2014 - Page 5 of 6 - ReligiousLiberty.TV / Founders' First Freedom® - News and Updates on Religious Liberty and Freedom

Opinion: Don’t Use Religious Liberty to Discriminate

Posted on April 3, 2014April 8, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

By James Coffin – In the United States, individuals and groups have a long history of discrimination against fellow humans.

But over many decades, legislators and judges have curtailed our freedom to negatively impact others’ lives based on our own prejudices. Such government actions have been a great blessing to the targets of discrimination.

Although anti-discrimination laws limit our freedom to say by our actions that we view certain categories of our fellow humans as inferior, unworthy or evil, they also help ensure justice for all.

Hobby Lobby Case: How Will the Court Decide?

Posted on April 1, 2014April 1, 2014 by Michael Peabody

By Michael Peabody – On March 25, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores (transcript and audio). According to a number of court pundits, the court is expected to split with four justices on each side and the deciding vote is predicted to fall to Anthony Kennedy. Perfectly projecting the Court’s decision is not much easier than predicting a perfect NCAA March Madness bracket, but here are some potential outcomes for the case.

Pope Invited to Address Congress by Boehner and Pelosi

Posted on March 15, 2014March 21, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

In a rare showing of bipartisanship, U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner and his predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, both Catholics, have both issued invitations for Pope Francis to address a joint session of Congress.

Fear Used to Promote Ugandan Anti-Gay Law

Posted on March 14, 2014March 14, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

Last month Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a law making homosexuality a crime punishable by life in prison. According to a recent report by Mother Jones, which features extensive video clips, Museveni said the measure had been “provoked by arrogant and careless western groups that are fond of coming into our schools and recruiting young children into homosexuality.”

North Korean Leader Reportedly Orders Death of 33 Christians

Posted on March 14, 2014March 14, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

Last week, North Korean dictator Kim Jong -un reportedly ordered the deaths of 33 Christians who received money for building underground churches from a South Korean Baptist missionary. The dictator, who “won” his reelection with 100% of the vote and 100% voter turnout has not spared his own relatives from his anger, killing his uncle and all of his uncle’s relatives, including children and grandchildren, last year for allegedly “attempting to overthrow the government.” He is raising these same charges against these Christians and their fate, and that of their families and churches is unknown as of this writing.

Explainer: What is Happening in Ukraine?

Posted on March 4, 2014March 14, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

What is Happening in Ukraine? [dc]T[/dc]he recent events in Ukraine have captured news headlines around the world. Here is some background information on Ukraine, relevant history regarding the recent events, and information about how this may affect religious liberty and particularly the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Ukraine is an independent nation of 45.59 million people that…

Reflections on Teaching as a Christian in Public School

Posted on February 27, 2014February 27, 2014 by Martin Surridge

By Martin Surridge – When I accepted a position as a ninth and tenth-grade English teacher a little ways north of Seattle, the principal of my new public high school asked me quite good-naturedly, “Now, you won’t have a problem coming from Christian school, teaching in the public system?” I explained to her that of course I would be very respectful and professional and that I anticipated no problems, which has been true.

Arizona Governor Vetoes SB 1062

Posted on February 27, 2014March 14, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

Citing the lack of examples where a business’ religious freedom was being violated under current law and the concept that the broadly worded bill could have unintended negative consequences, Arizona Governor Janet Brewer vetoed SB 1062 on Wednesday evening, February 26, 2014.

Arizona SB 1062 is a Bad Idea and Should Be Vetoed!

Posted on February 26, 2014February 27, 2014 by Michael Peabody

Arizona Bill SB 1062 is on Governor Jan Brewer’s desk where she is expected to sign it, veto it, or ignore it and let it become law by default within the next few days. This bill modifies Arizona’s 1999 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to permit business owners to deny service to gay customers, or potentially members of any other group, so long as they are doing it because of the religious beliefs of the owners. SB 1062 could potentially cause more harm than good.

ADL Posthumously Honors Dutch Hero John Henry Weidner for Saving Hundreds from the Holocaust

Posted on February 25, 2014March 14, 2014 by ReligiousLiberty.TV

Palm Beach, FL, February 7, 2014… John Henry Weidner, a Dutch hero who helped save more than 1,000 individuals, including approximately 800 Jews, from the Holocaust, has been posthumously honored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) with the ADL Jan Karski Courage to Care Award.

Established in 1987 to honor rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust era, the award was presented at the ADL National Executive Committee Meeting in Palm Beach to Dr. Kurt Ganter, Executive Director of the John Weidner Foundation for the Cultivation of the Altruistic Spirit, who accepted on behalf of Weidner’s wife, Naomi, who could not be present.