His critics, however, are calling it a radical lurch toward authoritarianism by a leader with unchecked power.
The former paratroop commander has already said he will use the law to decree nationalizations of Venezuela's largest telecommunications company and the electricity sector, slap new taxes on the rich and impose greater state control over the oil and natural gas industries.
A final draft of the law shows Chavez will also be allowed to dictate unspecified measures to transform state institutions; reform banking, tax, insurance and financial regulations; decide on security and defense matters such as gun regulations and military organization; and "adapt" legislation to ensure "the equal distribution of wealth" as part of a new "social and economic model."
Chavez also plans to reorganize regional territories and carry out reforms aimed at bringing "power to the people" through thousands of newly formed Communal Councils, in which Venezuelans will have a say on spending an increasing flow of state money on neighborhood projects from public housing to road repaving.
Lawmakers were scheduled to formally approve the law Wednesday in an outdoor session in Caracas' Plaza Bolivar, next to the National Assembly.
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Funerals not for shouting slogans, judge says
Funerals not for shouting slogans, judge says
Request for injunction to allow protests to continue rejected
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 31, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A federal judge in Missouri has ruled that a church whose members believe God is judging America by having her soldiers killed in war cannot shout those beliefs at memorial services for U.S. servicemen and women.
The ruling came on a request for a preliminary injunction in a case brought by a member of that organization, the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., against the state of Missouri, which earlier adopted a law banning protests within an hour before and after such a memorial service.
Judicial Watch, the Washington group focused on more transparency in government, had filed a brief in the case, and its chief, Tom Fitton, told WND that Missouri's restrictions on protests at funerals were "appropriate."
"The question we were trying to address is whether it is appropriate for states to regulate, to protect the rights of these families to have these funerals of fallen service family members conducted in peace," he said.
Several other states also have enacted similar laws, because of the Westboro protests. That group, founded in the 1950s, believes that God is judging America because of the nation's acceptance of homosexuality.
It has used funerals of homosexuals to stage its protests and gained famed because of its "God Hates Fags" posters around events that followed the beating death of Mathew Shepard, a homosexual student at the University of Wyoming who was attacked and beaten.
More recently, Westboro has protested at the funerals of fallen military members, saying their deaths are a judgment on America.
Judicial Watch had argued against the demand made by Westboro that the state of Missouri be ordered not to enforce its statute limiting protests "in or about" the funeral services.
The court order, from U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan, Jr., said the plaintiff in the case, Shirley Phelps-Roper, had not demonstrated that the restriction was violating her constitutional rights.
"The court order … essentially adopts Judicial Watch's argument that Missouri's 'funeral protection law' is well-grounded in Eighth Circuit judicial precedents and is consistent with the U.S. Constitution," said Judicial Watch. "Moreover, Judge Gaitan specifically cites Judicial Watch's amicus brief concern the right of family members and friends of those killed in battle to mourn their loss."
"The judge writes: '… amicus Judicial Watch notes that Missouri also has an interest in protecting funeral attendees' First Amendment rights to free exercise of religion.'"
"We're pleased the court seems to recognize the right of funeral attendees to mourn those who died defending our country without being disrupted by protesters," Fitton said. "Unlike the ACLU, most Americans believe that mourners should be able to engage in quiet and reflective prayer at funerals.
"As the court noted, '…picketing soldiers' funerals and belittling the sacrifices made by soldiers are intolerable actions…,'" he said.
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Request for injunction to allow protests to continue rejected
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 31, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A federal judge in Missouri has ruled that a church whose members believe God is judging America by having her soldiers killed in war cannot shout those beliefs at memorial services for U.S. servicemen and women.
The ruling came on a request for a preliminary injunction in a case brought by a member of that organization, the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., against the state of Missouri, which earlier adopted a law banning protests within an hour before and after such a memorial service.
Judicial Watch, the Washington group focused on more transparency in government, had filed a brief in the case, and its chief, Tom Fitton, told WND that Missouri's restrictions on protests at funerals were "appropriate."
"The question we were trying to address is whether it is appropriate for states to regulate, to protect the rights of these families to have these funerals of fallen service family members conducted in peace," he said.
Several other states also have enacted similar laws, because of the Westboro protests. That group, founded in the 1950s, believes that God is judging America because of the nation's acceptance of homosexuality.
It has used funerals of homosexuals to stage its protests and gained famed because of its "God Hates Fags" posters around events that followed the beating death of Mathew Shepard, a homosexual student at the University of Wyoming who was attacked and beaten.
More recently, Westboro has protested at the funerals of fallen military members, saying their deaths are a judgment on America.
Judicial Watch had argued against the demand made by Westboro that the state of Missouri be ordered not to enforce its statute limiting protests "in or about" the funeral services.
The court order, from U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan, Jr., said the plaintiff in the case, Shirley Phelps-Roper, had not demonstrated that the restriction was violating her constitutional rights.
"The court order … essentially adopts Judicial Watch's argument that Missouri's 'funeral protection law' is well-grounded in Eighth Circuit judicial precedents and is consistent with the U.S. Constitution," said Judicial Watch. "Moreover, Judge Gaitan specifically cites Judicial Watch's amicus brief concern the right of family members and friends of those killed in battle to mourn their loss."
"The judge writes: '… amicus Judicial Watch notes that Missouri also has an interest in protecting funeral attendees' First Amendment rights to free exercise of religion.'"
"We're pleased the court seems to recognize the right of funeral attendees to mourn those who died defending our country without being disrupted by protesters," Fitton said. "Unlike the ACLU, most Americans believe that mourners should be able to engage in quiet and reflective prayer at funerals.
"As the court noted, '…picketing soldiers' funerals and belittling the sacrifices made by soldiers are intolerable actions…,'" he said.
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7 Large Tunnels Beneath U.S.-Mexican Border Raising Security Concerns
7 Large Tunnels Beneath U.S.-Mexican Border Raising Security Concerns
SAN DIEGO — While key entrance and exit points have been plugged in some of the biggest tunnels used to ferry people and drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border, the passageways remain largely intact raising concerns smugglers reuse them, according to a published report.
In recent years, dozens of tunnels have been discovered running under the border. The smaller, more crudely constructed passages are easily destroyed, authorities say. But the larger, more elaborate tunnels require enormous amounts of material and expertise to fill.
The task to jam up an entire route also is costly and sometimes complicated if the tunnels run under private property, authorities say.
According to a report in Tuesday's Los Angeles Times, seven of the largest tunnels discovered under the U.S.-Mexico border have yet to be filled in, including the so-called Grande Tunnel found in January 2006 that extends nearly half a mile from San Diego to Tijuana.
Filling those tunnels would cost about $2.7 million, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, the newspaper said.
Michael Friel, an agency spokesman, said the department is trying to find money in its budget to complete the work. But critics say the unfilled tunnels pose an unnecessary national security risk.
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SAN DIEGO — While key entrance and exit points have been plugged in some of the biggest tunnels used to ferry people and drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border, the passageways remain largely intact raising concerns smugglers reuse them, according to a published report.
In recent years, dozens of tunnels have been discovered running under the border. The smaller, more crudely constructed passages are easily destroyed, authorities say. But the larger, more elaborate tunnels require enormous amounts of material and expertise to fill.
The task to jam up an entire route also is costly and sometimes complicated if the tunnels run under private property, authorities say.
According to a report in Tuesday's Los Angeles Times, seven of the largest tunnels discovered under the U.S.-Mexico border have yet to be filled in, including the so-called Grande Tunnel found in January 2006 that extends nearly half a mile from San Diego to Tijuana.
Filling those tunnels would cost about $2.7 million, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, the newspaper said.
Michael Friel, an agency spokesman, said the department is trying to find money in its budget to complete the work. But critics say the unfilled tunnels pose an unnecessary national security risk.
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Terrorists sought to blackmail Blair
Blair blackmail terror bid foiled
By GEORGE PASCOE-WATSON
Political Editor
JANUARY 31, 2007
EVIL Muslim terrorists were to kidnap a British soldier on UK streets and force him to plead with Tony Blair for his life in return for a pull-out of troops from Iraq, The Sun can reveal.
The soldier would have been filmed begging the PM to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan in a sick propaganda stunt.
Army sources said the target was a British Muslim soldier in his 20s.
He would eventually be beheaded on film in a sick mirror of the torture and savage killing of British hostage Ken Bigley if Mr Blair refused.
Senior security sources say the plot would have put the most unbearable blackmail pressure on the Premier to act.
It would also have sent shockwaves through the entire British Armed Forces - putting the fear of God into every man and woman in uniform on or off duty.
The fact that the arrests were made in Birmingham could suggest that soldiers recovering from wounds in military hospitals there might have been targeted.
But sources say they cannot be sure of this - and are also investigating leads that a serviceman could have been picked up by the kidnappers anywhere on the mainland.
One well-placed source said: "This plot represents a staggering change of tactic.
"We have all been braced for more mainland bombs which claim many lives and cause turmoil and widespread public fear.
"This would have taken things to a new dimension. The pressure on the PM would have been unimagineable.
"And there would have been a knock-on effect in terms of military morale."
Britain's service personnel take security precautions when off duty in and around their barracks and married quarters.
But in recent years it has become common practice for them to live off their bases in normal houses along side civilians.
The demise of the IRA threat on mainland Britain means they have been allowed to be more relaxed.
Now there will be increased security measures imposed on all servicemen and women to be on their guard.
The cunning plot represents a huge change in tactics by al Qaeda and its supporters.
It proves beyond doubt that terrorist cells are active in mainland Britain - just as MI5 boss Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller warned before Christmas.
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By GEORGE PASCOE-WATSON
Political Editor
JANUARY 31, 2007
EVIL Muslim terrorists were to kidnap a British soldier on UK streets and force him to plead with Tony Blair for his life in return for a pull-out of troops from Iraq, The Sun can reveal.
The soldier would have been filmed begging the PM to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan in a sick propaganda stunt.
Army sources said the target was a British Muslim soldier in his 20s.
He would eventually be beheaded on film in a sick mirror of the torture and savage killing of British hostage Ken Bigley if Mr Blair refused.
Senior security sources say the plot would have put the most unbearable blackmail pressure on the Premier to act.
It would also have sent shockwaves through the entire British Armed Forces - putting the fear of God into every man and woman in uniform on or off duty.
The fact that the arrests were made in Birmingham could suggest that soldiers recovering from wounds in military hospitals there might have been targeted.
But sources say they cannot be sure of this - and are also investigating leads that a serviceman could have been picked up by the kidnappers anywhere on the mainland.
One well-placed source said: "This plot represents a staggering change of tactic.
"We have all been braced for more mainland bombs which claim many lives and cause turmoil and widespread public fear.
"This would have taken things to a new dimension. The pressure on the PM would have been unimagineable.
"And there would have been a knock-on effect in terms of military morale."
Britain's service personnel take security precautions when off duty in and around their barracks and married quarters.
But in recent years it has become common practice for them to live off their bases in normal houses along side civilians.
The demise of the IRA threat on mainland Britain means they have been allowed to be more relaxed.
Now there will be increased security measures imposed on all servicemen and women to be on their guard.
The cunning plot represents a huge change in tactics by al Qaeda and its supporters.
It proves beyond doubt that terrorist cells are active in mainland Britain - just as MI5 boss Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller warned before Christmas.
Click here for the full story! (may need to disable pop-up blocker)
Let the porn flow, says public library
Let the porn flow, says public library
Officials reject request from families to limit open view of X-rated images
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 31, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
While pornography itself doesn't "shoot the bullet" for sex crimes, it does "cock the trigger," and Sacramento officials who supervise their public library system have told porn addicts to go ahead and get loaded.
The Sacramento Public Library Authority Board has decided against protecting library users from explicit pornography, a move lawyers at the Pacific Justice Institute had asked them to take, and which may, in fact, violate the library's own Internet guidelines.
"The present policy is to require filters on the computers," Brad Dacus, chief of the PJI, told WND. "However, all that is needed to have access to pornography is for an adult to request that the filters be removed."
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Officials reject request from families to limit open view of X-rated images
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 31, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
While pornography itself doesn't "shoot the bullet" for sex crimes, it does "cock the trigger," and Sacramento officials who supervise their public library system have told porn addicts to go ahead and get loaded.
The Sacramento Public Library Authority Board has decided against protecting library users from explicit pornography, a move lawyers at the Pacific Justice Institute had asked them to take, and which may, in fact, violate the library's own Internet guidelines.
"The present policy is to require filters on the computers," Brad Dacus, chief of the PJI, told WND. "However, all that is needed to have access to pornography is for an adult to request that the filters be removed."
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Colts chaplain partners with Dungy in imparting the faith
Colts chaplain partners with Dungy in imparting the faith
By Art Stricklin
Baptist Press
MIAMI (BP)--Pastor Ken Johnson has overcome the roughest of family situations and personal demons to become a minister, work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serve as the chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts.
He has seen firsthand the wonders and changes God can bring to any situation. But when he got a phone call from a person identifying himself as newly hired Colts head coach Tony Dungy, Johnson was convinced it was a prank, not God’s answer to a prayer.
“I have a good friend and we’re always playing jokes on each other. A few days after he was hired, I got a call from Tony Dungy saying he wanted to meet me,” Johnson recounted. “No coach had ever wanted to meet me, so I thought my friend was pulling my leg.
“Then Tony said he wanted to visit with me in the prisons, and I said, ‘Who is this, really?’ because no coach had ever visited in the prisons with me.”
Since Dungy was hired by the Colts in 2002, he has joined with Johnson to form one of the most active and public Christian ministries in the coaching profession.
“The first time he called me to his office, he asked me to pray for him and bless his office that God would be honored,” Johnson said.
“He is the real deal. He is going to respect everyone, but he is going to do everything in his power to be a Christ-like person.”
The same can be said of Johnson, who chronicled the challenges he endured growing up in a drug-filled and dysfunctional household in his book, “Journey to Excellence.”
Johnson was a high school football star in Texas and was a teammate at the University of Tulsa with a man who later would become the Bears head coach in Super Bowl XLI -- Lovie Smith. After college, Johnson spent time as a police office before rededicating his life to the Lord in 1982 and joining the Indianapolis FCA chapter as the urban outreach leader. He began working with the Colts shortly thereafter.
Johnson said his work has prospered since Dungy’s arrival. “We had some tough years,” he acknowledged, “but I believe God will give favor to all people who honor Him.”
“… [K]ids look up to you,” Johnson added, “and you have to proclaim the Gospel whenever you can.”
Willing to lovingly confront players who are going the wrong way, Johnson once paid a cover charge at an Indianapolis strip club to retrieve a Colts player who was inside.
“I just told him he was better than this and he needed to come with me.”
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By Art Stricklin
Baptist Press
MIAMI (BP)--Pastor Ken Johnson has overcome the roughest of family situations and personal demons to become a minister, work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serve as the chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts.
He has seen firsthand the wonders and changes God can bring to any situation. But when he got a phone call from a person identifying himself as newly hired Colts head coach Tony Dungy, Johnson was convinced it was a prank, not God’s answer to a prayer.
“I have a good friend and we’re always playing jokes on each other. A few days after he was hired, I got a call from Tony Dungy saying he wanted to meet me,” Johnson recounted. “No coach had ever wanted to meet me, so I thought my friend was pulling my leg.
“Then Tony said he wanted to visit with me in the prisons, and I said, ‘Who is this, really?’ because no coach had ever visited in the prisons with me.”
Since Dungy was hired by the Colts in 2002, he has joined with Johnson to form one of the most active and public Christian ministries in the coaching profession.
“The first time he called me to his office, he asked me to pray for him and bless his office that God would be honored,” Johnson said.
“He is the real deal. He is going to respect everyone, but he is going to do everything in his power to be a Christ-like person.”
The same can be said of Johnson, who chronicled the challenges he endured growing up in a drug-filled and dysfunctional household in his book, “Journey to Excellence.”
Johnson was a high school football star in Texas and was a teammate at the University of Tulsa with a man who later would become the Bears head coach in Super Bowl XLI -- Lovie Smith. After college, Johnson spent time as a police office before rededicating his life to the Lord in 1982 and joining the Indianapolis FCA chapter as the urban outreach leader. He began working with the Colts shortly thereafter.
Johnson said his work has prospered since Dungy’s arrival. “We had some tough years,” he acknowledged, “but I believe God will give favor to all people who honor Him.”
“… [K]ids look up to you,” Johnson added, “and you have to proclaim the Gospel whenever you can.”
Willing to lovingly confront players who are going the wrong way, Johnson once paid a cover charge at an Indianapolis strip club to retrieve a Colts player who was inside.
“I just told him he was better than this and he needed to come with me.”
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Chicago Bears’ Lovie Smith underscores his faith
Chicago Bears’ Lovie Smith underscores his faith
By Art Stricklin
Baptist Press
MIAMI (BP)--Lovie Smith had a limited amount of time during his Super Bowl XLI media session Monday, but the Chicago Bears head coach said he could spend hours talking about his star players and their efforts to get the team to their first Super Bowl berth in 21 years.
Smith also wanted to spend part of his allotted time talking about what was most important in his life, his faith in Jesus Christ.
“God is the center of my life. It controls all that I do. I hope I don’t have to spend my time telling my players I’m a Christian. I hope they see it in my life every day,” Smith said.
Since taking the helm of the Bears in 2004 -- his first head coaching job in the NFL -- he has led his team to back-to-back division titles and, now, to this year’s NFL championship game.
And he has done it in the same faith-based style of his close friend, mentor and opposing Super Bowl coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts.
“I could spend the rest of the day talking about Tony Dungy and what he means to me,” Smith told a ballroom full of media reps. “We have similar beliefs, and to see him go through the storms and see he’s the same person is truly encouraging.
“I’m happy we can to lead our teams to the Super Bowl. I’ve learned a lot from Tony Dungy.”
Smith grew up in a Christian home in the small east Texas town of Big Sandy, going to church regularly with his mother, his brothers and sisters.
“My mother always made sure we went to church and knew about the Lord. My faith has been with me all the time and I knew I needed God to be a part of my life,” he recounted.
Smith’s father battled alcoholism most of his life, which led his son never to drink, and his mom always emphasized to him the need for a clean mouth and a pure heart.
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By Art Stricklin
Baptist Press
MIAMI (BP)--Lovie Smith had a limited amount of time during his Super Bowl XLI media session Monday, but the Chicago Bears head coach said he could spend hours talking about his star players and their efforts to get the team to their first Super Bowl berth in 21 years.
Smith also wanted to spend part of his allotted time talking about what was most important in his life, his faith in Jesus Christ.
“God is the center of my life. It controls all that I do. I hope I don’t have to spend my time telling my players I’m a Christian. I hope they see it in my life every day,” Smith said.
Since taking the helm of the Bears in 2004 -- his first head coaching job in the NFL -- he has led his team to back-to-back division titles and, now, to this year’s NFL championship game.
And he has done it in the same faith-based style of his close friend, mentor and opposing Super Bowl coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts.
“I could spend the rest of the day talking about Tony Dungy and what he means to me,” Smith told a ballroom full of media reps. “We have similar beliefs, and to see him go through the storms and see he’s the same person is truly encouraging.
“I’m happy we can to lead our teams to the Super Bowl. I’ve learned a lot from Tony Dungy.”
Smith grew up in a Christian home in the small east Texas town of Big Sandy, going to church regularly with his mother, his brothers and sisters.
“My mother always made sure we went to church and knew about the Lord. My faith has been with me all the time and I knew I needed God to be a part of my life,” he recounted.
Smith’s father battled alcoholism most of his life, which led his son never to drink, and his mom always emphasized to him the need for a clean mouth and a pure heart.
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Monday, January 29, 2007
Ballistics data don't support charge against border agents
Ballistics data don't support charge against border agents
Investigator: U.S. attorney twisted evidence to fit case – 'guilty of malicious prosecution'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Jerome R. Corsi
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Ballistics reports, used in the trial of Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos, one of two Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting fleeing drug dealer Osbaldo Aldrete-Davila, do not support the prosecution's claim the bullet was fired from Ramos' gun, according to documents provided to WND from Andy Ramirez, chairman of the Friends of the Border Patrol.
Despite the conclusion of a laboratory criminalist that he could not conclusively link the bullet removed from Aldrete-Davila with Ramos' service weapon, a Department of Homeland Security agent swore, in an affidavit of complaint filed against Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, that Aldrete-Davila was hit by a round fired by Ramos.
"Johnny Sutton and his assistants are guilty of malicious prosecution," Ramirez charged to WND. "The prosecutors lied to the jury and he twisted evidence to make it fit his case. And when he couldn't twist the evidence, the government demanded that the court seal evidence which would have been exculpatory to the defense."
Nearly two years after the conclusion of the trial, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has yet to release a transcript of the trial.
WND asked Ramirez if he was aware of the seriousness of his charges.
"I am very aware and I am accusing Mr. Sutton of a felony," Ramirez told WND, "but I am basing my conclusion on the evidence I have examined in this case and the refusal by the government to provide evidence to substantiate its claim to the Congress and the American people."
"Back on Sept. 26, 2006, officials from the DHS Office of Inspector General made serious allegations against both agents Ramos and Compean to four members of Congress from the Texas delegation," Ramirez said. "The Inspector General has subsequently refused to provide their evidence to substantiate their claims to Congress. So I am also accusing the DHS Office of Inspector General of making false statements to Congress in order to prevent a congressional inquiry. I am asking the U.S. Congress to subpoena all documents pertaining to this case including the full transcripts, sealed testimony, and the sealed indictment against Aldrete-Davila in order to get to the truth of this case once and for all."
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Click Here For Past Stories on Border Patrol Agents, posted on Biblical News...
Investigator: U.S. attorney twisted evidence to fit case – 'guilty of malicious prosecution'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Jerome R. Corsi
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Ballistics reports, used in the trial of Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos, one of two Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting fleeing drug dealer Osbaldo Aldrete-Davila, do not support the prosecution's claim the bullet was fired from Ramos' gun, according to documents provided to WND from Andy Ramirez, chairman of the Friends of the Border Patrol.
Despite the conclusion of a laboratory criminalist that he could not conclusively link the bullet removed from Aldrete-Davila with Ramos' service weapon, a Department of Homeland Security agent swore, in an affidavit of complaint filed against Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, that Aldrete-Davila was hit by a round fired by Ramos.
"Johnny Sutton and his assistants are guilty of malicious prosecution," Ramirez charged to WND. "The prosecutors lied to the jury and he twisted evidence to make it fit his case. And when he couldn't twist the evidence, the government demanded that the court seal evidence which would have been exculpatory to the defense."
Nearly two years after the conclusion of the trial, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has yet to release a transcript of the trial.
WND asked Ramirez if he was aware of the seriousness of his charges.
"I am very aware and I am accusing Mr. Sutton of a felony," Ramirez told WND, "but I am basing my conclusion on the evidence I have examined in this case and the refusal by the government to provide evidence to substantiate its claim to the Congress and the American people."
"Back on Sept. 26, 2006, officials from the DHS Office of Inspector General made serious allegations against both agents Ramos and Compean to four members of Congress from the Texas delegation," Ramirez said. "The Inspector General has subsequently refused to provide their evidence to substantiate their claims to Congress. So I am also accusing the DHS Office of Inspector General of making false statements to Congress in order to prevent a congressional inquiry. I am asking the U.S. Congress to subpoena all documents pertaining to this case including the full transcripts, sealed testimony, and the sealed indictment against Aldrete-Davila in order to get to the truth of this case once and for all."
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Click Here For Past Stories on Border Patrol Agents, posted on Biblical News...
Messianic Jewish believer says nothing fair about Fairness Doctrine
Chad Groening
OneNewsNow.com
January 29, 2007
If the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" is reinstated, it would muzzle conservative talk radio -- or so says the leader of a pro-Israel ministry based in Minnesota. Jan Markell is concerned about legislation afoot on Capitol Hill that would bring back a policy rescinded by Ronald Reagan almost 20 years ago.
The head of a pro-Israel ministry says if Democrats on Capitol Hill are successful in bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, radio stations would be forced to put anti-Israel propaganda on the air, following her program.
Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, says she is deeply concerned about the efforts of New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who have introduced legislation designed to bring back the Fairness Doctrine that was rescinded by Ronald Reagan in 1987, before the rise of conservative talk radio.
Markell says the Fairness Doctrine, if reinstated, would effectively muzzle her program and others like it. She claims the goal of liberals is not balance, but instead to "destroy conservative and Christian media by requiring that each segment of every show contains the counterbalancing liberal viewpoint." She adds that such "draconian hyper-monitoring" would destroy her program.
"I just see the Left rising all the time -- gaining in power, gaining in strength, and gaining in hatred," Markell asserts. "What they hate is the truth; what they hate is anything that's godly and conservative and righteous. So if they can shut us up in any way, they're going to try to do it."
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OneNewsNow.com
January 29, 2007
If the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" is reinstated, it would muzzle conservative talk radio -- or so says the leader of a pro-Israel ministry based in Minnesota. Jan Markell is concerned about legislation afoot on Capitol Hill that would bring back a policy rescinded by Ronald Reagan almost 20 years ago.
The head of a pro-Israel ministry says if Democrats on Capitol Hill are successful in bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, radio stations would be forced to put anti-Israel propaganda on the air, following her program.
Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, says she is deeply concerned about the efforts of New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who have introduced legislation designed to bring back the Fairness Doctrine that was rescinded by Ronald Reagan in 1987, before the rise of conservative talk radio.
Markell says the Fairness Doctrine, if reinstated, would effectively muzzle her program and others like it. She claims the goal of liberals is not balance, but instead to "destroy conservative and Christian media by requiring that each segment of every show contains the counterbalancing liberal viewpoint." She adds that such "draconian hyper-monitoring" would destroy her program.
"I just see the Left rising all the time -- gaining in power, gaining in strength, and gaining in hatred," Markell asserts. "What they hate is the truth; what they hate is anything that's godly and conservative and righteous. So if they can shut us up in any way, they're going to try to do it."
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Nurturing Teen Faith
Nurturing Teen Faith
By Heather Sells
CBN News
CWNews.com – The latest research on teens shows that while many may "say" they believe, their faith is often shallow or misguided. It's a big concern for church leaders and parents, who are all too aware of the stakes involved.
A recent teen rally, may have appeared to be a typical razzle-dazzle youth event, but it was much more serious.
Ron Luce, founder of Teen Mania Ministries, said, "Most people come to Christ before they're 20--about 90 percent. We've got about 5 years before most of this generation is in their 20s. "
Luce is a man on a mission. He is so concerned about today's kids not grabbing hold of their faith--that along with the National Association of Evangelicals, he's launching a campaign to double the size of youth groups at its 40,000-member churches.
"People always say 'Oh, we just care about quality, not quantity,'" Luce said. "Well why not both? Jesus didn't die for 10 quality people, he died for the world."
That's a high mark to reach for youth pastors like Nancy Stellabotta from southern Maryland.
On some nights, her group consists of just a handful of kids.
But Stellabotta knows full well she's in a battle against a culture that lures today's teens away from a walk of faith.
It's apparent in the easy 24/7 access to more provocative media, peer pressure around drinking, drugs and sex -- and a politically correct world that says anything goes.
Youth group member Jeannette Wheeler said, "Sometime you fear that people won't think less of you, but 'different' of you."
Plus, like adults, many kids are so busy that it's easy to neglect their relationship with God.
"Sometimes after work I'm so tired, I just want to go to sleep," said youth group member Carly Morasch. And then it's like, 'I'll just pray tomorrow.'"
Stellabotta's strategy is one that many youth pastors are adopting: focus more on substance and less on the fun and games.
Stellabotta said, "It needs to be a heart change. There needs to be some level of conviction that is going to carry somebody through the tough times when they get out on their own and they have to make decisions without mom and dad in their life."
Her instinct to dig deep is right on with the latest research that shows even so-called Christian kids are often clueless about the foundations of their faith.
In interviews with more than 200 adolescents, Christian Smith, an evangelical sociologist, found that many teens are content in the church of their parents.
In fact, half of all youth say their faith is "very or extremely important."
But even with so many teens saying their faith is important to them, many still have a hard time explaining what it is that they believe.
Smith said, "They didn't have a theological language to draw on. They didn't have canned answers. We would ask, 'Who's Jesus?' 'Uh.' They wouldn't know. They couldn't even say 'Son of God.' Most."
So if teens can't explain their faith -- what do they truly believe?
Smith says, in reality, many evangelical youth are practicing a New-Agey type philosophy, which is, "The purpose of life is to be happy, to be fulfilled. God does not need to be involved in our lives particularly, until we have a problem."
It's a belief system that teens may adopt without even realizing where they're headed. Some Maryland kids told us their thoughts about God.
Youth group member Carly Morasch said, "He's the only Way, and the only Person who can give you peace and fulfill you."
"I believe that He is a Comforter. He is like a Father figure," said youth group member Enoch Paku.
Youth group member Jeannette Wheeler said, "To me, God is my Father. He's the one thing in my life that keeps it from falling apart."
Eighteen-year-old Wheeler lives in rural Maryland with her mom, whose faith she greatly admires.
"I'm not half as strong as my mother," Wheeler said. "My mother's very strong."
Youth ministry has traditionally thought kids grow best spiritually with other kids -- but the thinking has changed.
Youth consultant Mark Devries said, "If you're going to learn to be a Christian adult, the best place to do that is around Christian adults."
Devries intentionally uses loads of adult volunteers in his youth group--and emphasizes the influence of parents.
It's an influence, says Smith, that has been greatly underestimated.
"A lot of parents tell me--'Now that my daughter's turned 13, she doesn't listen to me anymore.' And I can understand why that's their perception, but in most cases it's just not true. Their teenagers really are still listening to them," Smith said.
The ultimate purpose of parents and youth leaders: to nurture a faith that changes kids who then change the world around them.
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By Heather Sells
CBN News
CWNews.com – The latest research on teens shows that while many may "say" they believe, their faith is often shallow or misguided. It's a big concern for church leaders and parents, who are all too aware of the stakes involved.
A recent teen rally, may have appeared to be a typical razzle-dazzle youth event, but it was much more serious.
Ron Luce, founder of Teen Mania Ministries, said, "Most people come to Christ before they're 20--about 90 percent. We've got about 5 years before most of this generation is in their 20s. "
Luce is a man on a mission. He is so concerned about today's kids not grabbing hold of their faith--that along with the National Association of Evangelicals, he's launching a campaign to double the size of youth groups at its 40,000-member churches.
"People always say 'Oh, we just care about quality, not quantity,'" Luce said. "Well why not both? Jesus didn't die for 10 quality people, he died for the world."
That's a high mark to reach for youth pastors like Nancy Stellabotta from southern Maryland.
On some nights, her group consists of just a handful of kids.
But Stellabotta knows full well she's in a battle against a culture that lures today's teens away from a walk of faith.
It's apparent in the easy 24/7 access to more provocative media, peer pressure around drinking, drugs and sex -- and a politically correct world that says anything goes.
Youth group member Jeannette Wheeler said, "Sometime you fear that people won't think less of you, but 'different' of you."
Plus, like adults, many kids are so busy that it's easy to neglect their relationship with God.
"Sometimes after work I'm so tired, I just want to go to sleep," said youth group member Carly Morasch. And then it's like, 'I'll just pray tomorrow.'"
Stellabotta's strategy is one that many youth pastors are adopting: focus more on substance and less on the fun and games.
Stellabotta said, "It needs to be a heart change. There needs to be some level of conviction that is going to carry somebody through the tough times when they get out on their own and they have to make decisions without mom and dad in their life."
Her instinct to dig deep is right on with the latest research that shows even so-called Christian kids are often clueless about the foundations of their faith.
In interviews with more than 200 adolescents, Christian Smith, an evangelical sociologist, found that many teens are content in the church of their parents.
In fact, half of all youth say their faith is "very or extremely important."
But even with so many teens saying their faith is important to them, many still have a hard time explaining what it is that they believe.
Smith said, "They didn't have a theological language to draw on. They didn't have canned answers. We would ask, 'Who's Jesus?' 'Uh.' They wouldn't know. They couldn't even say 'Son of God.' Most."
So if teens can't explain their faith -- what do they truly believe?
Smith says, in reality, many evangelical youth are practicing a New-Agey type philosophy, which is, "The purpose of life is to be happy, to be fulfilled. God does not need to be involved in our lives particularly, until we have a problem."
It's a belief system that teens may adopt without even realizing where they're headed. Some Maryland kids told us their thoughts about God.
Youth group member Carly Morasch said, "He's the only Way, and the only Person who can give you peace and fulfill you."
"I believe that He is a Comforter. He is like a Father figure," said youth group member Enoch Paku.
Youth group member Jeannette Wheeler said, "To me, God is my Father. He's the one thing in my life that keeps it from falling apart."
Eighteen-year-old Wheeler lives in rural Maryland with her mom, whose faith she greatly admires.
"I'm not half as strong as my mother," Wheeler said. "My mother's very strong."
Youth ministry has traditionally thought kids grow best spiritually with other kids -- but the thinking has changed.
Youth consultant Mark Devries said, "If you're going to learn to be a Christian adult, the best place to do that is around Christian adults."
Devries intentionally uses loads of adult volunteers in his youth group--and emphasizes the influence of parents.
It's an influence, says Smith, that has been greatly underestimated.
"A lot of parents tell me--'Now that my daughter's turned 13, she doesn't listen to me anymore.' And I can understand why that's their perception, but in most cases it's just not true. Their teenagers really are still listening to them," Smith said.
The ultimate purpose of parents and youth leaders: to nurture a faith that changes kids who then change the world around them.
Click here for the full story! (may need to disable pop-up blocker)
Burma Government May Move to Abolish Christianity
Burma Government May Move to Abolish Christianity
By Gary Lane
CWN News
CWNews.com – Rangoon, BURMA - There are new concerns in Burma that the government is trying to destroy Christianity.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that an internal government document lays the foundation for eradicating the faith, including arresting anyone caught evangelizing.
This kind of persecution has been going for years in Burma, also known as Myanmar.
In 2005, CBN News met with Christians in Burma. These Burmese Christians sang praise songs; they worshiped openly and freely in a government-approved church in Rangoon.
But most Burmese Christians don't share their freedom. Government officials have shut down churches in this capital city and have disallowed the construction of new church buildings. The number of bibles allowed for import is limited and in-country printing of bibles and Christian literature is restricted.
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By Gary Lane
CWN News
CWNews.com – Rangoon, BURMA - There are new concerns in Burma that the government is trying to destroy Christianity.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that an internal government document lays the foundation for eradicating the faith, including arresting anyone caught evangelizing.
This kind of persecution has been going for years in Burma, also known as Myanmar.
In 2005, CBN News met with Christians in Burma. These Burmese Christians sang praise songs; they worshiped openly and freely in a government-approved church in Rangoon.
But most Burmese Christians don't share their freedom. Government officials have shut down churches in this capital city and have disallowed the construction of new church buildings. The number of bibles allowed for import is limited and in-country printing of bibles and Christian literature is restricted.
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Dutch Citizen Faces Terror Charges in U.S.
Dutch Citizen Faces Terror Charges in U.S.
By Lara Jakes Jordan
Associated Press Writer
January 29, 2007
CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON - An Iraqi-born Dutch citizen is facing terror charges in what the Justice Department calls the United States' first criminal prosecution of attacks targeting Americans in Iraq.
Wesam al-Delaema, 33, is scheduled to be in federal court in Washington on Monday to face terrorism conspiracy charges, Justice spokesman Dean Boyd said. Al-Delaema, who was extradited from the Netherlands over the weekend, will become the first suspect tried in a U.S. court for alleged terrorism in Iraq's bloody insurgency.
The Justice Department said he was part of a group calling themselves the "Mujahideen from Fallujah," which hid explosives on a road.
Netherlands officials said he is also charged with possession of explosives. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Al-Delaema claims he is innocent, and his lawyers have argued that the U.S. does not have the right to try him.
Evidence against him includes a videotape he filmed of a group called "Warriors of Fallujah" preparing a roadside bomb, which was widely shown on Arabic TV stations.
The tape was seized by police who raided al-Delaema's house in the Dutch city of Amersfoort in May 2005, following a tip from U.S. authorities.
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By Lara Jakes Jordan
Associated Press Writer
January 29, 2007
CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON - An Iraqi-born Dutch citizen is facing terror charges in what the Justice Department calls the United States' first criminal prosecution of attacks targeting Americans in Iraq.
Wesam al-Delaema, 33, is scheduled to be in federal court in Washington on Monday to face terrorism conspiracy charges, Justice spokesman Dean Boyd said. Al-Delaema, who was extradited from the Netherlands over the weekend, will become the first suspect tried in a U.S. court for alleged terrorism in Iraq's bloody insurgency.
The Justice Department said he was part of a group calling themselves the "Mujahideen from Fallujah," which hid explosives on a road.
Netherlands officials said he is also charged with possession of explosives. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Al-Delaema claims he is innocent, and his lawyers have argued that the U.S. does not have the right to try him.
Evidence against him includes a videotape he filmed of a group called "Warriors of Fallujah" preparing a roadside bomb, which was widely shown on Arabic TV stations.
The tape was seized by police who raided al-Delaema's house in the Dutch city of Amersfoort in May 2005, following a tip from U.S. authorities.
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Israel's Cabinet Approves Muslim Minister
Israel's Cabinet Approves Muslim Minister
By Matti Friedman
Associated Press Writer
January 29, 2007
CBNNews.com -- JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel was on the verge of installing the first Muslim Cabinet minister in its 58-year history Monday after the government overwhelmingly approved the appointment.
Parliament was scheduled to convene to give final approval to Raleb Majadele's appointment, which the government billed as a step toward equality for Muslim Arabs, Israel's largest minority.
The appointment was mired for weeks in political infighting and charges of racism. It drew criticism from hard-liners who said the move was little more than political expediency. Even Arab lawmakers dismissed the development, saying the government has little real interest in improving the lot of Israel's Arabs.
Majadele told Associated Press Television News that his goals as a Cabinet minister without portfolio would be "promoting coexistence between the two peoples inside the state, and promoting dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis toward negotiations and political agreement."
Majadele, a parliamentary backbencher from the centrist Labor Party, said his appointment is meant to give representation to Israel's Arabs, which make up about 20 percent of the country's 7 million citizens. He has predicted that in the future, every Israeli government will be obliged to include an Arab minister.
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By Matti Friedman
Associated Press Writer
January 29, 2007
CBNNews.com -- JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel was on the verge of installing the first Muslim Cabinet minister in its 58-year history Monday after the government overwhelmingly approved the appointment.
Parliament was scheduled to convene to give final approval to Raleb Majadele's appointment, which the government billed as a step toward equality for Muslim Arabs, Israel's largest minority.
The appointment was mired for weeks in political infighting and charges of racism. It drew criticism from hard-liners who said the move was little more than political expediency. Even Arab lawmakers dismissed the development, saying the government has little real interest in improving the lot of Israel's Arabs.
Majadele told Associated Press Television News that his goals as a Cabinet minister without portfolio would be "promoting coexistence between the two peoples inside the state, and promoting dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis toward negotiations and political agreement."
Majadele, a parliamentary backbencher from the centrist Labor Party, said his appointment is meant to give representation to Israel's Arabs, which make up about 20 percent of the country's 7 million citizens. He has predicted that in the future, every Israeli government will be obliged to include an Arab minister.
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Sunday, January 28, 2007
Public revolt quashes biometric ID chips
Public revolt quashes biometric ID chips
Citizens score success abroad while opposition to national card grows in U.S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 27, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
While opposition grows to a national ID card in the U.S., citizens of the southeast European nation of Serbia have successfully pressed their government to back off on a plan to make biometric data chips compulsory in the country's new citizen cards.
The decision followed a pitched battle prior to the Jan. 21 election as opponents criticized the accompanying plan for a centralized database of citizen information and the taking of fingerprints. Biometric technology uses data from sources such as fingerprints, facial features and iris scans to authenticate a person's identity.
In the U.S., the Real ID Act passed by Congress in 2005 calls for a national ID portion to go into effect by May 2008. It requires states to participate in a federal data-sharing program when issuing driver's licenses, making those licenses de facto national ID cards.
A number of state legislatures have passed nonbinding measures in opposition, including the Maine House and Senate, which yesterday almost unanimously approved a resolution refusing to implement the Real ID Act.
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Citizens score success abroad while opposition to national card grows in U.S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 27, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
While opposition grows to a national ID card in the U.S., citizens of the southeast European nation of Serbia have successfully pressed their government to back off on a plan to make biometric data chips compulsory in the country's new citizen cards.
The decision followed a pitched battle prior to the Jan. 21 election as opponents criticized the accompanying plan for a centralized database of citizen information and the taking of fingerprints. Biometric technology uses data from sources such as fingerprints, facial features and iris scans to authenticate a person's identity.
In the U.S., the Real ID Act passed by Congress in 2005 calls for a national ID portion to go into effect by May 2008. It requires states to participate in a federal data-sharing program when issuing driver's licenses, making those licenses de facto national ID cards.
A number of state legislatures have passed nonbinding measures in opposition, including the Maine House and Senate, which yesterday almost unanimously approved a resolution refusing to implement the Real ID Act.
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Global court to decide on launching first trial
Global court to decide on launching first trial
System now backed by 104 countries, but not U.S.
Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:01am ET
By Emma Thomasson
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court (ICC) will decide on Monday whether there is enough evidence to try a Congolese militiaman for using children as soldiers in what would be the new court's first trial.
A decision to confirm charges against Thomas Lubanga and launch a trial would be a major landmark for the ICC that was set up as the first permanent global war crimes court in 2002 and is now backed by 104 countries.
The court could also throw out the charges, request further evidence and investigations, or ask prosecutors to consider amending a charge. Some victims' groups want the charges expanded to include crimes such as killings, rape and torture.
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System now backed by 104 countries, but not U.S.
Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:01am ET
By Emma Thomasson
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court (ICC) will decide on Monday whether there is enough evidence to try a Congolese militiaman for using children as soldiers in what would be the new court's first trial.
A decision to confirm charges against Thomas Lubanga and launch a trial would be a major landmark for the ICC that was set up as the first permanent global war crimes court in 2002 and is now backed by 104 countries.
The court could also throw out the charges, request further evidence and investigations, or ask prosecutors to consider amending a charge. Some victims' groups want the charges expanded to include crimes such as killings, rape and torture.
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Jewish Sect Ostracized Over Iran Meeting
Jewish Sect Ostracized Over Iran Meeting
By RAVI NESSMAN
Associated Press Writer
JERUSALEM -- For decades, the Jewish community just barely tolerated a small, fiercely anti-Zionist sect as its members traveled the world, denouncing Israel's existence and embracing its enemies.
But when a delegation from Neturei Karta hugged Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a conference questioning the Holocaust last month, that was too much.
Now, the ultra-Orthodox group is being ostracized on three continents, denounced by rabbis, banned from synagogues and harassed in the streets.
"They brought shame on the Jewish people," said Rabbi Shimon Weiss, a leader of the Eida Haredit, an umbrella group of anti-Zionist, ultra-Orthodox Jews based in Israel. "If they come to a synagogue, they will be kicked out. They disgust us."
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By RAVI NESSMAN
Associated Press Writer
JERUSALEM -- For decades, the Jewish community just barely tolerated a small, fiercely anti-Zionist sect as its members traveled the world, denouncing Israel's existence and embracing its enemies.
But when a delegation from Neturei Karta hugged Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a conference questioning the Holocaust last month, that was too much.
Now, the ultra-Orthodox group is being ostracized on three continents, denounced by rabbis, banned from synagogues and harassed in the streets.
"They brought shame on the Jewish people," said Rabbi Shimon Weiss, a leader of the Eida Haredit, an umbrella group of anti-Zionist, ultra-Orthodox Jews based in Israel. "If they come to a synagogue, they will be kicked out. They disgust us."
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Iran prepares people for 'messiah miracles'
Iran prepares people for 'messiah miracles'
Government broadcasts series on imminent appearance of apocalyptic Islamic 'Mahdi'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 27, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Official Iranian radio has completed broadcasting a lengthy series on the imminent appearance of a messianic figure who will defeat Islam's enemies and impose Islamic Shiite rule over the entire world – even speculating on specific dates the so-called "Mahdi" will be revealed.
English-language transcripts of "The World Toward Illumination" programs can be found on the website of IRIB, a public broadcast arm of Tehran.
"Be joyous my heart, miracles of the Messiah will soon be here," reads a poem used to conclude the first broadcast. "The scent of breaths of the One we know comes from near. Grieve not of sorrow and melancholy, as assured I was … last night that a Savior will come, it's clear."
After the coming of the 12th imam, or Mahdi, "liberal democratic civilization" will be found only in "history museums," explained the program.
"Contrary to the views of western theoreticians, who usually depict an ambiguous and dark future for mankind, Muslim experts believe human history, despite its many ups and downs, has a very auspicious fate," explained the program. "Muslims believe hopes for the realization of such a happy ending for the world are called 'Awaiting Redemption,' and means waiting for man's problems to be solved by the Savior at the end of time. This awaiting influences many, and inspired them with activity and enthusiasm in confronting darkness and oppression for changing the existing situation. …"
This messianic figure will be a direct descendant of Muhammad, according to the broadcasts.
"In short, when he reappears, peace, justice and security will overcome oppression and deceit and one global government, the most perfect ever, will be established," it said.
The Mahdi will appear suddenly, according to the report, in Mecca. Though no one can know the day, Shiites believe, the report actually suggests possibilities in the Muslim calendar.
The Mahdi will lead a cataclysmic battle against a descendant of Muhammad's archenemy, Abu Sofyan, culminating in the cities of Kufa and Najaf. His enemy, though, is destroyed later in Jerusalem.
"Another beautiful moment of the Savior's appearance is the coming down of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) from heaven," says the report. "Hazrat Mahdi receives him courteously and asks him to lead the prayers. But Jesus says you are more qualified for this than me. We read in the book Tazkarat ol-Olia, 'the Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary accompanying him.' This indicates that these two great men are (sic) complement each other. Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet Jesus will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression and establishment of justice in the world. Jesus had himself given the tidings of the coming of God's last messenger and will see Mohammad's ideals materialize in the time of the Mahdi."
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Government broadcasts series on imminent appearance of apocalyptic Islamic 'Mahdi'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 27, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
Official Iranian radio has completed broadcasting a lengthy series on the imminent appearance of a messianic figure who will defeat Islam's enemies and impose Islamic Shiite rule over the entire world – even speculating on specific dates the so-called "Mahdi" will be revealed.
English-language transcripts of "The World Toward Illumination" programs can be found on the website of IRIB, a public broadcast arm of Tehran.
"Be joyous my heart, miracles of the Messiah will soon be here," reads a poem used to conclude the first broadcast. "The scent of breaths of the One we know comes from near. Grieve not of sorrow and melancholy, as assured I was … last night that a Savior will come, it's clear."
After the coming of the 12th imam, or Mahdi, "liberal democratic civilization" will be found only in "history museums," explained the program.
"Contrary to the views of western theoreticians, who usually depict an ambiguous and dark future for mankind, Muslim experts believe human history, despite its many ups and downs, has a very auspicious fate," explained the program. "Muslims believe hopes for the realization of such a happy ending for the world are called 'Awaiting Redemption,' and means waiting for man's problems to be solved by the Savior at the end of time. This awaiting influences many, and inspired them with activity and enthusiasm in confronting darkness and oppression for changing the existing situation. …"
This messianic figure will be a direct descendant of Muhammad, according to the broadcasts.
"In short, when he reappears, peace, justice and security will overcome oppression and deceit and one global government, the most perfect ever, will be established," it said.
The Mahdi will appear suddenly, according to the report, in Mecca. Though no one can know the day, Shiites believe, the report actually suggests possibilities in the Muslim calendar.
The Mahdi will lead a cataclysmic battle against a descendant of Muhammad's archenemy, Abu Sofyan, culminating in the cities of Kufa and Najaf. His enemy, though, is destroyed later in Jerusalem.
"Another beautiful moment of the Savior's appearance is the coming down of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) from heaven," says the report. "Hazrat Mahdi receives him courteously and asks him to lead the prayers. But Jesus says you are more qualified for this than me. We read in the book Tazkarat ol-Olia, 'the Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary accompanying him.' This indicates that these two great men are (sic) complement each other. Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet Jesus will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression and establishment of justice in the world. Jesus had himself given the tidings of the coming of God's last messenger and will see Mohammad's ideals materialize in the time of the Mahdi."
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World War III has already begun, says Israeli spy chief
World War III has already begun, says Israeli spy chief
AFP Published: 01.27.07, 20:32
Former head of Israel's intelligence service tells Portuguese newspaper it would take at least 25 years before battle against fundamentalist terrorism is won; says nuclear strike by Muslim terrorists 'very likely'
A third World War is already underway between Islamic militancy and the West but most people do not realize it, the former head of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad said in an interview published Saturday in Portugal.
‘We are in the midst of a third World War,’ former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy told weekly newspaper Expresso.
‘The world does not understand. A person walks through the streets of Tel Aviv, Barcelona or Buenos Aires and doesn’t get the sense that there is a war going on,’ said Halevy who headed Mossad between 1998 and 2003.
‘During World War I and II the entire world felt there was a war. Today no one is conscious of it. From time to time there is a terrorist attack in Madrid, London and New York and then everything stays the same.’
Violence by Islamic militants has already disrupted international travel and trade just as in the previous two world conflicts, he said.
Halevy, who was raised in war-time London, predicted it would take at least 25 years before the battle against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism is won and during this time a nuclear strike by Islamic militants was likely.
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AFP Published: 01.27.07, 20:32
Former head of Israel's intelligence service tells Portuguese newspaper it would take at least 25 years before battle against fundamentalist terrorism is won; says nuclear strike by Muslim terrorists 'very likely'
A third World War is already underway between Islamic militancy and the West but most people do not realize it, the former head of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad said in an interview published Saturday in Portugal.
‘We are in the midst of a third World War,’ former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy told weekly newspaper Expresso.
‘The world does not understand. A person walks through the streets of Tel Aviv, Barcelona or Buenos Aires and doesn’t get the sense that there is a war going on,’ said Halevy who headed Mossad between 1998 and 2003.
‘During World War I and II the entire world felt there was a war. Today no one is conscious of it. From time to time there is a terrorist attack in Madrid, London and New York and then everything stays the same.’
Violence by Islamic militants has already disrupted international travel and trade just as in the previous two world conflicts, he said.
Halevy, who was raised in war-time London, predicted it would take at least 25 years before the battle against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism is won and during this time a nuclear strike by Islamic militants was likely.
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12-year-old 'transsexual' given hormone treatment
12-year-old 'transsexual' given hormone treatment
Tim to Kim: Parents support boy's choice to be world's youngest sex-change patient
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 28, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A German boy, now 14, is believed to be the youngest patient in the world pursuing gender reassignment after convincing doctors two years ago he wanted to live as a female.
Doctors say the boy, born "Tim," has considered himself female since he was two.
According to his parents, Tim tried on his older sisters clothes and played with her Barbie dolls, announcing, "I'm a girl." The boy was distraught after every haircut, they said, and at four, he took a pair of scissors and threatened to "cut off my thing!" After that incident, Tim was called "Kim" by his family.
"We always saw Kim as a girl, but not as a problem," the father, who was not identified, told Der Spiegel. "In fact, our life was surprisingly normal."
Puberty brought about a drop in Kim's voice and concern for the child's future.
"At that stage we realized that she was terrified of growing facial hair and her voice breaking," said the father.
The family sought medical advice about a possible sex change for Kim, with mixed results.
"Hormone treatment! Gender adjustment! How could you possibly do this to the child?" the family's pediatrician asked the father. Some psychiatrists suggested Kim be placed under observation in a psychiatric hospital.
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Tim to Kim: Parents support boy's choice to be world's youngest sex-change patient
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: January 28, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
A German boy, now 14, is believed to be the youngest patient in the world pursuing gender reassignment after convincing doctors two years ago he wanted to live as a female.
Doctors say the boy, born "Tim," has considered himself female since he was two.
According to his parents, Tim tried on his older sisters clothes and played with her Barbie dolls, announcing, "I'm a girl." The boy was distraught after every haircut, they said, and at four, he took a pair of scissors and threatened to "cut off my thing!" After that incident, Tim was called "Kim" by his family.
"We always saw Kim as a girl, but not as a problem," the father, who was not identified, told Der Spiegel. "In fact, our life was surprisingly normal."
Puberty brought about a drop in Kim's voice and concern for the child's future.
"At that stage we realized that she was terrified of growing facial hair and her voice breaking," said the father.
The family sought medical advice about a possible sex change for Kim, with mixed results.
"Hormone treatment! Gender adjustment! How could you possibly do this to the child?" the family's pediatrician asked the father. Some psychiatrists suggested Kim be placed under observation in a psychiatric hospital.
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