CINCINNATI – In the wake of a monumental Supreme Court decision, it is believed twenty-six states have abortion restrictions that will take effect banning the murder of the unborn.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v Wade, Federal District Court Judge Michael Barrett has dissolved the injunction he placed on the Heartbeat Bill, enabling the law to go into effect. The Heartbeat Bill was passed in 2019, and bans abortion in Ohio once a heartbeat is detected in an unborn child, often as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy.
After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, Ohio Attorney General David Yost took swift action. (Photo courtesy of Ohio AG)
Immediately following the decision from the Supreme Court this morning, Attorney General Yost filed a motion to dissolve the injunction, and the court acted quickly.
Several pro-life leaders responded to the court decision.
“In Ohio, we believe that with God, all things are possible. Today, it’s been proven true once again as we see abortion banned in Ohio at the point a heartbeat is detected,” says Aaron Baer, President of Citizens for Community Values (CCV) based in Columbus.
“The work is far from over, and Ohio needs to move to pass a bill to ban abortion at the point of conception, but today we celebrate what God has done through the faithfulness of His people!”
Aaron Baer, President of Center for Christian virtue
“For years, the pro-life movement strived to see the Heartbeat Bill become law. Through two vetoes and numerous defeats, we persevered, and now thousands of lives will be saved this year, and many more in the years to come!
Chris Long, President of the Ohio Christian Alliance based in Akron pointed out, “The justices held their ground and were not swayed by threats and intimidation from the opposition by the unlawful activity of those who sought to intimidate them in their neighborhoods and at their residences. Mob rule will not prevail when good men and women stand up and make conscious decisions for justice.
Status of each state in the aftermath of the Roe v. Wade reversal. (Photo courtesy of New York Post)
“Today is a day to celebrate the pro-life cause. But, as Winston Churchill said after the Battle of Britain, ‘This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But this may be the end of the beginning.’ The Pro-life movement now has much work to do here in Ohio and in states across the country.”
Baer shared the same sentiments.
“Abortion is senseless violence against unborn children and their mothers. We’re one step closer to completely banning this beastly procedure. The work is far from over, and Ohio needs to move to pass a bill to ban abortion at the point of conception, but today we celebrate what God has done through the faithfulness of His people!”
The Bible says in Isaiah Chapter Forty-One, “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
The Roberts Court, April 23, 2021
Seated from left to right: Justices Samuel A. Alito, Jr. and Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor
Standing from left to right: Justices Brett M. Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett.
Photograph by Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States
In the most historic and momentous ruling in a generation, the U.S. Supreme Court has resoundingly overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that struck down virtually all state laws regulating abortion and that divided the American people unlike any other issue for 49 years.
Dan Hart (Photo Courtesy of FRC)
In a 6-3 decision released Friday, with the 5-4 majority opinion authored by Justice Samuel Alito, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization opinion sets a clear new precedent for the rights of states to protect all unborn children. “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,” Alito wrote. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”
Alito’s majority opinion was joined by Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Clarence Thomas. Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. Chief Justice John Roberts agreed with the final result, but did not join the 5-4 majority opinion.
The decision comes 53 days after an unprecedented leak of a draft decision that was acquired by Politico on May 2. The leak led to weeks of picketing outside Republican-appointed justices’ homes that culminated in a thwarted assassination plot against Justice Brett Kavanaugh. At the same time, pro-abortion activists carried out a string of at least 63 violent acts of arson, vandalism, property destruction, assault, and worship service disruption against churches, pregnancy resource centers, pro-life organizations, and individuals.
“While we are grateful that the tyranny of Roe has ended, we are mindful of the solemnity of this moment: What the Court has done is an act of repentance out of which we bring forth the fruit of repentance, rebuilding a culture of life in America.”
Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council
“Today the Supreme Court yielded to the actual words of the Constitution and overturned the atrocity of the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973, once again allowing states and the Congress to pass laws upholding the sanctity of human life,” said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. “While we are grateful that the tyranny of Roe has ended, we are mindful of the solemnity of this moment: What the Court has done is an act of repentance out of which we bring forth the fruit of repentance, rebuilding a culture of life in America.”
“With this ruling, the abortion business that has been built through the exploitation of women and the killing of their children is beginning to crumble,” said Mary Szoch, FRC’s Director of the Center for Human Dignity. “Still, our work is far from finished. In some states, the evil of abortion that ends the life of a unique child, breaks the heart of a mother and father, and shatters the conscience of a nation continues. We must double our efforts to support mothers and fathers in need. We must support pregnancy resource centers with financial, material, and spiritual resources. We must have the difficult conversations with our neighbors about the dignity of the human person beginning in the womb.”
“And we must pray … for the day when all life is respected and treated as the gift from God that it is,” Szoch concluded.
Since the Roe v. Wade decision 49 years ago, there have been an estimated 63 million abortions carried out in the U.S. Abortion has gone from being illegal in 30 states in 1973 to a billion-dollar industry today. In 2020, Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business, reported over $1.6 billion in revenues, including over $618 million from U.S. taxpayers.
Dan Hart is senior editor at The Washington Stand. The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s (FRC) outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview.
COLUMBUS — In a pointed letter sent June 21st to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Ohio Attorney General David Yost and his counterparts in eighteen states are urging Garland to take swift action in response to recent terrorist acts against Pro-life organizations, calling the lack of action intolerable, politically motivated and in violation of his oath of office.
Since the early May leak of a U.S. Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the attorneys general write, “charities that support pregnant mothers in need have been firebombed and pro-life organizations have been attacked almost daily and terrorized.”
Ohio Attorney General David Yost authored a recent letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. (Photo courtesy of Ohio AG)
Although the attacks began last month, it was only last week that the FBI announced that it would investigate them.
Noting that the federal government’s duty to protect its citizens against violence “does not turn on the victim’s identity” and that “access to justice cannot turn on partisan affiliation,” the letter calls on the Department of Justice to vigorously investigate and prosecute these illegal acts.
“Americans shouldn’t fear for their lives for speaking up for what they believe in,” AG Yost said. “The First Amendment provides the right to speak freely, regardless of the topic and without fear of having your home, workplace or, worse, your life threatened.”
The letter urges the Department of Justice to begin its investigations with Jane’s Revenge, a pro-choice group that has declared “open season” on anti-abortion organizations, urging its members “to paint, to burn, to cut, (and) to jam” pro-life centers and advocates. Jane’s Revenge has claimed responsibility for attacks in Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
“Americans shouldn’t fear for their lives for speaking up for what they believe in. The First Amendment provides the right to speak freely, regardless of the topic and without fear of having your home, workplace or, worse, your life threatened.”
David Yost, Ohio Attorney General
“The FBI has more than enough resources to determine the organization’s members and to track down those carrying out these acts of violence, which qualify as terrorism under federal law,” the attorneys general write.
Yost and his colleagues even offer state assistance with the investigations.
Differences of opinion are healthy, AG Yost noted, but how we handle such differences is key. “In America, we solve our differences with debates and ballots, not with bricks and Molotov cocktails.”
Besides Yost, the letter was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in James Chapter Four, “If anyone knows the good they ought to do and does not do it, it is sin for them.”
It might seem like every other June 1, but inside corporate board rooms, this Pride Month feels different. Companies aren’t coasting into this rainbow bonanza like past years — empowered and carefree. They’re looking in the rearview mirror at a 2022 that’s been anything but kind to their CEOs’ woke causes. After the uprising against Disney, State Farm, Starbucks, and Target, the question on most businesses’ minds has to be: Will Pride come before the profits fall?
Susan Bowdey (Photo courtesy of FRC)
For most Americans, even the sympathetic ones, June comes with its share of irritation. You can’t log on to social media, shop for groceries, turn on the TV, or even buy a Crunchwrap Supreme without being hit over the head with LGBT propaganda. At the San Antonio Zoo, there’s a drag show. At Taco Bell, there’s a drag brunch. At the Detroit Tigers, there’s free transgender surgery for kids if you support the right organizations at checkout.
The rainbow burnout is so real that billionaire Elon Musk took to Twitter the day before, posting a tornado of company logos awash in colors with the caption, “June is almost here.” And while the far-Left went ballistic, demanding the richest man on earth be booted from the platform, the reality is, Pride mania has reached such absurd heights that most people are already counting the days to July. When Oreo cookies are double-stuffing their advocacy with short films, and public schools are paying men in dresses for makeup tutorials, an already triggered consumer base is primed to respond.
Just this past month, a new poll by the Convention of States Action and Trafalgar Group found that Americans have had it with companies wearing their agendas on their sleeves. People were asked, “How likely are you to stop using a product or service of a company that openly advocates for a political agenda you disagree with?” A landslide majority — 87% — said they were at least “somewhat likely” to stop using the product or service of the company in question. That’s about as close to consensus as it gets. Fifty-one percent took it a step farther, saying it was “very likely” they would look elsewhere. And the political fatigue cuts across party lines.
There’s a been major miscalculation on the part of today’s CEOs that everyday Democrats are on board with all of their activism. On the contrary, most Americans just want their favorite brands to stay neutral. And yet even now, a shocking number of companies haven’t gotten the message. They continue to turn themselves inside out to accommodate a handful of vocal employees — without realizing that the people they’re alienating are, as Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld put it, “Americans who buy things.”
“Maybe that’s why we’ve witnessed a slow but intentional shift away from in-your-face activism these last few months. Exxon, seeing the handwriting on Disney’s wall, actually changed its company guidelines before June, flat-out banning “external position flags” like LGBT Pride and Black Lives Matter. If workers want to fly the rainbow colors, they’ll need to do it without involving the Exxon logo, the headquarters says.”
Susan Bowdey, Family Research Council
Maybe that is why we have witnessed a slow but intentional shift away from in-your-face activism these last few months. Exxon, seeing the handwriting on Disney’s wall, actually changed its company guidelines before June, flat-out banning “external position flags” like LGBT Pride and Black Lives Matter. If workers want to fly the rainbow colors, they’ll need to do it without involving the Exxon logo, the headquarters says.
The President, unfortunately, will more than make up for the void — releasing his annual proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride a full day early (in case people didn’t already sense his eagerness). In it, he reiterates his promise to have the “back” of “younger transgender Americans,” insisting that his only goal is to help them reach their “God-given potential.” As usual, Biden says it without irony — ignoring the fact that actually reaching their God-given potential would mean accepting the sex they’re born with.
Christian evangelists ministering at 2019 Mansfield Pride Event. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
There will be flags above our embassies and flood lights on the White House — but unlike 2021, when Americans might still have been under the delusion that this administration was as moderate as advertised, the country is no longer fooled. They see Biden’s crusade to “queer” the military, his support for taxpayer-funded child abuse, his disregard for women’s rights. And they’re disgusted. As Mary Margaret Olohan said on “Washington Watch with Tony Perkins,” “This is not a message that [is resonating] with Americans.” And yet, Democrats like Biden — taken hostage by their woke fringe — refuse to back away from an agenda voters are soundly rejecting.
While corporate America is finally leaning into some self-reflection, the Left would be wise to follow. Until then, how should Christians, who are tired of celebrating sex and transgenderism like a 30-day party that rivals Christmas, respond?
Family Research Council’s Joseph Backholm has some ideas. In his new column, “What Christians Should Remember about Pride Month,” he encourages people to think biblically about June. He reminds us that pride is not new; Christians aren’t called to conform; obedience matters — and so does prayer. At the end of the day, we can love God’s way, or we can love the world’s way, but we can’t do both. If that makes you feel different, Backholm says, good. You are different. “This is not our home.” And the sooner the church realizes that, the sooner we can meet this moment head-on — without hesitation, and just as importantly, without compromise.
Suzanne Bowdey serves as editorial director and senior writer at The Washington Stand. The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s (FRC) outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. FRC’s whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview.
After the 2020 election ended with Joe Biden declared the winner, the federal cybersecurity agency declared it was a perfectly secure vote. Months later, federal prosecutors admitted two Iranian nationals hacked into a state’s database and stole the identities of 100,000 voters in an effort to influence the election.
John Solomon (Photo courtesy of Twitter)
Likewise, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared it was “outrageous” to think his state’s 2020 election needed to be investigated. Now, two separate courts have concluded that state election regulators illegally changed rules, allowing tens of thousands to cast ballots in an unlawful manner. And the same probe Evers so stubbornly resisted just provided evidence of fraudulent vote-collecting operations that exploited vulnerable residents in nursing homes.
Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger similarly expresses confidence to this day in his state’s declaration that Joe Biden won in 2020. But he now admits the state’s largest county ran a vote counting operation so dysfunctional and that the state may take over the county. He also has launched a probe into potential illegal harvesting of ballots that he says may result in prosecutions.
And Arizona, one of the first states to move to no-excuse mail-in voting years ago, has now begun an urgent effort to return to traditional in-person voting with paper ballots after investigations called into question more than 50,000 ballots cast in November 2020 and tens of thousands more verification signatures.
For more than a year, Democrats and their allies in the corporate media have decried what they call the “Big Lie” that America’s 2020 election was flawed or stolen. But almost weekly now, revelations are emerging that the election was, in fact, marred by illegalities, irregularities and mismanagement like former President Donald Trump has argued, leaving a nation increasingly doubting the reliability of its election system.
“We have a lot of work to do. And so I never sugarcoat this, because there’s substantial voter dissatisfaction with the lack of security of our ballots. And they are very concerned that folks who are voting are folks who are not eligible to vote. And so you can’t have a system where illegal ballots negate the casting of legal ballots.”
Ken Blackwell, former ohio secretary of state
A Rasmussen poll taken nearly one year after the 2020 elections found more than half of the country does not believe in the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential elections, a stunning number for a country globally held as the gold standard for constitutional republics built on democracy.
“We have a lot of work to do,” former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell told Just the News. “And so I never sugarcoat this, because there’s substantial voter dissatisfaction with the the lack of security of our ballots. And they are very concerned that folks who are voting are folks who are not eligible to vote. And so you can’t have a system where illegal ballots negate the casting of legal ballots.”
The 2020 election results almost certainly will not be reversed, no matter how widespread the calls for decertification grow. But the opportunity to take the many failures of the last election seriously to improve Americans’ confidence in voting in the 2022 and 2024 elections looms large.
“We need to make sure our voting rolls are clean,” says Wisconsin State Rep. Janel Brandtjen. She oversees the Assembly committee on election integrity and blasted Governor Tony Evers for vetoing legislation designed to fix many problems identified in the Dairy State.
“At this point, there is no downside to cheating in Wisconsin, when you have a governor that’s shutting down a lot of the things that we have thought in the past would make a fair and transparent election,” she added.
Here are 20 of the most important revelations uncovered by Just the News complete with substantiating evidence and links:
A Foreign Intrusion. Federal authorities have confirmed that two Iranian nationals successfully hacked into a state computer election system, stole 100,000 voter registrations and used the data to carry out a cyber-intimidation campaign that targeted GOP members of Congress, Trump campaign officials and Democratic voters in the November 2020 election in one of the largest foreign intrusions in U.S. election history. The defendants “were part of a coordinated conspiracy in which Iranian hackers sought to undermine faith and confidence in the U.S. presidential election,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams declared in an indictment.
Alleged Bribery. The former state Supreme Court justice appointed by the Wisconsin Legislature to investigate the 2020 election concluded that millions of dollars in donations to election administrators in five Democrat-heavy municipalities from the Mark Zuckerberg-funded Center for Tech and Civic Life violated state anti-bribery laws and corrupted election practices by turning public election authorities into liberal get-out-the-vote activists. “The Zuckerberg-funded CTCL/ Zuckerberg 5 scheme would prove to be an effective way to accomplish the partisan effort to ‘turnout’ their desired voters and it was done with the active support of the very people and the governmental institution (WEC) that were supposed to be guarding the Wisconsin elections administrative process from the partisan activities they facilitated,” Justice Michael Gableman wrote.
Illegal ballot harvesting in Wisconsin. Gableman also exposed an extensive vote collection operation, known as ballot harvesting, in nursing homes in which third-party activists illegally collected the ballots of vulnerable residents, some of whom lacked the mental or physical capacity to vote or were forbidden from voting by guardianship agreements. State election regulators “unlawfully directed the municipal clerks not to send out the legally required special voting deputies to nursing homes, resulting in many nursing homes’ registered residents voting at 100% rates and many ineligible residents voting, despite a guardianship order or incapacity,” Gableman wrote in his explosive report.
Ballot harvesting probe in the Peach State. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced he has opened a criminal investigation into allegations that liberal activists engaged in illegal ballot harvesting, collecting ballots from voters and delivering them in violation of state law. Raffensperger said he is planning to issue subpoenas to identify a whistleblower who admitted he engaged in the operation, and there could be prosecutions. The True the Vote election integrity group says in a formal state complaint that the man, identified as John Doe, admitted his role and identified nonprofits who funded it at $10 per ballot delivered. The watchdog group also claims it has assembled cell phone location records pinpointing the alleged harvesting by as many as 240 activists.
Bad voter signatures? A review of Maricopa County’s mail-in ballots in Arizona’s 2020 presidential election estimated that more than 200,000 ballots with signatures that did not match voter files were counted without being reviewed, more than eight times the number the county acknowledged.
50,000 Arizona ballots called into question. An extensive audit by Arizona’s Senate officially called into question more than 50,000 ballots cast in the 2020 election, including voters who cast ballots from residences they had left. The tally in question is nearly five times the margin of Joe Biden’s victory in the state.
Foreign voters found on Texas rolls. An audit of Texas voter rolls identified nearly 12,000 noncitizens suspected of illegally registering to vote and nearly 600 cases in which ballots may have been cast in the name of a dead resident or by a voter who may also have voted in another state. Officials are now in the process of removing the foreign voters and deciding whether prosecutions are warranted.
Foreign voters found on Georgia rolls. An audit by Georgia’s Secretary of State has identified more than 2,000 suspected foreigners who tried to register to vote in the state, though none reached the point of casting ballots. Raffensperger says prosecutions may be forthcoming.
Unconstitutional mail-in voting. The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has concluded the state law that opened the door to no-excuse mail-in voting in 2020 was unconstitutional and that mail-in voting can only be enacted by a constitutional amendment. “A constitutional amendment must be presented to the people and adopted into our fundamental law before legislation authorizing no-excuse mail-in voting can be placed upon our statute books,” the court ruled. About 2.5 million voted by mail in Pennsylvania in 2020, votes now called into question by the ruling.
More noncitizen voters. The Gableman investigation in Wisconsin also found noncitizens had made it onto the state voters rolls in violation of state law. The Wisconsin Election Commission failed “to record non-citizens in the WisVote voter database, thereby permitting non-citizens to vote, even though Wisconsin law requires citizenship to vote — all in violation of the Help America Vote Act,” the investigator wrote.
Ballot chain of custody issues. The Georgia Secretary of State’s office has opened an investigation into the handling of drop box ballots last November in one of the state’s Democratic strongholds following a media report that there were problems with chain of custody documentation in DeKalb County.
Fulton County irregularities. Georgia’s handpicked election monitor for Fulton County, the state’s largest voting district, documented two dozen pages of mismanagement and irregularities during vote counting in Atlanta in November 2020, including double-scanning of ballots, insecure transport of ballots and violations of voter privacy. The revelations prompted the state to take steps to possibly put Fulton County in receivership, empowering state officials to run the elections. Most of Fulton County’s election officials have left their jobs.
Errant vote counting. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp referred the audited November 2020 election results in Fulton County to the State Election Board after multiple reviews found three dozen significant problems with absentee ballot counting, including duplicate tallies, math errors and transposed data. Kemp’s referral calls into question hundreds of ballots in the official count.
Dirty voter rolls. Michigan’s official state auditor has found that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson failed to adhere to state election law by properly updating and reconciling Michigan’s qualified voter roll. This oversight, according to the audit, increased the risk of ineligible voters casting ballots.
Illegal exemptions from voter ID. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled as many as 200,000 voters were allowed to illegally skip voter ID for absentee ballots by claiming they were indefinitely confined by COVID when there was no such legal authority to do so. Biden beat Trump by about 20,000 votes in the state.
Uneven enforcement of election laws. The Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau identified more than 30 problems with the administration of elections in 2020, including unlawful orders and uneven enforcement of the law and urged lawmakers to make sweeping improvements.
Voter fraud in Michigan. Michigan charged three women in connection with voter fraud schemes, including efforts to cast ballots on behalf of non-consenting nursing home residents.
Still more nursing home fraud. In Wisconsin, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling announced his investigators have secured evidence that eight out of 42 residents at a local nursing home had been recorded as casting absentee ballots that their families said was not possible because the residents didn’t possess the cognitive ability to vote.
John Solomon is an investigative reporter. This article was originally posted on ‘Just the News’ and can be access here.
PORTSMOUTH — One Ohio university is learning what it means to ‘mind your p’s and q’s’ when it comes to conduct towards its faculty. In a recent court settlement, a philosophy professor has schooled his own employer after it harassed him over his own First Amendment rights.
After a three-year legal battle, Shawnee State University has settled and will pay a Christian Philosophy Professor $400,000 in damages and attorneys fees after disciplining him for using the wrong pronoun when addressing a transgender student who wanted to be referred to as a female.
Dr. Nick Meriwether believes God created only genders, male and female, which are determined by a person’s biology.
In the spring of 2018, while teaching his class, a male student raised his hand to ask a question and the professor responded with “Yes, sir.” After the class was over, the student approached Dr. Meriwether, identified himself as a woman, and insisted that the professor address him in that manner.
Dr. Meriwether, who refers to all of his students as “sir,” “ma’am,” “Mr.,” or “Miss,” offered to use the student’s first or last name instead, but this did not satisfy university administrators or the student.
Roberta Milliken, acting Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, launched an investigation into the matter and formally charged Dr. Meriwether with causing “a hostile environment” in his classroom for refusing to violate his religious beliefs. Meriwether received a written warning in his personal file, and was threatened with “further corrective actions” if he did not refer to students using pronouns that reflect their self-asserted gender identity.
“I was going to be punished, not for something what I was doing, but for something that I would not do, and that was affirm the ender identity ideology. It was really about compelling me to speak in a way that conflicted with my beliefs as a Christian and and a philosopher.
Philosophy professor nick meriwether, phd.
Dr. Meriwether submitted a grievance request to the union, arguing the university violated his religious conscience. The professor met with a school administrator and union representative to explain how his religious freedom was being corroded. According to the lawsuit, they “openly laughed” at Meriwether’s religious convictions and denied his grievance request.
Represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, Dr. Meriwether comments, “I was going to be punished, not for something what I was doing, but for something that I would not do, and that was affirm the gender identity ideology. It was really about compelling me to speak in a way that conflicted with my beliefs as a Christian and and a philosopher.”
While the court ruling says Shawnee State punished the professor for his speech on a hotly-contested issue, the University denies anyone at Shawnee State deprived Dr. Meriwether of his free speech rights or his rights to freely exercise his religion.
As part of the settlement, Shawnee State has agreed that Dr. Meriwether has the right to choose when to use, or avoid using, titles or pronouns when referring to or addressing students. The school has also agreed Meriwether will never be mandated to use pronouns, including if a student requests pronouns that conflict with his or her biological sex.
View the video below produced by Alliance Defending Freedom (6 min. length)
The Bible says in Proverbs 13, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
OBERLIN — In a unanimous Sixth District Court of Appeals ruling, a three-judge panel rejected Oberlin College’s claims and upheld a previous ruling that the college is guilty of defamation. The college will fork over thirty-four million dollars for the family-owned business’s legal fees and damages. The eight-figure disaster serves as a timely lesson to universities and administrators that surrendering to Wokeism and “Cancel Culture” can have very expensive repercussions.
The decision is icing on the cake for Gibson’s Bakery & Candy, which was ambushed by the left-wing liberal arts college for falsely accusing it of being racist. Although the implicated black students admitted their guilt, they still went after the bakery accusing the business for racial profiling.
During the case, bakery owner David Gibson thanked the American justice system to enable a David to stand up to a Goliath. Gibson is now deceased. (Photo courtesy of Gibson Bakery & Candy/Facebook)
In 2016, a bakery employee chased down and tackled a black student, Jonathan Aladin, who he suspected stealing a bottle of wine. Two friends of the individual who stole the bottle of wine, became involved in the physical incident. All three students were arrested, According to court documents, Aladin pleaded guilty to attempted theft and aggravated trespass charges.
Fueling the flames was the College’s Dean of Students, Meredith Raimondo, who distributed leaflets accusing the bakery of ‘racist practices.’ Raimondo orchestrated a woke mob into slandering the family as racists for calling the police on three black students for shoplifting a bottle of wine.
Even after Aladin pled guilty and admitted Gibson’s Bakery had no racial motives, Raimondo remained employed by Oberlin College through 2021 when she later transferred to Oglethorpe College in Georgia.
“The impact of our case is not just limited to our town or even Ohio. While I am shocked at the national attention our case has received, I guess it should be no surprise. The fight has always been about sending the message that the truth still matters. And doing the right thing is important, even when it is difficult.”
David Gibson, business owner
The bakery’s owners sued Oberlin College in 2017, claiming that the school had libeled them and said that their business was harmed by their actions.
Beyond Raimondo, a Student Senate resolution condemned the bakery in a campus-wide email and posted the slander in a display case at the student center for over a year. University President Carmen Twillie Ambar also ordered food providers to halt all food purchases from the bakery.
Since 2016, two of the plaintiffs from the bakery have now died: David Gibson at age 65 and Allyn Gibson at age 93.
Gibson Bakery & Candy is a family owned business. The Gibson family is pictured from several years ago. (Photo courtesy of Gibson Bakery & Candy/Facebook)
Presently, no apologies have been given to the business and the college has not acknowledged their error.
In a public statement during the court case, bakery owner David Gibson commented, “The impact of our case is not just limited to our town or even Ohio. While I am shocked at the national attention our case has received, I guess it should be no surprise. The fight has always been about sending the message that the truth still matters. And doing the right thing is important, even when it is difficult.
“Our family is committed to serving the Oberlin community, just as we have over the last one hundred and thirty-four years…Thanks to an American justice system that enables a David to stand up to a Goliath.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 2, “For to the one who pleases him, GOD has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases GOD.”
Mansfield Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
MANSFIELD — Marijuana legalization will not be on the ballot for this November’s general election in Ohio. The “Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol” (CRMLA) instead said it will delay its legalization campaign until 2023. The announcement comes weeks after clergy from one hundred and ten congregations stated their opposition to legalizing the Schedule 1 narcotic. One of the clergy spokesmen is delighted the activist group’s plans went ‘up in smoke.’
“We are pleased cannabis legalization efforts have been defeated for another year,” says Pastor Chad Hayes. “With a united front of faith and civic leaders remaining steadfast to the facts on this harmful substance, sanity still prevails.”
Hayes and a group of local clergymen from multiple denominations held a press conference reading from an open letter dated April 20th to area mayors and local chambers of commerce in nine counties. They announced a new campaign promoting local community standards in a grassroots effort to stop the legalization of marijuana.
The clergy said in their letter, ‘Local houses of worship are encouraging our economic and civic leaders to “Believe Local” to preserve a vibrant future for our region by adhering to our local community standards. This can be done by safeguarding our communities from the harmful effects of marijuana and the softening of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and DORA zones. In the words of our state motto, “With GOD all things are possible.”
In addition to the clergy, top state officials including Governor Mike DeWine have publicly stated they are opposed to the legalization of recreational cannabis in Ohio.
“We are pleased cannabis legalization efforts have been defeated for another year. With a united front of faith and civic leaders remaining steadfast to the facts on this harmful substance, sanity still prevails.”
Pastor Chad Hayes
Because of the opposition to the recreational cannabis proposal, CRMLA sued state officials after Ohio House Republicans refused to take up the marijuana legalization law. The proposal was under a state mechanism called an initiated statute, through which members of the public can propose new laws.
Under the initiated statute, the public can force lawmakers to take up a proposed law change if they can gather the needed number of signatures, currently 132,887, from registered voters in at least forty-four counties across the state. If lawmakers do not enact the law as written within four months, backers of an initiated statute then can collect the same number of signatures again to force it onto the ballot for the following November’s election.
The proposed measure would have allowed Ohioans age 21 and older to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow plants at home and be taxed at 10%. Additional tax revenue has not always turned out beneficial.
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. At the time, cannabis proponents claimed legalizing the drug could generate tax revenue. Findings by the Colorado Christian University’s Centennial Institute in 2018 reveal for every dollar gained in tax revenue from cannabis, Coloradans spent roughly $4.50 to mitigate the adverse effects of legalization. In addition, calls to poison control along with high school dropouts increased dramatically.
In a local presentation In 2018 by a member of the Colorado Governor’s Task Force, when the state legalized marijuana, emergency room visits saw an eight hundred percent increase. Traffic deaths with drivers testing positive for “marijuana-only” increased by 75%. Tent cities also surfaced in Colorado since unemployed people are unable to pass their drug tests and obtain jobs.
The clergy hope Ohioans learn about the failures of recreational marijuana in other states. The clergy emphatically stated, “We support vibrant communities and encourage policymakers to “Believe Local. We believe the legalization of recreational marijuana and the relaxation of drug enforcement laws disrupt health and safety and are morally wrong.”
View the video of the April 20, 2022 clergy press conference below.
FREDERICKTOWN — Churches serve as a haven when the world becomes overwhelming. The congregation of Christ the King Community Church is dealing with uncertainty after a vandal caused extensive damage to their building during Resurrection week. While the tomb on Resurrection Day was empty, people were found inside the resilient Fredericktown church.
According to Pastor Lucian Baker, surveillance cameras showed the perpetrator arrived around two o’clock Wednesday morning and was on the grounds for six to seven hours damaging windows, floor tile and furniture.
Pastor Lucian Baker (Photo courtesy of Christ the King Community Church/Facebook)
“He (the vandal) was sitting out there; he was agitated,” Pastor Baker said. “He threw one brick through the main door of the church and shattered the glass. He waited a little while, then picked up another brick and threw it through the window.”
Vandalizing religious property is a federal crime and can be punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
Pastor Lucian Baker said a group of parishioners worked hard to paint to repair the church off of Ohio 95 for Easter. Damage includes the door, several windows, the interior tile floor, several pieces of furniture, and a communion table. Several tables have glass embedded in their top. Estimated repair costs are $12,000 to $15,000.
Damages to Christ the King Community Church. (Submitted photo)
Baker acknowledged that other houses of worship have experienced much greater catastrophes but noted there is still a sense of violation from the vandalism.
“The church is a safe place, and all of a sudden, we see windows busted out, doors busted out. The first thing that comes to mind is ‘is my safe place no longer safe,’” he said. “I think it’s important that no matter what happens, we will still have church.”
Congregants of the church have been under the protection of an armed volunteer security force, which was formed about seven years ago.
Baker believes it is essential to continue with church services, When the COVID-19 first arrived, the church initially shut down in compliance with recommended protocols.
“Then we realized that was not a wise decision because people needed a place to go to worship,” he said. “People needed to know that no matter what happens, the church will go on.
“The church provides a certain amount of stability, a foundation you can stand on,” he continued. “If the church burns down, the church will still be there. People shouldn’t put all of their hope in the place, just know that the church is going on no matter what.”
“The church is a safe place, and all of a sudden, we see windows busted out, doors busted out. The first thing that comes to mind is ‘is my safe place no longer safe.’ I think it’s important that no matter what happens, we will still have church.”
Pastor Lucian Baker, Christ the King Community Church
“When things like this happen, and the church closes, I think it’s a time when people have a feeling that the darkness is winning. But when the church is open, that light is not diminished,” he said. “And we are going to do that. We are going to stay open and not let that light diminish.”
Baker said that, if nothing else, the vandalism incident proves the need to pray for one another and for the man who committed the vandalism. “I don’t know why he was so angry, but we need to be more understanding, more compassionate, and more available.”
The Bible says in John 15, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
ONTARIO — In its one-day showing, “The Harbinger of Things to Come” was the second-highest grossing motion picture in the nation. Shown across eight-hundred theaters May 12th, the explosive film discusses America’s cataclysmic falling away from GOD and describes prophetic revelations and warnings for GOD’s people. The movie is drawing large numbers from the faith community, including in North Central Ohio.
“We are in the Bible Belt,” says one Cinemark employee. “There are a lot of church people in this area that are going to see this movie.”
Steve McElhatten saw “The Harbinger of Things to Come” and believes theaters should take notice of the success of faith-based films. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
According to the theater manager, on the day of the showing, the theater decided to increase the number of screens the film would be shown on because of the strong response. The rate of faith-based films released in theaters annually has nearly doubled since 2012. One of those who saw the movie believes the entertainment industry should take note.
“Faith-based films will draw more people to theaters,” says Steve McElhatten. “Last year the theater showed “The Chosen” based on the Gospel accounts of Christ and the theater was absolutely packed. Hollywood needs to open their eyes.”
“What is striking in the film is how GOD uses irreligious political leaders in spite of themselves; GOD did that with the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. We will have a lunar eclipse this weekend and no one, not even the government can stop that from happening. Political leaders can light up the White House, or project graven images on the Empire State Building, but the government cannot change the color of that blood-red moon during the eclipse. We need to be warned: ultimately GOD’s plan will be accomplished.”
Pastor Bruce Philippi, journey life center
“The film (The Harbinger of Things to Come) certainly lived up to its hype. The film points out the amazing Biblical patterns which explain why our country has come under judgement. There should be urgency for our country to repent. The films also holds out hope that if we truly repent and return to GOD’s way, He will pour out His blessings and heal our land.”
The movie is based on several of Jonathan Cahn’s New York Times bestsellers. He was named one of the top forty spiritual leaders of the past forty years who have impacted the world. As a Messianic Rabbi, Cahn also leads the Jerusalem Center/Beth Israel, a worship center made up of Jews and Gentiles in Wayne, New Jersey.
Rabbi Jonathan Cahn pictured with Rabbi William Hallbrook in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Rabbi William Hallbrook)
One local Messianic Rabbi agrees with Jonathan Cahn that the ancient Scriptures hold keys in explaining mankind’s past and future.
“I appreciate Rabbi Cahn’s research and his attention to the Biblical pattern he sets forth in the film; Scripture truly is living and active and GOD-breathed,” says Rabbi William Hallbrook of the nearby Sar Shalom Center. “Understanding the Hebrew language can give us a deeper understanding of mysteries that many times are hidden in plain sight. When we see the fulfillment of Scripture as the film documents, it is obvious GOD orders our steps. Our congregation purchased thirty tickets for our folks to see this important documentary film.”
Pastor Bruce Philippi of Journey Life Center had over fifty-five persons from his church see the film.
Pastor Bruce Philippi had large contingent from his church attend Jonathan Cahn’s film. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Philippi)
“I have read all of his books,” Philippi says speaking of Cahn. “What is striking in the film is how GOD uses irreligious political leaders in spite of themselves; GOD did that with the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. We will have a lunar eclipse this weekend and no one, not even the government can stop that from happening. Political leaders can light up the White House, or project graven images on the Empire State Building, but the government cannot change the color of the blood-red moon during this eclipse. We need to be warned, ultimately GOD’s plan will be accomplished.”
As Jonathan Cahn says in the movie, “The grays are disappearing, and the dark is getting darker. That means the lights have to get brighter. Let’s be that people. Let’s rise to it.”
Because of the success of the first showing, a second showing of the film will take place next Thursday, May 19th in the same theater locaitons. Get your tickets, and see how America can shift back to God by visiting harbingersofthingstocome.com/.
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3, “All Scripture is GOD-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of GID may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Rev. El Akuchie leading corporate prayer. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
MANSFIELD — The National Day of Prayer (NDOP) has played a historic part of America’s legacy. On May 5th, citizens across the country gathered for prayer and repentance. Prior to the pandemic, there have been nearly sixty thousand local NDOP events held coast to coast. This year local residents and officials assembled together at First English Lutheran Church.
The 2022 theme was: “Exalt the LORD who has established us,” from the Book of Colossians 2.
Elected officials Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker and Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears give proclamations commemorating National Day of Prayer. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
During the noonday event, the Richland County Commissioners proclaimed, “The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call of prayer in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in the formation of a new nation, to the call to prayer involving President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer during the Civil War in 1862.”
In his remarks, Commissioner Cliff Mears commented how earlier in his career with the private sector, General Motors shut down the entire plant in Ontario to observe the NDOP. Additionally, his job before that in Willard for RR Donnelly, the largest printer in North America, also held annual observances for the NDOP.
According to event emcee, Scott Saunders of Rise 90.7 FM, the annual prayer observance has been a part of the fabric of North Central Ohio and that the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) has helped embroider it into the local way of life.
Pastor Dave Rentzel leading corporate prayer. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
During the service, RCPN had a number of local clergy and faith leaders from different denominations lead prayer for specific areas involving government and culture.
After Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker’s proclamation, keynote speaker Pastor Aaron Rose of Madison Fusion Church commented how Theaker’s wife Ann was his third grade teacher. Rose said he believes it should be the responsibility of everyone to guard the welfare of the next generation.
“We have seen the lives of sixty million babies killed thru abortion. My son was born with Down Syndrome and I will fight to protect his life. As our nation grapples with the fundamental right of life, we need to pray the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.” Those in attendance gave their approval.
View slideshow belowof National Day of Prayer observance in Mansfield on May 5, 2022.
May 5th 2020 National Day of Prayer at Mansfield First English Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Emcee Scott Saunders of RISE FM with Elder Moe Hill of Grace Evangelical Free Church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Dave Guild with wife Teresa & Elder James DeWeese with wife Cyndee (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Mark Meyer leading corporate prayer for judicial courts.. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Paul Lintern leading corporate prayer for revival. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
May 5th 2020 National Day of Prayer at Mansfield First English Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor David Guild leading corporate prayer for national & state leaders.. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Mark Meyer with Sheriff Steve Sheldon . (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Russell Stanford leading corporate prayer of repentance. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
May 5th 2020 National Day of Prayer at Mansfield First English Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Dave Rentzel leading corporate prayer for media. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Julienne Akuchie with music team leads in corporate worship. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Renea Collins leading corporate prayer for health providers.. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
May 5th 2020 National Day of Prayer at Mansfield First English Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Terry Garrett leading corporate prayer for schools. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
May 5th 2020 National Day of Prayer at Mansfield First English Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Rev. El Akuchie leading corporate prayer. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Keynote speaker Pastor Aaron Rose w/ Rev. El Akuchie. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Elected officials Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker & County Commissioner Cliff Mears give proclamation. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Mansfield Mayor’s National Day of Prayer proclamation. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Richland County Board of Commissioners’ National Day of Prayer proclamation. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Rose said he believes revival can occur when people turn their hearts back to GOD and to Scripture.
“We need to turn from our sin so that GOD can hear our prayer, forgive our sins, and heal our land. Fervent prayer is not the least we can do, it is the most we can do. Can you imagine what could happen if we prayed like they did in the 1857 New York noonday prayer meetings that triggered the Second Great Awakening?”
Elected officials in attendance included State Senator Mark Romanchuk, County Commissioners Tony Vero, Darrell Banks, & Cliff Mears, Mayors Timothy Theaker of Mansfield, Randy Hutchinson of Ontario, Brian White of Lexington, Sheriff Steve Sheldon, City Councilman Rev. El Akuchie. Also present were Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch, Assistant Chief Mike Bammann, Captain James Sweat, Captain Donald Zehner
View the video below (2 minutes length) of the historic account of one New York businessmen’s weekly lunch hour prayer meeting. The sparsely attended meeting in 1857 went from six people to tens of thousands of people ultimately that would eventually impact the world.
A new movie entitled “2000 mules” is set to create a major bombshell in US politics. The movie uses footage obtained from geo-tracking cell phone data to expose the thousands of ‘mules’ hired by political elements to add votes used during the 2020 election to stuff ballot boxes. The mules can clearly be seen wearing gloves and disguises and taking pictures as they stuff the ballot boxes with votes. The movie claims that the pictures they took enabled them to receive money for their efforts. (Movie is not rated)
A trailer for the movie, made by political commentator and filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza, shows one such mule who made 53 trips to 20 drop boxes.
The documentary film “2000 Mules,” is set to be released in 250 theaters across the nation beginning May 2nd. (Photo courtesy of 2000 Mules)
The film highlights research from True the Vote, an election intelligence organization that has compiled evidence of organized ballot trafficking in the six states of Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Texas.
The film demonstrates the data obtained by True the Vote was enough to tip the election and systematic, comprehensive, and well-presented enough to convince any reasonable person. The group has twenty-seven terabytes of data, including 4 million minutes of of video, and ten trillion cell phone pings, as well as a whistleblower’s confession.
“We have put together, I think the most extensive, and inclusive voter fraud organization in the history of American politics.”
2020 Presidential Candidate Joe BIden on October 24, 2020
Even more disturbing, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) knew about the systematic ballot stuffing and did nothing. There were off-duty law enforcement officers paid for by the Republican Party that reported all of this corruption and the NRSC just covered it up.
Former president Donald Trump responded to the trailer, stating that “the new movie shows the world exactly how the 2020 Presidential election was rigged and stolen.” Trump added that despite Democrat claims that the election was “the most secure in history”, the movie exposes this as a lie. ‘The evidence is so damning, what will the cowards who sat and did nothing about the stolen election say now?” Trump concluded.
Several thought leaders like Charlie Kirk, Dennis Prager, and Larry Elder are featured in film. (Photo courtesy of 2000 Mules screenshot)
In the film, ballot trafficking fraud is discussed and how it begins with dirty voter rolls. With the inflated voter lists, the cartel feeds off invalid registrations. Pennsylvania is shown as the worst voter fraud offender, with vote traffickers crossing state lines to participate in the fraud.
There will be a limited theatrical release with the film being shown at 250 theaters around the country on Monday, May 2nd and Wednesday, May 4th. Tickets can be purchased for these showings from a link that will be posted on 2000 Mules website. On Saturday, May 7th, people will be able to stream the film from SalemNow.com and Rumble/Locals.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Hebrews Chapter Four, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
MANSFIELD — John Adams is a former Navy SEAL and state lawmaker and is challenging Frank LaRose in Tuesday’s primary. Ohio voters will decide which candidate will emerge from the Republican primary for Secretary of State, with the winner favored to eventually win the office in the GOP-dominated race.
Endorsed by the “We the People Convention” and also Ohio Values Voters, Adams is hoping to defeat an establishment incumbent who many grassroots activists believe is not a conservative at all.
Pictured is Ohio Secretary of State John Adams is running against establishment. (Photo courtesy of Ohio Star)
‘I think a lot of grassroots conservatives feel Frank LaRose is a Republican in name only (RINO),” says Greg Jevnikar with the Mansfield North Central Tea Party. “He does not share traditional family values and actually promotes the LGBTQ agenda.”
Jevnikar’s group had a rally in Ontario this past weekend promoting the vote in Tuesday’s primary election. His group also holds monthly meetings to address current issues regarding government accountability.
On its scorecard, the Heritage Foundation rated Ohio as only 22nd best in the nation for election integrity.
‘I think a lot of grassroots conservatives think Frank LaRose is a Republican in name only. He does not share traditional family values and actually promotes the LGBTQ agenda. As the top election official in the state, LaRose has questionable judgement at best when it comes to ensuring election integrity… John Adams appears to be the one who cares.”
Greg Jevnikar, Mansfield North Central Ohio Tea Party
“As the top election official in the state, LaRose has questionable judgement at best when it comes to ensuring election integrity,” says Jevnikar. “He has been a major proponent of expensive election machines and yet will not allow for a forensic audit on the performance of all the voting machines. Public companies and private businesses all have to do audits, to ensure compliance, but for some reason Frank LaRose thinks our votes carry the same importance. John Adams appears to be the candidate who is most responsible about election integrity.”
John Adams believes there is no way Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. Adams wants to institute photo identification in order to vote. Currently voter identification in Ohio requires only a recent official document.
Adams was also critical of LaRose for taking millions of dollars from Mark Zuckerberg’s non-profits to influence Ohio county board of elections during the 2020 Presidential Election. Ninety percent of the counties nationwide who received these grants voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election. The Ohio General Assembly recently prohibited private money like Zuckerberg’s nonprofit Center for Election Innovation & Research from donating grant money.
Twitter post by Frank LaRose December 2, 2020 promoting radical LGBT cause. (Photo courtesy of Twitter/ LaRose)
Further, LaRose only allows a risk-based audit and will not allow a complete audit of the election machines used in the 2020 election. In a risk-based audit, each county board of elections selects only several randomly chosen precincts in several races and manually recounts vote totals comparing them to electronic results.
Concerns about LaRose do not end there. The Secretary of State is not honest when it comes to biological gender.
In the 130th General Assembly, Senator LaRose was a primary sponsor of the Equal Housing and Employment Act (SB125), a predecessor to the Ohio Fairness Act. During the 2016 Republican National Convention, LaRose participated in an event focused on “LGBTQ equality, Bathrooms and Beyond,” in which he discussed issues regarding transgender individuals and bathroom use with Representative Nickie Antonio and local elected leaders.
Jevnikar says, “If people vote with their feet and not just their mouth, I think true conservatives like John Adams will be elected into office.”
COLUMBUS — Many believe the Republican primary for Governor on May 3rd will be a referendum on Mike DeWine’s handling of the COVID pandemic. Ohio was one of the first states to lockdown and many suffered from harsh state mandates. If some Ohio clergy have their way, the Buckeye State will have new leadership that will not flinch when the federal government tries to poke its finger into state business.
“When the Ohio General Assembly has to rein in the executive powers of the Governor like it did with Mike DeWine last year, it is quite apparent, for Ohio to truly heal, new leadership is needed in the Buckeye State,” says Pastor J.C. Church, one of the forty-five faith leaders endorsing Jim Renacci for Ohio Governor. “Ohioans do not need a Governor who is a national leader in lockdowns-Ohioans need an accountable Governor marching in lockstep with his constituents.”
A Wadsworth resident, Jim Renacci was a Congressman and former businessman in the auto industry and is challenging Mike DeWine for Governor, along with Joe Blystone, and Ron Hood for the Republican nomination in this fall’s general election.
In a joint statement released today by the Ohio faith leaders, they wrote, “As a former Congressman and business owner, Jim Renacci has valuable experience in both the private and public sectors. Unlike some politicians who are steered by the political winds of Washington, we are persuaded Jim Renacci will be guided by a moral compass based on Ohio family values.”
The clergy listed their approval of the following Renacci campaign positions: Support for the sanctity of life and the defunding of abortion providers, advocacy of biological gender and traditional marriage, advocacy of religious freedom, advocacy for security on the Southern border to combat illegal drug trade, support of self-defense and local law enforcement, and support for parental rights and resistance to divisive social justice.
The clergy commented, “When it comes to listening to Ohioans in their plight to preserve the GOD-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and when it comes to defending parental rights in schools from the divisive Critical Race Theory, we believe the Renacci/Knopp ticket is the best choice for Governor.”
“When the Ohio General Assembly has to rein in the executive powers of the Governor like it did with Mike DeWine last year, it is quite apparent, for Ohio to truly heal, new leadership is needed in the Buckeye State. Ohioans do not need a Governor who is a national leader in lockdowns-Ohioans need an accountable Governor marching in lockstep with his constituents.”
Pastor J.C. Church, clergyman endorsing Jim Renacci
According to the Renacci/Knopp campaign platform, the pair wants to reduce taxes, to restore local control of public education by downsizing the State Department of Education, and to decentralize Columbus.
Jim Renacci says putting Ohio first means America first. With crime and drugs coming across the southern border adversely impacting Ohio, Jim Renacci wants to end sanctuary cities in the state and make Ohio a zero-tolerance state on illegal immigration.
Ohio has one of the worst death rates from drug overdoses in the country.
Jim Renacciis hoping to win the Republican Primary on May 3rd for Ohio Governor, (Photo courtesy of Twitter/Renacci)
In past interviews Renacci has said, “Unlike my predecessor, I will never appoint Planned Parenthood supporters to my administration or declare abortion clinics as ‘essential.’ I will be a 100% pro-life Governor.” Renacci has been endorsed by Right to Life PAC’s in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Greater Toledo, and endorsed by Ohio Value Voters and Parents’ Rights in Education.
Pastor J.C. Church comments, “It is our firm position that accountable leaders make good leaders. According to Proverbs 12:15, ‘The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
The Bible says in Micah Chapter 6, “He has told you O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your GOD.”
ASHLAND — One of the biggest and longest running National Day of Prayer observances in the state will be taking place. “Exalt the Lord Who Has Established Us,” will be the theme for the 2022 Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast. This will mark the forty-first year of the Ashland County community coming together for prayer. The Ashland County Ministerial Association is sponsoring the May 5th event at the Ashland University Convocation Center.
The keynote speaker this year will be Alan Robertson of the famous Duck Dynasty family. Steventhen Holland, a recent vocal guest to our community will be providing the worship music.
Duck Dynasty’s Alan Robertson will be the keynote speaker at the 2022 Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Facebook screenshot)
Alan Robertson and his wife have co-authored two books, A New Season about their life and marriage and The Duck Commander Devotional for Couples. Previously Alan helped start a family business “Duck Commander” and appeared on the Robertson’s TV show, “Duck Dynasty” on A&E, which just ended after eleven seasons.
Event coordinator Pastor John Bouquet says, “We are calling our community to come together to ‘Exalt the Lord Jesus Christ’ and pray for our national, state, and local elected officials. There are 235 elected civic leaders in our county, all of them are welcome and they have a FREE ticket for the asking. Our local pastors and directors of local para-church ministries will be the contact personnel.”
The Bible text for the prayer breakfast will be found in Colossians 2 which says, ”Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
“Our Christian heritage and our personal faith compel us to participate in a community of faith event where we acknowledge the Sovereignty of God. We also acknowledge that we need His guidance for both now and the future.”
Pastor JOHN bOUQUET
“We have a Christian duty to pray for those who have been appointed by Divine assignment to lead us,” says Pastor Bouquet. “We may or may not agree with them, but they are now responsible before God to make decisions which effect all of us. Our responsibility is to pray for them and for each of them to listen to divine truth for our good.”
Pastor Bouquet points out that the nation was established on Biblical principles the Founding Fathers were led by God to pen the words from the Declaration of Independence, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’
Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Jimmi Delay)
“Walking out the faith experience and being established in the faith is a matter of your spiritual foundation. If the foundation of the building is deep and strong, it will withstand the storms,” explains Bouquet. “The Apostle Paul was challenging us to be deeply rooted, built up in our spiritual foundation and to recall what we have been taught in our faith journey. Jesus Christ is the only foundation. Personal trust in Him is the foundation. As followers of Jesus Christ, now we live this faith out in serving our community.
“Our Christian heritage and our personal faith compel us to participate in a community of faith event where we acknowledge the Sovereignty of God. We also acknowledge that we need His guidance for both now and the future.”
Tickets can be purchased at Grace Church, Transformation Network and the Trinity Lutheran Church. Online ticket and sponsorship information is available at www.ashlandcma.org. Tickets are required before the event and no ticket sales are the day of the breakfast.
Click on the link below to hear musical artistSteventhen Holland who will be one of the participants of the May 5th Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast.
The Bible says in Colossians 2: ”Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
BUCYRUS — Despite comparing him to Adolf Hitler, J.D. Vance has won the unthinkable: an endorsement for the U.S. Senate from former President Donald Trump. Vance is not a registered Republican. The decision has been met with considerable backlash from conservative leaders in Ohio. Half of the delegates from Trump’s campaign selected for the 2016 Republican National Convention in Ohio have asked him to reconsider his endorsement of Vance.
Reverend J.C. Church
But a Donald Trump endorsement of J.D. Vance does not necessarily translate into broad support from Trump’s base. Evangelical leaders are very aware of Donald Trump’s past endorsements of Mitt Romney, Mitch McConnell, and most recently Dr. Oz Mehmet.
“As over one hundred clergymen across the Buckeye State, we do not want President Trump to interfere with our endorsement of Josh Mandel as the next U.S. Senator,” says Pastor J.C. Church, one of Josh Mandel’s fiercest allies. “The Trump endorsement was not an informed decision and appears to be cut from the same cloth as past endorsements of RINO’s Mitch McConnell and Mitt Romney.”
Despite previously describing himself as a “Never Trump guy,” Vance has positioned himself as a close ally of the former president. But many evangelicals are “skeptics” according to Pastor Church.
“As Mr. Vance now claims to support President Trump’s America First Movement, the history of Washington D.C. politics shows that a leopard cannot change its spots. Voters should question if J.D. Vance’s recent epiphany towards social conservatism and Donald Trump’s policies has occurred just because he is running for the Ohio Senate seat.
“As Mr. Vance now claims to support President Trump’s America First Movement, the history of Washington D.C. politics shows that a leopard cannot change its spots. Voters should question if J.D. Vance’s recent epiphany towards social conservatism and Donald Trump’s policies has occurred just because he is running for the Ohio Senate seat.”
Pastor J.C. Church
“The people of the Buckeye State do not want to see the America First movement corrupted by allowing a self-described Never Trump Republican like J.D. Vance win the Republican nomination. We cannot play Russian roulette with this nomination and choose a candidate without a record assuming they will win the general election in November,” says Church.
Social conservatives tend to vote more for issues than personalities, as evidenced in the 2016 Presidential election where evangelicals voted for Donald Trump for his stance against abortion. When given the opportunity to vote for a candidate with an actual record for conservative values, evangelicals will show staunch support.
Josh Mandel at a Faith & Freedom rally earlier this year. (Photo courtesy of ABC WRGT Dayton)
According to J.C. Church, “Everyone who loves our American heritage sees the “writing is on the wall” for this country if we do not have bold leaders in elected office. In our opinion, there is no time for pontificating or soul-searching if a candidate (Vance) is planning to go to Washington D.C. to represent eleven million Ohioans. Carrying a New York Times Best seller in your hand should not qualify you as a U.S. Senator.
“With a Bible in one hand and the Constitution in the other, we believe Josh Mandel will go the extra mile to defend our GOD-given inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As the only candidate who has held a statewide office, Josh Mandel has demonstrated leadership and has the scars to prove it.
Below is video from prominent evangelical, Bishop E.W. Jackson, who recently endorsed Josh Mandel for U.S. Senate in the May 3rd Republican Primary. Bishop Jackson is the host of the radio show “The Stand.”
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Faith leaders across the Buckeye Bible Belt say there are coordinated efforts to decriminalize illicit drug use and corrupt society. In an open letter dated April 20th to area mayors and local chambers of commerce, local clergy held a press conference announcing a new campaign promoting local community standards in a grassroots effort to stop the legalization of marijuana.
The clergymen believe their campaign will be a defining moment for their region.
Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at clergy press conference promoting “Believe Local” campaign to preserve vibrant communities. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“We support vibrant communities and encourage policymakers to “Believe Local,” Mansfield Pastor Joe Nichols said during the press conference. “Therefore, based on local community standards reflected in its history and leadership, and as clergymen representing one hundred and ten (110) congregations across North Central Ohio, we believe the legalization of recreational marijuana and the relaxation of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and designated outdoor refreshment areas disrupt health and safety and are morally wrong.”
During the briefing, Pastor Chad Hayes sounded the alarm on the substance abuse crisis. Hayes leads a faith-based RU Recovery drug treatment ministry to battle drug addiction.
“The stabilizing Judeo-Christian foundations of our society are under assault. With a skyrocketing Opioid Crisis and the implementation of drug-legalization policies, our vibrant communities are being threatened. As the Bible says in the Book of Psalms, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Pastor Hayes asked.
“We support vibrant communities and encourage policymakers to ‘Believe Local.’ Therefore, based on local community standards reflected in its history and leadership, and as clergymen representing one hundred and ten (110) congregations across North Central Ohio, we believe the legalization of recreational marijuana and the relaxation of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and designated outdoor refreshment areas disrupt health and safety and are morally wrong.”
Pastor Joe Nichols in Clergy letter sent to north cental ohio economic leaders
The clergymen wrote that results from states who have already legalized the Schedule 1 narcotic: marijuana, have shown negative impacts on brain development in youth, increases in road deaths, surges in chronic absenteeism, and the fortification of the black market. Historically, the faith community has wanted none of the impacts marijuana brings to the table.
Mansfield Pastor Bobby Edwards stated, “As key stakeholders with numerous drug treatment ministries, we believe the legalization of marijuana, and the ratification of syringe exchange programs and DORA zones do not meet local community standards. There is no question the faith community has historically been unified with one voice in opposing the legalization of marijuana, thwarting syringe exchange programs, and countering beer gardens on public property. After all, several area police departments display the words “In GOD we trust” on their patrol vehicles.”
Pastors Joe Nichols and Bobby Edwards both have churches centrally located in urban settings that minister to broken families dealing with substance abuse.
Pastor Chad Hayes (left) reads clergy letter dated April 20th, 2022 representing 110 area congregations announcing opposition to marijuana. Clergymen Bobby Edwards and Ricky Branham look on. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
The clergy wrote in their letter that the region’s local community standards are based on Judeo-Christian values. “Many can still remember when national headlines of lead clergymen from one hundred-fifty local congregations across North Central Ohio declared 2019 as the “Year of the Bible.” Following this declaration at BibleWalk Museum, various elected leaders representing the region have publicly validated these values.”
Pastor Dr. Ricky Branham commented, “We (clergy) partner with Mayor Theaker as he works to ‘make Mansfield the best city in which to live, work, worship and raise a family.’ We agree with the Ontario City Council President Gallo who said ‘Ontario is a faith-based community.’ We support Mayor Miller as he ‘gives the City of Ashland to the LORD Jesus Christ.’ And we join the Board of Commissioners in proclaiming ‘Richland County as ‘God’s Land.’ These are just several public statements reiterating this theme.
Pastor Ricky Branham is a former Executive Director of the Willard Chamber of Commerce and City Councilman.
Faith leaders helping victims of substance abuse announce their opposition to marijuana legalization. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Mansfield Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Chad Hayes speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Mansfield Pastor Bobby Edwards speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Bobby Edwards speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Bobby Edwards speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Mansfield Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Joe Nichols speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Faith leaders helping victims of substance abuse announce their opposition to marijuana legalization. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Willard Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at press conference representing 110 congregations. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Ricky Branham speaks at clergy press conference reading letter to area mayors and chambers of commerce. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Pastor Branham added, “just as the “Buy Local” campaign has been ongoing to promote local businesses, local houses of worship are encouraging our economic and civic leaders to “Believe Local” to preserve a vibrant future for our region by adhering to our local community standards. This can be done by safeguarding our communities from the harmful effects of marijuana and the softening of drug enforcement laws like syringe exchange programs and DORA zones. In the words of our state motto, “With GOD all things are possible.”
The listed clergymen endorsees are from congregations located in 9 counties throughout the state. Counties represented in the letter include: Richland (74), Crawford (11), Ashland (7), Wayne (5), Knox (4), Morrow (4), Huron (3), Coshocton (1), and Stark (1).
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom youhave received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
COLUMBUS — Ohio legislators have taken note of the abuses of religious liberty with one of its trading partners. The Ohio House of Representatives have introduced a resolution calling out Canada for its religious persecution of clergy during the pandemic. They are urging the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) “to consider adding Canada to the Special Watch List of countries where the government engages in violations of religious freedom.”
The six-page resolution (H.R. 194) was introduced by Republican State Reps. Reggie Stoltzfus and Timothy Ginter, and was co-sponsored by eleven of their Republican fellow representatives. The resolution mentions the history of religious freedom that Canada, the United States, and the state of Ohio share, but condemns the actions of Canadian authorities who arrested, fined, and jailed clergy members during COVID crackdowns.
Manitoba pastor arrested for holding outdoor church service that exceeded the provincial limit of five people. (Pastor Henry Hildebrandt/YouTube)
“The Northwest Ordinance stated in its first article, ‘No person demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments in the said territory.,’ the resolution reads.
“We, the members of the House of Representatives of the 134th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, have taken note of the abuses of religious liberty that have gone on throughout the Provinces of Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Since the pandemic, Canadian authorities have targeted churches throughout the country, arresting and jailing pastors, levying large fines against congregations, and shuttering houses of worship. The proposal also provides a list of several examples of this abuse.
Pastor Artur Pawlowski of Calgary, has been arrested on multiple occasions by authorities for holding church worship gatherings despite the mandates. Pawlowski, was arrested after telling protesters in the trucker convoy at the U.S.-Canada border to “hold the line” for freedom. He was charged with mischief and interrupting the operation of essential infrastructure.
“We, the members of the House of Representatives of the 134th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, have taken note of the abuses of religious liberty that have gone on throughout the Provinces of Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Ohio House Resolution 194
Pawlowski has been arrested five times over the last two years while protesting COVID mandates. He was also the first person to be arrested under Alberta’s Critical Infrastructure Defense Act, which allows law enforcement to arrest a perceived offender without a warrant.
H.R. 194 also mentioned Pastor James Coates of Edmonton who was the first Canadian clergyman to be jailed for keeping his church open during the Canadian pandemic lockdown.
Pandemic lockdown policies were not the only grievance mentioned in the Ohio resolution.
Five thousand Canadian and American churches protested Canada’s Bill C-4 which penalizes anyone with jail time who counsels persons without affirming homosexuality and transgender identity. H.R. 194 comments, Bill C-4 “is overly broad in scope and has potential negative implications for religious liberties and expression for merely expressing a Biblical view of marriage.”
