COLUMBUS — After months of careful work surveying and researching Ohio candidates, Citizens for Community Values (CCV) has compiled a 2020 voter guide to inform citizens for the upcoming general election November 3rd. CCV President Aaron Baer made the announcement this week.
“With apathy, fake news, and fear discouraging voters from participating in this pivotal election, it is more necessary than ever to provide our free nonpartisan voter guide. Tens of thousands of voter guides are coming out. With the election fast approaching, people are hungry for the facts.”
Races featured in the guide include the U.S. President, Congress, Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio State Senate, Ohio State House of Representatives and Ohio Court of Appeals.
Baer said that people can order the voter guides to distribute to their church or their community. With many churches closed due to COVID-19, a brand new interactive voter guide website BuckeyeBallot.com has been launched. A bulletin format for congregations of the Presidential race can be accessed here.
Bulletin half sheet of CCV 2020 voter guide. (Photo courtesy of CCV)
On the website you can identify your district by accessing a personalized voter guide, read comments from candidates and see candidate endorsements from a range of advocacy groups. Website users can also register to vote and find their voting location.
Partnering ministry Alliance Defending Freedom is also providing an easy legal guide for congregations to provide an overview of what can and cannot be done by a congregation and clergy when it comes to current issues, legislation, campaigns, and elections. To get this free legal guide, click here.
“With apathy, fake news, and fear discouraging voters from participating in this pivotal election, it is more necessary than ever to provide our free nonpartisan voter guide. Tens of thousands of voter guides are coming out. With the election fast approaching, people are hungry for the facts.”
Aaron Baer, Citizens for Community Values President
Donations to support the growing movement to defend life, build up families, and protect freedom can be made by clicking here.
View the video below to learn why the 2020 General Election on November 3rd will affect nearly every aspect of life and how one vote can affect the election.
Most public schools across the country are either attempting to hold school remotely or, in some hybrid form, brings kids back in the classroom in a limited way, keeping the numbers low. And that’s just for now. The plan has already changed in many districts and will likely change again before all is said and done. The only sure thing, when it comes to this school year is that it is not going to be a normal one.
John Stonestreet (Photo courtesy of the Colson Center)
For a group of churches and ministries in Ohio, this is an opportunity to, in the words of the prophet Jeremiah, seek the welfare of the city. A few months ago, public school districts in Columbus asked local churches to provide additional space for students who have working parents, and whose school would not be opening for in-person instruction. Looking for places where students could access tech devices and the internet, be under adult supervision, where food could be provided, churches in Columbus opened their doors.
Spearheaded by a faith-based group called Catalyst For Columbus, churches are opening “Learning Extension Centers,” where kids can do their online schoolwork with help from tutors. Dozens of churches have signed up, all on their own dime. One local ministry called The Dream Center plans to open 20 Learning Extension Centers across Columbus.
A friend of mine was helping a local pastor think through the logistics of setting up a center, including volunteer tutors, food, supplies, maybe transportation. At the end of their conversation they just laughed. “Pastor,” my friend said, “I think we’ve just invented school!”
What makes all of this more interesting is that in Ohio, the relationship between public schools and the Church has not always been cordial. Two months ago, Ohio lawmakers passed a bill clarifying the rights of students to express their religious faith at school. Sponsors of the bill said schools were treating Christian clubs differently than other clubs, not allowing them to meet in school buildings, and students were being told they couldn’t express their Christian beliefs in school assignments or projects.
The fact that this bill, which the governor quickly signed into law, was even necessary is cause for concern. And frankly, there’s frustration that, after such hostility, the schools would now turn to churches for help. The churches, however, set all that aside to seize an opportunity to offer Christian generosity as a powerful witness to the city of Columbus.
The Church should help like this, wherever and whenever it can, whether or not it’s getting paid, and whether or not it’s ever thanked. Families scrambling to figure out what to do about school and work are our neighbors. School administrators and teachers are our neighbors. “Love your neighbor,” Jesus said, and “Give to the one who asks you.”
“These Ohio churches took inventory and are offering what they have: space, technology, volunteers, and internet. Suddenly, the state isn’t fighting about whether Christian groups should be allowed to be meet in their secular space, or whether some imaginary interpretation of the Establishment Clause is being violated.”
John Stonestreet, Colson Center
What these Ohio churches are doing is an example of something Rick Warren encouraged all of us to think about during our first Wednesday prayer call. Like God asked Moses, Rick encouraged us to ask ourselves, “What’s in our hand?” Moses had a staff, and through it, God freed His people and accomplished great wonders.
These Ohio churches took inventory and are offering what they have: space, technology, volunteers, and internet. Suddenly, the state isn’t fighting about whether Christian groups should be allowed to be meet in their secular space, or whether some imaginary interpretation of the Establishment Clause is being violated. Rather, they are asking if students can be allowed on a property dedicated to Christ and served by volunteers dedicated to Christ.
Sounds like a win to me.
Now these churches will not only be able to provide extension learning centers, they will be able to show families, teachers, and school districts the love of Christ. Maybe some of these churches will discover they have what they need to start their own school long-term. Maybe this tenuous relationship between Church and school districts will outlast the pandemic.
Throughout history the Church has been known for innovation, especially when it comes to education. The Church has also been known for prayer, and I hope you will join the Colson Center family each Wednesday morning, at 10:30 eastern, as we pray together for the Church and the nation. So far, the theme each Wednesday has been that this opportunity for the Church is greater than what is happening in the government. It’s time for the Church to be the Church. May God bless these churches in Ohio as they show us what that can look like.
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. John is also the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture. This story was originally published on August 27th, 2020. Click the image below to hear the podcast of this article.
MANSFIELD — This month, Mansfield City Council rejected a resolution declaring systemic racism as a public health crisis. Activists behind the resolution failed to demonstrate local examples of racism and failed to shake its ties with the Marxist Black Lives Matter movement.
The measure did not receive support from the black faith community. By a majority 5-4 vote, Council opposed the measure.
Reverend El Akuchie (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“Attempts to divide our city by identity politics failed,” says Reverend El Akuchie of the Richland Community Prayer Network. “We are one people in this city with equal opportunity-we are Mansfielders. People should be judged by character not skin color. City Council showed bold leadership and chose to preserve the unity of our city.”
The pastor pointed to recent social justice efforts to erase the achievements of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.. His non-violent legacy involved the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and the 1968 Fair Housing Act.
At least five local black pastors publicly opposed the systemic racism resolution. Their congregations’ names were fraudulently included as supporters in a letter written by OSU Professor Dr. Donna Hight.
The systemic racism argument also got lukewarm reception from the two black city councilmen. Councilman Jason Lawrence opposed the resolution, while Councilman Alomar Davenport half-heartedly voted in favor.
“Attempts to divide our city by identity politics failed. “We are one people in this city with equal opportunity-we are Mansfielders. People should be judged by character not skin color. City Council showed bold leadership and chose to preserve the unity of our city.”
Reverend El Akuchie, Richland Community Prayer Network
After hours of deliberations, Councilman Davenport admitted the night of the vote “I don’t even know what I am voting for.”
Voting with the majority, Councilman Lawrence commented, “Although the resolution was revised at least four times, activists behind the resolution included no language publicly stating it would not be connected to an effort to defund police.”
Councilman Jason Lawrence (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“I support our police and fire departments and we want safe neighborhoods with families. My ward would be especially vulnerable if we were to lose our safety forces. After three months, we have seen the destruction to homes and businesses from a movement that no longer wants an honest conversation. I am not sure how toppling monuments of abolitionists and burning Bibles changes anything.”
This month the Commonwealth of Virginia discussed a similar systemic racism declaration statewide. Just this past Wednesday the Virginia Senate passed a bill that would demote an assault and battery committed against a judge, magistrate, law-enforcement officer, correctional officer, or firefighter from a felony to a misdemeanor and would remove a mandatory jail sentence for the crime.
“It is good to know that the City Council advocates for law and order in Mansfield,” says Councilman Lawrence. “I am proud of our city. I believe it is resilient and will overcome this national calamity.”
ASHLAND — This past weekend Bible believers were in hot pursuit of GOD’s presence with clergy, ministry leaders, and elected officials leading a corporate call to prayer and repentance.
In the midst of a pandemic and national social unrest, a collaboration of twenty-five churches associated with the local Ashland County Ministerial Association (ACMA) braved August heat asking forgiveness from GOD during a sacred assembly. Consequently, one clergyman believes the community is getting a glimpse of the Almighty’s storehouse of blessings.
Over seven hundred came to Freer Field for a sacred assembly on a balmy August Sunday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“There is a sense that GOD is doing many great things,” says Pastor David McNeely of New Life Community Church. “GOD is re-writing the history of Ashland. I believe with all my heart there will be a great harvest by what has been prayed for here tonight. We are beginning to see the activity and orchestration of GOD.”
State Rep. Darrell Kick, one of the assembly speakers, shared about a group of state lawmakers who hold Bible study before casting their vote at the Statehouse. He also admitted the district he represents has a unique reputation among the circle of legislators.
“There is the perception Ashland is a GOD-fearing county. As an elected official, I have noticed over the past couple of years there has been spiritual renewal in this area. After what I saw today, I am not aware of another district where the Mayor commits the city to Jesus Christ and a County Commissioner asks forgiveness for the sins of the county.”
County Commissioner Emmitt Justice at assembly: “I ask on behalf of the Commissioners and all the county officials that you would forgive us for the rebellion of the people of our land. We have all sinned.” (Photo courtesy of Ashland Pictures)Ashland Mayor Matt Miller at assembly “As I stand before you tonight, in the bright light of his Son, to the extent I am able, I give this City of Ashland to the LORD Jesus Christ. May this be a land where He rules supreme. May this be a land where His love is genuinely felt by believers and non believers alike.” (Photo courtesy of Ashland Pictures)
During the assembly, Mayor Matt Miller stated he believed GOD’s mercy has shielded the community from COVID-19. Ashland County has posted minimal cases in the course of the pandemic.
“The heart of this city (Ashland) is seeking GOD …. I believe with all my heart that is why GOD has protected and blessed the City of Ashland during one of the most tumultuous times in my lifetime and the city’s history,” the Mayor said.
Several other community leaders facilitated prayer segments throughout the meeting.
Dr. Carlos Campos, President of Ashland University and Theological Seminary asked the crowd to pray for college campuses. “Join me to repent where universities across this country have failed to follow their mission to pursue truth to its final end which can lead to only one thing: the embodiment of truth, and that is Jesus Christ.”
“The heart of this city (Ashland) is seeking GOD …. I believe with all my heart that is why GOD has protected and blessed the City of Ashland during one of the most tumultuous times in my lifetime and the city’s history.”
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller
Joel Penton, the Executive Director of Lifewise Academy prayed for the public schools during the gathering. Penton is partnering with ACMA to bring Bible education to all five public schools districts in Ashland County.
“For over two generations the Bible has been removed from the nation’s education system and now the country is reaping the harvest,” Penton said. “However, an Ohio law passed in 2014 allows high school students to receive school credits for Bible classes. In fact, Van Wert, Ohio has ninety-five percent of their elementary public school students taught from the Bible every week. It is tranforming the next generation.”
Amanda Nichols, Executive Director of Project One shared a vivd testimony of the tranformational power of prayer delivering her husband from drug addiction. “It is only by the grace of GOD and His Word that my husband has been clean for eleven years.”
Local musicians lead the assembly in the song “How Great Thou Art.” (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Click on the image above toview video of sacred assembly.
“GOD is doing a new thing that will affect the generations yet to come,” says Pastor McNeely. “GOD is making a way in the wilderness where there seems to be no way. He is raising up a faithful remnant in our community.”
The Republican National Committee (RNC) voted this week to keep the 2016 platform, in part due to the intransigence of Democrat governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina. He refused the RNC the opportunity to convene before this year’s national convention. This is customarily when platform issues are reviewed and updates are made.
Bryan Fischer (Photo courtesy of Facebook/Focal Point)
However, the truth is the 2016 platform is just fine the way it is. In fact, it is great the way it is. This is the platform that put Donald Trump in the White House. The platform that gave control of the White House and all of Congress to the Republican Party in 2016 ain’t broke. There’s no need to fix it. (There are some anachronisms in it, references to policies of the previous administration, but these can easily and quickly be updated.)
Donald Trump won on this platform in 2016, and he can win on this platform in 2020. In fact, radically reworking this platform is the only thing that could threaten an electoral win on November 3rd.
The main danger comes from the relentless effort of the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), a group that advocates fiercely for the normalization of homosexuality. After celebrating the Supreme Court decision in Bostock that inexcusably redefined the word “sex” in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to give special rights to transgenders, the LCR said, “While we celebrate today, we know that the real work needs to continue in Congress passing bipartisan legislation that will update the Civil Rights Act and remove any ambiguity that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected.”
In other words, the LCR are just getting warmed up, aiming to co-opt the Presidential Administration and the entire Republican Party into affirming aberrant sexuality and allowing businesses and institutions that believe in normative sexuality to be punished. The LCR intends to make a big push Monday, the first day of the convention, in concert with Ric Grenell, the openly homosexual former ambassador to Germany who for some reason now serves as a senior advisor to the Republican National Committee.
“The Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) are just getting warmed up, aiming to co-opt the Presidential Adminstration and the entire Republican Party into affirming aberrant sexuality and allowing businesses and institutions that believe in normative sexuality to be punished. The LCR intends to make a big push Monday, the first day of the convention, in concert with Ric Grenell, the openly homosexual former ambassador to Germany.”
Bryan Fischer, American Family Radio Personality
Grenell’s position on sexual aberrance is so out of phase with sexual reality and time-honored American values that he was forced out of Mitt Romney’s campaign in 2012. Grenell was wrong then, and he is still wrong today.
His view of sexuality is flatly at variance with the values of the RNC, as expressed in the 2016 platform. That platform announced firm opposition to the effort of groups like the Log Cabin Republicans and individuals like Ric Grenell “to impose a social and cultural revolution upon the American people by wrongly redefining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation. “
The 2016 platform correctly observes that activists like Grenell and the LCR are “are determined to reshape our schools — and our entire society — to fit the mold of an ideology alien to America’s history and traditions.” Not only is non-normative sexuality fundamentally anti-American, the deviancy agenda will force girls to allow boys into their restrooms and shower rooms, and unfairly force females to compete against biological males in athletic competitions. It will force Catholic hospitals to surgically mutilate individuals as part of a so-called “gender transition” or go out of business, which would cripple our entire nation’s health care system.
This cannot be allowed to happen under the Republican banner. The Republican Party stated unambiguously in the 2016 platform that “the foundation of civil society, and the cornerstone of the family is natural marriage, the union of one man and one woman,” and adds, “Every child deserves a married mom and dad.” That conviction was right then and it is still right today, and is in keeping with the origins of the Republican Party itself, which was founded to protect the institution of one-man, one-woman marriage.
There is reportedly a move afoot to develop an abbreviated platform during the convention. This could open the door for considerable mischief as positions that affirm unbiblical views of sexuality and family could be smuggled into this abbreviated platform, and could mean that conservative Republicans might wake up one morning this week and discover that somebody has stolen their party.
Ordinary conservatives must make their voices heard right now, immediately, or we run the risk of having no political party in America which will represent sexual normalcy and the family in public policy.
View the video below produced by the Family Research Council regarding the differences between the 2016 party platforms of the Republican and Democrat Parties.
ASHLAND — With churches around the country facing lockdowns and reverting to online services, local believers in the Buckeye Bible Belt will be exercising their freedom to assemble together…. in the open.
This coming Sunday a sacred assembly sponsored by the Ashland County Ministerial Association (ACMA) has been announced, inviting Bible believers across the region to participate.
“This assembly is for all followers of Jesus Christ who believe in the truth and authority of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, ” says Pastor John Bouquet of the ACMA. “We will be praying for a national and global revival to begin in North Central Ohio on the night of August 23rd beginning at 5:00 PM at Ashland Freer Field.”
Ashland County Ministerial Association leaders lead prayer during pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Ashland County Pictures)
Various spiritual, civic, and business leaders from across the region will be reading Scripture, and allowing time for personal prayer and reconciliation. The outdoor venue has also been endorsed by the Richland Community Prayer Network.
Pastor Bouquet says the ACMA is very aware of Governor Mike DeWine’s limit on mass gatherings.
“Jesus is the Head of the Church and the Governor’s authority ends at the front door of the Church. Politicians are talking about ‘flattening the curve,’ but the Bible says when people acknowledge the Heavenly Father, the Almighty GOD will make their paths straight. The Bible says to ‘Consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD our GOD, and cry out to the LORD (Joel 1:14).”
“Jesus is the Head of the Church and the Governor’s authority ends at the front door of the Church. Politicians are talking about ‘flattening the curve,’ but the Bible says when people acknowledge the Heavenly Father, the Almighty GOD will make their paths straight.”
Pastor John Bouquet, Ashland COunty Ministerial Association
The purpose of the assembly will be to return believers to “first love of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, and to confess and repent of corporate sins against GOD and fellow human beings. The sacred assembly will also consist of worship music led by a compilation of worship leaders from the cross sections of local churches.
Prayer guides for Burdens of the LORD and those that need GOD are provided to the public. Relevent Bible verses and model warfare prayers have also been provided.
Pictured local clergy David McNeely and John Bouquet. (Photo courtesy of Facebook/Ashland County Ministerial Association). Click on the image above to view video promoting sacred assembly this coming August 23rd.
The seventy-eight acre outdoor park is located at 1264 South Center Street in Ashland, Ohio 44805 and will provide a safe environment with adequate space for physical distancing. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Facial coverings will not be provided but are up to your personal discretion.
For more information, please visit www.ashlandcma.org
Richland County clergy with public health crisis resolution
MANSFIELD — This past June the U.S. State Department identified nearly twenty-five million people entrapped in the modern-day slavery of human trafficking. In response to the crisis, fifteen states have officially declared pornography an epidemic and public health crisis. If local clergy have their way, Ohio may be the next to make such a declaration.
Last night several clergy presented a draft resolution endorsed by Richland County clergy from seventy-four congregations to the Richland Public Board of Health requesting the Board declare pornography as a public health crisis.
“Due to its affiliation to human trafficking, we would like the Board to consider making this declaration,” said Reverend El Akuchie of Godsfield House of Prayer. “Our hope is this resolution will encourage education, prevention, research, and policy changes at the state level to confront pornography’s proliferation on the Internet and in society.”
Pastors pictured (L to R): Mark Meyer, El Akuchie, & James Marshall (Photo courtesy of Kathy Marshall)
According to Pastor Mark Meyer of Gracepoint Sanctuary, pornography exploits women and children, a reality which the nation’s judicial system has turned a blind eye to.
“This resolution by the faith community urges enforcement of obscenity laws and increased regulation of pornography on the Internet at both the state and federal levels in order to protect citizens and minors from such exposure.”
Pastor Meyer and his clergy counterparts also believe the draft board of health resolution could bring momentum at the state level.
The Ohio General Assembly is currently considering House Resolution 180, sponsored by nineteen state representatives, including our Representative Mr. Mark Romanchuk. HR 180 declares pornography a “public health hazard that leads to a spectrum of individual and societal harms.”
“As a diverse group of clergy, we believe if word got out of a multi-sector partnership between an engaged faith community and local government, strategically, it could deter potential human traffickers from establishing operations in our region.”
Reverend El Akuchie, Godsfield House of Prayer
Pastor James Marshall of Ganges Community Church points out the pornography epidemic “without a doubt” pertains to the health department.
“The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is a member of the Governor’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, and according to its website, ranks Ohio as fifth among all states in total reported human trafficking cases. The Task Force also identifies Toledo as the fourth highest ranking city in the nation for recruiting victims into the illegal trade.”
The draft resolution also states ODH and local health departments are tasked with the responsibility of compiling vital stats recording total births, marriages/divorces, sexually transmitted diseases, and suicides, which are all “observed to be adversely impacted by the addiction to pornography.”
In 2015, area pastors from sixty-six congregations called for a day of prayer, repentance, and fasting from the “sin of immorality” which included the use of pornography. The following year eight of the nine municipalities in Richland County officially proclaimed “Pornography Awareness Week.”
Nine years earlier, seventy-two clergy brought an objection to the Board of Health for its support of a Portsmouth syringe exchange program. The support was discontinued in response to the clergy.
“As a diverse group of clergy, we believe if word got out of a multi-sector partnership between an engaged faith community and local government, strategically, it could deter potential human traffickers from establishing operations in our region,” says Reverend Akuchie.
MANSFIELD — As violence and rioting plague major metropolitan centers across the nation, race relations continue to be tense. According to Mansfield’s top cop, he believes law enforcement cannot be a ‘lone ranger’ and that the city is ahead of the curve because it has what police dispatchers call “backup.”
“No matter what issues a community may face, it is paramount it be addressed with a multifaceted approach to ensure a successful outcome,” says Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch. “It has also been said the police alone cannot solve these issues without partnership with the community.”
Pastors earlier this year for a Religious Freedom proclamation at the County Courthouse. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
One partnership Chief Porch is referring to includes a diverse faith community that is willing to engage.
“I have found that the partnership with the local faith community over the years extremely beneficial highlighted by numerous initiatives that were successful in making the Mansfield Community a safer place to live, work, and worship. To my knowledge very few communities in the state of Ohio have a working collaboration between black and white faith leaders and we are definitely ahead of the curve.”
In the past several years, black and white clergy have partnered together to assist law enforcement in reporting human trafficking, opposing the marijuana industry, and holding a press conference last Fall to recognize “Thank a police officer day” Clergy from over one hundred local congregations participated in the joint statement.
Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch with Elder Moe Hill. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Because of their direct interface with the public, Mayor Timothy Theaker has also had several black and white pastors partner with police to distribute turkeys during the Thanksgiving season to those in need.
Consequently, this dynamic duo has seen violent crime drop in Mansfield for five consecutive years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent social unrest.
“I believe the diversity of our clergy collaboration sends a strong message to the community that no matter what issue or problem there is, we will work together to solve them” says the Police Chief.
“To my knowledge very few communities in the state of Ohio have a working collaboration between black and white faith leaders and we are definitely ahead of the curve. I believe the diversity of our clergy collaboration sends a strong message to the community that no matter what the issue or problem is, we will work together to solve them.”
Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch
A report by the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) on community outreach efforts released last year tells the story.
The study was conducted of fifty-eight local congregations and discovered significant local volunteerism with church members visiting the elderly, the hospitalized and the incarcerated, and with litter pickups and maintenance of parks improving of quality of life. The ‘labor of love’ by the Bible-based churches also included the donation of their facilities for neighborhood watches, election polls, community health screenings, and blood drives. Concerts, dramas and sports leagues also provided cultural enhancement.
RCPN found not only did these churches provide valuable support ministries to their local community between the years of 2014-2017, these goodwill ambassadors (churches) also supported missions to an astounding ninety-three multi-cultural nations around the globe.
Clergy spokesmen at the “Year of the Bible” press conference last year. 150 congregations were represented. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Of special note, generosity to the multi-cultural nations occurred when the area was listed as the seventh most economically-challenged metropolitan region in the nation.”
While City Council will vote on a controversial resolution declaring systemic racism as a public health emergency, the local faith community does not fit this political narrative and remains an anomaly.
With black faith leaders opposing the resolution, the clergy hope the message gets through to the public: racism is not about skin, it is about sin.
View the slideshow below to view a compilation of multi-racial clergy collaborations that have occurred in Richland County, Ohio.
Pastors at 2018 Clergy Appreciation Presentation
Pastors at 2018 Religious Freedom Proclamation
103 Pastors send correspondence to Israeli Prime Minister in 2017.
150 Pastors declare 2019 as “Year of the Bible”
101 Pastors recognize “Thank a Police Officer Day” in 2019
Pastors at 2020 “Religious Freedom Day” Proclamation
Pastors partner to distribute turkeys to needy in 2019
Pastors at 2019 “Global Forgiveness Day” proclamation
Pastors at 2019 “Gambling Awareness” proclamation
105 Clergy send letter to 39 school districts forbidding yoga instruction during school
66 clergy call for prayer and fasting over corporate sin of immorality in 2015
Pastors at 2018 “Gambling Awareness” proclamation
108 clergy hold press conference decrying judicial tyranny after state law protecting Down Syndrome babies struck down
120 clergy hold press conference calling for prayer and fasting during COVID-19 pandemic
Pastors partner together to distribute turkeys during Thanksgiving in 2018
Pastors partner together to distribute turkeys during Thanksgiving in 2018
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same LORD is LORD of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13
“In His Image” is a critical and urgent message designed to equip the church to answer culturally controversial questions about gender and sexuality from a biblical perspective. Every church in America is filled with hurting people asking these tough questions: Can you be gay and be a Christian? What if someone genuinely feels trapped in the wrong body? Did God make me this way? Is change even possible? (Film is not rated)
Dr, Michael Brown (Photo courtesy of “In His Image”)
This feature-length documentary presents much-needed truth with compassion and clarity through powerful personal testimonies, careful Bible teaching, and scientific evidence.
The American Family Association (AFA) is pleased to partner with Dr. Michael Brown, host of the daily, nationally syndicated talk radio show “The Line of Fire,” which also airs on the NRB TV Network. Dr. Brown is the perfect host for this topic. He’s the author of such books as “Can You Be Gay and Christian?” and “Outlasting the Gay Revolution,” and he holds a doctorate in Near Eastern languages.
For years, AFA has watched the momentum of LGBT affirming “churches” continue to grow with little or no push back from Bible-believing pastors and churches. Now more than ever, true followers of Christ must be ready to engage culture with truth and compassion by offering the gospel to those who are sexually broken.
A scene from the film depicting churches affirming the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality (Photo courtesy of “In His Image”)
In 2018, American Family Studios, AFA’s film division, began production of a film to bring clarity to the topic. In His Image has been bathed in prayer from its conception and is AFA’s response to the confusion many are facing.
“The issues are unavoidable. They are on the news, in our legislation, in our schools. in entertainment, and our social media. They are even reaching into our churches. We are not just talking about issues, we are talking about people. As Christians, We cannot sit this one out, neither can we straddle the fence or leave it to the experts. Every believer has to discover the truth, and that starts with digging in the Scriptures.”
Dr. Michael Brown Talk radio host of “In the Line of FIre”
Pre-register to watch the special sneak preview online for FREE on August 1st. The special sneak preview will feature: life-changing testimonies of former LGBT individuals featured in the documentary and a behind the scenes look at the spiritual warfare behind the making of such a controversial film.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Genesis One, “GOD created main in His own image, in the image of GOD He created him; male and female he created them.”
Click on the image below to view the trailer of “In His Image.”(2:33 min.)
SAVANNAH — In the first attempt within Ohio to suspend a business license for an alleged mask violation, an Ohio Court of Common Pleas Thursday admonished its county health department from suspending local restaurants’ food service operations licenses in response to restaurant employees not wearing masks.
The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law’s victory comes on behalf of Cattlemans Restaurant in Savannah, Ohio, whose business license was permanently suspended on July 15, 2020 when Ashland County Health Department agents observed a cook and dishwasher not wearing masks in Cattlemans’ kitchen.
Pastor John Bouquet (Photo courtesy of Bethel Baptist)
Pastor John Bouquet of Savannah Bethel Baptist says the Ashland County Health Department picked the wrong town to mess with. Last Spring he spearheaded an open letter sent by one hundred area clergy to Governor DeWine requesting the state lockdown by lifted.
“If Mr. DeWine wants to speak from the bully pulpit and tell Ohioans wearing a mask is the ‘Christian’ thing to do, then I will respond.” Pastor Bouquet went on to say, “Mr. Governor: keeping vows is the Christian thing to do. When you took an oath on those nine Bibles, you promised to abide by the Ohio Constitution. No where does an order carry the same weight as a law. This is an example of government tyranny.”
Pastor Bouquet’s congregation took up an offering for the local restaurant which has seen increased support from the rural community.
The ruling by Judge Ronald Forsthoefel holds that Cattlemans Restaurant and its owner are “being denied their civil liberties, including the right to earn a living and operate a commercial enterprise, without due process of law.”
And as to the mask requirement as a basis for suspending business licenses, the Court explains “If the State’s Order recognizes exceptions to a blanket mask wearing rule and as such would not consider the lack of wearing a mask an immediate danger to the public health, then it begs the question as to whether the failure to wear a mask for any reason could ever constitute a basis for finding an immediate danger to the public health.”
“If Mr. DeWine wants to speak from the bully pulpit and tell Ohioans wearing a mask is the ‘Christian’ thing to do, then I will respond. Mr. Governor: keeping vows is the Christian thing to do. When you took an oath on those nine Bibles, you promised to abide by the Ohio Constitution. No where does an order carry the same weight as a law. This is an example of government tyranny.”
Pastor John Bouquet, Savannah Bethel Baptist
Cattlemans Restaurant will reopen on Saturday July 25, 2020.
“We continue to view the State’s mask requirements, like all of the Orders of the Ohio Department of Health thus far, as unenforceable advice that may or may not be wise. Accordingly, we will continue to protect Ohioans when overreaching state or local health departments attempt to enforce these requirements,” explained 1851 Center Executive Director Maurice Thompson.
Subsequent to the ruling, Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Tunnell indicated to the Court that his office would no longer be representing its Board of Health in the matter, stating “The Prosecuting Attorney has thoroughly reviewed the matter and is of the opinion that the suspension was contrary to law and that there are no defenses which would not be frivolous.”
The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law is a nonprofit, nonpartisan legal center dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of Ohioans from government abuse. The 1851 Center litigates constitutional issues related to property rights, regulation, taxation, and searches and seizures.
CLEVELAND – After passing a sexual orientation and gender identity ordinance in 2018, Cuyahoga County bureaucrats are now in the business of establishing its own theocracy. Citizens with diverse religious viewpoints inside the County are now punished and face punitive damages.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorneys representing a Cleveland minister and wedding business owner filed suit in federal court Wednesday to challenge a Cuyahoga County law that forces her to use her ministry and business to officiate and compose homilies, vows, and prayers for same-sex weddings against her will.
Cuyahoga County also forbids Kristi Stokes and her business, Covenant Weddings, from publicly explaining on her own website and social media sites the religious reasons why she only celebrates weddings between one man and one woman. Cuyahoga County considers such communications to be unlawful “discrimination” based on sexual orientation. The draconian law threatens fines of $1,000-$5,000 per violation, and the threat of investigation and expensive legal fees.
“No one should be forced to officiate ceremonies that conflict with their religious beliefs. Because of Cuyahoga County’s law, Kristi faces an impossible choice: disobey the law, defy her own faith, or ditch her business. Many different religions and countless people of good will believe that weddings are sacred ceremonies between one man and one woman.”
Kate Anderson ADF Senior Counsel
“No one should be forced to officiate ceremonies that conflict with their religious beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kate Anderson. “Because of Cuyahoga County’s law, Kristi faces an impossible choice: disobey the law, defy her own faith, or ditch her business. Many different religions and countless people of good will believe that weddings are sacred ceremonies between one man and one woman. No matter one’s views on marriage, we all lose when bureaucrats can force citizens to participate in religious ceremonies they oppose, speak messages they disagree with, and stay silent about beliefs they hold dear.”
Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit and the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in favor of filmmakers and artists who brought similar challenges against laws like Cuyahoga County’s. ADF attorneys are asking the court to halt enforcement of the law against Stokes and her business while her lawsuit proceeds.
Kristi Stokes (Photo courtesy of ADF)
“Since a young age, I’ve dedicated my life to ministry, and today I love serving my community by officiating and writing for weddings,” said Stokes. “My religious beliefs influence every aspect of my life, and I can’t simply put my religious identity into separate personal and professional boxes. If you’re looking for someone to officiate your wedding, and you’re hoping to incorporate a cannabis theme or write prayers to celebrate an open marriage, I’m not your girl. Northeast Ohio is home to many diverse viewpoints, and I’m simply asking that my county also respect me, my business, and my freedoms as an American citizen instead of forcing me to write or speak messages that contradict my beliefs.”
Mary Louise Madigan, a spokeswoman for Cuyahoga County, said that once attorneys receive service of the lawsuit, they will review it and “vigorously defend it.”
ADF attorneys filed the complaint and motion for preliminary injunction in the case, Covenant Weddings LLC v. Cuyahoga County, with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The complaint explains how the county’s law violates various provisions of the U.S. Constitution, including the First Amendment’s Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses by infringing her freedom to create expression and participate in ceremonies consistent with her religious beliefs.
The complaint also notes that there are more than 70 wedding officiants in and near Cleveland and more than 150 wedding officiants in Ohio who will officiate same-sex weddings.
View the video below of the services Alliance Defending Freedom provides.
COLUMBUS — Critics are giving the Ohio State Board of Education failing grades after the apolitical body hastily approved a divisive resolution last week without doing their homework. The measure on systemic racism was debated and voted on the same night and was an indication the board was more interested in social justice rather than social studies.
“This resolution truly is a radical’s dream and will open the door to all the far-left causes,” says radio host Linda Harvey of the pro-family Mission America. “Any objections to the resolution was considered racist so the majority quickly passed it.”
Radio Show HostLinda Harvey (Photo courtesy of Mission America)
The State Board approved the measure by a 12-5 margin. Instead of uniting students during national crisis, the resolution alienates students by directing the Department of Education to review every Ohio school lesson and program for white privilege, hate speech, white supremacy and systemic racism.
Harvey is convinced this resolution is part of a coordinated effort to scrub American exceptionalism from school curriculum. She alluded to Mayor Timothy Ginther removing the Christopher Columbus statue from Columbus City Hall.
“This (new policy) will become an invitation for: unfair accusations, re-writing American history, new speech codes, unjust quotas in sports, and leniency in disciplinary policies. It is actually reverse racism. Even worse than that, it allows any person who is offended, no matter how unsubstantiated there claims are, to dictate what becomes truth and what is declared to be racist.”
“This is what countries do when they are being overtaken by Marxists.” says Harvey. “Never mind in America, some of the ruling class today are wealthy blacks and other minorities who are celebrities, sports figures, musicians and politicians. This is not about racial harmony but about some fringe groups with an axe to grind. Many elements of western civilization and traditional Christianity undoubtedly will be considered by some as racist.””
Linda Harvey Founder of Mission America
The resolution “strongly recommends all Ohio school districts begin a reflection and internal examination of their own involving teachers, parents, students and community to review curriculum; hiring practices; discipline strategies, suspension and expulsions; classroom resources including textbooks; and professional development.”
Opponents point out the resolution is politically-based and not evidence-based. They claim its framers cut corners by providing no references nor any definitions. They also ask who will decide what is hate speech and what is white privilege?
“I wanted the resolution to be referred to a committee to justify and research assertions made in the resolution, says Board Member Lisa Woods of Medina. Woods represents District 5 located in North Central Ohio.
Board Member Woods wanted the resolution to be referred to a committee “to justify and research assertions made in the resolution. Getting it right is more important than rushing to judgment. It is important that conclusions are supported by fact.”
“Terms such as ‘hate speech,’ ‘white supremacy’ and ‘implicit bias’ … these are serious but unproven accusations,” Woods went on to say. “Ohio has never had a system of racism … we are enlightened.”
Linda Harvey is not remaining silent. In response to the vote, the radio host has drafted a petition for Ohioans to sign who oppose the fault-finding resolution.
Efforts to pass the polarizing resolution were spearheaded by the National Education Association which supports the Marxist Black Lives Matter network. State Board Members Laura Kohler and Linda Haycock were two of the board members who voted in favor. Opponents say this will only fuel the fire for more violence.
“This is what countries do when they are being overtaken by Marxists.” says Harvey. “Never mind in America, some of the ruling class today are wealthy blacks and other minorities who are celebrities, sports figures, musicians and politicians. This is not about racial harmony but about some fringe groups with an axe to grind. Many elements of western civilization and traditional Christianity undoubtedly will be considered by some as racist.”
Click on the image below to hear Linda Harvey’s “Mission America” Christian commentary in the culture broadcast on WRFD 880 AM and 104.5 FM in its entirety from July 22, 2020.
These are strange times. Good guys. Bad guys. Confused guys. Social justice warriors are toppling statues of slaveholders from 300 years ago while winking at modern-day enslavement on a massive scale.
I’m talking about the dirty little secret of how companies like Nike, Adidas, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and at least 83 other multinational corporations have been linked to forced labor by Uyghurs in factories across China.
Joseph Farah (Photo courtesy of Facebook/Joseph Farah)
The report back in March by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute estimates that more than 80,000 Uyghurs, Chinese Muslims, were transferred to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019.
It has escaped the attention of most people in the West that the likes of Nike, Colin Kaepernick, the Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and even Google are on the wrong side of this contemporary social justice issue.
But it was hard to miss the irony. Forced-labor brokers have advertised to these companies their willingness to exploit the Uyghurs, boasting the “advantages” of taking workers as young as 16, including “semi-military style management, [that they] can withstand hardship, no loss of personnel. Minimum order 100 workers.”
On June 17, President Donald Trump signed into law the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, which aims to punish China for its barbaric treatment of the ethnic minority. It was passed almost unanimously by the House and Senate.
The law gives the Trump administration 180 days to identify Chinese officials responsible for human-rights abuses and would level sanctions on those alleged to have roles in the mass surveillance and detention.
More than 80,000 Uyghurs, were transferred to work in factories across China between 2017-2019. (Photo Courtesy of Channel 4 News, UK)
But what about the corporate responsibility of Nike, Adidas, Apple, Microsoft and Google? It’s rather vague.
“The Act holds accountable perpetrators of human-rights violations and abuses such as the systematic use of indoctrination camps, forced labor, and intrusive surveillance to eradicate the ethnic identity and religious beliefs of Uyghur and other minorities in China,” Trump said in a statement.
It’s all on China rather than on the multinationals. And that’s the pity of the Trump plan as far as it goes.
There is one unspeakable civil rights holocaust talking place in the world today – and I’m not speaking of anything Americans are currently protesting.
“There also have been allegations of Uyghurs and others in religious minorities being the victims of organ harvesting. Recently, the Associated Press reported that Uyghur women are forcibly sterilized and given unwanted abortions as part of the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to keep the Muslim minorities’ birth rate down.”
Joseph Farah WND Founder and CEO
There also have been allegations of Uyghurs and others in religious minorities being the victims of organ harvesting. Recently, the Associated Press reported that Uyghur women are forcibly sterilized and given unwanted abortions as part of the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to keep the Muslim minorities’ birth rate down.
The majority of Uyghurs live in detention camps – a nice way of saying concentration camps or “re-education camps.” Those least fortunate get to spend their days making sneakers and sportswear for consumers in the West.
(Photo Courtesy of Channel 4 News, UK)
This is not an exaggeration. Yet there is hardly a tear being shed for them. They have not been the source of protests within the United States. No one has “taken a knee” for them – most especially other Muslims.
Yet, I will say a prayer tonight for these lonely, isolated people. And proclaim loudly, “Uyghur Lives Matter.”
Joseph Farah is founder, editor and CEO of WND. He has written more than a dozen books, his latest “The Gospel in Every Book in the Old Testament.”
View the latest footage produced by Channel 4 News of the UK of the busing of Uyghurs for forced labor below.
MANSFIELD — Due to firm opposition, activists are now stepping back their verbiage and modifying a resolution (Bill #20-123) to get consensus from City Council. The changes come after recent fraudulent claims of support from the faith community.
After originally declaring systemic racism as a public health emergency, the revised resolution now expresses only a “strong belief” systemic racism against persons of color, causes social problems and health disparities in persons of color. No matter the changes, the resolution is still facing stiff criticism from the black faith community.
Reverend El Akuchie (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“To state systemic racism is causing disparate health outcomes is not being honest. The Minority Health Fair has been an outreach going on for many years. The local health department also conducted a health survey which many chose not to participate in. After all the changes and revisions, the bill still does not define systemic racism nor provide local examples of systemic racism.”
For example, the resolution states systemic racism “causes” high rates of homelessness in communities of color. With a total of sixty-five persons recorded in Richland County as homeless, no cases were cited in the resolution of persons of color forced out of their homes because they were black. This would be a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Elder Moe Hill (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
While supporters of Bill #20-123 claim the resolution has nothing to do with defunding the police, Elder Moe Hill of Grace Evangelical Free Church questions why this is not explicitly stated in the resolution.
“I do not want any part of this resolution if it leads to defunding the police. I adamantly oppose that.”
According to Elder Hill, “The root cause of racism is sin not skin. Society will continue having these issues until we finally seek Bible-based solutions. They (BLM) are tearing down God-ordained institutions like the family, the church, and the government and it is not for the betterment of the nation.”
Pastor Floyd Allen of Philippian Community Church believes many of the social problems and health disparities are linked to the breakdown of the family, more specifically the lack of participation of fathers. This is in direct contrast with the pro-LGBT Black Lives Matter movement which has publicly committed to disrupting the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure.
“Marriage is the greatest weapon against child-poverty,” says Pastor Allen. “Ephesians 6:2-4 says to ‘Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise; That it may be well with thee, and that thou may live long on the earth.’ In other words, it takes a father and mother to help bring success to a child.”
Studies indicate children from single-parent homes can be twice as likely to have emotional and behavioral problems as are children living with both parents. Children living in single-parent families also have lower math and science scores than children in two-parent families. In addition, married persons have the lowest incidences of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Pastor Floyd Allen (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“Just because a negative outcome exists does not mean it is correlated to race,” Reverend Akuchie points out. “White Americans have higher suicide rates and higher rates of cystic fibrosis and is that because of racism against whites? The resolution cites statistics and leaps to conclusions about adverse social and health outcomes. The only leap I am willing to take is a leap of faith in God’s Word. This issue is spiritual and deals with the heart, period.”
Pastor Allen adds, “‘I am reminded of the Scripture that says ‘Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of Hosts.’ This is what the LORD would want our nation to do.”
View the video below produced by the Heritage Foundation discussing how the family is the building block of civilization.
MANSFIELD — Many are stunned after angry Black Lives Matters (BLM) rioters demolished a car belonging to a disabled motorist during the Columbus demonstrations. In response, a bi-vocational pastor who also serves as a bus driver believes the nation is on the road to ruin if it does not change its course and get back on track.
Rioters damaging Eldon Hawkin’s car on May 31st. (Photo courtesy of Twitter/Conservative Tribune)
May 31st, a local motorist suffering from cerebral palsy was driving to get flowers and dinner when he unknowingly drove onto Broad and High Streets where rioting was taking place. Things went downhill after that.
“It scared the life out of me. I thought they were going to kill me,” said Eldon Hawkins, age 58 who accidentally backed into a bicyclist. The protesters began ruthlessly destroying his car and painting over it. Hawkin’s church helped raise money to repair the $8,000 worth of damage done to his car by the angry mob.
Pastor Dave Guild (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“My heart went out to this man when I saw the video. As someone who drives professionally, I know that even the best drivers can become disoriented during stressful events,” says Pastor Dave Guild of the Mansfield Foursquare Church.
“This was a tragic incident. We need to have honest, sincere conversations about the sin of racism. But having said that, the conversation must be involve peace not hate and destruction.”
At least once a month Pastor Guild’s church is where the rubber meets the road. His congregation speaks with its actions bringing a different message to the surrounding neighborhood.
“People want to know what they can do to address the violence we see in society. Our fellowship of believers has chosen to be a light in the community by serving our neighborhood. We return evil with good.”
Pastor Dave GUild Mansfield Foursquare Church
Mansfield Foursquare has a free food distribution every second Saturday between 10:00-12:00 PM in their parking lot. Last week Pastor Guild’s congregation was able to give food to 193 families representing almost 600 people.
“People want to know what they can do to address the violence we see in society. Our fellowship of believers has chosen to be a light in the community by serving our neighborhood. We return evil with good.”
Click on the image above of Eldon Hawkins with his damaged carand ‘BLM’ spray-painted on the car’s hood.
According to Pastor Guild, “Racism at its root is a spiritual problem. We can attempt to educate and legislate it away, but it will still remain. We try to put a secular band-aid on a spiritual wound, and wonder why it won’t stick, and why the wound won’t heal. Healing will only take place when we, as individuals, come to the cross, turn from our sin, and seek the face of the One True Redeemer, Jesus Christ. And that is through relationship.”
Relationship is a two-way street, if only people in the country knew this.
The Columbus Police are asking anyone with information about the incident involving Mr. Hawkins on May 31st to contact Detective Nace at 614-645-2119 or email snace@columbuspolice.org or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
This documentary film tells the story of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, from childhood until the present day, as narrated by Thomas himself. Although Clarence Thomas remains a controversial figure, loved by some, reviled by others, few know much more than a few headlines and the recollections of his contentious Senate confirmation battle with Anita Hill. (Rated PG-13)
Unscripted and without narration, the documentary takes the viewer through this complex and often painful life, dealing with race, faith, power, jurisprudence, and personal resilience.
With unprecedented access, the producers interviewed Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife, Virginia, for over thirty hours, over many months. Justice Thomas tells his entire life’s story, looking directly at the camera, speaking frankly to the audience. The documentary proceeds chronologically, combining Justice Thomas’ first person account with a rich array of historical archive material, period and original music, personal photos, and evocative recreations.
The film covers much of Thomas’ young adult years, when he considered himself “radical to left” in his political philosophy to when he became a conservative stalwart sitting on the bench of the nation’s highest court defending the original intent of the U.S. Constitution.
The film covers much of Thomas’ young adult years, when he considered himself “radical to left” in his political philosophy to when he became a conservative stalwart sitting on the bench of the nation’s highest court defending the original intent of the U.S. Constitution.
The informative movie is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and includes some sexual references. The film replays a few minutes of the sexually explicit Senate testimony from 1991. Some language involves Thomas quoting other people.
Check out Crosswalk.com for another Christian movie review of this film.
Limited DVD sales will be available in late July 2020, followed by streaming in Fall 2020. Sign up for the movie’s newsletter for updates on how to purchase for educational or organizational use,
The film was shown this past May on PBS and had a limited theatrical run between January 31 – March 15 2020.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible saysin Matthew Five, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
MANSFIELD — After facing push back, a resolution declaring systemic racism as a public health crisis scheduled for council vote on its first reading has been rescheduled to mid-July. Some questioned its motivation, now some question its support.
Critics of Bill #123 believe it could be used to defund the Mansfield Police Department and re-write local school curriculums for history in support of a progressive agenda. Just recently it was discovered proponents of Bill #123 sought its passage by whatever means necessary, whether by hook or by crook.
Mansfield Municipal Building (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Chief proponent of Bill #123, Dr. Donna Hight, has agreed to redact a list of endorsees from City Council record after multiple faith leaders asserted she had falsified their congregations’ names as consignors. Several area clergy are not happy and believe the letter given to City Council was bending the truth.
Pastor Russell Stanford (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“This letter should be considered fraudulent,” wrote Pastor Russell Stanford of All Believers in Christ Church. “I am the statutory agent for the aforementioned church, and I assure you that neither I nor any other authorized member gave permission to add the church’s name to this letter-nor do we support this proposed resolution (Bill #123),” Pastor Stanford said in a correspondence to City Council.
Pastor Stanford believes racism will “exist till the end of time” and that the resolution does little to address racism spiritually as sin. Nor does it mention the “redeemer of mankind, Jesus Christ.”
Pastor Paul Lintern, another clergyman whose name was erroneously included, also wrote a letter to City Council.
“I was not aware I was listed among those supporting the (systemic racism) proposal. While I am a member of the Mansfield Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (MIMA), the organization should not presume unanimous support from its members and the congregations they represent.
Pastor Paul Lintern (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“I am not in favor of this proposal nor the idea of it being a health issue. Racism is an illness, and the result of sin. Our nation’s laws have legally eliminated systematic racism. That which still exists comes from the hearts and minds of people who do not live in the grace of God.
“I am not colorblind,” says Pastor Lintern. “I see every skin color for what it is, as I do every eye color, hair color, even fingernail color. I am happy to identify people by their characteristics, but constantly resist categorizing them until they do it for me, by their own description. God created three races — plant, animal and human — and those are the only distinctions I am willing to make in race.
“This letter should be considered fraudulent. I am the statutory agent for the aforementioned church, and I assure you that neither I nor any other authorized member gave permission to add the church’s name to this letter-nor do we support this proposed resolution (Bill #123).”
Pastor Russell Stanford All Believers in Christ Church
Pastor Lintern is behind efforts to propose the construction of a new Ocie HIll Community Center as an outreach to Mansfield’s north side.
Pastor Lintern concluded by saying, “Concentrate on loving the hearts that are broken and hard and pray for the spirit of love and hope to soften and heal. The racism we abhor will be eradicated one heart at the time. And once racism is no longer politically profitable, it will be seen no more.”
Pastor Henry Bradley (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
While all twenty listed congregations have not been contacted, there is at least one other clergyman that would like to set the record straight.
Pastor Henry Bradley’s church, New Community Temple COGIC, was also included in the list of Bill #123’s alleged supporters. Pastor Bradley was reached by phone and he stated he was not aware his church’s name was included as an endorsee. He stated he never authorized the use of his church’s name and said he “did not support Bill #123.”
Consequently, some clergy are calling into question the legality of the ‘presumed support’ for legislation on so-called systemic racism.
Pastor Stanford comments, “It should be illegal to add the names of persons or entities to any government document without first getting their permission to do so.”
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO –Earlier this month social conservatives did a double take as two Supreme Court Justices dropped a bombshell by joining their liberal counterparts and redefining the 1964 workplace sex discrimination law to cover “transgender” people.
In a divided 6-3 opinion, Justices Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts along with four liberal Justices ruled against a business and its right to manage its operation. The issue in dispute involved a Michigan funeral home which declined an employee’s request to violate its sex-specific dress code by dressing as the opposite sex when meeting with grieving family members.
Pastor J.C. Church (Photo courtesy of VITM)
Local faith leaders are convinced the repercussions of this shocking court opinion will be a “supreme disaster” and open up a bigger can of worms.
“LGBT activists failed to achieve their goals through the democratic process so they bypassed the legislative process and obtained their goal thru judicial fiat,” says Pastor J.C. Church of Victory in Truth Ministries.
“Federal judges are bending the meaning of words to suit their personal preference. As a result, this decision will bring havoc to gender-specific bathrooms, school rules and K-12 school curricula. How can anyone trust a grown man when he doesn’t even know what the word “sex” means?”
Trump-appointee Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion creating the new policy.
“Is this the best we can come up with?” asks Pastor Church. “We should revisit how the President chooses his judicial nominees. We were told the Federalist Society vetted Neil Gorsuch, that he was strong on religious liberty, and was considered an originalist who interprets based on original text. We were wrong.”
“When the Court usurps the role of Congress, as it does today, the public understandably becomes confused about who the policy makers really are in our system of separated powers, and inevitably becomes cynical about the oft-repeated aspiration that judges base their decisions on law rather than on personal preference.”
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a dissenting opinion against the majority writing “When the Court usurps the role of Congress, as it does today, the public understandably becomes confused about who the policy makers really are in our system of separated powers, and inevitably becomes cynical about the oft-repeated aspiration that judges base their decisions on law rather than on personal preference.”
Pastor John Bouquet (Photo courtesy of Bethel Baptist)
Pastor John Bouquet of Savannah Bethel Baptist believes Christians cannot trust the courts to stand for justice and righteousness. “These judges follow case law instead of constitutional law. This month Judge Roberts also sided with the liberal wing opposing the First Amendment rights of churches to peaceably assemble.
“These justices know full well the magnitude of the dysfunction their “new legislation” will be bringing to shelters for battered women, sports leagues for girls, and the redefined social status of women. Consequently, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has been effectively nullified.” Pastor Bouquet added, “Their majority opinion even admits their court opinion will be creating more chaos by setting in motion more litigation.”
Pastor Robert Kurtz of Mansfield Baptist Temple points out that twenty-nine states who did not recognize sexual orientation and gender identity in their laws will now be forced to comply.
Pastor Robert Kurtz (Photo courtesy of MBT)
“This decision cuts off the right of individual states who have diverse convictions on fairness and freedom. When society attempts to define standards apart from Divine law, it creates confusion and dysfunction. Little thought is required to understand that religious freedoms, parents’ rights, and even campus speech, will be decimated by such a ruling.
“The mindset presented in this ruling illustrates the depravity of man apart from GOD,” says Pastor Kurtz. “GOD gave us this warning for when we ignore Him: ‘professing themselves to be wise they became fools.”
All three clergy agree biology is not bigotry; they believe that all people may be equal, but men and women are not the same.
View the Alliance Defending Freedom video below on the Michigan funeral parlor involved in the Supreme Court decision Bostock v. Clayton County.
