ORU’s Rutland Offers Unique Leadership Mentoring Opportunity
News headlines speak of a leadership crisis of worldwide proportions—but true leadership begins with the Church. That’s why Dr. Mark … Read More
Category: U.S.
Minister Arrested in Front of White House
Charisma News Online this morning reported on Rev. Patrick Mahoney’s plans to hold a peaceful demonstration in front of the … Read More
Report: 2010 Sees Good, Bad for Family Values
As January 2011 winds down, the last of the 2010 reviews are rolling out. One area that has yet to … Read More
Poll: Lack of Civility Problematic Before Arizona Shootings
While some are moving to politicize the Arizona shootings, others are simply trying to understand it how everyday Joes feel about the way America discusses politics.
A new poll reveals that the public viewed the lack of civility in American politics as a serious problem even before the Tucson shootings.
The PRRI/RNS Religion News Survey found that a whopping 80 percent of Americans say the lack of civil or respectful discourse in our political system is a “serious problem”—and Americans across the religious and political spectrums share this view. Nearly half of Americans (49 percent) said that the lack of civility was a “very serious problem.”
Faith Leaders Call On Congress to Halt ‘Toxic Rhetoric’
Are you weary of hearing the debates between the left and the right about who’s to blame for the Tucson shootings? You are not alone.
Now, more than 50 high-profile faith leaders—including T.J. Jakes, Joel Hunter and Sam Rodriguez—are taking action.
Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders have banded together to pen an open letter to Congress. The letter calls for national “soul searching†and praying for members of Congress after Saturday’s shooting spree in Arizona, which left six people dead and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords critically injured.
The open letter is signed by more than 50 prominent national religious leaders, including heads of evangelical, mainline Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim denominations, congregations, and organizations. The signers urge members of Congress to reject vitriolic and rancorous rhetoric, consider the consequences of their words, and engage political adversaries in a spirit of shared American values of civility and cooperation.
A Prophetic Look at the Tuscon Tragedy
The Jan. 8 assassination attempt of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, along with the killing of six others, including a federal judge, his staffer and a 9-year-old girl, has left Arizonans saddened and shocked. Many ministers and intercessors throughout Arizona have expressed their grief and frustration regarding this unanticipated tragedy, in that it seemingly occurred without divine warning. Nevertheless, the setting and circumstances of this tragedy are covered with Satan’s fingerprints—revealing his diabolical intentions toward not only the victims, but also the state of Arizona.
The shooting occurred at a Safeway grocery store on 7110 N. Oracle Road in Tucson. The word safeway implies a secure passage or refuge, mirroring Arizona’s divine redemptive purpose to become a “state of refuge” for thousands across the U.S. (see Mal. 4:2). The word oracle, which represents prophets and prophetic ministry, reflects another aspect of Arizona’s prophetic destiny—becoming a state of prophetic vision for and declaration to our nation. Moreover, the demonic, premeditated scheme of the assassin is uncovered in the street address of the murder scene: “7110.”
Vanderbilt Backs Down on Forced Abortion Participation
Earlier this week, Charisma reported that Vanderbilt University was forcing nurse residency applicants to pledge that they will participate in abortion procedures. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) has succeeded in getting the university to back off.
Vanderbilt announced in an e-mail to applicants that it had modified its policy a day after the ADF filed a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services. The e-mail read:
“While Vanderbilt expects all health care providers, including nurses who participate in the Nurse Residency Program’s Women’s Health Track, to provide compassionate care to all patients, no health care provider is required to participate in a procedure terminating a pregnancy if such participation would be contrary to an individual’s religious beliefs or moral convictions. Attached to this communication is an information sheet that replaces the Women’s Health Acknowledgment form that accompanied the application packet.”
Citizens Plan Rally Defending ‘Unconstitutional’ Memorial
Many are outraged by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ Jan. 4 ruling that the cross within the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego is unconstitutional because it sends the message of “state-endorsed religion.”
So outraged, in fact, that hundreds of citizens, alongside local and national leaders, are planning a rally to defend the memorial on Saturday, Jan. 15 atop Mt. Soledad.
“The Mt. Soledad Memorial, including its centerpiece cross, has honored our military for decades until an ‘enlightened’ judge had an epiphany which ignores such foundational truths as the fact that our nation’s Capital Building was even used — at one time — as a church, attended by no less than President Thomas Jefferson himself, one who might know something about the alleged “separation of church and state,” says Dr. Jim Garlow, senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, and Chairman of Renewing American Leadership in Washington D.C.
Vanderbilt University Forces Abortion Pledge
Vanderbilt University is requiring nursing residents to take part in abortions–whether it harms their conscience or not.
The Alliance Defense Fund filed a complaint on Tuesday with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) against Vanderbilt University for this action. Vanderbilt receives more than $300 million in federal tax dollars each year, and federal law prohibits grant recipients from forcing students or health care workers to participate in abortions contrary to their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Florida College Accused of First Amendment Violation
Are our public colleges and universities a marketplace of ideas or a prison of censorship? ADF Senior Legal Counsel Casey Mattox is fighting to make sure educational facilities conform to the First Amendment and remain campuses of free thought.
Mattox’s latest case represents Young Americans for Freedom. Palm Beach State College banned two members of the group from distributing leaflets and talking with people on campus about their cause. The all-out literature distribution ban hindered the group from administering its “Get out the Vote” campaign before last November’s midterm elections.
In a small victory, Palm Beach State College has agreed to let Young Americans for Freedom distribute its Heritage Foundation literature several days a month while the lawsuit progresses. The college also agreed to revise its policies, including its restrictions on off-campus meetings of student groups, to ensure they comply with the First Amendment.
NRB Network Launches Christian Reality Series
Reality TV isn’t all about American idols and island castaways. The NRB Network is rolling out a new Christian reality TV show as part of its winter lineup.
Starting tonight, the NRB will begin airing new Christ-centered shows across a variety of genres, including devotional, talk, fitness and its own take on reality TV on DirecTV, SkyAngel and live on NRBNetwork.tv.
“We’ve added a number of quality programs this season we think our viewers will appreciate,” says NRB Network President and COO Troy Miller. “It’s important to us to introduce new content regularly that ministers to our viewers and meets their educational and entertainment needs.”
Christian Leaders Respond to Arizona Shootings
John F. Kennedy was assassinated. President Ronald Reagan was shot. But in a peaceful democracy the attempts on the lives of public officials seem few and far between—until this weekend.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in critical condition after accused gunman Jared Lee Loughner allegedly opened fire at a community political event. Giffords took a bullet to the head. Gabe Zimmerman, 30, a Giffords staff member, was killed, along with Chief Judge Roll and four others.
ORU President Gets’Face to Face’ in New TV Series
As Christian reality TV shows start to emerge, Oral Roberts University (ORU) is taking a classic approach to broadcasting with its new “Face to Face” television series.
In each 30-minute episode of “Face to Face,” ORU President Mark Rutland will interview prominent individuals—industry leaders, ministers, writers, and musicians—to ask about their lives, how they arrived at their current position, and what their thoughts are on leadership, faith, culture, and other questions of the day.
Personhood USA Gathers 1 Million Prolife Sigs
Personhood USA is on a mission to collect millions of signatures across the United States with its nationwide petition—and it … Read More
130 Young Preachers Gather In Louisville
How can the lost call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Enter 130 young preachers.
The young men and women of God are gathering together in Louisville this weekend for the second National Festival of Young Preachers. Hosted by the Academy of Preachers, the Lilly Endowment is underwriting the event, which is open to young preachers between the ages of 16 and 28.
Attorneys Demand Answers in Notre Dame 88 Case
Remember when 88 pro-life demonstrators were arrested on the University of Notre Dame’s campus before the 2009 commencement ceremonies? The … Read More
Televangelists Pass Senate Probe, But New Commission Formed
Sen. Churck Grassley’s probe into high-profile television ministries may be over, but the ranking member of the Committee on Finance’s investigation has led to the formation of a new commission on accountability and policy issues for churches and other religious organizations.
Grassley reviewed the activities and practices of six media-based ministries’ “Joyce Meyer Ministries, Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Creflo Dollar Ministries, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries, Benny Hinn Ministries, and Paula White Ministries” and found no wrongdoing.
Updated NIV Bible Ebook Hits Bestseller Lists
It’s official. Zondervan’s new NIV Bible e-book has made its way onto the USA Today bestsellers list. Released on Dec. 15, the digital release marks the first time that a new Bible translation has launched in a digital format prior to publication in a print format.
Here are some additional breakthroughs: The NIV Bible made its debut as the number one e-book in the Religion & Spirituality Category of Apple’s iBookstore and rose to number 7 for all books on Apple. It is also among the Top 100 in Amazon’s Kindle Store and a Top 25 e-book in Barnes & Noble’s Nookbook Store.
SBA List Calls on Congress to Repeal Pro-Abortion Health Care Law
As part of its Stop Abortion Funding campaign, the Susan B. Anthony List has mobilized its 280,000-member grassroots network to lobby members of Congress to vote for the repeal of the pro-abortion Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
“Keeping abortion out of health care”as the antitheses to it “was the critical issue with enough votes to stop or pass healthcare. It was a dramatic caving in on abortion in health care by a group of now former Members of Congress that finally sealed the deal on the bill,” says SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser.
Short-Term Missions Impact At-Risk Youth
Could short-term missions be an answer to stemming the tide of lost youth? A new Barna Research study offers good news about the ministry model.
Barna took a look at Scripture Union’s SuperKids program. SuperKids offers one- and two-week outreach missions programs that aim to make an impact on youth at a time when many are leaving the church as soon as they get old enough to drive.
Charisma Starts New Year With Focus on Forgiveness
“When the Vow (Almost) Breaks.” “Forgiveness That Transcends.” “The Devil in Pew No. 7.” Those are just a few of the impactful headlines in the January 2011 issue of Charisma magazine.
The new year is all about starting with a clean slate, says Charisma Editor Marcus Yoars. Beyond the resolutions that are likely to fade by the end of the month, he says, New Year’s represents a chance to start over again. That’s why the January 2011 issue of Charisma focuses on the theme of forgiveness and its power in giving people a second chance.