Biblical News

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

25% of young U.S. Muslims OK suicide bombings

May 22 10:06 AM US/Eastern
By ALAN FRAM
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - One in four younger U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings to defend their religion are acceptable at least in some circumstances, though most Muslim Americans overwhelmingly reject the tactic and are critical of Islamic extremism and al-Qaida, a poll says.

The survey by the Pew Research Center, one of the most exhaustive ever of the country's Muslims, revealed a community that in many ways blends comfortably into society. Its largely mainstream members express nearly as much happiness with their lives and communities as the general public does, show a broad willingness to adopt American customs, and have income and education levels similar to others in the U.S.

Even so, the survey revealed noteworthy pockets of discontent.

While nearly 80 percent of U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings of civilians to defend Islam can not be justified, 13 percent say they can be, at least rarely.

That sentiment is strongest among those younger than 30. Two percent of them say it can often be justified, 13 percent say sometimes and 11 percent say rarely.

"It is a hair-raising number," said Radwan Masmoudi, president of the Washington-based Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, which promotes the compatibility of Islam with democracy.

He said most supporters of the attacks likely assumed the context was a fight against occupation—a term Muslims often use to describe the conflict with Israel.

U.S. Muslims have growing Internet and television access to extreme ideologies, he said, adding: "People, especially younger people, are susceptible to these ideas."

Federal officials have warned that the U.S. must be on guard against homegrown terrorism, as the British suffered with the London transit bombings of 2005.

'Have sex, do drugs,' speaker tells students

'Have sex, do drugs,' speaker tells students
'Men with men, women and women, whatever combination you would like'
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By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A guest speaker at an assembly at Boulder High School in Colorado has told students as young as 14 to go have sex and use drugs, prompting school officials to say they will investigate.

The instructions came from Joel Becker, an associate clinical professor of psychology at the University of California at Los Angeles.

"I am going to encourage you to have sex and encourage you to use drugs appropriately," Becker said during his appearance at the school as part of a recent panel sponsored by the University of Colorado's Conference on World Affairs.

"Why I am going to take that position is because you are going to do it anyway," he continued. "I think as a psychologist and health educator, it is more important to educate you in a direction that you might actually stick to. So, I am going to stay mostly on with the sex side because that is the area I know more about. I want to encourage you to all have healthy, sexual behavior."

WND also has reported on similar assemblies that have been used by schools to promote homosexuality, including one where parents were banned from the event, and a second where WND reported school officials ordered their 14-year-old freshman class into a "gay" indoctrination seminar after having them sign a confidentiality agreement promising not to tell their parents.

MOVIE SCUM GLORIFY SEX WITH HORSES; CANNES CROWD AGOG

Bestiality flick shocks Cannes
22/05/2007 12:42 - (SA)

Cannes - A semi-documentary about a group of US men who had sex with horses has taken the title as the most shocking movie at the Cannes film festival.

But while Zoo has drawn big, curious crowds at its screenings, the real unsettling quality about the movie is its approach: it depicts the men in a sympathetic light, one that tries to push the viewers to understanding their sexual perversion.

The documentary - in which actors recreate non-explicit scenes under audio interviews with some of the men involved - centres on a true-life incident.

In July 2005, a 45-year-old man died of internal bleeding after being anally penetrated by an Arabian stallion during a bestiality weekend in the US state of Washington.

The victim, a Boeing engineer working on top-secret defence projects named Kenneth Pinyan, suffered a perforated colon.

The ensuing investigation led police - and eventually much of the national media - to the farm where the interaction took place, outing the other members of the group.

Independent filmmaker Robinson Devor shies away from prurient imagery, instead enveloping the story in rich photography that gives it a dreamlike beauty overwhelming the sordidness of the subject matter.

Pictures of students doing drugs in yearbook spark outrage

JEFFERSON COUNTY - There are a number of things Karen Marshall does not like about her daughter's Conifer High School yearbook. Three pages in particular; pages 13, 33 and 71.

"On page 13, they have students smoking pot and using drug paraphernalia," she said. "I just don't want to see any more people get hurt or die and this book is actually helping towards the delinquency of minors."

It was just over a week ago that two Conifer students died when their Jeep rolled off the road.
The Colorado State Patrol believes drugs may have played a role in that crash.

Monday, the yearbook advisor, Amy McTague released a statement apologizing to the students, staff and community for the controversial images and quotes.

She says she discussed the photos at length with her editor and they agreed that some of the elements are completely inappropriate. She goes on to say "these issues detract from the many wonderful things that are included in the book."

Photos on three pages of the book show teens smoking marijuana, drinking and proudly displaying their minor in possession citations.

"There are some things in the yearbook I don't feel like I can defend," Conifer High Principal Pat Termin said, adding some parts of the book crossed the line.

"We didn't do the right thing in some of the activities we portrayed," she said. "I'm certainly not oblivious to messages here that we have this section in the yearbook that some students believe it was important for them to illuminate. I think it's an issue the community needs to examine."

Ex-KGB Agent Accused in Litvinenko Death

Ex-KGB Agent Accused in Litvinenko Death

May 22 08:45 AM US/Eastern
By TARIQ PANJA
Associated Press Writer

LONDON (AP) - Prosecutors accused a former KGB agent Tuesday of murder in the radioactive poisoning of fellow ex-operative Alexander Litvinenko and sought his extradition from Russia. The case is sure to challenge already-tense relations between London and Moscow.

Andrei Lugovoi had met with Litvinenko at a London hotel hours before the former agent turned Kremlin critic fell ill with polonium-210 poisoning. Lugovoi has repeatedly denied any involvement in interviews with the police and media.

A top deputy to Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett summoned the Russian ambassador to seek Moscow's cooperation in the case, but the Russian prosecutor-general's office said it will not turn over Lugovoi to British authorities.

"In accordance with Russian law, citizens of Russia cannot be turned over to foreign states," spokeswoman Marina Gridneva said in remarks broadcast on the NTV television channel. "A citizen of Russia, committing a crime on the territory of a foreign state, can, upon presentation of material by this state, can be brought to criminal responsibility, but only in Russia."

The politically charged case has driven relations between London and Moscow to post-Cold War lows. Prime Minister Tony Blair's spokesman said Britain had an extradition agreement with Moscow.

"Murder is murder; this is a very serious case," Blair's spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with government policy. "The manner of the murder was also very serious because of the risks to public health."

Litvinenko, 43, died Nov. 23 after ingesting the rare radioactive isotope. On his deathbed, he accused President Vladimir Putin of being behind his killing. The Russian government denies involvement.

Christian college claims discrimination in state grants

Christian college claims discrimination in state grants
Generic awards given to students attending anywhere but this school
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Posted: May 22, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A court ruling that a generic state college grant isn't available if you go to a particular Christian college will be appealed to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the school said.

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong, R-Colo., now president of Colorado Christian University, said the decision from federal district court that the school is "pervasively sectarian" so students do not qualify for state grant programs is just wrong.

"This is blatant religious discrimination," Armstrong told WND, as well as a violation of the 1st and 14th Amendments.

U.S. District Court Judge Marcia Krieger has ruled that the state constitution forbids the use of state funds to support religious schools, declaring the ban imposed on CCU by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education "is narrowly tailored to accomplish the state's compelling interest in complying with the anti-establishment clause of its own constitution."

'Anti-war vet' charged with fraud

'Anti-war vet' charged with fraud
Claimed he 'slaughtered' hundreds of civilians in Iraq
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Posted: May 22, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A man who claimed in an anti-war video to have "slaughtered" hundreds of civilians while serving with the Army Rangers in Iraq faces federal charges of falsifying his record.

Jesse MacBeth, 23, alleged in a 20-minute production by a 1970s antiwar activist he personally killed 200 civilians, many of them at close range, while on patrols with the Army Rangers during 16 months in Iraq before being discharged due to wounds.

But MacBeth's discharge form contradicted his claims, showing he never went to Iraq and was kicked out of the Army after six weeks at Fort Benning, Ga., because of his "entry level performance and conduct."

The complaint in U.S. District Court in Seattle charges him with one count of using or possessing a forged or altered military discharge certificate, and one count of making false statements in seeking benefits from the Veterans Administration, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

U.S. OKs talks with Syria, Gives green light to Israel to negotiate Golan Heights withdrawal

Report: U.S. OKs talks with Syria
Gives green light to Israel to negotiate Golan Heights withdrawal
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Posted: May 22, 2007
1:19 p.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

JERUSALEM – The U.S. has given Prime Minister Ehud Olmert the green light to negotiate with Syria regarding an Israeli retreat from the Golan Heights, according to diplomatic sources quoted today by Israel's Haaretz daily newspaper.

The Golan Heights is strategic mountainous territory looking down on Israeli and Syrian population centers twice used by Damascus to launch ground invasions into the Jewish state.

According to Haaretz, the Bush administration granted Israel permission to discuss vacating the Golan, but Washington reportedly stipulated Olmert must not agree to any negotiations, even indirectly, regarding a change in the U.S. position toward Syria.

The U.S. largely has attempted to isolate Damascus, which is accused of aiding the insurgency against U.S. troops in Iraq and generating instability in Lebanon.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Rev. Jerry Falwell dead at 73 Taken to hospital after being found unconscious in his office

Rev. Jerry Falwell died at 73
Taken to hospital after being found unconscious in his office
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Posted: May 15, 2007
1:28 p.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority and Liberty University, died today after being found unconscious in his office and taken to a hospital.

Falwell, 73, was found unconscious at about 10:45 a.m. after missing an appointment this morning, according to Ron Godwin, executive vice president of Liberty University.

He was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital, the News & Advance of Lynchburg reported.

Godwin said he didn't know what caused the collapse but pointed out Falwell had "a history of heart challenges."

"I had breakfast with him, and he was fine at breakfast," Godwin said. "He went to his office, I went to mine and they found him unresponsive."

Bio: Jerry Falwell

Bio: Jerry Falwell
Tuesday, May 15, 2007

A biography of Jerry Falwell:

The Rev. Jerry L. Falwell, television evangelist who was among the leaders of the so-called Religious Right — a movement that emerged in the late 1970s with the goal of getting Christian fundamentalists involved in politics.

Falwell's organization, the Moral Majority, was credited with helping elect Ronald Reagan president and with moving the Republican Party further to the right on social issues. The group's influence subsequently waned, however, and Falwell disbanded it in 1989.

Falwell was born on Aug. 11, 1933 in Lynchburg, Va.

From an early age, he excelled in school, graduating at the top of his high school class.

He was also a talented athlete. Falwell entered Lynchburg College in 1950 with the intention of earning a degree in mechanical engineering.

After becoming a born-again Christian in his sophomore year, Falwell transferred to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. Around the same time, Falwell turned down an offer to play for the St. Louis Cardinals major-league baseball team.

Dead Taliban Leader Was Training U.S. Recruits

Dead Taliban Leader Was Training U.S. Recruits
May 14, 2007 5:03 PM

Brian Ross and Christopher Isham Report:

Thirty-six hours before he was killed by U.S. forces, Taliban Commander Mullah Dadullah said he was training American and British citizens to carry out suicide missions in their home countries, according to a videotape interview to be broadcast on ABC News' "World News" Monday.

"We will be executing attacks in Britain and the U.S. to demonstrate our sincerity," he told an Afghan interviewer, "to destroy their cities as they have destroyed our cities."

A senior U.S. official told the Blotter on ABCNews.com that recent intelligence reports confirmed Dadullah's claim that U.S. citizens were being trained in Taliban and al Qaeda camps.

"The number is small, not large, but even once is dangerous," the official said.

In the interview, Dadullah said, "This is our religious and moral duty to train suicide bombers against the nuclear power of the infidels, and they will be used when they are needed, whether they are one, 10 or 20."

A day and a half after the interview, U.S. forces carried out a helicopter assault on Dadullah's hiding place in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Dadullah's bullet-riddled body was put on display by Afghan officials to confirm he was dead.

The Terrorist Next Door

The Terrorist Next Door

By John Jessup
CBN News
May 14, 2007

CBNNews.com - In the beginning, concerns about terrorism were limited to sleeper cells, foreign agents of al-Qaeda, or other terror networks that made their way into the U.S. and were laying low until ordered to strike.

But counterterrorism is changing and - increasingly - investigators are looking within American borders for the so-called "terrorist next door."

"The trend we're seeing is that we are uncovering more instances of people here who have been radicalized … where there is not a direct thumbprint of al-Qaeda," USA Today quoted John Miller, the FBI's assistant director for public affairs.

Up until now, authorities have uncovered approximately a dozen cases involving homegrown terrorists.

The most recent incident of homegrown terror involved a plot to kill soldiers at Fort Dix.

"I think this highlights and emphasizes the threats we face in our new world," said Ray Kelly a Fort Dix, New Jersey commissioner.

Additionally, there is also the case against José Padilla in federal court Monday.

The former Chicago gang member and two others are accused of supporting Islamic extremists around the world.

Officials told USA Today these cases reveal a disturbing trend: Several of the accused plotters are American-born citizens who converted to Islam.

Investigators now believe there is a growing threat of U.S.-based Islamic terrorists who are operating with no connection to al-Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

Homosexuals head to court to demand marriage rights

Stephanie Reitz - Associated Press Writer
OneNewsNow.com
May 14, 2007

HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut's civil unions law, the first in the nation passed without court intervention, faces a stern test in the state Supreme Court.

Eight homosexual couples say the state's refusal to grant marriage licenses violates their constitutional rights and denies them the financial, social and emotional benefits of marriage.

A ruling in their favor could have nationwide implications for states that have adopted or are considering civil union-like legislation. Connecticut in 2005 passed a civil unions law, which state officials say gives same-sex couples the equality they seek.

The court takes up the issue Monday.

Currently, only Massachusetts allows same-sex couples to marry. Connecticut, Vermont, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington have laws allowing either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Hawaii extends certain spousal rights to same-sex couples and cohabiting heterosexual pairs.

Debate over God's existence shed light on anti-Christian bias in society, says evangelist

Debate over God's existence shed light on anti-Christian bias in society, says evangelist

allie martin
OneNewsNow.com
May 14, 2007

Evangelist Ray Comfort says last week's debate between himself, fellow Christian Kirk Cameron and two atheists was a unique opportunity to present the message of salvation to millions. The debate was moderated by Nightline host Martin Bashir and broadcast on ABCnews.com, with highlights played on the show.

The debate was taped in New York City by ABC's Nightline and was billed as a battle to prove the existence of God. During the debate, Comfort was able to present the biblical plan of salvation by using God's moral laws, the Ten Commandments, to show the reality of sin and mankind's need to accept Christ's payment.

During the debate, both Comfort and Cameron used creation, DNA, the conscience and conversion to prove God's existence, while the two atheists spoke of evolution as proof that God does not exist. However, Comfort has recently launched a website on intelligent design versus evolution, which looks at the facts.

"On that site, we offer $10,000 for anyone who can offer any living transitional forms," the evangelist points out. "So it's just another interesting site people can go to," he says, "to see how evolution is a fairy tale for grownups. There's no scientific evidence for evolution whatsoever."

Afghan 'super-madrassas' built by U.S. military

Afghan 'super-madrassas' built by U.S. military
'We have to give the religious leaders the respect they feel they deserve
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Posted: May 13, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

In a move that echoes the hearts-and-minds strategy of the Vietnam War, the U.S. military is planning to build two "super-madrassas" in Afghanistan in an effort to win over religious leaders and to convince parents not to send their children to madrassas in Pakistan run by Islamic extremists.

The planned super-madrassas, under construction in the border town of Paktika, Afghanistan, will accommodate 1,000 boys each, the London Telegraph reported.

Madrassas – Islamic religious schools – provide not only religious education, but room and board for children. During the period when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, most conventional schools were closed down. For many parents, the choice has been between a religious education or no education at all.

For many in the border regions, the madrassas of Pakistan have been the only option. Those schools, often under the control of hardline clerics, have often been little more than incubators for hatred against the West and, at times, recruiting centers for jihad.

Christians use debate to offer proof of God

Christians use debate to offer proof of God
ABC broadcasts matchup with 'Rational Response Squad'
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By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Christian evangelist Ray Comfort and former child actor Kirk Cameron have used a televised debate with a pair of atheists to present the Gospel message to an audience estimated in the millions.

"I'm very, very encouraged," Comfort told WND after the first part of the 90-minute program was broadcast at ABCNews.com. A shortened version of the program was aired on the network's "Nightline" as well.

"I don't think you can argue people into the Kingdom of Heaven," Comfort said. "It's a moral issue. People love their sins and they're going to hold onto them. But we're talking about eternity and it's not to be trifled at."

But he said he takes seriously the biblical instructions to preach the word. "Our agenda is just to preach the Gospel, to make a very clear Gospel proclamation that people can understand," he said.

As WND reported, the idea for the debate developed after several atheists launched the Internet site Blasphemy Challenge, which offers to send people a DVD if they post on Youtube.com a video of themselves condemning themselves to hell.

The self-described "Rational Response Squad" said its DVD, "The God Who Wasn't There," was described by the Los Angeles Times as "provocative – to put it mildly."

"There's only one catch: We want your soul," the website said. "It's simple. You record a short message damning yourself to Hell, you upload it to YouTube, and then the Rational Response Squad will send you a free 'The God Who Wasn't There' DVD."

"You may damn yourself to Hell however you would like, but somewhere in your video you must say this phrase: 'I deny the Holy Spirit,'" the website instructed. "Why? Because, according to Mark 3:29 in the Holy Bible, 'Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.'"

ABC told of the website and the hundreds of responses in a story, getting Comfort's attention.

He contacted the network and offered a debate challenge to the atheists.

He was given 13 minutes in the debate to present his proof of God, and he used the simple illustration of a soda can. Holding it up, he asked if there had been a design and manufacture process to reach that stage – a cylindrical container with a message printed on the outside and a product on the inside.

If so, there must have been a designer and maker, he concluded.

He said a similar proof is available with a painting: Take a dozen scientists into a lab and show them a painting, then ask whether there was, in fact, a painter, he said. Looking at the creation the world is documents the Creator, he said.

"You cannot have a creation without a Creator," he suggested.

He also offered the proof of a conscience, which every person has, and third, a conversion.

"The greatest truth is when God reveals himself to you," he said.

He said the underlying problem was significant. "There is something more sinister here than a few people not believing in God," he said. "Why would so many be so bitter against Christianity in particular?

"Why aren't they making videos that blaspheme Buddha or Muhammed or Gandhi?" he asked. "We made our own video clip and posted in on Hollywoodblasphemy.com to expose why."

The debate was moderated by Martin Bashir.

ABCNews said the taping, which took place last weekend, was done before "a mixed crowd of atheists and Christians at Calvary Baptist Church in Manhattan.

"It wasn't long before temperatures began to rise inside the auditorium," ABCNews said.

How to outlaw Christianity (Step 1) Exclusive: Chuck Norris slams atheistic agenda

How to outlaw Christianity (Step 1)
Exclusive: Chuck Norris slams atheistic agenda

Posted: May 14, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

This past week which pitted popular theists against Internet atheists. While I'll have more to say about that battle of wits in my next article, it testifies to the growing number (30 million Americans) of those who profess there is no God. Add to that what I believe is possibly three times the number of those who believe in a God but practically don't show it, and America is facing a new religious horizon in which atheism is becoming a formidable foe.

Though the majority of Americans continue to claim to be Christians, discovered 45 percent of us would support an atheist for president, 55 percent would support a homosexual candidate and 72 percent would support a Mormon candidate.

Such a survey is a clear indication that most Americans are simply confused about what it means to be Christian. It also shows that the secularization of society is alive and well, especially when almost half would endorse an atheist president.

The opponents of God

Once upon a time, years ago, it seemed that the only major fire for atheism burned from the anti-Christian work of Madelyn Murray O'Hair and the American Atheist organization, whose claim to fame was the banning of prayer and Bible reading in public schools in 1963.

Today many more antagonist groups and individuals to theism abound, and they are using every means possible for global proliferation – from local government to the World Wide Web. Such secular progressives include the Institute for Humanist Studies, Secular Coalition of America, American Atheists, American Humanist Association, Internet Infidels, the Atheist Alliance International, Secular Student Alliance, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, etc. Of course no list of atheistic advocates would be complete without mentioning the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, as well as the anti-God militancy of men like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris.

Though the U.S. Constitution outlaws religious discrimination, these organizations and individuals would love nothing more than to help society look with distain upon Christianity and, ultimately, make its components illegal. In fact, right now, they are coalescing and rallying at least 5 million of their troops to mount counter offensives to Christianity.

For that reason I believe theistic patriots need to be wise to atheists' overt and covert schemes, exposing their agenda and fighting to lay waste to their plans.

Step 1: Initiate restrictions and legislation against theism and Christianity

In God we bust

For these liberal groups to win the war of ideological dominance, they know they must minimize the effects of Christianity, which many are doing (unbeknownst to others) behind the scenes through lobbying and legislation. In fact, two significant actions occurred on the National Day of Prayer just two weeks ago!

Bush avoids 'Christianity' at Jamestown celebration

Bush avoids 'Christianity' at Jamestown celebration
Makes no mention of directions to 'propagate' Gospel of Jesus
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Posted: May 13, 2007
6:54 p.m. Eastern

By Joe Kovacs
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

President Bush commemorated America's 400th anniversary during a ceremony at the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia today, but made no specific mention of the Christian faith, the spread of which was the primary purpose for creation of the settlement.

"The story of Jamestown will always have a special place in American history," Bush said. "It's the story of a great migration from the Old World to the New. It is a story of hardship overcome by resolve. It's a story of the Tidewater settlement that laid the foundation of our great democracy."

As WND has reported, the Jamestown settlement, which predated the Plymouth, Mass., Pilgrims by 13 years, was founded with the primary instruction from King James of England that its members propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This year is the celebration of the 400th anniversary of that founding.

"Today we celebrate that moment as a great milestone in our history," Bush said, "yet the colonists who experienced those first years had little reason to celebrate. Their search for gold soon gave way to a desperate search for food."

"I am just floored with the president's behavior," said one WND reader, who was anxious to see if Bush would mention the Christian heritage.

'Gay' cowboy love scenes 'traumatize' schoolgirl, 12

'Gay' cowboy love scenes 'traumatize' schoolgirl, 12
Family sues district for $500,000 after 'Brokeback' shown in class
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Posted: May 13, 2007
5:26 p.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A 12-year-old girl who says she was traumatized when her teacher showed the film "Brokeback Mountain" featuring love scenes with homosexual cowboys is suing the Chicago Board of Education for $500,000.

"What happens in Ms. Buford's class stays in Ms. Buford's class," is what the substitute teacher told eighth-grade students at Ashburn Community Elementary School after showing the R-rated movie, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court.

According to reports, the student, Jessica Turner, claims she suffered psychological distress after watching the movie, which stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two cowboys who fall in love and includes love scenes between the two men and between the men and their wives.

"It is very important to me that my children not be exposed to this," Turner's grandfather and guardian, Kenneth Richardson, told the Chicago Tribune. "The teacher knew she was not supposed to do this. ... It's like I told the principal, she should have better control over her teachers."

World Watch: Updates on the Global Church

World Watch: Updates on the Global Church
By CWNews

CWNews.com – Christian World News brings you updates on the church around the globe in our World Watch segment.

Iraq Christians Flee Persecution

CWNNews.com - In Iraq, nearly half of that country's Christians may have fled the country because of persecution from radical Muslims.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom says that the Iraqi Christian community should be protected or resettled.

Christians make up about just three-percent of Iraq’s 26-million people.

Many churches are now almost empty, as the faithful have fled or are afraid to attend services.

Some Islamic insurgents call Christians "Crusaders."

Group distributes 'Know Your Rights' guide to illegal aliens

Chad Groening
OneNewsNow.com
May 14, 2007

An immigration reform organization is calling an immigrant advocacy group to task for distributing guidebooks instructing illegal aliens how not to cooperate with federal authorities during job-site raids.

According to the Washington Times, the guidebooks are being distributed by a group known as CASA of Maryland Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization formally known as Central American Solidarity and Assistance of Maryland. The book, which contains cartoon-like drawings, is the product of CASA working with other organizations.

The book lists what rights people who are not citizens of the U.S. have when they are detained by immigration agents, served with a warrant, or charged with a crime. The book also urges them to remain silent if they are arrested, and even refuse to provide authorities with any information about their immigration status.

Hindus force Christians to 'reconvert'

Hindus force Christians to 'reconvert'
Attack is just a part of increasing worldwide antagonism
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Hindus have confronted a group of Christian evangelists, forcing them into a nearby village temple to perform a ritual to "reconvert" them to the Hindu religion, according to a new report from the Voice of the Martyrs which is documenting some of the increasing persecution by Hindus around the world.

While this most recent physical attack was reported by VOM sources inside the Indian state of Orissa, other attacks – albeit verbal – also have reached into the United States.

WND recently reported that Hindus have been launching a series of attacks against Christian organizations dedicated to promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A report from the Hindu American Foundation accused a long list of Christian organizations, including some providing aid in India, of promoting hatred.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

New York state jail to hire Muslim chaplain

New York state jail to hire Muslim chaplain
Decision follows furor over pastor who distributed anti-Islamic cartoons

NEW CITY, N.Y. - The county jail where a Christian minister handed out anti-Islamic cartoons announced it will hire an imam for its Muslim inmates.

The Rockland County Jail also said it will provide religiously appropriate food.

Rockland Undersheriff Thomas Guthrie said Tuesday that the imam will work one day a week, joining the jail’s priest and rabbi.

The Christian chaplain, the Rev. Teresa Darden Clapp, was suspended with pay last month after inmates complained she was passing out anti-Islam booklets.

Gaza clan (army of islam) admits holding BBC reporter

Gaza clan admits holding BBC reporter
'Army of Islam' demands Britain free Muslim prisoners
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Posted: May 9, 2007
12:24 p.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

JERUSALEM – A group controlled by a family clan in the Gaza Strip today announced it is holding kidnapped BBC reporter Alan Johnston, posting a photo of his identity card and demanding the release of an Islamic cleric who is being held in a British jail after being accused of supporting terrorism.

The Army of Islam, headed by the powerful Gaza-based Dugmash clan, released a recording demanding the British government immediately free "our prisoners and particularly Sheik Abu Qatada the Palestinian in exchange for Johnston."

Abu Qatada, a Jordanian of Palestinian origin, is accused of having links to terror groups and is currently awaiting deportation to Jordan from Britain.

WND first reported last month senior Palestinian security officials believed Johnston was being held by the Dugmash clan.

The Dugmash statement released today included an al-Qaida-style diatribe against the West, posting a slideshow of images from the war in Iraq, Muslim prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Western soldiers praying before a cross. Islamic music plays in the background, and pictures glorifying Abu Qatada are shown repeatedly.

Fort Dix 'terrorists' smuggled into U.S.?

Fort Dix 'terrorists' smuggled into U.S.?
Reports suggest 3 brothers accused in plot have no record of 'regular border crossing'
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Posted: May 9, 2007
5:30 p.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Three brothers held in connection with an alleged terror plot at Fort Dix, N.J., may have been smuggled across the southern U.S. border, according to broadcast reports.

Dritan "Anthony" or "Tony" Duka, 28; Shain Duka, 26; and Eljvir "Elvis" Duka, 23, were in the United States illegally.

According to Fox News, "Because the three men entered the United States without inspection, there is no legal record of their entry. A federal law enforcement source said the three entered the United States near Brownsville, Texas, in 1984. They would have been children at the time, ranging in ages from 1 to 6. The source said there is no record of them entering though a regular border crossing, so they are investigating whether they were smuggled into the country."

Brothers Charged in Terror Plot Lived Illegally in U.S. for 23 Years

FORT DIX, N.J. — Three brothers charged in the alleged Fort Dix terror plot have been living illegally in the U.S. for more than 23 years and were accepted as Americans by neighbors and friends who had no idea they would scheme to attack military bases and slaughter GIs.

A federal law enforcement source confirmed to FOX News that the three — Dritan "Anthony" or "Tony" Duka, 28; Shain Duka, 26; and Eljvir "Elvis" Duka, 23 — also accumulated 19 traffic citations, but because they operated in "sanctuary cites," where law enforcement does not routinely report illegal immigrants to homeland security, none of the tickets raised red flags.

The brothers entered the United States near Brownsville, Texas, in 1984, the source said, which would put their ages at 1 to 6 when they crossed the border.

The source said there is no record of them entering by way of a regular border crossing, so they are investigating whether they were smuggled into the country.

The brothers plus three other suspects in the alleged plot — Mohamad Ibrahim Shnewer, 22; Serdar Tatar, 23; and, Agron Abdullahu, 24 — were ordered held without bail for a hearing Friday.

Five were charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. military personnel; the sixth, Abdullahu, was charged with aiding and abetting illegal immigrants in obtaining weapons.

Four of the arrested men were born in the former Yugoslavia, one was born in Jordan and one came from Turkey, authorities said. Three were in the United States illegally; two had green cards allowing them to stay in this country permanently; and the sixth is a U.S. citizen.

Federal investigators are now checking whether the latter three lied on their immigration paperwork to remain in the United States.

How clerk played key role to expose Fort Dix terror plot

By Wayne Parry
The Associated Press

FORT DIX, N.J. — Ever since Sept. 11, U.S. authorities have asked the public to be vigilant, urging, "If you see something, say something."

In January 2006, a store clerk in New Jersey saw something.

A group of men had brought him a video showing them firing assault weapons and chanting "God is great!" in Arabic. They wanted him to dub the footage to a DVD.

So the clerk called the Mount Laurel Police Department, which in turn contacted the FBI.

As a result, six men from Yugoslavia and the Middle East were charged Tuesday with plotting to slaughter scores of American soldiers at Fort Dix and perhaps other military installations in the Northeast.

FBI agent J.P. Weis saluted the unidentified Mount Laurel store clerk as the "unsung hero" of the case.

The suspects' images and words were captured on more than 50 audio and video recordings. Their comings and goings were recorded by law-enforcement agents who monitored the alleged plot for 15 months, hoping more terror ties would become apparent.

The defendants, all men in their 20s, include a pizza deliveryman suspected of using his job to scout out Fort Dix. They sought "to kill as many American soldiers as possible" in attacks with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and guns, prosecutors said.

"Today we dodged a bullet. In fact, when you look at the type of weapons that this group was trying to purchase, we may have dodged a lot of bullets," Weis said.

Terror Suspects Tried Dubbing Tape at Circuit City

By Cathy Gandolfo

FORT DIX, N.J. - May 9, 2007 - There are new details about the clerk whom the FBI is crediting for exposing the terror plot.

The suspects allegedly tried to have a video transferred onto a DVD at the Circuit City on Nixon Drive in Mount Laurel.
Circuit City officials confirm that an employee at the store alerted local police in January 2006.

He was concerned about the images being transferred from videotape to DVD.

According to the federal complaint, the video shows 10 men, including the six now under arrest. On the tape, they called for jihad and yelled 'God is great' in Arabic.

While praised by law enforcement, the tipster's name has not been made public.

Terror Suspect Called Bin Laden 'His Uncle Benny'

Terror Suspect Called Bin Laden 'His Uncle Benny'

Maddy Sauer Reports:

One of the men suspected of helping the plotters of a terror attack on Fort Dix would jokingly refer to Osama bin Laden as "his Uncle Benny," a co-worker told WPVI, the ABC News affiliate in Philadelphia.

"He used to make jokes about how the U.S. government could not find his Uncle Benny," Bob Watts, who worked at a Shop Rite bakery with Agron Abdullahu, told WPVI's Dann Cuellar.

Watts also told WPVI that Abdullahu would bring in recipes for making bombs that he had downloaded from the Internet, and that he would experiment with homemade explosives that he used to remove tree trunks.

United Nations attacked for spreading Christianity

United Nations attacked for spreading Christianity
Terrorists claim international group is 'converting Muslims under cover'
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By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

JERUSALEM – A deadly attack yesterday against a United Nations school in the Gaza Strip was carried out by an Islamist extremist group, according to a statement faxed to WND claiming the U.N. was targeted because the international body was "spreading Christian missionary activity."
"The UN is spreading Christian missionary activity. We will keep hitting them and trying to kill them. They are trying to convert our Muslims under the cover of an international organization," said the statement, signed by the group Jihadia Salafiya.

Until now, Jihadia Salafiya has operated in Gaza as an Islamic outreach movement seeking to make secular Muslims more religious, but the overall leader of the organization, Abu Saqer, confirmed to WND today his organization recently opened what it called a "military wing" to target individuals, establishments and groups it claims are "corrupting Islam."

One person was killed yesterday when unidentified attackers hurled grenades at a U.N.-run school in the Gaza Strip after announcing on loudspeakers they were angry over the participation of boys and girls in a sports event.

Starbucks markets more 'anti-God' coffee cups Company welcomes national dialogue despite boycott threat by some patrons

Starbucks markets more 'anti-God' coffee cups Company welcomes national dialogue despite boycott threat by some patrons

Posted: May 9, 20078:38 p.m. Eastern
By Joe Kovacs© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Coffeehouse giant Starbucks is standing by its campaign to put thought-provoking messages on its coffee cups despite a national uproar and threat of boycott over a message some felt was "anti-God."

Controversy erupted this week after a customer became steamed reading a quote that stated:

"Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure."

The quote was written by Bill Schell, a Starbucks customer from London, Ontario, Canada, and was included as part of Starbucks' "The Way I See It" campaign to collect different viewpoints and spur discussion.

A WND story posted Sunday afternoon publicizing the cup became a hot topic on national radio shows this week including Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham.

One reader, Ken Peck of Lakeland, Fla., has since purchased a coffee with another message he felt was a slam against his Christian faith, and snapped a photograph of it.

The message reads:

Heaven is totally overrated. It seems boring. Clouds, listening to people play the harp. It should be somewhere you can’t wait to go, like a luxury hotel. Maybe blue skies and soft music were enough to keep people in line in the 17th century, but Heaven has to step it up a bit. They're basically getting by because they only have to be better than Hell. -- Joel Stein, columnist for the Los Angeles Times.

"There's absolutely no reason to put that out on a cup," Peck told WND. "From a marketing standpoint, it blows me away. I don't put a picture of Christ of my business card."

Peck says the issue has energized him to push for a boycott of Starbucks in favor of other local coffeehouses in Polk Co., Fla.

"Everyone I've shown the cup to has been flabbergasted, whether they have a faith in Christ or not," he said.

Seattle-based Starbucks, meanwhile, is making no apologies about the God-related messages, nor its campaign.

"We are committed to this program," Starbucks communications manager Tricia Moriarty told WND, noting that quotes about matters of faith make up only a small fraction of the printed quips.

Why Americans need to carry guns

FIREARMS AND FREEDOM
Why the Second Amendment is more important than ever
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Although the constitutional "right to keep and bear arms" is often ridiculed as an archaic relic from America's past, the May issue of WND's acclaimed Whistleblower magazine shows why private gun ownership is actually more crucial to Americans' freedom and security today than at any time in history.

Titled "FIREARMS AND FREEDOM: Why the Second Amendment is more important than ever," this eye-opening and spine-straightening Whistleblower edition documents how the contentious issue of gun rights – considered by many to be the linchpin of all Americans' rights – is dramatically coming to a head:

The string of horrendous mass murders in "gun-free zones" – most recently at Virginia Tech, and before that October's slaughter of Amish schoolgirls in rural Pennsylvania as well as similar massacres at other schools around the nation – has fueled a furious debate over gun control, "gun-free zones" and "lax gun laws."

Just like the Virginia Tech massacre, most violent crimes cannot be stopped by police, but only by citizens present during the commission of the crime. And research now shows conclusively that armed, law-abiding citizens have a huge impact on deterring and stopping violent criminal acts.

Meanwhile, with terror attacks up 25 percent worldwide in the last year and top U.S. leaders confirming that major, devastating attacks on innocent Americans are inevitable, the armed and observant citizen is now absolutely essential for protecting America's communities from terror attacks.

Alongside the increased focus on private gun ownership, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has now ruled that the decades-old handgun ban in the nation's capital is unconstitutional and a direct violation of the Second Amendment. That case, in turn, has set the Second Amendment on a direct course to the United States Supreme Court, which has largely avoided the gun issue for decades.
"FIREARMS AND FREEDOM" digs up and reports all the amazing and little-known developments in this debate – and then cuts to the core issues in a powerful and compelling way.

"Only one thing could have stopped the Virginia Tech disaster," says WND Managing Editor David Kupelian. "Imagine Cho Seung-Hui walking into a classroom, threatening people with his guns, making them line up, preparing to shoot them. Now freeze-frame that scene and think for a moment: There isn't anyone or anything in this world that could have stopped Cho in his tracks at that point and averted the hellish slaughter that followed – except a single student or professor with a firearm, trained to use it effectively and responsibly."

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Uniformed Navy chaplain prays 'in Jesus' name'

Uniformed Navy chaplain prays 'in Jesus' name'
Act of faithfulness defines career as service ejects Christian
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In front of witnesses and God, a man who fought the whole of the U.S. Navy over his constitutional right to pray "in Jesus' name" while in uniform has done just that, delivering a benediction at a meeting of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington a short time after Vice President Dick Cheney had left the room.

Former U.S. Navy Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt told WND it was an act to define the close – for now – of his 16-year military career.

He said he had been on the schedule of the CPAC event to deliver the invocation, but when an appeals court just days ago cleared the way for the Navy to dismiss him, his supervisor told him the Navy had contacted the conference and asked that he be "disinvited."

Multiple WND calls to CPAC asking for a comment were not returned.

"When the vice president was speaking I stood outside the room, and I waited until the event was over. … Then after everybody left, I decided that my last act as a Navy chaplain should be to pray in my uniform in Jesus' name," he said.

"So I went and put on my uniform, since I was technically in the Navy until midnight, and at 11:30 p.m. I took the stage at the CPAC conference and I said the benediction to the banquet."

"I prayed in Jesus' name in front of an empty room," he told WND, with his wife and manager as witnesses.

He said those he met at the conference were cordial and gracious, in fact sympathetic. "I met several old friends who have helped me with my cause. Just about everybody in the room knew who I was, knew about my cause to pray in Jesus' name."

He had been ordered dismissed by midnight on Thursday, and moved out of military housing in order to prepare for that. But he said he will continue his personal battle, even though the overall victory already is his, since Congress has ordered the removal of the restrictions under which he was punished.

"I'm going to continue my lawsuit against the Navy as a civilian, but will fight to be reinstated," Klingenschmitt told WND. "I will continue to fight for all chaplains' rights to pray according to their conscience, but will do so outside of the Navy instead of inside."

Klingenschmitt said the battle was worth it, and he would do it all over again. "We did change national policy. We rescinded the policy that I was punished for," he said.

Judiciary won't allow Christian beliefs

Judiciary won't allow Christian beliefs
Magistrate forced out of family court for opposing homosexual adoptions
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A magistrate judge in Sheffield, England, has been told he cannot serve on the local court's Family Panel, even though he's been recognized as having "an unblemished record and is well regarded by fellow magistrates" because he is a Christian.

"This case is a clear picture of how Christian faith is becoming privatized in society," said Andrea Williams, of the Lawyers Christian Fellowship. "It is yet another example of the repression of Christian conscience and signals the prevalence of a secular 'new morality' and the erosion of Christian values at the expense of our children's welfare."

The case arose when McClintock realized he would be assigned to hear cases involving adoption by homosexual couples, which are allowed now under England's Civil Partnerships Act 2002. Realizing the concerns that might arise, he asked that his religious beliefs be accommodated and he be "screened" from such cases.

He also expressed concern that children would be put at risk by the unproven social experiment of homosexual duo adoptions.

"Andrew McClintock believes that the best interests of the child are served by placing them in a situation where they would have both a mother and a father and therefore he could not agree to participate in gay adoption," Williams said. "The imposition of secular values in every aspect of our lives will force those who hold Christian beliefs out of jobs. It will be to the detriment of the whole of society."

McClintock took his case to the Employment Tribunal in Sheffield, where he'd been a Justice of the Peace since 1988 after he was told in 2004 he must preside over cases that involved homosexual duos proposing to adopt. His lawsuit was against the Lord Chancellor and the Department of Constitutional Affairs, in which he explained that he had suffered discrimination because of his religious beliefs.

His request for accommodation was called for under Regulation 10 of the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.

Botched procedure shuts down abortion business

Botched procedure shuts down abortion business
State investigators looking into woman's allegations of negligence
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Another abortion business has been closed down, this one while an investigation is conducted into the treatment of a woman who suffered two strokes, a collapsed lung and neurological damage as a result of her abortion, officials say.

The woman also has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Medical Associates of New Jersey and the two abortionists who treated her, alleging "negligent, careless and reckless care."

It brings to 18 the number of abortion businesses closed over the past year because of investigations of deaths or injury, as well as investigations into unlicensed and other inappropriate activity.

The newest closure happened over just the last few days – after Rasheedah Dinkins went to Metropolitan Medical Associates on Jan. 27 for what she thought would be a routine abortion.

However, a report from Operation Rescue, one of the nation's front-line pro-life organizations, said after Dinkins returned home that day, she collapsed.

"Family members summoned an ambulance to transport her to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center where she slipped into a coma lasting four weeks. When she awoke, Rasheedah learned that she had suffered massive blood loss, two strokes, a collapsed lung, neurological damage, and the removal of her uterus. She finally regained her ability to speak on Tuesday," the report said.
She remains hospitalized in critical care, officials said.

Group has faith in women’s choice

This story is disgusting, and an outright disobedience of what the Bible clearly teaches (Pro-Life!)

If you are Pro-Choice, read these two links below, and turn your heart over to Jesus as Lord! It is not your choice, it is God's choice. Saying, "No Lord, I will not have this baby whom You are forming inside my womb!", is the biggest oxymoron there is. How can you say, "No Lord"? Then He is not your Lord! Ponder that thought and read the following...

***End of Publishers Comment***

Group has faith in women’s choice

By ANNIE NELSON of the Tribune’s staff

Local and state clergy involved in the Missouri Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice say making abortion illegal again in Missouri would return the state to the days when women with unwanted pregnancies suffered mutilation in pursuit of what the group sees as a God-given right of controlling your own procreation.

Rabbi Susan Talve of St. Louis made the tough decision to go on record about the abortion she had when she was 19 years old because she is terrified that either the state or federal government will outlaw access to first-term abortions.

"I was in love, and the first time I had sex, I used contraception, and I got pregnant," she said. "I have to tell you how grateful I was that that was the year that New York made it legal to have a legal, safe abortion. … I had friends who tried to use coat hangers or threw themselves down steps."

Talve said many women come to her for counsel from faiths that prohibit abortion, even when the pregnancy is jeopardizing their life. The Catholic faith requires the mother and child be treated together, whereas the Jewish faith requires the pregnancy be terminated if the mother’s life is in danger, she said.

No decision to have an abortion is ever without pain, she said, and she still thinks of her decision to end her first pregnancy. "I have no doubt I made the right decision, even though it was difficult," she said.

It’s a right Talve said she will go to prison to defend.

She helped found two state affiliates of the national Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and is being honored by the Missouri coalition with a Faith and Freedom Award in April.

Feds seeking 7 years for another Texas cop

Feds seeking 7 years for another Texas cop
Deputy sheriff convicted for violating civil rights of fleeing illegal alien
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By Jerome R. Corsi
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

The federal government has recommended a seven-year prison term for Gilmer Hernandez, a Texas deputy sheriff who drew grass-roots support after he was convicted for violating the civil rights of a fleeing illegal alien, WND has learned.

In a case prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton in El Paso, who also led the high-profile prosecution of former Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, Hernandez was charged after stopping a van full of illegals for running a stop sign April 14, 2005, in Rocksprings, Texas.

The driver attempted to run over Hernandez, prompting the officer to fire his weapon at the rear tires. A bullet fragment hit a Mexican national, Marciela Rodriguez Garcia, in the mouth, cutting her lip and breaking two teeth.

Hernandez's boss, Deputy Don Lettsinger, told WND he considers the sentencing guidelines severe, especially since he believes "Deputy Hernandez should never have been indicted for this incident in the first place."

Iran poised to strike in wealthy Gulf states

Iran poised to strike in wealthy Gulf states
By Colin Freeman, Chief Foreign Correspondent, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 2:56am GMT 04/03/2007

Iran has trained secret networks of agents across the Gulf states to attack Western interests and incite civil unrest in the event of a military strike against its nuclear programme, a former Iranian diplomat has told The Sunday Telegraph.

Spies working as teachers, doctors and nurses at Iranian-owned schools and hospitals have formed sleeper cells ready to be "unleashed" at the first sign of any serious threat to Teheran, it is claimed.

Trained by Iranian intelligence services, they are also said to be recruiting fellow Shias in the region, whose communities have traditionally been marginalised by the Gulf's ruling Sunni Arab clans.

Were America or Israel to attack Iran, such cells would be instructed to foment long-dormant sectarian grievances and attack the ex-tensive American and European business interests in wealthy states such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Such a scenario would bring chaos to the Gulf, one of the few areas of the Middle East that remains prosperous and has largely pro-Western governments.

The claims have been made by Adel Assadinia, a former career diplomat who was Iran's consul-general in Dubai and an adviser to the Iranian foreign ministry. They came as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, made a formal visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday in what was widely seen as an attempt to defuse growing Sunni-Shia tensions in the Middle East.

Christian belief a 'hate crime' under plan

Christian belief a 'hate crime' under plan
Backup proposal would mandate jail time for dissing a 'gay'
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Americans worried about new "hate crime" legislation that could be used to make criminals of those whose religious faith doesn't endorse homosexuality could be facing a two-pronged attack, according to groups that monitor those developments.

The newest threat is being prepared by U.S. Rep. John Conyers, the head of the House Judiciary Committee, whose work is being called "The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007," according to the Rev. Ted Pike, of the National Prayer Network.

He said a letter to other members of the House was intercepted by Focus on the Family and indicated that it "gives the federal government even more power to create a bias motivation justice system, turning America into a police state."

Michael Marcavage, director of Repent America and Pike both had alerted their constituencies earlier to H.R. 254, or the David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which could create "anti-hate" restrictions and penalties.

Marcavage told WND that plan would invert American justice, and instead of requiring evidence it would leave it to someone who claims to be offended to determine whether a "crime" has been committed.

"Truth is not allowed as evidence in hate crimes trials. … A homosexual can claim emotional damage from hearing Scripture that describes his lifestyle as an abomination. He can press charges against the pastor or broadcaster who merely reads the Bible in public. The 'hater' can be fined thousands of dollars and even imprisoned!" Marcavage said.

So there immediately was a flood of calls to Congress with opposition to H.R. 254 and it appeared that the plan might not make it out of committee. In fact, records show it still is pending in the House Judiciary Committee

But Pike is says the danger is far from over.

School kids' march in 'gay' parade protested

School kids' march in 'gay' parade protested
Angry citizens point out students' exposure to pornographic scenes
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By James L. Lambert
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Eleven local citizens appeared at a San Diego School District meeting this week to confront officials about the San Diego Cooperative Charter School's active participation in the city's annual Gay Pride Parade.

The activists were especially concerned about the school's elementary-age children marching in the annual event.

The group presented the school board with pictures from the parade of scantily dressed men, sadomasochists and drag queens.

James Hartline, who several years ago renounced his homosexual lifestyle before becoming a Christian, spoke first. He reminded the board of previous attempts to speak to them about the issue when he repeatedly was interrupted by parade supporters, booed and "called names while speaking."

Hartline asserted it was wrong to expose small children to pornographic scenes and sexual imagery that included overt public displays of affection between homosexuals, along with displays of pink phallus symbols.

Each board member was presented with a package of photographs from the parade. The activists said they were particularly disappointed that two board members they thought would be sympathetic – Sheila Jackson and Mitz Lee – had no comment about their concerns or the evidence presented.

Jackson refers, in her biography, to her involvement with the Bethel AME Church Missionary society; and Lee, prior to her election in 2004, attended monthly meetings of Women in Politics, a conservative Christian organization.

Michael Moore unmasked by left-wing filmmakers

Michael Moore unmasked by left-wing filmmakers
'If you have to sell out your values and principles to get at a greater truth, where does that leave you?'
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Posted: March 4, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Filmmaker Michael Moore, director and star of successful films such as "Roger & Me," "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11," has become the unwilling subject of a new documentary that raises questions about the credibility of his work and describes a "disturbing pattern of fact-fudging and misrepresentation," reports the London Sunday Times.

While Moore has long been a favorite target of those on the political right, this new documentary – "Manufacturing Dissent" – comes from two left-leaning Canadian filmmakers who were once fans and who began their project expecting to tell a positive story.

"When we started this project we hoped to have done a documentary that celebrated Michael Moore. We were admirers and fans," said Debbie Melnyk, who, with husband Rick Caine, made the film. "Then we found out certain facts about his documentaries that we hadn't known before. We ended up very disappointed and disillusioned."

Caine and Melnyk discovered, early on, that the public persona they knew was not the Moore they encountered when they began to examine his work.

"As investigative documentarists we always thought we could look at anything we wanted," Caine said. "But when we turned the cameras on one of the leading figures in our own industry, the people we wanted to talk to were like: 'What are you doing? Why are you throwing stones at the parade leader?'"

Their first disillusionment came in Flint, Mich., where Moore had portrayed his efforts to interview Roger Smith, the former chief executive of General Motors, about the company's policies that led to closure of the city's auto manufacturing plants. In "Roger & Me," Moore failed to get Smith to talk to him. In reality, said Caine and Melnyk, Moore secured two on-camera interviews, but the scenes were left out, apparently for dramatic effect.

"Manufacturing Dissent" includes a long list of alleged exaggerations or distortions in Moore's other films.

Rebecca's Prayer: A Song of Praise

Rebecca's Prayer: A Song of Praise
By Sarah Hoffman
CBN News

CBNNews.com - RALEIGH, N.C. - Rebecca Simpson's two goals in life were to make an impact for God and graduate from her high school, North Raleigh Christian Academy.

She was determined not to let anything get in her way. Not even leukemia.

Her friend Abby Parsons remembers the day in eighth grade when Rebecca was diagnosed.

"I went to the hospital that evening and I expected that she would just be you know, kind of down or whatever. But she was laughing, happy, reading her Bible," she said.

Over the years, Simpson kept an online diary of everything she was going through. Sprinkled in between the notes about classes, plays and doctors appointments are glimpses into the teen's strong faith, read for CBN News by her friend Shea Northcut.

"It's okay to be upset or disappointed, as long as the faith is still there and the song of praise comes after the sadness.God has the victory in every fight.including this one," Shea read from Rebecca's journal.

Recently the head of Rebecca's school discovered that she had enough credits to fulfill her dream - and graduate early with honors. So, on Feb. 23, all the seniors dressed in their caps and gowns and gave Rebecca an official graduation ceremony.

"They came out to 'Pomp and Circumstance' and she was right where she was supposed to be," Rebecca's mom, Emmaline Simpson, said.

The choir she had been a part of sang a song and the girls she used to dance with choreographed a special number.

Award after award was handed out. And finally - the moment she had been waiting for her whole life - she got her diploma.

"It was very bittersweet. Very bittersweet," her dad, Jeff Simpson, said.

Less than eight hours after the ceremony, Rebecca Simpson went home to be with Jesus. But Rebecca fulfilled her other goal, too - to deeply influence her friends for the Lord even in her short life.

"You can look at all the students at this school, anyone who's ever come in contact with her is touched and will never be the same again because of who she was and the kind of person that she was and how strong she was in the Lord," Maggie Patton, Rebecca's friend, said.

Within hours of her passing, Simpson's friends wrote, produced and uploaded a song to the Internet called Rebecca's Prayer.

And less than 48 hours after her passing, Rebecca's mom, dad and sister Vinson sat down with CBN News to tell us about how they are coping with their loss.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

House of Representatives set to vote on 'hate crimes' giving homosexuals special rights

House of Representatives set to vote on 'hate crimes' giving homosexuals special rights

Contact Your Representative In Opposition to HR 254 Today!

The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on HR 254, which establishes “hate crime” legislation. HR 254 will create new special rights for homosexuals under the guise of enhancing law enforcement. It would make “sexual orientation” a protected class alongside race, religion and gender.

The only way this bill can be defeated is with a real grassroots uprising by those who care about the future of their children, families and marriages!

The intent of this law is to force the acceptance and approval of homosexuality on every American, regardless of their religious views. Here is a short summary of HR 254.

For a more in-depth review of where we are headed, click here.

Here is a partial list of what homosexual activists are trying to force on every American. While HR 254 will not, in and of itself, accomplish these goals, it will open the door to such regulations. Once the elephant gets its trunk under the tent, the way is open for the elephant to move inside and do whatever he wants.

-Preaching that homosexuality is a sin from the pulpit will result in the preacher being charged with “hate speech.”

-Churches will have their tax-exempt status revoked if they oppose homosexuality.

-Homosexual marriage will be legalized and recognized in all states.

-Polygamy will be legalized.

-Landlords will be forced to rent to homosexuals.

-Scouts, and all non-profit organizations, will be required to hire homosexuals as leaders.

-Biblical language used to define homosexuality will be considered “hate speech.” City officials have already had a billboard removed in Long Island, NY, because it was classified as “hate speech.” The billboard read: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.” (Leviticus 20:13)

-Employees will not be allowed to say anything negative about homosexuality in their workplaces.

-Classes promoting the homosexual lifestyle will be included in school curricula beginning with the lower grades.

-Employers will be forced to hire homosexuals.

-Adoption by homosexuals will be legalized in every state.

To read HR 254, click here.

Let me say again: HR 254 will not, in and of itself, accomplish everything the homosexual activist’s desire. But it is the first step is to position their cause where they can achieve all their goals.

If they are successful with HR 254, rest assured they will pursue their next goal and will not stop until they achieve all their goals.

Take Action

Send the e-mail to your representative urging him or her to vote AGAINST HR 254. It all boils down to who is dedicated to their cause more — homosexual activists or Christians. Right now the homosexual activists are winning.

Please forward this to all your friends and family. The only way to stop this onslaught on Christian values and Christianity is a national uprising against HR 254, saying enough is enough!

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association

P.S. Please forward this e-mail message to your family and friends!

Pro-Life?

Month one

Mommy
I am only 8 inches long
but I have all my organs.
I love the sound of your voice.
Every time I hear it
I wave my arms and legs.
The sound of your heart beat
is my favorite lullaby.

Month Two

Mommy
today I learned how to suck my thumb.
If you could see me
you could definitely tell that I am a baby.
I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though.
It is so nice and warm in here.

Month Three

You know what Mommy
I'm a boy!!
I hope that makes you happy.
I always want you to be happy.
I don't like it when you cry.
You sound so sad.
It makes me sad too
and I cry with you even though
you can't hear me.

Month Four

Mommy
my hair is starting to grow.
It is very short and fine
but I will have a lot of it.
I spend a lot of my time exercising.
I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes
and stretch my arms and legs.
I am becoming quite good at it too.

Month Five

You went to the doctor today.
Mommy, he lied to you.
He said that I'm not a baby.
I am a baby Mommy, your baby.
I think and feel.
Mommy, what's abortion?

Month Six

I can hear that doctor again.
I don't like him.
He seems cold and heartless.
Something is intruding my home.
The doctor called it a needle.
Mommy what is it? It burns!
Please make him stop!
I can't get away from it!
Mommy! HELP me!

Month Seven

Mommy
I am okay.
I am in Jesus's arms.
He is holding me.
He told me about abortion.
Why didn't you want me Mommy?

Every Abortion Is Just . . .

One more heart that was stopped.
Two more eyes that will never see.
Two more hands that will never touch.
Two more legs that will never run.
One more mouth that will never speak

If you're against abortion ... PASS THIS ON !!!

Attorney General launches religious freedom initiative at SBC meeting

Attorney General launches religious freedom initiative at SBC meeting
Feb 21, 2007
By Erin Roach
Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales met with Southern Baptist leaders Feb. 20 to unveil a new Department of Justice initiative aimed at educating Americans about their religious liberties and to ask for the Southern Baptist Convention’s help in identifying and reporting abuses of those liberties.

Gonzales, in an address to SBC Executive Committee members during their Tuesday afternoon session, noted that he is charged by the president with “protecting and preserving not only the safety and security of all Americans, but also their rights, liberties and freedoms.”

“One of our most cherished freedoms, one we’ve sacrificed greatly to defend, is our religious liberty,” the attorney general said at the SBC Building in Nashville, Tenn. “Nothing defines us more as a nation and differentiates us more from the extremists who are our enemies than our respect for religious freedom. Our great country was founded on these principles, and many of us today believe it continues to thrive because of, not despite, them.”

The Department of Justice released Feb. 20 a “Report on Enforcement of Laws Protecting Religious Freedom: Fiscal Years 2001-2006,” which describes the importance of religious freedom historically in America and the role assigned to the justice department. The report also summarizes the department’s accomplishments during the Bush administration to protect religious liberty through the enforcement of civil rights laws.

AG Moves to Protect Religious Freedom

AG Moves to Protect Religious Freedom
CBN News
February 21, 2007

CBNNews.com- The Justice Department is launching a program to protect Americans from religious discrimination.

CBN News traveled with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to Nashville, where he announced the "first freedom initiative."

He told leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention the initiative creates a religious freedom task force to review policies and cases of discrimination. He says the Justice Department will enforce the law to ensure all Americans are protected.

Italy Judge Orders 13 Year-Old to Have Abortion as Parents Oppose Birth

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor

Rome, Italy (LifeNews.com) -- An Italian judge has ordered a thirteen year-old girl to have an abortion because her parents are opposed to their daughter giving birth. The decision relies on laws in Italy that allow parents to make the pregnancy decisions for their teenage children.
The girl, from Torino, did not want to have an abortion but the ruling will compel her to do so.

The Italian newspaper La Stampa reports the decision has caused the teenager so much stress she has contemplated suicide and needed to receive psychological help as a result.

The unnamed girl became pregnant after have sexual relations with her 15 year-old boyfriend but she decided the best course of action was keeping the baby.

Laws in the United States vary by state about how parents are involved when a teenager gets pregnant. Some allow parents the right to be notified about a potential abortion or requires their consent to have an abortion while other states have no involvement laws.

Italian statues give parents the ultimate decision about whether a teenager can have an abortion or carry the baby to term. The way the law is worded, parents can require their children to keep their baby, give the baby up for adoption, or have an abortion.

A representative of the Catholic church said government officials should urge the parents not to force their daughter to have an abortion and said enough support exists to take care of the baby.

"The unborn baby is still a life and I defend life whatever the situation." Severino Poletto, Archbishop of Torino told the newspaper.

"Society must take of this child. I certainly oppose abortions but this case allows us to reflect on the situation. We have to take a step back and ask ourselves how this could have happened to a 13 year old girl" he added.

The incident follows two prominent cases of attempted forced abortions in the U.S.

Jefferson advocated 'gate' between church and state

Jefferson advocated 'gate' between church and state
Pastor's research says 'deist' described himself as Christian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 21, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

By Bob Unruh
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

Thomas Jefferson, credited with penning the famous "wall of separation between Church and State" on which many secular organization have rested their hopes of eliminating Christianity from the public square, actually believed in a "gate" allowing free passage between the two, according to a researcher who's reviewed Library of Congress documents.

How else, asked Todd DuBord, senior pastor at Lake Almanor Community Church, could Jefferson as president in 1803 recommended a treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians in which U.S. taxpayers promised to pay $100 a year for seven years "for the support of a [Catholic] priest …" and made a commitment that "the United States will further give the sum of three hundred dollars to assist the said tribe in the erection of a church…"

And how else could Jefferson, as president, have held Christian church services in the executive branch buildings, the U.S. House of Representatives, and even the U.S. Supreme Court chambers? he asked.

"I used to believe in 'a wall of separation between Church and State,'" DuBord wrote in a compilation of his research prepared for his church website. "After researching the religion and politics of Thomas Jefferson in the Library of Congress, I now understand that barrier was a gate Jefferson would often pass through."

DuBord, who was exposed to the conflict between the actual Christian heritage of the United States and what is being portrayed as the nation's secular heritage while on a tour of the Washington, D.C., and nearby areas, has researched the nation's Christian heritage through materials from the Library of Congress, and has been submitting requests that agencies responsible for that information be more accurate.

For example, WND has reported that he's been campaigning with the U.S. Supreme Court to provide information that the stone tablet in the East Wall Frieze actually represents the Ten Commandments, not the ten amendments as current public information states. His documentation on the church's website shows historical documents overwhelmingly support the Ten Commandments description.

WND earlier reported on his documentation of the other representations of the Ten Commandments in the Supreme Court Building.

His newest research includes pages of documentation of Jefferson's active support for the teachings of Jesus, even to the point of federal subsidies for the support of missionaries, the construction of churches, the publication of the Bible and other key outreaches.

Denmark to pull troops from Iraq

Denmark will withdraw its troops from Iraq by August, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.

The troops, numbering about 460, will be replaced by a unit of about 50 soldiers manning four observational helicopters, he said.

It comes as Tony Blair announced a timetable for reducing British troop numbers in Iraq from 7,100 to 5,500.

Most Danish troops are based in the southern city of Basra, where they operate under British command.

The mandate for Danish troops to serve in Iraq is due to expire in June.

Waning public support

Mr Rasmussen said the decision to pull out was taken after consultation with the Iraqi government and the British.

British troops to start Iraq pullout by April

Philip Webster, Political Editor

British troops will start coming home from Iraq within weeks, Tony Blair will announce today almost four years after the start of the war that removed Saddam Hussein from power.

The Prime Minister will say that up to 1,500 of Britain’s 7,000 contingent around Basra could be out by the summer, with the first coming home by April, and 3,000 by the end of the year if the process of handing over control to the Iraqi security forces continues to go well, The Times has learnt.

Mr Blair will say that Operation Sinbad, the security and reconstruction plan conducted in Basra over the past six months, has been a success. Since it ended this month Mr Blair and forces’ chiefs have assessed the ability of Iraqi troops to do the job.

Mr Blair will give the go-ahead for withdrawal despite President Bush’s decision to send more than 21,000 reinforcements to Baghdad. The decision will be seen by some as a signal that the Government is prepared to demonstrate its independence from the US.

The war is seen across the parties as Mr Blair’s most unpopular policy act, and one that has probably accelerated his departure as Prime Minister. He has always been keen that the British withdrawal should start before he leaves office, and that now appears likely to happen.

Details of the announcement were scant last night. Mr Blair was criticised for not taking part in the recent Commons debate on Iraq but promised to make a statement about the future of British forces as soon as Operation Sinbad had been assessed.

There are 7,200 British troops serving in Basra. They are in Shaibha, south Basra, and in Maysan province. More than 130 British Service personnnel have died in Iraq.

Anti-American feelings soar among Muslims, study finds

Anti-American feelings soar among Muslims, study finds

Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent

The War on Terror has radicalised Muslims around the world to unprecedented levels of anti-American feeling, according to the largest survey of Muslims ever to be conducted.

Seven per cent believe that the events of 9/11 were “completely justified”. In Saudi Arabia, 79 per cent had an “unfavourable view” of the US.

Gallup’s Centre for Muslim Studies in New York carried out surveys of 10,000 Muslims in ten predominantly Muslim countries. One finding was that the wealthier and better-educated the Muslim was, the more likely he was to be radicalised.

The surveys were carried out in 2005 and 2006. Along with an earlier Gallup survey in nine other countries in 2001, they represent the views of more than 90 per cent of the world’s Muslims. A further 1,500 Muslims in London, Paris and Berlin are involved in a separate poll to be published in April.

The findings come in a climate of growing mistrust between Islam and the West. Another recent survey in the US found that 39 per cent of Americans felt some prejudice towards Muslims.

The Gallup findings indicate that, in terms of spiritual values and the emphasis on the family and the future, Americans have more in common with Muslims than they do with their Western counterparts in Europe.

A large number of Muslims supported the Western ideal of democratic government. Fifty per cent of radicals supported democracy, compared with 35 per cent of moderates.

Blair sees peace with 'sensible' Hamas members

Blair sees peace with 'sensible' Hamas members
Comments follow report terrorist group met with Europeans, Democrats
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: February 21, 2007
3:11 p.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

JERUSALEM – "Sensible" members of Hamas can be counted on as partners for progress toward peace in the Middle East, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today.

Speaking to the British Parliament prior to a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Blair said, "I think there are possibilities for progress and I hope that in the coming weeks a framework to take this forward becomes a bit clearer."

"It's far easier to deal with the situation in Palestine if there is a national unity government. ... I hope we can make progress, including even with the more sensible elements of Hamas."

Blair was referring to a national unity deal forged in Mecca earlier this month between Abbas' Fatah party and the Hamas terror group. The agreement, which aimed to end months of Palestinian infighting, does not call for the new Palestinian unity government to recognize Israel and does not commit Hamas to abide by previous peace deals with Israel, only to "respect" the previous peace deals.

Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian emissary to London, hailed Blair's remarks and urged the British prime minister to persuade the U.S. to negotiate with Hamas.

"President Abbas wants Prime Minister Blair to persuade the Americans that the Mecca deal is the only way out," Hassassian said.

"If there is any European country that can influence the Americans it's going to be the UK, given the fact that Blair is a personal friend of President Bush."

Missile shield in Poland, Czech Republic to counter Iran: Rice

BERLIN (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said here on Wednesday that a planned missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic was designed to counter a threat from Iran.

"We have a growing Iranian missile threat and we need to be able to deal with that," Rice told reporters ahead of a meeting in the German capital of the Quartet for Middle East peace.

"Everybody understands that with a growing Iranian missile threat which is quite pronounced there need to be ways to deal with that problem.

"These missile systems are for purposes having to do with post 9/11 threats," Rice said.

"Poland and the Czech Republic are independent countries. They make their own decisions" and they had decided to participate in the scheme, she added.

Rice, who has extensive knowledge of missile systems, dismissed suggestions that the planned shield posed a threat to neighbouring Russia.

Iran still defiant as nuclear deadline expires

Iran still defiant as nuclear deadline expires
POSTED: 1518 GMT (2318 HKT), February 21, 2007

VIENNA, Austria (Reuters) -- Iran vowed on Wednesday to press on with its nuclear fuel program, ignoring a U.N. deadline to freeze uranium enrichment or face broader sanctions.

However, the Islamic republic offered to guarantee it would not try to develop atomic weapons.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remained defiant, even as a 60-day grace period -- that Iran had been given December 23 to stop enriching uranium for nuclear fuel -- was expiring.

Iran "will continue our work to reach our right (to nuclear technology) in the shortest possible time," student news agency ISNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in the town of Siahkal.

With the deadline running out, the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has been unable to verify Iran's program is wholly peaceful after three years of investigations, was expected to report to the U.N. Security Council by Thursday that Tehran was pursuing enrichment regardless of pressure to stop.

The West suspects Iran is trying to make atom bombs behind the facade of a civilian nuclear energy program. Tehran says it wants only an alternative source of electricity so it can maximize oil exports and prepare for when oil reserves run dry.

"Obtaining this technology is very important for our country's development and honor," Ahmadinejad said. "It is worth it to stop other activities for 10 years and focus only on the nuclear issue."

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Monday, May 14, 2007

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Thursday, February 22, 2007

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