Clergy stand against Eastern Religion in public schools
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Many believe public schools stretching classes into yoga seminars is out of place. It is no surprise that some parents are doing cartwheels in reaction to a swift change of heart by school officials.
After area clergy sent a letter to school districts about their objection to the indoctrination of yoga on students, several area schools have now agreed to focus on education during class rather than Eastern Religion.
Shelby, Ohio kindergartners bowing to ‘sun god’ in pose during class November 19th 2018. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)
Over one-hundred clergymen chimed in by sending a corporate correspondence to thirty-nine school districts across the region including the State Board of Education. According to the clergymen, yoga is not merely an external physical practice with a physiological effect, but rather an internal spiritual practice advertised as being spiritually-transformative.
Their letter has resonated with school superintendents.
Lucas Superintendent Bradley Herman acknowledged to Reverend El Akuchie one of the clergy letter’s cosignors “As a public school district, we are mindful of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and the prohibition of religious instruction. To that end, we must ensure that we are not doing anything that runs afoul of our obligations and appreciate your concerns.”
The Lucas Superintendent went on to say “Please further know that there is no official yoga class or yoga instruction at Lucas High School and no intent to change that.”
Lexington Superintendent Mike Ziegelhofer also responded to the clergy correspondence and a family’s objection by saying “Effective immediately, upon our return to school, all employees of the Lexington Local School District will be notified in writing via e-mail that the use or endorsement of and/or any inference of the use or endorsement of yoga, any forms of transcendental meditation and the promotion, endorsement or practice of any religious beliefs is not permitted within the Lexington Local School District during school hours.”
A family whose children were subject to the Eastern Religion instruction addressed the Lexington School Board and had Rabbi William Hallbrook of Sar Shalom Center respond to the latest developments.
“On behalf of the family, we are thankful for Superintendent Ziegelhofer’s answer to our concerns. There is no room for the promotion of Eastern Religion in our public school classrooms. We appreciate that Mr. Ziegelhofer recognizes the sensitivity of this issue and look forward to the continuation of this new policy under the administration of his successor Mr. Jeremy Secrist.”
Rabbi William Hallbrook Sar Shalom Center
“On behalf of the family, we are thankful for Superintendent Ziegelhofer’s answer to our concerns. There is no room for the promotion of Eastern Religion in our public school classrooms. We appreciate that Mr. Ziegelhofer recognizes the sensitivity of this issue and look forward to the continuation of this new policy under the administration of his successor Mr. Jeremy Secrist.”
Superintendents from Mansfield Senior, Shelby, Galion, and Clear Fork schools who were sent the letter dated March 11th, 2020 and asked to reply have declined to respond to the the area clergy’s concerns.
Faith leaders maintain that courts recognize yoga as a practice of Eastern Religion and that there are other less controversial methods to improve student focus and fitness such as exercise, naps and healthy foods.
According to the clergy letter, the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) was notified about the local incidents of yoga in classroom settings. The ACLJ has launched a national petition and initiated forthcoming litigation regarding the promotion of Buddhism.
View the video link below of a Frontlines Ohio exclusive interview with local clergy.
CLEVELAND — Last week the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) announced an exciting new partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This new initiative, ‘Full Court Faith’ is a new campaign designed to show students they do not have to abandon faith to succeed. The campaign aims to encourage students and athletes to further the connection with religion while pursuing their goals in athletics.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the near and long term for the sake of our shared community.” Cleveland FCA Director Robert Kilo said. “The Cavaliers are a gem in our community and we are thankful to the organization.”
The initiative will include basketball clinics, interviews, a youth basketball league, and future events at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Director Kilo commented, “Billy Graham once said a coach in one year can have more impact on humanity than most people in a lifetime. This ‘Full Court Faith’ initiative will have live and virtual events of both student and professional athletes alike discussing what living out faith looks like integrated in sports.”
FCA’s mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. The Cleveland Fellowship of Christian Athletes operates in thirty-two different schools in Northeast Ohio.
Athletics Chaplain Joe Maggelet oversees FCA at Ashland University and thinks the partnership is a slam dunk.
“Whether we are eating, drinking, working or playing, we do all things to the glory of GOD. I am thankful for the Cavs and supporting this noble goal to impact youth.”
“Whether we are eating, drinking, working or playing, we do all things to the glory of GOD. I am thankful for the Cavs and supporting this noble goal to impact youth.”
Joe Maggelet Ashland University Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Chaplain Maggelet believes healthy relationships are critically important for students, especially for student athletes who face unique pressures.
Cavs Assistant Coach Mike Gerrity has been with the organization for seven years and shared during the press conference the importance of mentors.
“The LORD brought former Cavs head coach Mike Brown into my path who helped me get my foot in the door with the team. Discipleship is a lot like coaching, it is about relationship and Mike was that mentor for me.”
“We appreciate what FCA does for the Kingdom of GOD and are excited about what the future holds with this new collaboration,” Coach Gerrity added.
View the launch press conference announcing the new partnership below.
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — The National Day of Prayer (NDOP) is this Thursday, May 7th and several area observances will be taking place that day using unorthodox methods. Due to COVID-19 related concerns, several area observances will be taking place both live and virtually.
National Day of Prayer at Galion Public Square in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Bill Seymour)
“Because of the pandemic, we decided to have a webcast. Weather permitting, we will be streaming live from the Galion Public Square, but we are also encouraging people to participate electronically.” said local Pastor and Chaplain Bill Seymour, one of the event organizers.
The event will begin with a contemporary and traditional mix of praise and worship featuring keyboardist and Tabernacle of Praise Pastor Joshua Cole. A concert of prayer with ten different local spiritual leaders will follow. Those who miss the live webcast will be able to view the recorded webcast at the GAMA’s Facebook page or You Tube channel.
One of the clergy offering prayers, Christ UMC Pastor Heather McLeod, will also serve as technical producer.
“Our hope is that hundreds of people will ‘click on’ to celebrate and pray with us during the live event. There is so much power in unified prayer. This is something new for all of us, but we believe we will be able to reach more people,” she stated.
Pastor Ron Smals pictured (center) at NDOP in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
According to event coordinator Reverend El Akuchie, “We will have Scott Saunders of WVMC FM as a moderator and several area clergy will facilitate corporate prayer. In addition, the Richland County Board of Commissioners and Mansfield Mayor will give proclamations commemorating the occasion.”
A worship team led by Theresa Burkhalter will provide music. Clergymen leading prayers will involve Paul Lintern, Moe Hill, Denny Finnegan, Jody Odom, Mark Meyer, Dink Porter, and Troy Wooten.
“Ironically, last year for the NDOP in Mansfield, we observed the anniversary of a victory against another pandemic (cholera) that occurred almost two centuries prior. We believe the LORD of Hosts will remember us again in our generation and spare us from this perilous pestilence on our nation.”
Reverend El Akuchie Richland Community Prayer network
“Ironically, last year for the NDOP in Mansfield, we observed the anniversary of a victory against another pandemic (cholera) that occurred almost two centuries prior. We believe the LORD of Hosts will remember us again in our generation and spare us from this perilous pestilence on our nation.”
Earlier this past March, faith leaders across the Buckeye Bible Belt made national news by holding a press conference regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and making a statewide call to prayer.
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — With health officials now projecting fewer deaths from the Coronavirus pandemic, some Ohio clergy have cabin fever and would like to see the economy opened. If Governor Mike DeWine wants the pulse of the state’s faith community, there is no more vocal region than in the Ohio Heartland.
J.C. Church, serves as Lead Pastor of Victory in Truth Ministries based in Bucyrus, and is also the National Director of Ministry Engagement for the Family Research Council. Pastor Church joined a group of one hundred North Central Ohio clergy who want the “Ohio Department of Health Director’s Stay at Home Order” to expire on May 1st.
Pastor J.C. Church (Photo courtesy of Victory in Truth Ministries)
“We are in economic meltdown. We have to keep in mind that nearly seventy-five percent of the deaths attributed to COVID-19 have been to persons over the age of seventy. When the Stay at Home Orders were issued, social ills like the Opioid Crisis never went on lock down,” says Pastor Church.
A open letter sent by the one hundred clergy to Governor DeWine thanked him for his “proactive efforts to protect health and safety,” and added that they believed the Governor’s leadership has been “directed by Almighty GOD.”
On March 24th, 120 North Central Ohio clergy hold press conference calling for season of prayer during COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
The open letter also stated, “Unlike other governors, you (DeWine) have respected the First Amendments rights of citizens, notably for those persons of faith.”
While the Ohio Governor has set himself apart from other Governors by exempting congregations from the Director’s orders and classifying them as essential, the clergy believe extending the orders will not be in the state’s best interests.
According to Pastor Church, “Restrictions of constitutional rights by the government during crisis must be temporary and the least burdensome approach to achieve a compelling interest. We cannot forget that a crisis is never a time to destroy constitutional liberty.”
“Restrictions of constitutional rights by the government during crisis must be temporary and the least burdensome approach to achieve a compelling interest. We cannot forget that a crisis is never a time to destroy constitutional liberty.”
Reverend J. C. Church National Director of Ministry Engagement
The clergy point out that when the initial “Stay at Home Order” was first issued to when the extended orders are set to expire on May 1st will be a period of forty days. The number “forty” in the Bible generally represents the season of trials and testing.
Barring an unforeseen escalation in cases, the clergy are requesting the Governor consider transitioning Ohio to a new season, by allowing the orders to expire May 1st. The clergy also included a suggested roll-out protocol for congregations to follow in their open letter.
Pastor John Bouquet pictured with clergy at Ashland City Hall on March 15th for public prayer meeting during pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Ashland County Pictures Facebook)
Another co-signor of the clergy open letter authored the roll-out protocol for churches which has received accolades from a local health department.
“Jill Hartson from Ashland County Health Department has been very sympathetic to the constitutional rights of the faith community and we thought it wise to have dialogue with her,” says Pastor John Bouquet of Savannah Bethel Baptist.
“Our churches are highly invested in the community. Nevertheless, our congregation made a declaration that our congregation will be going back to church May 3rd, we did not ask permission. The health department gave their blessing and has even asked permission to disseminate our protocol to other health departments across the state as a guide.”
All things considered, with anticipation for May 1st at its peak, a large clergy collaboration from across the Buckeye Bible Belt hope to guide Governor DeWine to a new season: healthy people and a healthy economy.
April 22nd is Earth Day and it’s a special Earth Day this year, and not just because it’s falling in the middle of a global pandemic! It’s special because this year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Earth Day. It began on April 22, 1970, with mass protests against pollution and what was called “environmental ignorance.” That April day is considered the beginning of the modern environmental movement worldwide.
Ken Ham (Photo courtesy of Answers in Genesis)
How should Christians view this day? Well, we should recognize that those protests back in 1970 did a lot of good. Even though many participating in the protests were not Christians. Much of the movement, and their methods, were questionable, even back in 1970. Caring for the environment is a biblical principle and comes from a Christian worldview. At the very beginning, humans were given what’s called the “dominion mandate”:
“And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26).
We are to have dominion over everything GOD made. This means we are to use and care for creation for our good and GOD’s glory. Understanding that, we have a reason to care for creation and not abuse it for our own purposes.
In contrast, the evolutionary worldview of “survival of the fittest” has a hard time justifying care for creation. This is not to say they don’t care—many do, even to the point of worship. They cannot really justify care for creation within their own worldview. Many secularists have actually allowed the environment have dominion over man.
We must also recognize the idolatrous attitude behind much of the environmental movement. Rather than understand creation’s purpose and man’s responsibility correctly, many have twisted care for creation into a worship of creation. In this view, man is a blight on the planet and animals and plants have a higher value than man. It’s a twisted view that distorts GOD’s very good design for us as stewards of his creation.
“We must also recognize the idolatrous attitude behind much of the environmental movement. Rather than understand creation’s purpose and man’s responsibility correctly, many have twisted care for creation into a worship of creation.”
Ken Ham Answers in Genesis CEO
Ultimately, we should not “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Caring for creation is vital—we have been commanded to by GOD. But we should not worship creation or treat it as more important than eternal souls, made in GOD’s very image. And as Christians, we recognize that the creation is fallen—suffering from the effects of sin and the curse (Genesis 3). This means man can do things to change the environment to improve it!
An excellent resource on a Christian view of the environmental movement is A Different Shade of Green by biologist Dr. Gordon Wilson. I encourage you to thoughtfully read it, especially as the radical actions taken to stop the Coronavirus have the very real potential to translate into stopping the perceived threat of climate change. We need to be equipped to think Biblically and be a reasoned voice in the midst of the clamor of radical environmental activists.
So on this Earth Day, take time to thank GOD for his glorious creation and consider ways you and your family can better care for creation. Here’s one idea—if your state allows it, head outside today with trash bags and clean up the side of the road, a park, or your neighborhood. You’ll be out enjoying what GOD has made, while making it prettier for others . . . and for the creatures that call it home.
Meditate on this passage:
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7–10)
GOD created all things by His own power, creation testifies to that each day, and He holds your life and breath in His hand. Even in this time of uncertainty, you are being held in the hand of Almighty GOD. Be encouraged!
Ken Ham is the CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis, and the highly acclaimed Creation Museum, and the world-renowned Ark Encounter. This column was written by Ken with the assistance of Answers in Genesis’ research team.
Clergy stand against Eastern Religion in public schools
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — If you think clergy will remain silent as local students are instructed in class to practice Eastern Religion, don’t hold your breath. Pastors are sounding off and telling schools the practice of yoga ‘poses’ a major problem.
Over one-hundred clergymen are chiming in by sending a correspondence to thirty-nine school districts across the region including the State Board of Education. According to the clergymen, yoga is not merely an external physical practice with a physiological effect, but rather an internal spiritual practice advertised as being spiritually-transformative.
Rabbi William Hallbrook, Pastor Henry Bradley, and Pastor Dr. Mark Hamilton pictured with clergy letter sent to thirty-nine school districts. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Courts have repeatedly ruled yoga and meditation are religious practices. A 1988 Arkansas case commonly known as Powell v. Perry concluded that “yoga is a method of practicing Hinduism.” The Ninth District Court of Appeals ruled in a 1995 case that the “Hindu-Yoga spiritual tradition” is a “religious tradition.”
The clergy contend schools are in violation of the Establishment Clause. In their letter, the clergy focused on several cases of public schools permitting instruction of Eastern Religion during school hours in Clear Fork, Galion, Lexington, Lucas, Mansfield, and Shelby school districts.
“We have a family in our congregation with sons that were instructed to practice yoga, says Rabbi William Hallbrook of Sar Shalom Center. “This is contrary to their religious beliefs. I do not think we can take this lightly. We need to take this (yoga) out of the public school systems. I believe it is harming our children.”
This past January, the family’s mother testified to the Lexington School Board that her sons were coerced to participate in yoga activities during class without her permission and against their will.
Shelby kindergartners bowing to ‘sun god’ in pose during class November 19, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)
Episodes the mother cited included a Music teacher in March 2017 showing a video instructing third grade students to do postures ‘bowing to the sun god,’ and using ‘devotional praying hands’ in front of their heart. In April 2018, a Life Skills teacher allegedly showed a video to seventh graders discussing the practice of yoga and how to collect life-giving forces of the universe.
In fact, according to the mother a Language Arts teacher in August 2019 pressured her sixth grader to daily perform yoga postures, rebuking the class by saying “You are not too cool to not do this (yoga).”
Several attempts were recently made by individual area clergy to address the promotion of Eastern Religion in Galion, Lucas, Mansfield, and Shelby Schools. Only the Lucas Superintendent has responded, saying it was a one-time event only.
The clergy stated in their corporate letter: “This diverse body of faith leaders concurs with the Judicial Branch and Eastern Religion experts that yoga is a form of Eastern Religion. As clergymen representing one hundred and five congregations, we are requesting a written response from the Boards of the listed school districts assuring yoga and any forms of transcendental meditation will not be permitted within their school districts during school hours.”
Shelby kindergartners performing devotional praying hands pose during class in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)
In Plain School District, Stark County parents took issue with the morning yoga routine for all three hundred students involving a Tibetan bell and yoga poses. The elementary school also had a “mindfulness room” featuring scrolls containing quotes by the Dalai Lama. Consequently, the school district took action and discontinued the program in 2013.
Pastor Henry Bradley of New Community Temple Church of GOD in Christ suggests local school districts currently promoting yoga may not be aware of less controversial alternatives.
“There are scientifically-proven alternatives that include aerobic exercise, napping, and healthy lunches which could provide students better focus skills, improved health, and higher academic performance. Why not try these instead of promoting religious practices that will lead to court litigation? What the schools are doing now is Eastern Religion indoctrination.”
“We have a family in our congregation with sons that were instructed to practice yoga. This is contrary to their religious beliefs. I do not think we can take this (yoga) lightly. We need to take this out of the public school systems. I believe it is harming our children.”
The American Yoga Association has advised against yoga for children under age sixteen because postures can interfere with still-growing bodies.
In regards to exercise and stress relief, pastors believe yoga is distinctly different from other forms of exercise like tennis or golf. One study finds yoga is maintained for spiritual purposes and not for exercise.
“Even if yoga is disputed as a form of religious practice, there is little doubt on the effects of yoga, ” says Dr. Mark Hamilton, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Ashland University and Pastor at Providence Church. A study found over sixty-two percent of students in secular yoga change their primary reason for practicing. Most initiate yoga practice for exercise and stress relief, but the study concluded for many, spirituality becomes their primary reason for maintaining practice. This is not seen in other forms of exercise.”
At any rate, clergy in the Buckeye Bible Belt are keeping school officials on their toes concerning Eastern Religion. Now school boards will decide whether to resolve the matter locally, or in Federal Court.
View the video link below of a Frontlines Ohio exclusive interview with local clergy.
ASHLAND — Last month, President Donald Trump called the nation to prayer to combat the Coronavirus Pandemic. Many took part in that day of prayer, but in Ashland County, the corporate prayers have not stopped. Public prayer by faith leaders at government locations is not an aberration in Ashland, it has become the norm.
“With more than one hundred and five churches in Ashland County, many of our people who live in our community believe in the power of prayer,” says Ashland Mayor Matt Miller. “So whether it be in times of personal crisis or national and even worldwide crisis, it only follows that we would together lift up our requests and concerns to our faithful Creator who has provided for us and protected us ever since the very beginning of time.
Church leaders lead public prayer at Ashland City Hall on March 15th.Click on the image above to watch video of the public prayer. (Photo courtesy of Ashland County Pictures Facebook)
The Ashland Ministerial Association (AMA) annually holds one of the largest National Day of Prayer assemblies in the State of Ohio. It also has coordinated prayer invocations at many of the monthly county’s municipal council meetings and township trustee board meetings. Now the AMA is coordinating weekly public prayer meetings at government offices in response to the recent pandemic.
Mayor Miller comments, “We have a strong and united faith community in Ashland County. Our church leaders and other ministerial leaders recognize that some of the most important work that they will do, occurs outside of their church buildings and regular services. Some of the most critical social issues facing our country are being addressed most effectively by members of our faith community.”
“Some of the most critical social issues facing our country are being addressed most effectively by members of our faith community.”
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller
In addition to the two meetings at Ashland City Hall on (March 22nd,) public prayer has occurred at the County Building on March 29th, and the City School Administrative Building on April 5th. The meetings consist of guided times of prayer by a group of clergy, faith-based executive directors, and even the Ashland Mayor.
For the national response effort, President Trump called for a National Day of Prayer on March 15th. His proclamation stated, “We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7: ‘Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.’ Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time. With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.”
With Ashland as the local prototype, many would agree that the nation as a whole is experiencing a heightened hunger and awareness of GOD in this season of crisis.
According to the Christian Post, Tyndale House Publishers, reports their Life Application Study Bible sales going up 44% and sales of the Immerse Bible going up 60%, compared to this time last year.
In previous posts, the American Center for Law and Justice has alerted you to the danger of mindfulness in schools, discussed the inherent Buddhist nature of mindfulness, and revealed the deception involved in getting these programs into schools. We thank you for rising to the challenge and partnering with us to eliminate this violation of the First Amendment in our schools.
Christina Stierhoff American Center for Law and Justice
Some of our clients have been told that school mindfulness programs can mesh with Christianity, or any religion, but this is simply false. Christianity and Buddhism have opposing worldviews which influence how they both practice meditation. With this post, we will provide some clarity about the differences between Buddhist meditation and Christian meditation. A helpful summary is provided in the chart below:
Attributes:
Mindfulness
Christian Devotional Meditation
Focus
Self
God, Scripture, & Self
Meditation Relational Context
Self-Awareness (+ Therapist Input in session)
Self-Awareness + God-Awareness (+ Therapist Input in session)
Key Attitudes
Acceptance & self-compassion
Trust, Confession, Surrender, & Grace
(Courtesy of Dr. James Flynn of Regent University School of Divinity)
Whereas Zen meditation promotes the idea “that we are connected to the cosmos in a holistic way and that meditation actuates that connectedness,” Christians believe that men and women are image bearers of God and individuals with souls that can be redeemed through Jesus.
Buddhists also believe that people need to escape suffering via mindfulness and that each person needs to find their own path for achieving enlightenment. In contrast, Christians believe that suffering brings us closer to God and that Christ is the only way to receive salvation.
Finally, for Buddhists, love is “an impersonal feeling of compassion,” while love is – for Christians – “personal, individual and free-willed.”
These differing worldviews affect how both religions approach meditation. Given the Buddhist belief that suffering needs to be eliminated, the purpose of Zen meditation is finding internal peace, eliminating suffering and stress, and achieving enlightenment. To achieve this goal, Buddhists empty their minds by focusing on an object, a mantra, or their breath to keep their minds from wandering. Likewise, “Eastern meditation focuses on man being in control,” where man can achieve an elevated state of being and save himself from his worries and circumstances by himself. When your children are exposed to Zen Buddhist mindfulness, they are being indoctrinated with the idea that they have the ability to save themselves from whatever ails them by emptying their minds or observing thoughts without judgment.
Yip Kok Toh, a former Zen meditator, provides an insider view on the way Buddhist meditation works. He explains that Buddhists do not allow any thoughts in their heads and always return to their breaths to ensure that they empty their minds. Through this practice, meditators are physically altering their bodies. They move from active brain waves to alpha brain waves, and finally, to sleep waves.
In other words, they force their brains to stop being alert and to disengage with reality, as they move into a state of mind similar to falling asleep. Then, they end in a state of mind where their brains move so slowly that they begin to imagine things are very tranquil as if they have floating minds. In this altered state, their brains block incoming data and they lose the ability to feel where they are in three-dimensional space, such as where they are sitting in relation to the floor and other objects. This creates a simulation of being connected to the universe or “one with the universe,” – a core element of Buddhist thought.
“When schools teach mindfulness to your children, they are endorsing this same idea of being one with the universe, while also teaching them to ignore their problems. Yip Kok Toh states that this process prevents people from confronting their problems. He explains how it is mere escapism because people feel euphoric due to their altered minds, essentially leading people to forget whatever problems they had before.”
Christina Stierhoff American Center for Law and Justice
When schools teach mindfulness to your children, they are endorsing this same idea of being one with the universe, while also teaching them to ignore their problems. Yip Kok Toh states that this process prevents people from confronting their problems. He explains how it is mere escapism because people feel euphoric due to their altered minds, essentially leading people to forget whatever problems they had before.
Finally, he warns that Zen meditation is addictive given that it releases brain chemicals that make participants want to obsessively continue their meditations. In some cases, children are being taught how to alter their brains in this same manner and to enter into a dangerous hallucinogenic state that manufactures a false reality.
In sharp contrast to Buddhist mindfulness, the purpose of Christian meditation is to understand what the Bible says and turn away from evil by filling the mind with God’s truth. Furthermore, Christian meditation focuses on growing your relationship with God and others, as well as growing in holiness and gaining the peace of Christ. In other words, “we remain in the present not for the sake of the present, but for the sake of discovering the voice of God as He speaks to us in each moment of our day.” This highlights perhaps the key difference between Zen meditation and Christian mediation, where Zen empties the mind and Christian meditation fills the mind.
Christians approach meditation by focusing on God’s laws, God Himself, or heavenly things in general, rather than focusing on breathing and our own magnificence like Buddhists. Instead of attempting to alter the mind or reach a different state of consciousness, Christians engage in singing and prayer and use observations of the natural world to ponder spiritual realities. Unlike Buddhist mindfulness and its pursuit of reaching enlightenment, “For the follower of Christ there is no place to ‘get to,’ no striving, no technique. The goal for the follower of Christ is not to relax; it’s to surrender.”
This difference means Christians can meditate on God’s word regardless of their circumstances and their surroundings as they empty their minds of “ungodly and unbiblical thoughts, of desires for sin and resistance to the reign of God in our lives” and replace them with “the truth of Scripture.” As they meditate on God’s word and allow Him to transform their lives with His truth, the outcome is confrontation of sins and weaknesses as God reveals them, much like how He did with King David in the Psalms. In other words, “Biblical meditation doesn’t give us an escape from reality, it gives us supernatural strength through the Holy Spirit” to fully address our sinfulness, fears, and problems.
Thus, while many argue that all meditation is the same and that it does not matter what religion someone practices or adheres to, the Buddhist tenets in the mindfulness programs being rolled out in our public schools directly conflicts with the tenets of Christianity. Buddhist meditation’s focus on the self, the emptying of the mind, and the belief that all people are one directly opposes Christian meditation’s focus on God, the filling of the mind with biblical thoughts, and reality that each person is an individual made in God’s image found in Christian meditation. Where Buddhist meditation practices relaxation, Christian meditation practices obedience and becoming more like Christ.
Christina Stierhoff serves as an Associate Counsel with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), where she works primarily in the areas of First Amendment issues and international human rights.
MANSFIELD — With widespread cancellations from the COVID-19 pandemic occurring throughout the state, North Central Ohio clergy are making an additional cancellation: their ‘dinner date’ with Chick fil-A.
Last summer, over one hundred Ohio clergy invited Chick fil-A to build a restaurant in their county primarily because of the company’s strong Bible-based values. But after its charitable foundation changed its menu of priorities by replacing Christian ministries with anti-religious groups on its donation list, the chickens are coming home to roost for the third-largest food chain in the nation.
Ohio clergy drew attention last year for trying to entice Chick fil-A to Mansfield. (Photo courtesy of screenshot)
“Turning its back on their customer base, will burn Chick fil-A’s profits to a crisp,” says Reverend El Akuchie of the Richland Community Prayer Network. “Evangelicals had staunchly supported Chick fil-A for standing for family values during a 2012 national boycott. But when the curtain was lifted, we find Chick fil-A unapologetically supports the Southern Poverty Law Center. The company can no longer be considered family-friendly or even socially neutral-they are radical left.”
A discovery several months ago found Chick fil-A has been financially supporting the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). SPLC runs a hate-based scam by labeling ministries as hate groups due to their Biblical orthodoxy. Accused by former employees of racism and sexism, SLPC has already paid millions in penalties for its defamation of other conservative groups. Consequently, SPLC’s incendiary rhetoric has led to violence.
In FBI testimony the assailant of a mass murder plot acknowledged he had targeted Family Research Center’s (FRC) headquarters precisely because the SPLC labeled FRC as a “hate group.” The convicted-felon was planning to stuff a Chick fil-A sandwich in each dead victim’s face. Fortunately the plot was thwarted. In fact, the Obama Administration reprimanded SPLC for its part in the incident.
“Turning its back on their customer base, will burn Chick fil-A’s profits to a crisp. Evangelicals had staunchly supported Chick fil-A for standing for family values during a 2012 national boycott. But when the curtain was lifted, we find Chick fil-A unapologetically supports the Southern Poverty Law Center. The company can no longer be considered family-friendly or even socially neutral-they are radical left.”
Reverend El Akuchie Richland Community Prayer Network
Another new recipient of Chick-fil-A’s charitable donations includes Covenant House, a non-profit which does not hold to a Biblical or biological view of human sexuality. Covenant House promotes homosexuality as normal, natural, and healthy. It participated in this past year’s New York City gay pride event.
Due to Chick fil-A’s about-face, forty-nine faith leaders sent letter and several family groups collected petitions in response to the departure of Chick fil-A’s faith-based values. The restaurant chain has yet to repair its relationship with evangelicals.
“Chick fil-A no longer represents the values of our faith community,” says Pastor Randy Raynes of Mansfield Fellowship Baptist. It seemed too good be true (Chick fil-A’s moral stance) and now we find out it really was too good be true. Contrary to their company motto, it appears Chick fil-A serves mammon and not GOD. Their financing of risky behavior and hostility towards religious groups leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I used to travel out of my way to frequent a Chick fil-A, now all fast-food tastes the same.”
A Chick fil-A food truck has been visiting Mansfield since last summer. According to its workers, Mansfield was considered the truck’s top draw out of six locations before its change of policy. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
According to Pastor Raynes, it makes it that much harder for other Christian businesses to operate.
“Chick fil-A’s compromise creates a lot of collateral damage and puts Christian businesses and Bible-based ministries at risk. By discontinuing donations to Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, it gives the false appearance they are hate groups.”
Reverend Akuchie adds “Since I went on record as a supporter, I feel compelled to clarify that I no longer support Chick fil-A coming to our community. It is shameful that credible ministries have been put on a blacklist due in part to the charity of Chick fil-A. Chick fil-a has complete freedom to give to whichever philanthropic causes it chooses. In the same way, I have complete freedom to take my support away from Chick Fil-A.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Second Corinthians Six, “For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
There has been much discussion recently about the “Phase 3” Coronavirus relief bill, H.R. 748, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (CARES) Act. Passed by both chambers and signed into law by President Trump on March 27th, the CARES Act is designed to provide broad-based economic relief and funding in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. While some of the headline-grabbing sections of this bill address health care supplies and financial assistance for large corporations, several key provisions directly assist nonprofit organizations, including churches.
Travis Weber Family Research Council
Direct Loans to Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Churches
One of the major sections of the CARES Act is the $350 billion Payment Protection Program, which creates federally-guaranteed loans (operated by the Small Business Administration (or “SBA”)) to small businesses and other entities (including nonprofit organizations) to cover eight weeks of necessary expenses. To be eligible for these loans, the entity must have fewer than 500 employees, or the number designated as “standard” for its specific field—whatever is greater. Including entities in this manner will result in many small businesses and nonprofits being covered by these loan provisions.
For purposes of these loans, the CARES Act defines an eligible nonprofit organization as “an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.” Under IRS guidance, this generally includes churches—even if they have not registered with the IRS—as long as they meet 501(c)(3) requirements that:
They are organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific or other charitable purposes;
Net earnings do not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder;
No substantial part of their activity may be attempting to influence legislation; and they do not intervene in political campaigns; and
Their purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.
Under the CARES Act, limitations that the SBA places on loans to religious entities (including a requirement that religious entities show they are not principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling, or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs) are waived. As long as the church or nonprofit was operational and paying salaries and payroll taxes on February 15th, 2020, it is eligible for these loans.
Ian Speir, an attorney whose clients at Nussbaum Speir Gleason PLLC include numerous churches and nonprofits, agrees, telling us it would be constitutionally problematic to exclude churches in light of recent Supreme Court decisions, which clarify that generally available public benefits can’t exclude religious organizations who are otherwise eligible. Speir also noted his agreement that churches are included within the CARES Act’s definition of “nonprofit organizations.”
Under the CARES Act, the maximum loan an organization can receive is based on a calculation that will come out to 2.5 times the average monthly payroll, or $10 million, whichever amount is less.
If an organization uses the loan to cover payroll costs, health care benefits and premiums, employee salaries, mortgage or rent payments, or any other interest payments, the loan will be forgiven. There are also provisions for waiving borrower fees and other collateral and credit requirements, as well as automatic deferrals of any payments for six months.
There are also incentives for organizations to keep employees on the payroll. The total amount forgiven will be reduced if the employer lays off any employees or reduces employee pay more than 25 percent during the loan term. The program also encourages organizations to rehire any employee already laid off by not adding any penalties for those employees brought back onto the payroll. So, if the organization certifies with the lender that it used the loan for the appropriate expenses, the loan will act as a federal grant with no need to pay any amount back. If the organization does not use the loan for appropriate expenses, it must pay back outstanding funds with an interest rate of 4 percent.
To help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, local and state authorities are restricting large gatherings, causing many churches and religious organizations not to meet in person, which can cause financial setbacks for them. We are also aware that churches and nonprofits are suffering operationally through no fault of their own, creating significant financial strain. If that is the case with your organization, you may benefit from this new loan program meant to help cover payroll and other essential costs for the next eight weeks.
We recognize not every entity may seek to avail themselves of these loans, but they are there for those who wish to do so. The goal is not increased dependence on the government, but rather temporary assistance that can serve as a lifeboat through unexpected shock. In all this, we want to ensure that churches and religious organizations are not discriminated against, but rather are treated fairly and allowed access to any programs that nonreligious organizations can participate in. The coronavirus has affected all of us—religious and nonreligious alike.
Incentivizing Giving to Churches and Nonprofits
Now more than ever, churches and other charitable organizations need donations in order to meet immediate needs related to the coronavirus outbreak. But simultaneously, many Americans face financial hardship due to job loss, limited working hours, or increased medical costs. Such hardships may lead to a decline in charitable donations. By creating additional tax incentives for charitable contributions, the Phase 3 coronavirus relief package seeks to encourage Americans to continue giving throughout the crisis.
Under the CARES Act, charitable contributions up to $300 can be deducted above and beyond the standard deduction on annual tax returns. This new policy will help offset the negative impact on charitable giving precipitated by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which simplified and raised the standard deduction to $12,000. This change caused many tax filers to take the standard deduction instead of itemizing their charitable contributions. During negotiations on the CARES Act, the FRC team worked alongside allied organizations to increase the total amount of tax-deductible donations. While the $300 amount was not raised, this new level may apply to tax years 2020 and beyond, leading to more incentive for charitable giving going forward.
Finally, reducing charitable giving limits for those who itemize deductions on their tax return is another positive incentive put in place by the CARES Act. The cap limiting charitable contribution deductions to 50 percent of a person’s income has been lifted for the 2020 taxable year. This policy also raises the limit on corporate deductions from 10 percent of taxable income to 25 percent and raises limits on food inventory donations from 15 percent to 25 percent.
“To help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, local and state authorities are restricting large gatherings, causing many churches and religious organizations not to meet in person, which can cause financial setbacks for them. If that is the case with your organization, you may benefit from this new loan program meant to help cover payroll and other essential costs for the next eight weeks.”
Travis Weber Family Research Council
Unemployment Insurance Assistance for Those Working for Nonprofits
In addition to the $1,200 one-time rebate checks for many Americans, the CARES Act expands unemployment insurance to help those who are without work because of the coronavirus outbreak. This bill creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Program that will run through the end of the year. The program provides unemployment benefits for those who do not usually qualify, including religious workers, the self-employed, independent contractors, and those with limited work history. It also covers the first week of lost wages in states that do not cover the first week a person is unemployed.
While most churches are not subject to unemployment insurance, some nonprofits should be aware of this new policy in case they need to lay off or have already laid off employees who may claim unemployment insurance. Fortunately, there is language in this bill to help nonprofits cover some of these costs. H.R. 748 provides payments to states to reimburse nonprofits that are not a part of their state’s unemployment system, reimbursing for half of the costs the nonprofits incur to pay unemployment benefits. Unlike other employers, nonprofits have the option to pay state unemployment insurance taxes or reimburse the state only for the benefits paid to former employees who collect unemployment insurance. The U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Unemployment Insurance and individual states provide more detailed information on how unemployment insurance programs operate.
Paid Medical and Sick Leave Requirements that May Implicate Nonprofits and Churches
In addition to the Phase 3 bill being discussed here, President Donald Trump signed the Phase 2 coronavirus relief bill, H.R. 6201, on March 18th, 2020. While this bill included new paid medical and sick leave requirements designed to benefit employees but which may place requirements on nonprofits, the Phase 3 bill provides for some ways to cover these expenses. The Labor Department recently released initial guidelines for these paid medical and sick leave mandates, and will provide further regulations in April 2020.
First, H.R. 6201 expands the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) by including increased leave protection for employees who are unable to work or telework because they need to care for a child whose school or childcare facility was closed due to the coronavirus. Under this expansion, employers are not required to pay the employee during the first 10 days of leave, but the employer has to pay for remaining leave time up to $200 per day.
Separate from the FMLA change described above, the Phase 2 relief bill establishes an emergency paid sick leave program that requires employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave for employees that cannot work or telework because of the coronavirus. Employees are only entitled to this mandatory sick leave if they are: having Coronavirus symptoms, have been advised to self-quarantine, subject to a government quarantine, or caring for someone with coronavirus symptoms. The total amount of paid leave is equal to two-thirds the employee’s regular wages, whether salary or hourly work, and is capped at $511 a day. Both leave requirements will expire at the end of the year.
Providing paid leave during an uncertain financial situation can be difficult for some churches and nonprofits. The cost for the above two policy changes fall on employers, but there are ways for employers to alleviate the financial burden, as described below:
These mandates apply only to employers with fewer than 500 employees. H.R. 6201 also provides the Secretary of Labor with the ability to exclude organizations with fewer than 50 employees if providing the paid leave would jeopardize the viability of the organization.
If an organization has more than 50 employees or is not excluded from the Department of Labor’s waiver for other reasons, the Phase 3 coronavirus relief bill creates advanceable credits to help cover paid leave. These credits are a dollar for dollar reimbursement for all wages paid under these new requirements. The tax credits also apply to costs incurred to maintain health insurance coverage.
An organization can also apply for the Payment Protection Program loans previously mentioned that are designed to help nonprofits cover payroll costs, health care benefits during periods of paid medical and sick leave, and employee salaries.
Encouraging and Aiding the Church’s Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak
The CARES Act also recognizes how important churches and local community organizations are to providing food and other needs during this crisis. To increase state grants for these types of services, this bill provides an additional $1 billion for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). This grant is given to the states so they can partner with local community organizations to lower poverty, address homelessness, and provide services addressing unemployment, education, nutrition, and health. This is a grant program that churches and religious organizations can access, as the law explicitly states religious organizations must be treated the same as other nongovernmental organizations when applying for these grants. Churches in several states have partnered with community organizations or received these grants themselves to operate food banks and other key services.
Churches and other nonprofit organizations have played a critical role in meeting the spiritual and physical needs of Americans affected by the coronavirus. During Senate negotiations over how best to respond to the economic hardships our country is facing, the FRC team worked to ensure that churches and other religious groups were not left behind and were instead recognized as organizations vital to the coronavirus relief effort—and we will continue to do so going forward.
Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published by the Family Research Council. Connor Semelsberger also assisted with writing this article.
Travis S. Weber serves as Vice President for Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, where he is responsible for the development of public policy from a Christian worldview.
Last month, The Cincinnati Enquirer published an article entitled, “The battle between evolution and creation,” about the showing of a supposed “documentary” on PBS entitled “We Believe in Dinosaurs,” which had little to do with the battle between evolution and creation. It turned out to be an agenda-driven propaganda piece focusing on dinosaurs and the Ark Encounter, where dinosaurs represent only a tiny fraction of the exhibits at the Ark. This is not surprising, as many in the media continue to run stories that question the effectiveness of Answers in Genesis’ two popular attractions in Northern Kentucky.
CEO of Answers in Genesis,Ken Ham (Photo courtesy of Twitter)
In regard to this “documentary” on PBS, much of it is based on old information, as filming started in 2013. Originally, we were told by the producers that they were doing a documentary emphasizing the creative side of making museum exhibits and wanted to shadow our artists, exploring how science is presented at these types of museums. Despite assurances to the contrary, these deceitful producers created a biased film designed to sway viewers to a specific conclusion, which does not rise to the level of a real documentary, presenting many misrepresentations and errors.
In December 2016, controversial filmmaker Morgan Spurlock took over the project and helped fund it, taking it in a new and mocking direction. Subsequently, we revoked their media access and declined any future interviews, once we knew the film project was now going in this very different and misleading direction.
Dinosaur exhibit (Photo courtesy of The Creation Museum)
In regard to the film’s focus on Williamstown, the producers used clever camera angles and selectively-edited interviews to portray the false idea that the Ark has had no significant economic impact in the community and in fact is detrimental to Williamstown. We would be thrilled to see a major economic impact for the town, but the producers fail to report that town’s central business area is on the opposite side of the interstate from the Ark Encounter, half a mile from that interstate, and currently has no major hotels or restaurants.
Media need only to contact the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, or the Grant County Chamber of Commerce to learn of the phenomenal economic impact generated by tourism to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. This has been seen from Dry Ridge, just north of the Ark Encounter, all the way up to the Ohio River, with several new hotels in Florence opening to cater to Ark guests. In fact, Northern Kentucky has become the biggest faith-based tourist destination in the USA because of the Ark and Creation Museum.
Skeleton exhibit on display at the Creation Museum (Photo courtesy of the Creation Museum)
Finally, we must point out once again that the Ark Encounter did not receive millions of dollars in tax incentives (or tax breaks) to build the attraction. Instead, the Ark Encounter, like other tourist attractions in the state, was approved to receive (as was legally confirmed by a federal court decision) a rebate of sales tax generated at the attraction after it opened. This rebate of new money generated at the Ark (over 90% of guests are from out of state) is only a fraction of all the Ark-related revenue the state receives because of the economic impact this attraction has had on area hotels, restaurants, stores, etc. It’s a huge net gain for the Kentucky state treasury.
This is a reminder that those who oppose the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum often take selected pieces of information and weave a false story for their propaganda purposes. We encourage audiences to be discerning in their viewing, and to discover the truth about the purported “facts” presented onscreen.
Ken Ham is the CEO of Answers in Genesis, an apologetics organization which operates the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY, and the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY.
Click on the video link below of drone footage of the Ark Encounter and of the ribbon-cutting of the museum in 2016.
Clergy at press conference calling for prayer during pandemic
LEXINGTON — On Wednesday, faith leaders across the Buckeye Bible Belt held a press conference regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Their statewide call to prayer comes less than one year after local officials observed the anniversary of a victory against another pandemic that occurred almost two centuries prior.
Last year, both the Mansfield Mayor and Richland County Board of Commissioners publicly acknowledged Divine intervention that curtailed the cholera pandemic in August of 1849 after corporate prayer and fasting. In light of the COVID-19 world crisis, one hundred-twenty area clergy also feel the Almighty can heal their land if His people humble themselves.
Local clergy hold press conference calling community to prayer regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. For more pictures, view the slideshow below. (Photos courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Blevins leads in prayer. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Odom leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
120 Area clergy call for prayer & fasting (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Lintern leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Blevins leads in prayer. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin))
120 Area clergy call for prayer & fasting (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
120 Area clergy call for prayer & fasting (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Blevins leads in prayer. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin))
Pastor Odom leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Lintern leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Blevins leads in prayer. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin))
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Blevins leads in prayer. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin))
120 Area clergy call for prayer & fasting (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Lintern leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor O’Brien leads in prayer (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
Pastor Louis Blevins of Latter Rain COGIC, described the chain of events leading up to the proclamation of national and state emergencies involving COVID-19. “With tens of thousands of cases occurring throughout China and the rest of the world, and a collapse in the stock market this month resulting in the largest drop since the ‘1987 Crash,’ the cancellation of schools, elections, and other cultural events has reached epic proportions across the nation.”
Pastor Jody Odom of Ambassadors for Christ, asserted that “the Bible is a leading source of modern health knowledge,” and cited Scriptural examples and a list of Bible-believing pioneers in medicine. He also reported local developments from last year.
“We are calling Ohioans to a season of corporate prayer and fasting, especially during the zenith of the Holy Week and Passover observances from Sunday, April 5th thru Thursday, April 16th. We stand in solidarity as a faith community during these extraordinary times being fully convinced in the words of Psalm 91 that only the Most High God will be our refuge and fortress and will deliver us from the perilous pestilence.”
Ohio Clergy Joint proclamation
“Following Governor DeWine’s oath of office taken on nine Bibles on January 15th, 2019 and a declaration of 2019 as the “Year of the Bible” by North Central Ohio clergymen from one hundred and fifty congregations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported minimal influenza cases in Ohio despite rampant cases nationwide.”
Pastor Lintern recalled how “Twenty-seven North Central Ohio clergymen illustrated spiritual health can affect biological outcome by forwarding a 2016 Harvard study to area medical providers in the Fall of 2016 discussing the correlation between church attendance and the decreased risk of both cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality.”
OrvillePastor Jerry O’Brien prays to conclude the clergy press conference. (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin)
The clergy statement concluded, “As leading clergymen from one hundred and twenty congregations across North Central Ohio, we are calling Ohioans to a season of corporate prayer and fasting, especially during the zenith of the Holy Week and Passover observances from Sunday, April 5th thru Thursday, April 16th. We stand in solidarity as a faith community during these extraordinary times being fully convinced in the words of Psalm 91 that only the Most High God will be our refuge and fortress and will deliver us from the perilous pestilence.”
Pastor Jerry O’Brien of Faith Harvest Fellowship closed the press conference in a heartfelt prayer reciting Psalm 91.
“Through all that we have gone through and seen as ministers, it has taught us to trust You for the things we cannot now see. We trust You GOD that You will restore the years that the locusts have stolen. We pray for an end to this virus.”
During the 2008-2009 “Great Recession,” eighty-three north central Ohio clergymen called for a day of prayer and fasting after General Motors tragically announced the closure of one of the area’s large-scale stamping plants.
Click on the Frontlines Ohio video link below to view the press conference in its entirety.
“Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:3-4
There’s hardly a busier man in America right now than President Donald Trump. And yet on Friday, when he heard that Vice President Mike Pence was about to jump on a Family Research Council (FRC) conference call with seven hundred pastors, the President asked if he could join. Hearing his voice was a surprise, even to me — but hearing his earnest desire to stand with the faith leaders of America in crisis certainly was not.
Tony Perkins Family Research Council
“When I told the President I was going to be speaking to all of you,” the Vice President explained, “[He was] in the midst of an extraordinarily busy day. [But] he looked at me and said, ‘I have to find time. I need to find time.'” To the President, Vice President Pence went on, “the prayers of the people on this call mean [everything] to him.”
So despite everything facing America, the two most important leaders of our nation stopped everything to pray with pastors, who are on the front lines in their communities.
It’s a “wild world,” the President started. The Coronavirus, he said, “came upon us so suddenly. And we were doing better than we’ve ever done before as a country in terms of the economy — and then, all of the sudden, we got hit with this. So we had to close it down,” he said wistfully. “We’re actually paying a big price to close it down. Never happened before.” But, President Trump insisted, “I think we’re going to come back stronger than ever before.”
Turning to the pastors — the hundreds on the call and the 15,000 who heard it later on — the President said sincerely, “I want to thank you for praying for our country and for those who are sick. You do such an incredible job. You’re very inspirational people. And I’m with you all the way. You know that you see what we’ve done for right to life and all of the things that we’ve been working so hard together. I’ve been working with many of the people on the call. Many, many of the people. We’ve had tremendous support. But we are going to get over this.”
Before the President left the call, I asked him what he wanted the clergy to be praying for. “Pray for the health of the country,” the President replied, “the strength of our country. We were doing something amazing, and then one day, it just ended. So that would be it.”
The President also added, that Americans would “make the right choice on November 3rd…” After I finished praying over the President, he said, “You know, you mentioned the word ‘stamina.’ We do need stamina. So thank you very much.”
When Vice President Pence took over, he wanted everyone to know, “The President and I could not be more inspired by the way communities of faith have been stepping up.” He talked about the congregations keeping their food banks going and finding creative ways to work within the Center for Disease Control guidelines. Mr. Pence mentioned churches offering child care to the health care workers on the front lines, combating the Coronavirus. Most of all, he talked about how grateful he was to be a part of an administration that values its partnership with the congregations of America.
“You know, the President has said many times that we are going to bring the full resources of our of our federal government to bear on this. But by all of the clergy being here today, and by the energies and ministries that you have used to respond to the Coronavirus in your communities, you’re really putting hands and feet on your faith. And you are demonstrating what the President today called ‘the greatness of American character’ …And we want to urge you on. We want a full partnership with you in sharing best practices again.”
“By all of the clergy being here today, and by the energies and ministries that you have used to respond to the Coronavirus in your communities, you’re really putting hands and feet on your faith. And you are demonstrating what the President today called ‘the greatness of American character’ …And we want to urge you on.”
Vice President Mike Pence
Continue to pray, Vice President urged, for the advisers counseling the President from every branch of government. Remember state and local officials, too, and people who are struggling and experiencing loss.
We are so fortunate, HUD Secretary Ben Carson echoed on that same call, that this happened during a time of economic growth and blessing. “God is merciful,” Dr. Carson reminded us. “And we will get through this.” Maybe, he said, this is an opportunity for the Lord to show His power in a way that will “help us return to Him.” In the meantime, Dr. Carson assured, “God still has His hand on this nation. And He has His hand on all of us.”
For more ways your church can get involved, bookmark this link: FRC.org/church. We’ll be updating it daily with resources, information, and other ideas for pastors engaged in this crisis!
Originally published in Tony Perkins’ Washington Update, which is written with the aid of Family Research Council senior writers.
Click on the above image to listen to the conference call between the clergy and President Trump on Friday, March 20th.
woman with her hand resisting and preventing coronavirus, a virus that causes severe peneumonia leading to death. 3D rendering
The overreaction to the Coronavirus ( COVID-19) has driven our own government to virtually shut down the entire country along with its economy. While we must be diligent to do what we can, by washing our hands, not going to work when we’re sick, and taking special precautions for senior citizens with health problems, there is no need, speaking only for myself, to shut down the entire United States to deal with it.
Bryan Fischer (Photo courtesy of Focal Point)
While the search for a vaccine continues, the good news is that a silver bullet may have been found, a cheap generic medication that was developed decades ago (in 1944) to deal with malaria. The drug is Chloroquine phosphate, an old-fashioned anti-malarial drug, which has proven effective against Coronavirus in China and South Korea.
There are no less than three studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of Chloroquine against the Coronavirus. One is a study conducted by James M. Todaro and Gregory J. Rigano, in association with Stanford University School of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences Researchers.
Here’s what the summary of their study says (emphasis mine):
Recent guidelines from South Korea and China report that Chloroquine is an effective antiviral therapeutic treatment against Coronavirus Disease 2019. Use of Chloroquine (tablets) is showing favorable outcomes in humans infected with Coronavirus including faster time to recovery and shorter hospital stay.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that Chloroquine also has strong potential as a prophylactic (preventative) measure against Coronavirus in the lab, while we wait for a vaccine to be developed. Chloroquine is an inexpensive, globally available drug that has been in widespread human use since 1945 against malaria, autoimmune and various other conditions.
The study concludes this way:
“Chloroquine can both prevent and treat malaria. Chloroquine can both prevent and treat coronavirus in primate cells. According to South Korean and China human treatment guidelines, Chloroquine is effective in treating COVID-19. Given Chloroquine’s human safety profile and existence, it can be implemented today in the U.S., Europe and the rest of the world. Medical doctors may be reluctant to prescribe Chloroquine to treat COVID-19 since it is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The United States of America and other countries should immediately authorize and indemnify medical doctors for prescribing Chloroquine to treat COVID-19. We must explore whether Chloroquine can safely serve as a preventative measure prior to infection of COVID-19 to stop further spread of this highly contagious virus.”
“The United States of America and other countries should immediately authorize and indemnify medical doctors for prescribing Chloroquine to treat COVID-19. We must explore whether Chloroquine can safely serve as a preventative measure prior to infection of COVID-19 to stop further spread of this highly contagious virus.”
Centers for Disease Control
Chloroquine can be prescribed to adults and children of all ages. It can also be safely taken by pregnant women and nursing mothers. The fact that it can be prescribed for patients of all ages means our priority should be to make this available as soon as humanly possible to senior citizens who are the most vulnerable demographic.
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus is spreading rapidly, and scientists are endeavoring to discover drugs for its efficacious treatment in China. Chloroquine phosphate, an old drug for treatment of malaria, is shown to have apparent efficacy and acceptable safety against COVID-19 associated pneumonia in multicenter clinical trials conducted in China. The drug is recommended to be included in the next version of the Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Pneumonia Caused by COVID-19 issued by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China for treatment of COVID-19 infection in larger populations in the future.
And here is an abstract from a study reported in the journal Nature. It’s titled ‘Remdesivir and chloroquine effectively inhibit the recently emerged novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in vitro.’
Chloroquine, a widely-used anti-malarial and autoimmune disease drug, has recently been reported as a potential broad-spectrum antiviral drug. Chloroquine is known to block virus infection by increasing endosomal pH required for virus/cell fusion, as well as interfering with the glycosylation of cellular receptors of SARS-CoV. Our time-of-addition assay demonstrated that chloroquine functioned at both entry, and at post-entry stages of the 2019-nCoV infection in Vero E6 cells… Chloroquine is widely distributed in the whole body, including lung, after oral administration…Chloroquine is a cheap and a safe drug that has been used for more than 70 years and, therefore, it is potentially clinically applicable against the 2019-nCoV.
Well, if the problem is FDA approval for this use, Trump can direct the FDA to accelerate the approval process and get this thing in circulation. And the beauty here is that the drug could be prescribed today, right now. No need to wait. Trump should persuade Congress to immediately authorize doctors to prescribe it, and indemnify them against any lawsuits.
Because Chloroquine is a generic drug, no pharmaceutical companies will have any interest in producing it since they can’t make any money off it. They’ll want to convince us all that the only solution is a vaccine, which hasn’t even been approved yet. By the time we wait for all that to happen, there may be many lives lost and no economy left to save.
The United Kingdom has actually banned the export of Chloroquine, likely because they know it works and they want to have existing supplies in reserve for their own citizens. Britain first and all that.
Medical professionals in both China and South Korea have developed effective treatment measures using Chloroquine for patients with COVID-19, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
The drug works. “Studies showed ‘certain curative effect’ with ‘fairly good efficacy’ … patients treated with Chloroquine demonstrated a better drop in fever, improvement of lung CT images, and required a shorter time to recover” than untreated patients. So it can actually cure people who have Coronavirus, end their fevers, and shorten their time in hospital. This can keep our health system from getting overloaded and collapsing under its own weight.
If the drug is preventative as well as curative, you would expect to find the countries that have malaria, and therefore have used Chloroquine for decades, would have lower rates of Coronavirus if this theory is correct. Dr. Roy Spencer plotted the data for 234 countries, comparing total cases of COVID-19 to the incidence of malaria. He was astonished at what he found.
Nations in blue have been documented as having cases of malaria. Nations in yellow have been documented as having cases of COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of FaceBook)
In the top 40 malaria countries, with an average of 212 cases of Malaria per thousand, the rate of COVID-19 is 0.2 cases per thousand. In the 153 countries with no Malaria, the rate is 68.7 cases of Coronavirus per thousand. When Dr. Spencer mapped all this out, the conclusion was unambiguous: “COVID-19 is where Malaria is not.”
Said Dr. Spencer, “In all my years of data analysis I have never seen such a stark and strong relationship: Countries with Malaria basically have no COVID-19 cases.”
This is where Congress could actually do something intelligent by taking some of the billions and billions and billions of dollars they are mindlessly throwing at this problem and targeting it to fund mass production of this medicine. Nobody will mind if they provide a profit margin to Big Pharma in the process if it will save countless lives and pull our economy back from the abyss while we wait for the vaccine.
Since Chloroquine can not only prevent the disease but cure it, we can begin to see immediate effects. We can get past this out-of-control, economy-destroying hysteria, save lives, and get the American economy back on its feet and humming in weeks, not months.
There is no time to lose. President Trump, over to you.
Bryan Fischer is host of the one-hour weekday “Focal Point” program on American Family Radioand may be contacted at bfischer@afa.net
Click on image above to listen to Bryan Fischer’s Life & Liberty moment on the good that can come out of the Coronavirus outbreak.
COLUMBUS — When orders from the President and Governor began restricting public gatherings and closing businesses, church leaders were left wondering what this could mean for their church services.
“To help provide clarity to churches across Ohio, we have started weekly conference calls with the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GOFBCI) and hundreds of church leaders across the state,” says Aaron Baer, President of Citizens for Community Values (CCV). “Our Church Relations Director Ruth McNeil is coordinating this weekly briefing through a CCV collaborative project called the Church Ambassador Network.”
Ruth McNeil Citizens for Community Values
Recently President Trump issued guidelines for public gatherings of no more than ten persons to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). This has caught the attention of clergy says Ruth McNeil.
“Because of an overwhelming amount of encouraging feedback for our first statewide conference call for faith leaders, the Church Ambassador Network and GOFBCI Director Michele Reynolds have decided to continue hosting a weekly “Faith Friday” COVID-19 update Call at 10:00 am” says McNeil.
Faith leaders are encouraged to register by clicking on the link register or calling 513.733.5775 for these conference calls. If they were unable to join for the first briefing on March 13th, pastors can view the briefing summary.
During the first call, after Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Acton gave critical updates and guidance on how to respond to the COVID-19 situation. Callers were also able to ask questions of GOFBCI Director Michele Reynolds.
“The topic for this week and possibly the next week will continue to focus on updates, guidance and resource links concerning COVID-19/Coronavirus, as well as give opportunity for callers to ask questions of Director Reynolds,” says Ruth McNeil. “We will also take time to continue to pray for our leaders, along with the children, families, and business owners impacted by the Coronavirus.”
“The topic for this week and possibly the next will continue to focus on updates, guidance and resource links concerning COVID-19/Coronavirus, as well as give opportunity for callers to ask questions of Director Reynolds. We will also take time to continue to pray for our leaders, along with the children, families, and business owners impacted by the Coronavirus.”
Ruth McNeil CCV CHurch Relations Director
Many churches are adapting to the new COVID-19-related restrictions by resorting to strategies like video conferencing with Zoom or Google, live or recorded video streaming on their website, utilizing Facebook live, or conference calls. When warmer weather prevails, services in the parking lot become another option.
Also discussed during the conference call was how churches can respond to the COVID-19 crisis by caring for at-risk senior adults by enlisting them in prayer conference calls, and delivering groceries and meals.
Faith-based organizations are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their communities. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed a checklist for religious institutions. Some of these steps include updating an emergency operations plan, identifying space that can be used to separate sick people if needed, and developing an emergency communication plan for distributing timely and accurate information to parishioners.
Church buildings still in use should daily clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, and bathroom fixtures.
The Church Ambassador Network is a non-partisan coalition of Ohio churches influencing culture, impacting communities, and connecting with government officials.
Richland County Board Commissioners declare Richland as "God's land" in 2020 (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
MANSFIELD — While many will be following tournament basketball during “March Madness,” there will be another type of double-teaming taking place in churches across Richland County. This ‘full court press’ will be involving lifting up of holy hands to the Almighty in a region on the rebound.
This past month the Richland County Board of Commissioners officially recognized last year’s “March of Prayer”with a proclamation encouraging citizens to participate in this year’s initiative which begins March 1st.
According to Commissioner Darrell Banks, “Forty-seven local Christian churches representing more than twenty-five denominations hosted a nightly prayer service beginning March 1, 2019 that continued until Easter of 2019. The season of prayer included praising GOD and praying for local officials, first-responders, and those afflicted by addictions.”
Clergy attending the Board of Commissioners’ meeting: Paul Lintern, Ray Cochran, Hank Webb, and El Akuchie. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“As Psalm 118:19 declares ‘Swing wide the city gates-the righteous gates! I will walk through and thank GOD!” Commissioner Banks said.
Last year Paul Lintern wrote a book entitled “Mansfield is Godsfield” chronicling what took place during the heightened season of prayer. Published by Isaac’s World Inc., the book is a review of fifty-two days of worship and praise that took place at different church locations throughout north central Ohio.
“I got copy of Paul’s book and it really is interesting how many different congregations were involved last year,” said Commissioner Banks. “As leaders in the community, we certainly need all those prayers. I believe Mansfield is still Godsfield.”
Commissioner Tony Vero pronounced that “The residents in this community are encouraged to proclaim ‘Richland is GOD’s land’ placing ourselves in the care of the One who created us and in whom we place our trust for wisdom and guidance.”
“The residents in this community are encouraged to proclaim ‘Richland is GOD’s land’ placing ourselves in the care of the One who created us and in whom we place our trust for wisdom and guidance. ”
County Commissioner Tony Vero
In a separate meeting, the Mayor of Mansfield, Richland’s county seat, also made a proclamation recognizing Mansfield as the “City of Churches.”
“I Timothy Theaker, Mayor of Mansfield encourage that a March of Prayer be encouraged for churches of all faiths during this month to lift up our community in prayer: its officials, its first-responders, residents, students, business leaders, and faith community.”
Paul Lintern pictured with Reverend El Akuchie in front of “City of Churches” mural. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Click on image above and see map legend of the mural created by Timothy McKee.
According to lead facilitator Paul Lintern, coordinators of the March of Prayer initiative have designed a guide of helpful ideas for those congregations hosting a March of Prayer which is scheduled from March 1st thru May 6th.
“We are suggesting congregations consider corporate fasting and Jericho walks around their churches during this time,” said the pastor. A Jericho walk is a reference to the unconventional strategy in Joshua’s famous victory described in the Bible.
For an itinerary of the upcoming scheduled prayer nights, click on March of Prayer calendar or go to Godsfield Facebook page for updates.
Click on the video below to hear Pastor Mark Pierce sing a song written during last year’s pronounced season of prayer.
MANSFIELD- Several years ago Richland County went thru a housing crisis where foreclosures went thru the roof. After leading the state in foreclosures for two consecutive years, a recent housing report now confirms the county is seeing a real estate rebound. One observer who has the title of both Reverend and Realtor makes a unique assessment.
Reverend Rick Lewis (Photo courtesy of Haring Realty)
In 2001, Reverend Rick Lewis moved to Shelby to serve as Lead Pastor at Shelby Church of GOD. In addition to being a pastor, he became a licensed real estate agent with Haring Realty.
“There is a lot of optimism in the housing market right now,” says the bi-vocational pastor. “We are probably at a twenty-year high. Recently I had a house that I had not listed and it sold before I could even list it.”
Last month a report by Attom Data Solutions listed Mansfield as having the third biggest decline in foreclosures out of forty-three listed Ohio communities between 2018 and 2019. Compared to one year prior, Mansfield foreclosures in 2019 fell 39.3%.
But the pastor’s appraisal of the good news does not come just from profits in the black, they also come from letters in red found in the Bible.
“I also believe there is a heightened awareness of GOD in this hour. Coupled with the optimism in the housing market, all of this ties together. During our staff meetings at Haring, we have a time of prayer and we share testimonies and prayer requests. We include GOD in our business and He has really blessed us in this season.”
REverend Rick Lewis
“I also believe there is a heightened awareness of GOD in this hour. Coupled with the optimism in the housing market, all of this ties together. During our staff meetings at Haring, we have a time of prayer and we share testimonies and prayer requests. We include GOD in our business and He has really blessed us in this season.”
At the beginning of the upswing in 2017, the Richland County Clerk of Courts commented that “foreclosures (in the county) are down significantly. It’s a huge drop, and I’m not completely sure why.”
It has also not been business as usual for the faith community.
Since 2016, there have been five corporate collaborations of over one hundred clergy to address issues of morality, including last year where in a press conference one hundred-fifty clergy declared 2019 as “The Year of the Bible.” Pastor Lewis was one of those co-signors.
“Clergy from different denominations are joining together on issues where truth has been abandoned,” says Pastor Lewis. “In the same way, government agencies and neighbors are partnering together to take ownership of abandoned properties.”
In 2013, the Richland County Land Bank was established to return properties to productive use, and to clean up blight. Since that time, over 310 dilapidated structures have been demolished and 670 parcels of land have been transferred to landowners who want to take better care of the properties.
“The words ‘a house divided cannot stand’ found in the Bible carries a deep meaning that can inspire us all to be better stewards in our community,” says Reverend Lewis.
The door appears to be closing on recession, and no man’s land is becoming promised land.
The Coronavirus is the only argument we need for building a wall on our southern border. The reason we must have border security is to protect our people from criminals, drugs, and contagious diseases.
The Coronavirus started in Wuhan, China, perhaps escaping from a bio-weapons lab in that city. The worldwide death total from the virus is now over 550 and counting. There are more than 28,000 cases worldwide, including more than a dozen in the United States. China is quarantining entire cities to contain the virus, cruise ships have been confined to port, and ABC reported this morning that two newborns have been diagnosed with the disease.
Bryan Fischer (Photo courtesy of Focal Point)
Travelers in Hong Kong who come from China are automatically quarantined for 14 days and must wear the equivalent of an ankle monitor to make sure they stay put. China itself is running its crematoriums 24 hours a day, seven days a week to incinerate bodies as a preventative measure.
This is an urgent issue for the United States because of the number of illegal aliens from China who daily cross our southern border. Illegal entries by Chinese nationals are on the rise all across our border with Mexico. The number of Chinese migrants apprehended at the border last year was well over 4,000, and since for every alien who is apprehended, three more make it across undetected, it is likely that 12,000 Chinese nationals illegally entered the United States in 2019.
This is potentially a health crisis of staggering proportions, and without a secure southern border, we have no way to protect the health of American citizens from this scourge. Illegals are pouring into our country daily and we have no way to screen those illegal aliens for contagious diseases to keep them out of the U.S.
Ellis Island in New York Harbor was the federal government’s main immigration facility from 1892 to 1954. (Before it became an immigration center, pirates were hung on Ellis Island. The island was subsequently doubled in size, using landfill from the excavation of the subway tunnels in New York.) It admitted 12 million immigrants into the United States, beginning with 17-year-old Annie Moore of Cork, Ireland. Ellis Island closed on November 12, 1954, with the departure of its last detainee, Norwegian merchant seaman Arne Peterssen.
Ellis Island, New York ((Photo courtesy of Pix-a-bay images)
As a local newspaper put it in biblical terms, “they must come by that door (Ellis Island) into the sheepfold and not by any other way.” Close to forty percent of all current U.S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island. I myself am in that number.
By 1892, the United States prohibited prostitutes, criminals, “lunatics,” and “idiots” from entering the country. Chinese nationals were excluded for a time beginning in 1882.
The processing procedure included a series of medical and inspection lines, and about one percent of all immigrants were deported because of what was discovered through these inspections.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported on January 5, 1896, under the headline “Precautions Taken To Guard Against The Importation of Contagious Diseases,” that these precautions included a detention house and hospital where immigrants could be held for up to 10 days while thorough health examinations were conducted.
By federal law, the government was compelled to take care of all immigrants who were sick when they arrived or got sick during their first year on American soil. The facility was also used to treat those with injuries and physical defects that were likely to result in an immigrant becoming a “public charge” (dependent on government welfare), thus indicating that Trump’s recent executive orders on that matter are perfectly consistent with longstanding U.S. immigration policy.
Photo of immigrants waiting in line. (Photo courtesy of New York Public Library)
Each immigrant was required to undergo three medical exams, the first in his home town, the second at the port of departure, and the third on landing in the United States.
The nation of origin was carefully documented so that, if immigrants had to be deported due to disease or poverty, the government would know where to send them. Their country of origin had a legal duty to take them back for a full year.
If an immigrant was suspected of being in violation of immigration law, he had to immediately appear before a board of inquiry consisting of four American officials and was only allowed to land in New York if three of the four judges approved. The board handled 24,000 cases this way in 1895 alone.
If an immigrant was determined to be a carrier of a contagious disease, or likely to become a public charge, he was immediately returned to the port from which he came to the U.S. This was at the expense of the shipping company that brought them over, certainly an incentive for doing its due diligence at the front end.
Of the 258,536 immigrants that came through Ellis Island in 1895, less than one percent (2,419) were immediately deported. Another 177 were deported after becoming public charges within their first year.
“The greatest vigilance,” said the Eagle, “is exercised to protect our country from the importation of the insane (and) those suffering from contagious diseases.” If an immigrant displayed signs of disease, he was quickly removed from the line, taken to an examination room, and then sent to a hospital on Ellis Island for treatment.”
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1896
“The greatest vigilance,” said the Eagle, “is exercised to protect our country from the importation of the insane (and) those suffering from contagious diseases.” If an immigrant displayed signs of disease, he was quickly removed from the line, taken to an examination room, and then sent to a hospital on Ellis Island for treatment.
“The majority of immigrants,” writes the Eagle, “are of a healthy, hardy stock, calculated to become excellent citizens and to add to the material prosperity of the country.” Merit-based immigration, it turns out, is not a newfangled idea.
The minimum requirement we must have for a safe, sane, and healthy immigration policy is preventing contagious diseases from entering the United States. For that, we must have secure borders.
Bottom line: if we want a healthy America, it’s time to build the wall.
Bryan Fischer is host of the one-hour weekday “Focal Point” program on American Family Radio.
