Category: U.S.



U.S.

Poll: Lack of Civility Problematic Before Arizona Shootings

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giffordsWhile 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.”

U.S.

Faith Leaders Call On Congress to Halt ‘Toxic Rhetoric’

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capitolhillAre 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.

U.S.

A Prophetic Look at the Tuscon Tragedy

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rob_wintersThe 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.”

U.S.

Vanderbilt Backs Down on Forced Abortion Participation

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adf_mattbowmanEarlier 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.”

U.S.

Citizens Plan Rally Defending ‘Unconstitutional’ Memorial

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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.

U.S.

Vanderbilt University Forces Abortion Pledge

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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.

U.S.

Florida College Accused of First Amendment Violation

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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.

U.S.

NRB Network Launches Christian Reality Series

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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.”

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