The 5th Seal

This video was banned at YouTube ... WHY?

2009-05-21T14:11:00.000-06:00

Communists, the Media, and the Democratic Party

2008-05-05T20:57:00.000-06:00

By Cliff Kincaid, AIM:

Hayden is almost as controversial as Ayers, a self-described communist.

Tom Hayden, who cheered for a communist military victory in Vietnam, is calling attention to Senator Hillary Clinton’s old ties to communists. But Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein, formerly of the Washington Post, wonders if Hillary’s comments on Senator Barack Obama’s ties to communist terrorist Bill Ayers constitute McCarthyism.

Bernstein, now an election analyst for CNN, has reason to be concerned about where all of this may lead. His parents were members of the Communist Party USA, and he says in his book about them, Loyalties, “I am proud of the choices they made.”

The Hayden and Bernstein pieces have to be understood in the context of the Democratic Party being on the verge of nominating a “working class hero” as their presidential candidate who does not attract many votes from the working class. And that is why Senator Clinton sees an opening and believes she can still seize the nomination. But she’s got some skeletons in her closet, too.

[...]

'Untouchable' woman dies after Indian medics refuse treatment

2008-04-27T15:08:00.000-06:00

AFP:

An "untouchable" woman who gave birth outside an Indian hospital because doctors would not treat her died Thursday, a day after her baby, officials admitted.

The newborn boy of Maya Devi, 28, died Wednesday due to lack of medical help minutes after being born outside the maternity wing of Kanpur Medical College in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Devi was only put in intensive care after giving birth but she died of a heart attack early Thursday morning.

Several doctors, including the hospital's chief medical superintendent, had refused to touch her or provide medical care as she delivered her baby, the Press Trust of India reported.

Devi was a Dalit, or "untouchable", a group at the bottom of the caste social ladder who have long been ostracised and forced into menial professions despite laws banning discrimination. Many high-class Hindus fear coming into contact with them.

[...]

Cheap Grace

2008-04-27T15:06:00.000-06:00

The View From 1776:

Reactions of some nominal Christians to the message of Pope Benedict XVI are nothing more than liberal-progressive-socialistic “toleration.”

[...]

The truth is that too many of us like to think of ourselves as saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We think that it’s enough to give lip service to the Gospels on Sunday, while keeping our lives in a separate compartment for the remainder of the week.

This is what German pastor Dietrich Bonnhoeffer called cheap grace. Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran minister who openly defied the materialistic, liberal-progressive socialism of Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazis) and paid for it with his life.

[...]

Attorney Met with Jailed Beijing Christian Businessman Shi Weihan for the First Time; Serious Medical Condition Concerned Family Members

2008-04-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

Christian Newswire:

On the morning of Wednesday, the attorney of Mr. Shi Weihan, the leader of a Beijing house church who was released without a conviction and who was again arrested and persecuted on March 19, was finally able to meet his client Mr. Shi after long negotiations. Before this, Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau had always refused to let the attorney get involved in his case and they even refused to tell the family and the attorney the location where Mr. Shi was detained. At the time of the arrest, the police claimed that Shi Weihan was a "dangerous religious element."

[...]

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal drives a stake in religious freedom

2008-04-26T15:45:00.000-06:00

Deborah Gyapong:

It reminds me of the Vriend case in Alberta. Delwin Vriend got fired for breaking a behavior code at a Christian college. When he was hired, he agreed not to have sexual relations outside of a traditional marriage. Then he got involved in a homosexual relationship and flaunted it. The prevailing narrative says he got fired for being gay. No, he got fired for violating a morality code that he signed.

Vriend complained to the Alberta Human Rights Commission and they would not hear his case because sexual orientation was not a protected ground in the Alberta Human Rights Act.

He appealed and a higher court read in sexual orientation into the Act. HOWEVER, THE COURT UPHELD THE RIGHT OF THE COLLEGE TO HAVE A BEHAVIOR CODE. That gets overlooked. But the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is now insisting that a Christian organization does not have the right to make sure that chaste, practicing Christians are involved in an important, often thankless ministry to the most vulnerable people in our midst.

I don't think this decision will survive a higher court challenge. For the sake of old and disabled people everywhere, hope that it does not. This is a terrible decision that could destroy the Christian character of an excellent organization that provides loving service to disabled people. That loving service depends on its Christian character. And its Christian character depends on people living lives that are consistent with a Bible-based faith and their being able to mutually support each other in a ministry that most people would not want to do unless they were paid a lot more money.

If this kind of thing happens, then Christians will pull out of cooperating with government in performing crucially needed social services. Is the Salvation Army going to be next? L'Arche?

[...]

Does Winfrey Ride The Beast?

2008-04-25T21:29:00.000-06:00

by Frederick Meekins, TVC:

At one point in her career, Oprah Winfrey was pretty much seen as a harmless crank as to the casual viewer catching the show in passing assumed that the program dealt primarily with her seesawiing weight and whether or not her shackup might secretly prefer to be paid in three dollar bills. However, as she has amassed considerable power and influence during her 20 plus years in the public limelight, this broadcaster is no longer an innocent afternoon distraction filling the time between when one arrives home from work and when dinner is set on the table but rather has intentionally set out to subvert American culture and the spiritual well being of the nation.

Not content with the worlds of television, publishing and politics now that she has taken an interest in Barack Obama only because he happens to be Black, Winfrey has now set out to establish her web presence as well. According to the March 3, 2008 edition of USA Today in an article titled “World Is Oprah’s Classroom”, Winfrey plans to lead an online interactive book discussion.

However, there is more to the book being studied than the typical feminist drivel one would expect women of the upper income bracket to be sitting around and reading. The title of the book alone is enough to send a chill down the spine.

The book is titled “A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle. It is through this text that Winfrey hopes to be the False Prophet to Obama’s Pseudo-Messiah.

[...]

Top U.S. military officer assails Iran's role in Iraq

2008-04-25T19:56:00.001-06:00

IHT:

The government of Iran continues to supply weapons and other support to extremists in Iraq, despite repeated promises to the contrary, and is increasingly complicit in the death of U.S. soldiers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday in a stark new assessment of Iranian influence.

[...]

Would Iraq find this information grounds for war?

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Philippines: Catholic Cathedral targeted in Zamboanga

2008-04-25T19:17:00.000-06:00

ANS:

A crude but powerful bomb exploded outside Zamboanga's large modern metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 4:20am on Sunday 13 April. While it caused no injuries, that was not the intention of the bombers. According to Zamboanga City police chief, Jonathan Perez, the bombers had intended to plant their two bombs inside the Cathedral and then detonate them during the 5 am Mass. (Link 1)

The insidious terror plot was foiled when the church caretaker noticed three men acting suspiciously and talking in a dialect spoken on the mainly-Muslim island of Jolo. He alerted the Cathedral's security guard, forcing the suspects to withdraw. Before fleeing on their motorbike the suspects planted one bomb under a parish vehicle parked in the church compound which they detonated by mobile phone once they were clear. The suspects got only about one kilometre down the road before police closed in on them. At that point they threw the other bomb towards nearby shops and detonated it.

[...]

Convert to Christianity flees Jordan under threat to lose custody of his children

2008-04-25T19:07:00.000-06:00

Middle East Concern:

Muhammad Abbad Abd al-Qader Abbad, a 40 year old Jordanian who converted to Christianity 15 years ago, left Jordan on Friday March 28 after being charged with apostasy before the North Amman Shari'a Court.

Muhammad and his wife Muna al-Habash, have two children: Joy, age 11, and Salam, age 9.

Sunday, March 23, Muhammad and Muna were attacked and beaten by several brothers-in-law of another convert to Christianity who had sought sanctuary in Muhammad's home.

[...]

Will Methodism Tilt Right?

2008-04-25T12:16:00.001-06:00

by Mark Tooley, The Daily Standard:

THE GOVERNING CONVENTION of America's third largest religious body meets this week. And the results might be a pleasant surprise for conservatives.

Like the elites of other Mainline Protestant denominations, officials of the United Methodist Church have served as an amen corner for the secular left in America for more than 50 years. Episcopalians have imploded in schism since the 2003 election of their first openly homosexual bishop. Presbyterians and Lutherans are locked in gridlock over sex issues. And the more liberal-than-thou United Church of Christ has fully embraced the Rev. Jeremiah Wright as a suitable spokesman.

United Methodism, whose quadrennial General Conference convenes April 23 to May 2 in Fort Worth, is heading in a different direction. Like the other Mainline Protestants, its U.S. membership has plummeted continuously for 44 years, falling from 11 million to 7.9 million. But unlike the other Mainline Protestants, United Methodism has become an international denomination. Over 3 million United Methodists now live outside the United States, mostly in Africa, brining the church total global membership to over 11 million. Over 1 million live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And the formerly British affiliated Methodist Church of the Ivory Coast, with over 600,000 members, has switched to U.S.-based United Methodism.

[...]

A False Healing Revival has started in Florida

2008-04-24T19:11:00.001-06:00

by Andrew Strom, Bible Prophecy Revealed:

Many of you will have already heard about the “Healing Revival” that has purportedly broken out in Lakeland, Florida. Today Charisma Magazine put out a piece on it entitled ‘A Holy Ghost Outbreak in Florida’ - “…Charismatics are flocking to the sleepy town of Lakeland, Fla. to attend evangelist Todd Bentley’s unconventional revival services.” Is Charisma preparing to hype this one to the skies like they did with Toronto and Rodney Howard-Browne? It seems perhaps they are.

But why am I opposed to this ‘Healing Revival’ so soon after it has been announced? It is because I already know Todd Bentley’s ministry all too well, and this whole thing centers around him.

[...]

Kurds Provide Safe Haven for Christians

2008-04-24T13:09:00.000-06:00

By Kenneth R. Timmerman, Newsmax.com:

The Kurdish regional government in Northern Iraq is providing a safe haven to several thousand Iraqi Christians who have fled persecution in other parts of the country, government officials and local pastors told Newsmax.

Unlike refugee camps set up for some 100,000 Shia Muslims fleeing attacks from Sunnis, which are closely monitored by Kurdish security forces, Christians have been encouraged to live anywhere.

“Christians in Iraq need special attention, because they’ve been suffering because they are Christians,” Deputy Prime Minister Omar Fattah told Newsmax in an exclusive interview in Erbil. “Maybe we give some instructions to others where they can go, but to Christians, never, because we are not afraid they will be terrorists.”

Some have been given government land and building materials to construct a house. Others have rented homes from friends, or are being put up in temporary shelters thanks to local churches and international donors.

“Those people are our citizens, and when they are coming to Kurdistan they are most welcome, and we will provide them with all possible assistance,” the Kurdish deputy premier said.

[...]

Allow U.S. Religious Persecution o Stand, Cement the Nation’s Demise - Bill Wilson

2008-04-24T11:56:00.001-06:00

By Bill Wilson, KIN:

Across the nation anti-American organizations rooted in godless socialism are partnering with ruthless, corrupt judges to make a run at removing God from the public square and cementing America's decline from the nation's founding laws and principles that were rooted in the Bible. Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union have found favor with morally bankrupt judges to quell religious freedom of speech and expression. These cases, if left unchallenged and standing, could determine a new prophetic position for the United States with respect to its already accelerated economic and moral decline.

[...]

MUSLIM RIOTERS ATTACK CHRISTIANS IN KANO

2008-04-23T16:34:00.001-06:00

Compass Direct News:

Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets of this northern Nigerian city on Sunday (April 20), attacking Christians and their shops and setting vehicles on fire on claims that a Christian had blasphemed Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

Thousands of Christians were trapped in churches until police dispersed rioters. Fearing that Muslims may attack again, many Christians have relocated to army and police barracks in the city.

[...]

The Persecution & Prayer Alert

2008-04-23T14:33:00.000-06:00

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada

1. Pastors Beaten By Militants in Andhra Pradesh, India

Three pastors were beaten with sticks by approximately 50 Hindu militants while distributing Christian tracts to children in the town of Devarkonda, Andhra Pradesh on April 14. Pastor John Kumar's hand was broken and the other two were severely injured in the attack.

Pray for healing for these believers. Ask God to give them and other church leaders in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd the believers through times of suffering (James 1:5).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/country/india.htm.
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2. Priests Receive Death Threats in Colombia

Parish priests in the province of Bolivar, Colombia have received death threats in recent weeks, according to an April 17 report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Priests in the communities of Tiquisio and Regidor, along with a number of local human rights groups, reportedly received e-mail messages declaring them "military objectives" to be eliminated. The messages were signed by an emerging paramilitary group made up of former members of the now demobilized United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia. Local people believe that the diocese was targeted in connection with its well-known documentation and denunciation of human rights abuses.

Pray for safety and wisdom for these priests as they carry out their work. Pray that Christians in Colombia will not be overcome by fear but remain triumphant in faithfulness (Rev. 2:10).

For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Colombia, go to www.persecution.net/country/colombia.htm.
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3. Couple Charged For Distributing "Objectionable" Christian Material in Singapore

On April 14, two charges were lodged against a married couple for distributing a Christian publication in Singapore in March and October of last year that allegedly cast Mohammed in a "negative light." Ong Kian Cheong (49) and Dorothy Chan Hien Leng (44) are charged under the Sedition Act for "promot feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Singapore" (to view the full text of this Act, visit http://tinyurl.com/69f9tc). The two were also charged under the Undesirable Publications Act, which defines "objectionable" material as an item which depicts "race or religion in such a manner that the availability of the publication is likely to cause feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between different racial or religious groups" (to read this Act, go to http://tinyurl.com/6hqm27). The couple was alleged to have been distributing an evangelistic tract entitled "The Little Bride." Go to www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1054/1054_01.asp to view an English version of this material.

Pray that the charges against Ong and Dorothy will be dropped. Pray for the Holy Spirit to direct them as they respond to their accusers (Luke 2:11). Pray for continued opportunities for Christians in Singapore to share the truth of Christ.
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4. Maoists' Victory Seen as Positive for Religious Freedom in Nepal

Christians in Nepal have welcomed the victory of the Maoist party in elections held on April 10 for an assembly to rewrite the constitution and make the nation a democratic republic. The Maoists clinched 119 seats of the 224 results announced for the constituent assembly. Believers see the victory as a step forward towards full religious freedom in the country which has been an official Hindu kingdom for more than 200 years.

Commenting on the election result, Bernie Daniel, a spokesman for The Voice of Martyrs Canada said: "It is indeed ironic that an electoral victory by a Maoist organization is perceived as conducive to religious freedom. It remains to be seen if this is going to be true, but we certainly hope and pray that the Maoists will keep their promise to be part of a democratic Nepal committed to respect the rights of our Christian brethren to worship God freely in the nation."

Pray for Nepalese Christians to continue trusting and serving the Lord as their country faces major change in its governance (1 Cor. 15:58). Ask God to reach the leaders of the Maoist party that won the election so that they will come to faith in Christ.

For more information on the state of religious freedom in Nepal, go to www.persecution.net/country/nepal.htm.
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5. Israeli Messianic Jews Win Citizenship Victory

The Voice of the Martyrs welcomes the ruling of Israel's Supreme Court on April 16 that ruled that Messianic Jews have the same rights regarding automatic citizenship as Jews who do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. The case was brought to the court by twelve Messianic Jewish believers who were denied citizenship because they were part of the Messianic Jewish community. This ruling is likely to have a significant impact on Israel's Messianic Jewish community although the ruling would not cover all Messianic Jews. The ruling specifically addresses the rights of those whose Jewish descent is from their father's side (i.e. those who were not Jews previously by religious definition but were descendants of Jews).

Thank God for this legal victory. Pray for the continued witness of those in Israel who follow Jesus as Messiah.

For more information on the situation facing Christians in Israel, go to www.persecution.net/country/israel.htm. To view a video report on this story, go to www.cbn.com:80/CBNnews/358897.aspx. Other stories can also be viewed on www.persecution.tv.
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6. Bookstore Owner Re-Arrested in China

On November 29, Shi Weihan (37), a Christian bookstore owner, was arrested on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature (see www.persecution.net/news/china189.html for more details). In early January, he was released due to "insufficient evidence." On March 19, however, Weihan was re-arrested on the same charges, according to an April 22 report from China Aid Association. He is being held without access to his family. His wife is concerned for his health in prison as he is a diabetic.
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7. Case against Pastor's Attackers Closed in Rajasthan, India

In April 2007, Pastor Walter Masih was severely beaten by Hindu militants in Manipur, Rajasthan (see www.persecution.net/news/india219.html for more details). On April 20, the state government refused to sanction prosecution of his attackers and closed the case. Local Christians see the government's refusal to seek justice for Masih as indicative of its open support of Hindu militant groups, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party, which continue to threaten and oppress believers in the region.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/country/india.htm. To view a video of the attack on Pastor Masih, visit www.persecution.tv.

Chinese bookstore owner re-arrested

2008-04-23T13:47:00.001-06:00

MNN:

China continues to crack down on what they call illegal Christian activity in the country. Compass Direct News and Voice of the Martyrs are reporting a Christian bookstore owner in Beijing has been re-arrested.

VOM's Todd Nettleton says 37-year-old Shi Weihan is the man in question. "He was arrested late last year, held for just over a month. And then, in January the courts turned him loose and said there was insufficient evidence to keep holding him. We have now learned that he was re-arrested (and) is still being held."

The question is, what kind of evidence do they have now, that they didn't have in January?

His wife said she had received no word on her husband's condition, and she has been prohibited from bringing him any food or change of clothing since his re-arrest.

[...]

Drawn to the Light

2008-04-23T13:22:00.000-06:00

By Chuck Colson, BreakPoint:

A few days ago, Fox News ran a grim special titled “Jihad USA: Confronting the Threat of Homegrown Terror.” It was a warning of the continuing danger of Islamo-fascism.

The program probably deepened many Americans’ fear of and hostility toward Muslims. That is unfortunate, because most Muslims are not would-be jihadists. But we Christians especially need to guard our emotions so we can be a good witness to Muslims—a caution raised by Dr. Dudley Woodberry, professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller.

Woodberry, aware that throughout the world Muslims have been turning to Christ, was curious about the reasons why—especially in countries where the cost of converting is so high.

To find the answer, he created a detailed questionnaire. Over a 16-year period, some 750 Muslims from 30 countries filled it out—and the results are eye-opening. The number one reason Muslim converts listed for their decision to follow Christ was the lifestyle of the Christians among them.

[...]

We Are One (Voice of the Martyrs)

2008-04-22T22:11:00.001-06:00

VIETNAM: CHURCH LAMENTS STATE DISCRIMINATION, INTERFERENCE

2008-04-22T15:20:00.001-06:00

Compass Direct News:

An unprecedented prayer appeal by the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South) indicates that the government has stonewalled quiet, persistent attempts to obtain redress on confiscated church properties, interference in church affairs and discrimination against Christians.

[...]

The New Inquisition

2008-04-22T14:51:00.001-06:00

By Bill Muehlenberg, CWN:

It is very risky business indeed to seek to cross the atheist/materialist/Darwinist camp. If anyone dares to question the conventional wisdom here, the inquisition immediately snaps into place, the storm troopers are unleashed, and the heresy trials begin.

Science is supposed to be about free inquiry and the pursuit of truth. Evidence should be followed wherever it leads. But scientism is a different story. It comes complete with a set of materialistic presuppositions, and any challenges to the ideology are treated as heresy or apostasy.

A great example of this is the reaction of the atheists and the anti-supernaturalistic scientists to the new film, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. Expelled was released today in the US. It is a documentary produced by Ben Stein about how those who even think about questioning the materialistic assumptions of Darwinism find themselves becoming persona non grata in the universities and scientific community.

[...]

Hotel Room Bibles A Thing of the Past?

2008-04-22T14:18:00.003-06:00

Kerby Anderson, CWN:

Visitors to a hotel in Tennessee won’t find a Bible in their nightstand. It appears that the long standing tradition of placing a Bible in a hotel room may be coming to an end, at least in this hotel.

Instead, hotel guests will have to call room service in order to get a Bible. And they will be given the option of ordering from a “spiritual menu.” They can order a Bible, a Book of Mormon, the Qur’an, or even books on Scientology. The public relations director says: “Our guests come from different places and they definitely come from different cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, so we want everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable.”

The hotel (whose hotel chain is based in Oregon) has decided to break away from the tradition of allowing the Gideons to place a Bible in each room. They want to offer a variety of spiritual options to travelers who are not Christians and may be looking to learn about different faith traditions.

[...]

Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin

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Nearing 80, Brother Andrew Continues His Lifelong Passion:

2008-04-22T13:55:00.001-06:00

Open Doors:

On May 11, 2008, Brother Andrew, the founder of Open Doors International, will celebrate his 80th birthday. He continues his challenge for believers to care for the persecuted members of Christ’s Body:
As I celebrate my 80th birthday, I have been looking back over my life and a great many things have changed. To begin with the smallest and most insignificant: I myself have changed!

But just as if it was yesterday, I remember my very first trip to a communist country. I can hardly believe it was over 50 years ago! There, in a crowded church, they let me speak to the congregation. I remember clearly the promise I made that day: We will pray for you!

At the close of the long and lively service, I stood up again and asked if they would also please pray for us. Then the pastor walked up to me and said: “Andrew, your being here means more than 10 of the best sermons.”

Well, I could not preach, certainly not a good sermon (and there’s one thing that hasn’t changed much!), but I can be there. So I made it a priority: to be there with our brothers and sisters. It’s simple. Everyone can do it.

[...]

Israeli Supreme Court sides with Messianic Jews

2008-04-22T13:31:00.001-06:00

BP:

The Supreme Court of Israel has ruled that Messianic Jews have the same rights regarding automatic citizenship as Jews who do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah.

The case was brought by 12 applicants who had been denied citizenship primarily because they were Jewish believers in Jesus. Most of them had received letters saying they would not receive citizenship because they "commit missionary activity," according to an e-mail circulated by Calev Myers, founder and chief counsel of The Jerusalem Institute of Justice.

A clerk at the Ministry of Interior reportedly had told one of the applicants that because she was committing missionary activity, she was acting against the interests of the state of Israel and the Jewish people.

[...]

Wonderful news.

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When Muslims become Christians

2008-04-22T13:26:00.002-06:00

BBC:

There's a widespread belief that the penalty for leaving Islam is death - hence, perhaps, the killing of a British teacher last week. But Shiraz Maher believes attitudes may be softening.

Ziya Meral's parents disowned him when he converted from Islam to Christianity.

"They said 'go away, you're not our son.' They told people I died in an accident rather than having the shame of their son leaving Islam."

Born and raised in Turkey, he decided to convert to Christianity after moving to university. He knew telling his parents would be a difficult moment even though they're not particularly observant Muslims, and he planned to break the news to them gently.

In the end, events overtook him. Before heading back to Turkey for the holidays, Ziya briefly visited a Christian summer camp where he was filmed eating a bowl of spaghetti.

The first his parents heard of his conversion was when they saw Ziya on the national news being described as "an evil missionary" intent on "brainwashing" Turkish children.

His parents decided they would rather tell people that he was dead than acknowledge he was a Christian. And Ziya, who now lives in the UK, is not alone in this experience.

[...]

The Pope and the President

2008-04-22T12:55:00.002-06:00

By WILLIAM MCGURN, WSJ:

He came. He spoke. He confounded.

In the run-up to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to America, the assurance was that the Bishop of Rome would take the president of the United States to the papal woodshed. One of the more wishful versions appeared in the Washington Post, whose author confidently asserted that "Pope Benedict XVI will show how much his worldview differs from President Bush's when he denounces the continuing U.S. occupation of Iraq before the U.N. General Assembly."

As it happened, Benedict said nothing remotely close to denouncing the "occupation of Iraq." One reason, perhaps, is his knowledge that a U.S. withdrawal before there is an Iraqi government in place that can defend its people is a prescription for a bloodbath.

That doesn't mean that Pope Benedict doesn't have his disagreements with President Bush. As a cardinal, Benedict was on record as opposing America's entry into Iraq, and on this trip he alluded to his belief that the proper way to resolve conflicts is via international organizations such as the United Nations. The differences are real. But they do not override the great respect these two leaders have for each other, on full display this past week.

[...]

Tough Questions for Islam

2008-04-22T11:57:00.002-06:00

By Chuck Colson, BreakPoint:

Zakaria Botros is a conservative television star with a huge audience. He is even more hated by his political enemies than Rush Limbaugh and Hillary Clinton put together, if you can believe that. At least one newspaper has labeled Botros: “Public Enemy Number One.”

So why haven’t you heard about this guy? It is probably because you do not watch Arab television. On channel al-Hayat, or “Life TV,” you will find Father Botros, a Coptic priest, discussing theology in a way that embarrasses—and enrages—Muslim leaders. His television talks are leading not only to mass conversions, but to the disempowering of radical Islam.

[...]

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was elected last year as the first overseas based President of Church Army

2008-04-22T11:38:00.002-06:00

By Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ANS:

In my book- God has a dream- a vision of hope for our time I wanted to share something of the great God that I know. My God stands for love, grace, truth and justice and however difficult and desperate the situation, with him, there is no such thing as a totally hopeless case.

[...]

Tutu is a man who has embraced serious error as regards the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he should be confronted and invited to repent.

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Anglican primate blasts South American rival

2008-04-22T10:50:00.003-06:00

MICHAEL VALPY, Globe and Mail:

Leaders of the Anglican Church in Canada and South America drew beads on each other yesterday with Canadian primate Fred Hiltz posting a letter on the Internet telling South America's Gregory Venables to stay out of the country and Archbishop Venables icily criticizing Archbishop Hiltz's manners in reply.

"My number is there on the Anglican Communion network," Archbishop Venables said in a telephone interview from Buenos Aires. "I mean, this is only my humble opinion, but if somebody really wants to talk to me, they can pick up the phone and talk to me.

"Do you write a personal letter, between primates, on the Internet if you seriously want a personal dialogue?"

Archbishop Venables, the primate - or ranking archbishop - of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, has been an increasing annoyance to Canadian Anglican leaders since he invited congregations unhappy with the church over issues such as fully inclusive affiliation of homosexuals.

[...]

The cry of the oppressed

2008-04-21T18:16:00.003-06:00

Canada and the entire western world is spiraling into a repressive state in which free speech is being outlawed in the name of preventing 'hate'. 'Hate' speech is any speech that criticizes left-wing social engineering or that fairly criticizes various behaviours or state policies. The main targets of these Orwellian laws have been Christians and conservatives. This blog intends to speak up and out for those who are being crushed under the jackboot of these Christ-haters.