Harvest America Estimates 272,000 Attended Christian Outreach Event

Leaders at the Harvest Crusades estimate that 272,000 people attended the ministry's first-of-its-kind evangelistic event last Sunday that included those inside a nearly full baseball stadium in Southern California and others watching a live webcast feed at more than 2,400 host locations throughout the U.S.

The numbers for Harvest America, which included the Gospel message by Pastor Greg Laurie, do not include those individuals watching on two Christian TV channels, listening on more than 600 radio stations, or viewing on a personal computer, tablet, or smart phone.

More than 18,000 responded to Laurie's invitation to profess their faith in Jesus Christ.
"That would make last Sunday the largest single presentation of the Gospel in American history! Praise God! When we add our Saturday totals (Harvest Anaheim), it means that we reached 312,000 people in live attendance over the weekend, with more than 22,000 making professions of faith," Harvest officials said.

"When we add the Internet viewing audience our total number of people who watched either live in person or on the Web [is] over 400,000! These numbers don't reflect how many people – potentially in the millions – that also viewed or listened to the event live on television and radio."
Out of the more than 2,400 host sites that participated, over a 1,000 of those included churches where those attending and making professions of faith could experience having a trained counselor such as those provided at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., come alongside and offer encouragement and suggested next steps.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/harvest-america-estimates-272000-attended-christian-outreach-event-80892/#71CVBwWmehpIcByp.99

Anti-Poverty Activist: American Church a 'Sleeping Giant' on Poverty Issue

An anti-poverty activist who is a leader in an international organization focused on eliminating poverty believes that American churches are a "sleeping giant" on the issue.

Jason Fileta, director of Micah Challenge USA, told The Christian Post that while American churches do much to fight poverty, their voice on the issue needs to be heard.
"I think that the American church is almost a sleeping giant that needs to be awakened because American Christians are powerful enough to elect a president," said Fileta.
"Whoever our leader is, whoever ends up being the leader we want them to know that this matters deeply to us."
Fileta believes that American churches do much good on the issue of combating poverty, noting the many benefits of "mission trips" that provide a "very personal response that also includes giving."
"I think that the church at large in America has done well to respond with financial support, prayer, and relational support," said Fileta. "I do believe though that as a church we have not yet used our powerful collective voice to influence power structures."

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/anti-poverty-activist-american-church-a-sleeping-giant-on-poverty-issue-80925/#LBtq0MiwRDqbIoYE.99

World’s Wealthiest Woman Tells People to Stop Envying the Rich & Work Harder, Gov’t Officials Flip Out

Australian mining tycoon Gina Rinehart on Thursday was heavily criticized by her government for saying people who want to be successful should stop being jealous of others, “spend less time drinking,” and work harder, AFP reports.

Assorted members of Australia’s government called her comments “insulting.”
Wait, “insulting”? What did multi-billionaire Rinehart say?

“There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire,” she wrote in an article for an industry magazine.
“If you’re jealous of those with more money, don’t just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself — spend less time drinking or smoking and socialising, and more time working,” she added.

“Become one of those people who work hard, invest and build, and at the same time create employment and opportunities for others.”

Suggesting that those who work harder, tend to get ahead in life isn’t exactly an outlandish assertion.
Rinehart also criticized what she referred to as “socialist” policies that have hurt the poor and recommended Australian politicians to lower the nation’s minimum wage and taxes.
“The terrible millionaires and billionaires can often invest in other countries… maybe their teenagers don’t get the cars they wanted, or a better beach house or maybe the holiday to Europe is cut short, but otherwise life goes on,” she wrote.

“The millionaires and billionaires who choose to invest in Australia are actually those who most help the poor and our young. This secret needs to be spread widely,” she added.

 READ MORE

11 Churches Unite To Support Bible History Classes At Hixson Middle And High Schools

Pictured with high school teacher Mr. Bryan Osborne (back row, center) are a few of his students (left to right): Spencer Waites, Kindall Billingsley, Corynne Schannuth and Jae Yoo. Bible history classes at both schools are voluntary, for-credit and funded entirely through private contributions to the Hamilton County Department of Education.

A diverse group of 11 Hixson churches have come together to support the Bible history program in their local public schools.

The “Hixson Gathering,” scheduled for Sept. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m., will feature a community meal, prayer service and fund-raiser at the Hixson Middle School gymnasium, 5681 Old Hixson Pike.

Organizers hope to raise enough money to fund the cost of two full-time Bible history teachers at Hixson Middle and High schools. Proceeds will be directed to the schools through Bible in the Schools, a local nonprofit organization.

“I would love to say ‘thank you’ to the Hixson community for helping us to offer such a wonderful program in our schools,” said Hixson Middle School Principal LeAngela Rogers. “The teen years are a time of unprecedented growth socially, physically, emotionally and morally. Bible history classes contribute not only to their academic achievement but also to character education, as students develop into their own person,” Rogers said.

Ron Phillips, pastor of Abba’s House, is one of several Hixson pastors leading the joint effort. “President Andrew Jackson said the Bible ‘is the rock on which our Republic rests.’ No one is truly educated without a knowledge of Scripture,” Phillips said.

“The Bible is the most influential book ever written. It has shaped and transformed lives across several millennia, and it must surely be a valuable part of any well-rounded education,” said Robert Johnson, senior pastor of Hixson Presbyterian Church, another sponsoring church.

There is no cost to attend the dinner, but reservations are required by calling Bible in the Schools, 423 648-0500. A children’s program for grades K-5 will be provided by Student Venture following the dinner portion of the evening’s agenda. For more information, visit BibleintheSchools.com/hixson.

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Created Equal Interview with Code Pink at Planned Parenthood Rally

Tampa, FL – August 30, 2012 – Code Pink, the radical pro-abortion group, joined other abortion supporters at the Planned Parenthood "Women are Watching Rally against the RNC” at the GOP Convention in Tampa on Wednesday.  Watch the interview with one Code Pink activist dressed up in a costume resembling a women's particular private part (WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED - IMAGES ARE DISTURBING). After watching the video clip, join us in praying for the members of Code Pink and those who misguidedly support abortion.

Obama Calls for Amendment Limiting Free-Speech Rights

(CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama endorsed a constitutional amendment that would restrict the free-speech rights of political activist groups by overturning the Supreme Court decision in the landmark Citizens United v FEC case that granted First Amendment rights to corporations.

“Over the longer term, I think we need to seriously consider mobilizing a constitutional amendment process to overturn Citizens United,” Obama wrote during a question and answer session on the website Reddit on Wednesday.

“Even if the amendment process falls short, it can shine a spotlight of the super-PAC phenomenon and help apply pressure for change.”

In its decision, the Supreme Court said that the government could not restrict the free-speech rights of organizations during elections, striking down key provisions of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law.
That law restricted how much money independent political organizations could spend and banned them from engaging in election-related speech 60 days prior to a general election.

In his concurring opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the government was arguing for direct censorship of political speech, asking the court to allow the banning of books, pamphlets, and any other type of speech the government deemed necessary.

“The Government urges us in this case to uphold a direct prohibition on political speech,” Roberts wrote. “It asks us to embrace a theory of the First Amendment that would allow censorship not only of television and radio broadcasts, but of pamphlets, posters, the Internet, and virtually any other medium that corporations and unions might find useful in expressing their views on matters of public concern.

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Good News for the Good News Club: Child Evangelism Fellowship Wins Legal Victory in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Aug. 31, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Minneapolis Special School District No. 1 must reinstate the Good News Club, sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, in its after-school program, ruled the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit yesterday. The federal appeals court determined that the school district engaged in viewpoint discrimination when it ousted CEF for offering "enrichment programming from a religious perspective."

"We are extremely grateful for this decision and look forward to the opportunity of serving interested students at the Jenny Lind Elementary School," said Mr. Tom Levanos, executive director of operations for CEF.

This ruling overturned the decision by a lower court which misinterpreted the 2001 Supreme Court decision in Good News Club v. Milford Central School. The Supreme Court decision actually upheld the free speech rights of the Good News Club. According to the Court, "there is no logical difference in kind between the invocation of Christianity by the Club and the invocation of teamwork, loyalty, or patriotism by other associations to provide the foundations for their lessons."

Minneapolis Special School District No. 1 removed the GNC from its after-school program in 2009 based on the concerns of a newly-hired site coordinator who overheard a prayer and reference to Jesus Christ during a GNC meeting. The GNC had been meeting at the school, after school hours, using the same activities of prayer, Bible lessons and games, without objection since 2000. As a result of the school district decision, the attendance at the popular GNC plummeted from 47 students to 5 by 2010.

Through the years, the number of court cases involving discrimination against GNCs has steadily decreased as the Supreme Court ruling has become more well-known, said Mr. Matt Staver, of Liberty Counsel, who represented CEF before the federal appeals court. Still, there are challenges each week that are resolved without litigation. Few of these challenges bear the marks of overt hostility towards religion. According to Mr. Staver, most cases are the result of misinformation about the First Amendment and are usually resolved without litigation. When litigation has been necessary, Liberty Counsel has won every case.

Contact: Melody Bentley,
571-274-6058 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            571-274-6058      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Child Evangelism Fellowship

Christian Newswire

Did RNC "Scripted" Rules Change Start A Civil War In The Republican Party?

Chicago Pastor Wins Three Year Battle to Uphold His Freedom to Speak in Public

Mauck & Baker Attorney Says Police Shouldn't Shut Down Free Speech

CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The First Amendment's freedom to speak in public has been the most foundational freedom for Americans since the founding of the nation. Many have benefited from this freedom such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., D.L. Moody, and more recently, a local Chicago Pastor, Curt Teesdale. These men all impacted the culture by quoting scripture and preaching open-air sermons. In 2008, police officers arrested Pastor Teesdale for exercising his First Amendment freedom. He and eight members of his church, Garfield Ridge Baptist, were talking to the public about the gospel and handing out scripture. Now, after a three year battle, the Federal Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals finally reaffirmed Pastor Teesdale's free speech on public streets which will give a continued protection to others to do the same.

After police arrested and jailed Teesdale, he was charged with criminal trespassing despite being engaged in expression on a public street. The 2008 case was quickly dismissed by the Criminal Court, but Mauck & Baker attorneys representing Teesdale filed suit in federal court in 2010 in an effort to protect the freedom to proclaim the gospel in the future.

"Police officers should protect free speech, not shut it down," said Andy Norman, attorney from Mauck & Baker, LLC, who represented Teesdale. "The Appeals Court recognized that Americans on public streets shouldn't fear arrest or harassment for exercising fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment."

"If an American can be arrested for merely sharing his beliefs in public, what protections are left?" said Pastor Teesdale. "I am so happy the court gave us a victory. Perhaps this stand for public free speech will inspire believers and encourage them to boldly declare Jesus."

The City of Chicago appealed to the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court after losing at the District Court in 2011. And the Appeals Court ended the three-year free speech battle on Aug. 14 with an affirmation of Teesdale's First Amendment protections. However, the Court held that the City's actions, shutting down the Pastor's free speech, could not be construed as its policy, releasing Chicago from responsibility.

"We are delighted that our client's freedom of speech was affirmed, but disappointed that the City was not made to answer for forcing its citizens to endure three years of unnecessary litigation," said Noel Sterett, an attorney from Mauck & Baker.

"Free speech is something no American should take for granted," said Pastor Teesdale. "Countries around the world censor Christians for their religious expression. I do feel blessed to have been a part of this journey, as long as it was."

View the case Memorandum, Opinion, and Order here.

To schedule an interview, please contact Tom Ciesielka at 312-422-1333 or at tc@tcpr.net

Christian Newswire

Pro-life Community to Remember the Victims of Abortion at the Time Warner Arena in Charlotte as the DNC Prepares to Start

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Members to conduct prayer service and lay 3,300 flowers in front of the Time Warner Arena on Friday, Aug. 31.

The 3,300 flowers represent the number of innocent children that are aborted every day in America and the number of women who are daily bruised and diminished through abortion.

The prayer service and laying of flowers will be on Friday, Aug. 31, at 6:30 P.M. The location of the event is the Time Warner Arena public sidewalk on 333 E. Trade St. facing the EpiCentre.

There will also be a news conference preceding the prayer and public witness.

Members of "America Defend Life" will also be holding a demonstration and prayer gathering in front of Planned Parenthood on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 10:00 A.M.

The Planned Parenthood in Charlotte is located at 4822 Albemarle Rd.

These events are a "prophetic" public witness to President Obama and the Democratic Party to end the violence of abortion and embrace human rights and justice for all.

Brice Griffin, spokesperson for America Defend Life, states,

"We are humbled to be able to offer a visual and symbolic expression of the damage caused by abortion in our country every day. At the same time, we are are praying for the women and their children who have been bruised.

"Abortion is the real war on women, and it is our hope that through peaceful and prayerful witness we can educate America on the truth that drives Planned Parenthood and their child-killing business.

"While the eyes of the world are on Charlotte, we want our message to be clear to the DNC: human rights begin with the right to life, from fertilization until natural death. As Blessed John Paul II said, 'America defend life!'"

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C. and one of the organizers of the event, adds,

"Abortion has now become one of the central issues in the race for the White House in 2012. We are laying these flowers and praying in front of the Time Warner Arena to remind President Obama and the nation that all life has dignity and purpose and the violence and brutality of abortion in America must come to an end.

"The real 'War on Women' is the violence directed toward mothers and their children by organizations like Planned Parenthood who perform over 330,000 abortions yearly at that their clinics.

"Our witness at the DNC and to President Obama is simple yet profound. President Obama please embrace human rights and equality for all and end this tragic 'War on Women' through abortion."

For more information or interviews contact:

Brice Griffin at 704.451.1390
Americadefendlife.com

Christian Newswire

New Survey Finds Counseling to Reduce Homosexuality Can be Effective, Beneficial

BARBOURSVILLE, Va., Aug. 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a new survey of almost 500 people who have ever sought professional counseling to lessen unwanted homosexual attractions, more than half (55%) said the counseling was effective in causing the frequency and intensity of their homosexual attractions to diminish. And seven out of 10 said they were either satisfied (25%) or very satisfied (46%) with their counseling experience.

The survey was conducted by People Can Change (www.peoplecanchange.com), an international nonprofit organization of men who have successfully transitioned away from unwanted homosexuality who now support others seeking similar change. People Can Change sent the survey to its email lists of people who have experienced or are seeking sexual-orientation change, as well as therapists and leaders of ministries that support such change efforts. A total of 474 people from 19 countries answered the survey.

The survey is especially timely now as counseling to reduce same-sex attractions is again in the news. In California, the state legislature is preparing to send a bill (S.B. 1172) to the governor that would ban such therapy for minors, based on the theory that it is allegedly ineffective or harmful, and minors should always be encouraged to embrace "gay pride" instead. Meanwhile, the large "ex-gay" Christian ministry, Exodus, is suffering a serious rift within its membership over whether therapy is effective and whether significant sexual-orientation change really occurs.

The People Can Change survey found other reported outcomes from counseling were:

• 53% of respondents said their unwanted homosexual behaviors were reduced or eliminated
• 38% said heterosexual attractions emerged or increased
• 58% said any remaining homosexual attractions became less troubling
• 69% said their self-esteem improved
• 69% said their shame diminished
• 71% became more self-accepting
• 66% felt more at peace

"Hundreds of people are telling us their counseling worked, they benefited significantly, it helped them feel better about themselves -- and in some cases it even saved their lives," said Rich Wyler, founder and director of People Can Change. "Their voices have been largely silenced or ignored by pro-gay activists and mainstream media in favor of a more politically correct view, but the experience of these men and women is real. It is valid. They can tell you from firsthand experience that counseling to reduce homosexuality can be effective, even life-saving. Their voluntary choice to pursue change deserves respect."

Contrary to allegations of frequent harm, the survey found that only one in six respondents (17%) reported ever feeling harmed in any way by their counseling experience -- and this includes some who felt disrespected by counselors who turned out to have a gay-affirming bias and refused to support a client's desire to pursue change.

In fact, for many, the counseling was lifesaving. Among respondents who had experienced serious suicidal thoughts at one time, 76% said that as a result of the counseling, those thoughts became either much less (60%) or somewhat less (16%) serious and frequent. In comparison, 11% said their suicidal thoughts increased.

A full summary of the survey will be published shortly at www.peoplecanchange.com.

Christian Newswire

New Book Helps Christians Argue Well About the Most Politically Charged Topics

ATLANTA, Aug. 30, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Memory Melody Gardner's new book, Christianity and Politics ($14.99, paperback; $7.49, e-book) explains from a biblical perspective why our Democracy and every other world government system is not, and will never, be Christian. The irreversible decision made by the leaders of Israel over three thousand years ago to be ruled and protected by an earthly king, instead of God, sealed our fate (I Sam. 8). No longer would we have God to protect and take care of us; we would have a worldly 'king' govern us.

"Christianity and Politics" Pastor James T. Roberson, III, of Blueprint Church, Atlanta, GA confronts the idolization of our government. Melody objectively, biblically, and with detail dissects the relevant issues of our day. Pastors on both sides of the political aisle will be challenged by reading this book.

According to the Prophet Samuel, this worldly king would force their sons to fight battles and wars, whether just or unjust, and make them slaves to ensure his life was comfortable and prosperous. An earthly king would take their very best produce and labor for his advancement. This kind of king would place a tax burden on the Israelites so severe, they would not be any better off financially than a slave; all to support his extensive bureaucracy. Then God told Samuel that the day would come when "the Israelites would call out for relief from this king, but He would not hear and respond to their plea."

Does this description of worldly kings not sound eerily familiar to world leaders today? God's warning about earthly kings even sounds similar to what our leaders under our democratic rule do to its citizens! In Christianity and Politics, Ms. Gardner helps Christians define from the Bible what is moral and immoral. She explains God's view on taking care of "the least of these" and why we must be our brother's keeper. Ms. Gardner explains the debate around embryonic stem cell research and abortion as she discusses life: where it is found and when it begins. She talks at length regarding same-sex marriage (SSM), and how we as Christians, Jews and like-minded citizens can douse the flame blazing the trail to legalize SSM over night.

"It's my hope," states Ms. Gardner, "that Christianity and Politics will be a resource for Christians to help Christians argue well the issues pertaining to politics and its role in our lives. The purpose of this book is not to persuade people to choose one political direction over another, but to remind us as Christians that being 'salt' & 'light' in our conversations and interactions with one another is paramount to God."

Melody Gardner is a Dallas Theological Seminary graduate, a former senior leader with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) and The Impact Movement for eighteen years on college campuses and at the national headquarters. She witnessed college students shift from knowing there was absolute right and wrong to right and wrong being relative. Consequently, she heard young Christians ask, "How can I tell another how to live?" Christianity and Politics answers this question. Ms Gardner, now heads a nonprofit organization called Hesed Consulting, assisting other nonprofit organizations to remain IRS compliant, financially sustainable and human resource viable.

Christianity and Politics can be purchased at BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com and Xulonpress.com.


Contact: Kimberly Y. Moore,
Moore Consulting,
703-795-3501

Christian Newswire

University of Cape Town Researchers Believe They Have Found a Single Dose Cure for Malaria

CAPE TOWN (2012-08-28):  The University of Cape Town’s Science Department believes that it has found a single dose cure for Malaria. This was announced by researchers that have been working on this compound, from the aminopyridine class, for several years. Unlike conventional multidrug malaria treatments that the malaria parasite has become resistant to, Professor Kelly Chibale and his colleagues now believe that they have discovered a drug that over 18 months of trials ”killed these resistant parasites instantly”. Animal tests also showed that it was not only safe and effective, but there were no adverse reported side effects. Clinical tests are scheduled for the end of 2013. If this tablet is approved in coming years, this achievement will surely usher in a new age for science in Africa. It will save millions upon millions of lives on the continent, helping avoid at least 24 percent of child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Professor Chibale proudly explains: “This is the first ever clinical molecule that’s been discovered out of Africa, by Africans, from a modern pharmaceutical industry drug discovery programme. The potent drug has been tested on animals and has shown that a single oral dose has completely cured those infected with malaria parasites.” This “super pill” could potentially cure millions of people every year, and save the lives of over one million people from around the world each year. This “cure” will most likely save health care systems throughout the developing world billions of dollars and open new areas for development and settlement.

READ MORE 

Astronaut Neil Armstrong and Communion on the Moon

 

Aldrin, an elder in his Presbyterian church at the time, had planned a special commemoration for the 1969 moon landing.

NM Governor Susana Martinez Speech

Ron Paul Video Tribute

Mike Huckabee Speech at the Republican National Convention RNC

Abortion Surivior Speaks Out

Paul Ryan Speech at Republican National Convention RNC

Homeless Christians give $69.40 to missions

BURLINGTON, Vt. (BP) -- A $69.40 offering by a group of homeless Christians in Vermont reminds a local Baptist leader of the widow's two mites that Jesus commended in the Gospels. Terry Dorsett, director of the Green Mountain Baptist Association, has a new perception of the homeless because of the gift to the association's mission offering for starting new churches and meeting church financial emergencies.

Dorsett has asked the financially able among the association's 35 churches to match the donation. "... [T]here's a whole subculture of homeless Christians ... just trying to live for the Lord." -- Terry Dorsett, Baptist leader in Vermont

 "I think we tend to think of homeless people just as being a bunch of addicts and people with problems," Dorsett said. "And then while that does describe many homeless people, there's a whole subculture of homeless Christians who obviously don't have those problems and they're just trying to live for the Lord in a different lifestyle setting than most of us might choose.

READ MORE

Vienna church says county sign rules violate free speech

If the Church of the Good Shepherd wanted to post the Ten Commandments on its sign on Hunter Mill Road, it would take five days to broadcast them all.
That’s because Fairfax County has a commandment of its own: Thou shall not change electronic signs more than twice a day.

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Please PRAY With Us for the Victims of 'Issac' Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore Tebows During Hurricane Isaac

‘Pre-bionic’ eye lets woman see light

U. MELBOURNE (AUS) — For the first time, scientists have implanted an early prototype “bionic eye” with 24 electrodes. “It was amazing,” says the patient, who saw flashes of light.

READ MORE 

Sci/Health News: Study Says Smoking Pot Early in Life Lowers IQ For Life

World News: Christian in Pakistani Blasphemy Case Found to be a Minor

U.S. News: Reporters, Residents Dig In As Isaac Blasts Gulf Shore

GOP House Candidate Mia Love Speech

Sold Into Porn By My Husband - Naideen's Hell - www.PornHarms.com

www.pornharms.com Many of you know already that Pornography Harms. In our efforts to raise awareness about these harms, we often hear from many of you about your experiences and struggles. While it is often difficult to hear, we understand that your experiences are what need to be shared! So many think that pornography use in private has no consequences. Here is PROOF that that just isn't true! Naideen sent us an account of what happened to her over 20 years ago. If such a thing could happen then, can you imagine what is happening now? Naideen was subjected to horrors that we can't understand. Her account is graphic and will fill your heart with sorrow, but we feel that it is important to share with you. This is why we have to keep up the fight! This is why we must take action now.

Pornography is linked to sex trafficking.
**Pornography is used as a "tool" to train young children and women so that they will "know" what to do in performing sex acts.
**Often, the forced sexual acts between the prostituted woman/child and the John will be filmed and photographed and then shared elsewhere.
**Studies show that pornography users often seek to act out what they have viewed in porn. Often their partners will not engage in such acts, so they seek it elsewhere -- increasing the demand for trafficked women and children to be prostituted.
**Pimps are operating more and more online as it becomes easier to connect with potential buyers and to remain anonymous. Popular websites like www.Craigslist.com and www.Facebook.com have become "virtual brothels" where one can quickly find prostituted women and children to engage in sex acts.
**As addictions to pornography increase, users seek harder and harder material. There is a recent boom in the availability of "live" porn as trafficked children and women are forced to perform "on-demand" sex acts in front of web cameras as "Johns" or porn users watch.
**Porn users do not and cannot distinguish between trafficked women, prostitutes, and porn stars. Pornography fuels the global sex trade by driving demand into the mainstream of society.

More Evidence of SEX TRAFFICKING in PORN INDUSTRY - www.PornHarms.com

The porn industry is terrified of a proposed CA initiative to crack down on sex traffickers, which others are lauding as the much-needed tool to protect victims of human trafficking. Why is this? The porn industry claims their activities are completely consensual and between adults. So, I ask, why aren't they fighting to protect trafficking victims and trafficked minors? Instead, their trade publication is editorializing against the new law and even hoping for a re-write.

Since sex trafficking of women and children is indeed regularly happening in the porn industry, they are terrified of these new penalties!

Learn more about the CA Initiative the porn industry is so against: http://www.caseact.org/

The handout from The Pink Cross Foundation about trafficking in the industry: http://bit.ly/N09Ldb

The article from the porn industry: http://bit.ly/Q21m8F

Research article from Dr. Donna Hughes -- "Sex Trafficking of Women for the Production of Pornography" - http://bit.ly/OrkpaG

Other peer-reviewed research articles, news and opinion articles about the links between pornography and trafficking: http://bit.ly/Q1Q1FC

Hear from former perfomers - visit http://thepinkcross.org/ or checkout our playlist here on youtube:

Black Pro-life Coalition Demands a Criminal Investigation of Planned Parenthood

UNION CITY, Calif., Aug. 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The National Black Pro-Life Coalition (NBPLC), pro-life leaders from across the United States, is demanding an investigation of Planned Parenthood for criminal negligence and depraved indifference in the death of Tonya Reaves -- a 24 year-old pregnant mother who entered the Planned Parenthood Loop Health Center abortion unit in Chicago, Illinois on Friday, July 20th, 2012. Tonya Reaves died later that evening following the botched abortion that reportedly perforated her uterus.

For five hours, Ms. Reaves hemorrhaged at Planned Parenthood's abortion facility. When an ambulance was finally called, this mother of a one-year-old son was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a renowned level one trauma center. But emergency-room doctors were given insufficient information about the cause of Ms. Reaves' bleeding. Subsequently, they reportedly performed an ultrasound that indicated an incomplete abortion and found that the source of her excessive bleeding was a severely perforated uterus.

It appears, from the evidence made public thus far, that Planned Parenthood is guilty of criminal negligence, depraved indifference, and gross medical incompetence. According to Planned Parenthood, their abortion clinics are described as "free-standing, non-medical units" which are independent of hospitals. {1}

That's the problem. These non-medical abortion facilities are ill-equipped to address the adverse medical complications inherent in and arising from abortions, especially late-term, second trimester abortions such as the one that claimed the life of Tonya Reaves.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) originally sub-contracted Planned Parenthood to limit the number of babies born to Black women as a result of President Nixon's Commission on Population Growth and the American Future. {2}

In a country of 200 million, a growth rate of one percent per year produces enough additional people to populate a new Washington metropolitan area every year. And we are feeling the impact -- in the crowding of cities, the sprawl of suburbia, the vanishing wilderness, the trespass of pollution. Every one of us feels it where it hurts most -- in the quality of our lives....

And what is most tragic and most ironic is that we, who need it least, have readily accessible to us and to our wives the means of deciding how many children shall share our large and well-spaced houses and our trips to the beach. Those who lack our ways of buffering the pressure of population on their lives also lack the means to decide how many shall share their lot. {3}

Title X grants, which are the primary means by which the federal government reduces birth rates among the poor, were two-fold: to provide black women with contraceptives and for birth-control. (According to Planned Parenthood, contraceptives prevent conception; birth-control prevents the birth of a baby.) {4}

Although Title X funds may not be used to pay for abortions, DHHS considers the provision of abortion as an integral part of its birth-control efforts through Planned Parenthood for minority communities. Consequently, no firewalls have been erected to ensure that monies are not fungible.

Planned Parenthood has been subcontracted by DHHS to advance the government's population control efforts, which is why abortion services remain largely unregulated. Illinois law, for example, does not require Planned Parenthood abortion clinics to be inspected and certified by the state's Department of Public Health. This lack of oversight and neglect of monitoring contributed to the premature death of Tonya Reaves.

According to the national Vital Statistics data, over 20 million Black American babies have been aborted since Roe v. Wade. {5} For example, 60% of Black pregnancies end in abortion in New York according to the vital statistics record. This is not surprising because by design 78% of Planned Parenthood clinics are strategically located in communities of color.

With Nixon's Commission on Population and the American Future's recommendation to the Supreme Court to legalize abortion and to eliminate parental notification and consent laws, {6} abortion has been promoted as a (poor, black) woman's right and marketed to the Black community as health-care. And, more convincingly, abortion is sold as a civil right. However, the exercise of that "right" coupled with substandard "care" from lack of monitoring resulted in Tonya Reaves' death.

In addition to the criminal investigation, the NBPLC urges full disclosure of the intrinsic risks of abortion -- including suicide rates which are three to five times higher in post-abortive women than in women who carry to term. {7} Suicide rates are six times higher one year following an abortion compared to women who give birth, miscarry, or who do not get pregnant. {8} In Ms. Reaves case, the intrinsic risk of abortion especially included death from hemorrhage due to a perforated uterus.

The NBPLC urges a nationwide implementation of the July ruling by the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Planned Parenthood v. Rounds which ruled that abortion providers can be required to disclose the many risks associated with abortion, even if the attending doctor believes the associated risk is only incidental to the abortion and not a direct result of it. This reform requires abortion providers to practice all of the steps normally involved in medical decision-making, including respecting women's patient autonomy as well as their right to fully informed consent.

Advising women of the risks of abortion, including and especially death, may have saved the life of Tonya Reaves. Doctors would have informed her that a second trimester abortion dramatically increases serious complications and the risk of death. Additionally, requiring abortion facilities to meet the same medical standards required by other outpatient surgical centers so that they are equipped for medical emergencies may well have saved this young mother's life.

To allow a young woman to bleed for five hours before seeking professional medical help is unconscionable. "We are demanding a criminal investigation," says Walter Hoye, a NBPLC spokesperson. 

Contact: Walter B. Hoye II,
National Black Pro-Life Coalition (NBPLC),
510-225-4055 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            510-225-4055      end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext 4

National Black Pro-Life Coalition (NBPLC)

 

{1} Planned Parenthood of New York City (1970). Family planning in New York City: Recommendations for action. Family Planning Perspectives, 2(4), 25-31; Gobble, F. L., Vincent, C. E., Cochrane, C. M., & Lock, F. R. (1969). A nonmedical approach to fertility reduction. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 34, 888-891.

{2} Commission on Population Growth and the American Future (1971). Population growth and America's future. Family Planning Perspectives, 3(2), 45-52; Farley, R. (1970). Growth of the Black population. Chicago: Markham Publishing; Guttmacher, A. F., & Pilpel, H, (1970). Abortion and the unwanted child. Family Planning Perspectives, 2(2), 16-24; Scheyer, S. C. (1970). DHEW's new center: The national commitment to family planning. Family Planning Perspectives, 2(1), 22-24;

{3} Scheyer, S. C. (1970). DHEW's new center: The national commitment to family planning. Family Planning Perspectives, 2(1), 4-10.

{4} Tolbert, L. (1996). Condom availability through school-based clinics and teenagers attitudes regarding premarital sexual activity. (Doctoral dissertation, Talbot School of Theology, 1996). Dissertation Abstracts International, 57/08A, 3409; Tolbert, L. (2007). Keeping You & Your Kids Sexually Pure: A How-To Guide for Parents, Pastors, Youth Workers, and Teachers.

{5} TABLE 14. Reported legal abortions, by known race, age group, and marital status of women who obtained abortions -- United States, 1995 www.abortionfacts.com/statistics/us_stats_race.asp

{6} Population and the American future. (1972). New York: Signet.

{7} All Abortion Risks Must Be Disclosed, Appeals Court Rules afterabortion.org/2012/all-abortion-risks-must-be-disclosed

{8} Reardon, D. (August, 2002). Deaths associated with pregnancy outcome. Southern Medical Journal, 95/8, 834-41; Gissler, M. (1997). Pregnancy associated deaths in Finland 1987- 1994. Acta Obsetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 76:651-657.

Christian Newswire

Forgiving Yourself After Choosing Abortion

After being part of the decision to abort his child, Maurice Huff struggles to forgive himself.          

Utah’s Mia Love Gets Enthusiastic Reception in Tampa

AMPA, Fla.— African-American support for the Republican Party has fallen so far that a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll showed Mitt Romney capturing 0.0% of the black vote.

Enter Mia Love, the 36-year-old daughter of Haitian immigrants and a Republican congressional candidate in Utah. Should she win, she would be the first-ever black Republican woman to win a seat in Congress.
In a  speech that drew sustained applause at the GOP convention Tuesday night, Ms. Love recounted her parents’ journey to the U.S., saying they arrived with only $10 in their pockets.

“The America I grew up knowing was centered in self-reliance and filled with the possibilities of living the American dream,” said Ms. Love, the mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah.

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Why the U.S. Must Oppose Blasphemy Laws Not Just Their Abuse

Today’s New York Times and Washington Post shed rare light on the latest gross injustices that result from Pakistan’s blasphemy law. They report on yesterday’s arrest of Rimsha Masih, an 11- or 12-year-old Christian girl, who, according to some accounts, suffers from Down’s syndrome. Rimsha has been jailed for allegedly burning pages of the Koran while sweeping a facility in her slum neighborhood near the capital of Islamabad.

Should the case go to trial, the girl now faces a virtually certain sentence of life imprisonment, since under the sharia court, her testimony is worth a quarter of a Muslim male’s and there is only oral evidence in this case. Should she be released back to her community, she will face the wrath of the mob, incited by mosque leaders who are quoted by the Post as condemning her to death by burning. Meanwhile, her mother has been incarcerated with her, and hundreds of her co-religionists have fled their homes, terrorized by vigilantes.
Christians, Ahmadiyyas, Shiites, and Hindu have been disproportionately targeted under Pakistan’s blasphemy law. But moderate and reformist Muslims from the country’s Sunni majority have also been victimized by this very bad law. As the Post states:
“Under Pakistani law, those found guilty of defaming the Islamic prophet Muhammad face the death penalty, while defiling the Koran can bring a life sentence. The case of the girl is the fourth in recent months to alarm human rights advocates, who say the law is frequently used to persecute Christians and also has been unfairly applied to the mentally ill — including some Muslims.”
A notable feature of the law is that it engenders more killings from extra-judicial violence than from court-ordered death sentences. In July in Punjab province, a mob whipped into a frenzy by radical leaders hunted down a man thought to have blasphemed against Islam, beat him to death, and burned his body burned outside a police station. In other cases, defendants awaiting trial, or even those who have been released or acquitted, along with the acquitting judge, have been murdered or threatened with murder. Last year, Pakistani minister of minority affairs Shahbaz Bhatti and Punjab governor Salman Taseer who dared to criticize the law were themselves accused of “blasphemy” and gunned down by Islamist extremists. In Taseer’s case, the murderer was heralded as a hero by the bar association; though eventually convicted of his crime; the presiding judge, however, was forced to go into hiding by vigilante death threats. No one has been convicted in the murder of Minister Bhatti, a Christian.
The Times reports that some officials involved with Rimsha’s case have commented that the charges are “baseless” and that she and her mother will be let go. But the mobs, even now swarming the jail where Rimsha is held, will seek bloody retribution against any official who allows this to happen. If Asia Bibi (Christian mother of five imprisoned since 2009) and other past cases offer any precedent, Rimsha is likely to languish in prison for a long time.

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Open Doors’ Advocacy Campaign for Religious Freedom Special Envoy

We continue to ask our supporters to contact their Senators and request that they cosponsor S.1245 in order to help move it out of committee and to a vote. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Roy Blunt (MO), asks the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Religious Freedom in the Near East and South Central Asia. Countries covered in this bill include some of the most oppressive places for Christians and other religious minorities. We appreciate the 2,500 Open Doors supporters who have already contacted their senators about this bill. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to Contact Your Senators Today 

Donkeys Come Wi-Fi Equipped at Tourist Attraction in Israel

A tourist attraction in lower Galilee that seeks to recreate daily life as it was in ancient Israel recently got a technological upgrade when it began putting Wi-Fi hotspots around the necks of donkeys so tourists can have access to the Internet.

"We're the only place in the world that will give the opportunity to surf the Internet when riding a donkey," Menachem Goldberg of Kfar Kedem told The Christian Post from Israel on Thursday.
The Kfar Kedem park is located in the hills of Galilee in view of the city of Nazareth, and offers tourists the opportunity to wear the same clothes, make the same foods and ride the same animals as did those who lived in ancient times.
According to the attraction's website, "Kfar Kedem creates a holistic experience using all your senses ... connecting these tangible experiences with the values and spirit of the ages from the time of the Bible and the Mishnah, that are still part of our lives today."
Now, because the experience also includes an Internet connection, tourists can also share the experience with their friends and family at home.
If someone "wants to change his profile on Facebook, for example, in the middle of the riding, now we give the opportunity to do it," explained Goldberg.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/donkeys-come-wi-fi-equipped-at-tourist-attraction-in-israel-80505/#HxWlRh7j3Tc6swY1.99

Federal Court Delivers Final Blow to U. of Cincinnati 'Free Speech Zone'

CINCINNATI, August 22, 2012—In a major victory for student rights, a federal district court issued a final ruling today prohibiting the University of Cincinnati (UC) from reinstating its tiny "free speech zone." In today's order, United States District Judge Timothy S. Black issued a permanent injunction against UC's unconstitutional system of speech restriction.
The court's decision comes hard on the heels of yesterday's startling resignation of UC President Gregory H. Williams, who reportedly did not provide any explanation for his sudden decision to quit a mere week before students return to campus.
"Limiting student expression to just 0.1% of campus was bad enough. Threatening to call the police if students were caught gathering signatures for a petition was even worse. The decision to waste taxpayer money defending such unconstitutional censorship was completely indefensible," FIRE President Greg Lukianoff said. "President Williams' surprise decision to step down should be welcomed, as the University of Cincinnati should have never picked this doomed fight with the Bill of Rights."
Per today's ruling, UC may not restrict student speech in the outdoor areas of UC's campus unless the restriction is "narrowly tailored to serve a compelling University interest."
Prior to the lawsuit, UC had required all "demonstrations, pickets, and rallies" to be held in a "Free Speech Area" that comprised just 0.1% of the university's 137-acre West Campus. University policy further required that all expressive activity in the free speech zone be registered with the university a full ten working days in advance, threatening that "[a]nyone violating this policy may be charged with trespassing."
The University of Cincinnati chapter of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) and its president, student Christopher Morbitzer, filed suit on February 22, 2012, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division, challenging UC's policy. The lawsuit was coordinated by Ohio's 1851 Center for Constitutional Law in cooperation with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).

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Survey: Slow Economy Continues to Weigh on Pastors

Pastors say the economy continues to have a negative impact on their churches despite stabilized giving, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.
The survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors asked respondents, "How is the economy impacting your church?" Almost two-thirds responded negatively, with 56 percent indicating somewhat negatively and 8 percent very negatively. One quarter of the pastors surveyed said, "The economy has had no impact on my church," while 9 percent indicated a positive impact on their churches.
"Pastor views on the economy are similar to many economic outlook surveys," says Scott McConnell, director of LifeWay Research. "We weren't surprised the current perspective of economic impact on churches is predominantly negative."

However, there is some good news. LifeWay Research found that while the sluggish economic recovery has translated into flat or reduced giving for many churches, the trend continues of fewer churches reporting declines in giving.

• 23 percent of churches had lower giving in 2010 than 2009.
• 19 percent of churches had lower giving in 2011 than in 2010.
• Through May 2012 giving for 15 percent of churches has been below 2011.

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5 Reasons Why Christians Struggle to Evangelize

1. Fear

Sharing your faith is a scary prospect. You can lose face and friends as a result of communicating this "narrow-minded" message of the gospel even when you do so in love. When choosing between being accepted by others and sharing the good news with others too often Christians choose silence. Fear is the biggest culprit that keeps most Christians from evangelizing.
The Cure: "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:19-20

2. Ignorance
There are many Christians who, down deep inside, want to share their faith but they honestly don't know what to say. Sadly, if you were to put a microphone in the face of the average church goer leaving a typical Sunday morning service and asked them to define the gospel message the answers could range from "um" to dumb. To add insult to injury far too many preachers have over-complicated the gospel to the point where even true Christians wonder if they are saved. They've added caveats and small print to John 3:16 and, as a result, many believers are confused by the clear and simple gospel that once they embraced with child-like faith.
The Cure: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…." 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/5-reasons-why-christians-struggle-to-evangelize-80702/#RPSGtdQZr3l4r65A.99

Voice of the Martyrs' Tom White suicide confirmed

The Oklahoma state chief medical examiner's office has confirmed that Voice of the Martyrs executive Walter Thomas "Tom" White killed himself with a toxic mix of drugs in April, after learning that he had been accused of sexually molesting a young girl.
Police reportedly have stopped investigating the case that shocked many in White's community and those who support the Christian persecution ministry he served for over 30 years.
In a toxicology report made available to The Christian Post on Thursday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that White's death was most likely caused by "acute combined drug (ethanol, diphenhydramine) toxicity".
In addition to consuming alcohol, White had ingested Diphenhydramine, a common antihistamine sometimes prescribed for insomnia. Zolpidem, used to treat insomnia, was also found in his system.

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Is Your Mind a Hacker’s Next Target? Scientists Test Feasibility of Cheap Devices and ‘Brain Spyware’

An international group of researchers have presented a successful method to show how hackers could use a relatively cheap piece of equipment and software to gain access to secrets inside your mind.
Presented earlier this month at the USENIX Security Symposium, “On the Feasibility of Side-Channel Attacks With Brain-Computer Interfaces” discusses how with the emergence of technology that allows users to communicate via their thoughts alone, software could be developed to spy on things like your pin number or other passwords.
“The security risks involved in using consumer-grade BCI devices have never been studied and the impact of malicious software with access to the device is unexplored,” the researchers abstract reads. “We take a first step in studying the security implications of such devices and demonstrate that this upcoming technology could be turned against users to reveal their private and secret information. We use inexpensive electroencephalography (EEG) based BCI devices to test the feasibility of simple, yet effective, attacks.”

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Do not be conformed to this world

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed~| to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God– what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

        When someone accepts Christ as their Savior, Paul wrote that they “become a new creature” (2 Cor 5:17), which is true, at least inwardly. This new Spirit regenerated inner live in our soul from the abiding presence of the Spirit now seeks to “work out your salvation” (Phil 2:12) from the inside out.
      Paul had described the concept of salvation by faith and the undeserved grace and mercy of God that has been granted to the believer (Romans 1-11). On this basis (“therefore”) Paul “urged” (parakaleo, present tense: “continually exhorted”) his readers to “present [their] bodies” (paristano, aorist infinitive, “to place before” as a once and for all-time offering), which implies an imperative sense following the verb parakaleo, “to exhort” (Rom 12:1). Thus, the believer is commanded to give over the control and direction of their bodies as a “living sacrifice” to God as an act of “reasonable service” or “logical worship” (latreia, from which we get the liturgy of worship) as a logical response to God’s unconditional mercy and grace.
      What does this mean in a practical sense? Paul now explains the meaning of self-sacrificing worship as the believer commits himself “cease or stop being conformed to this present world.” The body is attracted to sin, but the mind makes the choices that mark our life’s direction.  We either commit ourselves to obedience to His commands or yield to sensual pleasures to live in disobedience and unholiness.

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Jumah at the DNC

Video of GOP Prayer Room

Porn Harms Executive Director Speaks On Enforcement of Hardcore Porn Laws Now A Goal of Republican Party - www.PornHarms.com

http://pornharms.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PornHarms The GOP is changing it's platform to include enforcement of obscenity (hardcore pornography) laws, not ONLY child pornography laws.

To learn more about The War on Illegal Pornography and existing federal obscenity (hardcore pornography" laws, visit our website www.WarOnIllegalPornography.com.

Articles about this:
http://dailycaller.com/2012/08/27/gop-platform-calls-for-crackdown-on-all-for...
http://dcist.com/2012/08/republican_platform_cracks_down_on.php
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/27/gop-anti-porn-plank-platform_n_18338...
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pornography-now-targeted-in-gop-platform/

Our press release about this:
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 27, 2012) -- A change in the Republican Party Platform to target illegal adult pornography, rather than only child pornography, is a positive development that will protect children, as well as families from the scourge of hardcore pornography, according to Morality and Media.
"Distribution of obscene or hardcore pornography on the Internet is a violation of current federal law," explained Patrick A. Trueman, president of MIM. "Yet, most children in America have free access to obscene pornography as soon as they learn how to use a computer. The average age of first exposure to obscene Internet pornography is now eleven," Trueman said.

The new language replaces previous platform wording, which only opposed child pornography. It will now read, "Current laws on all forms of pornography and obscenity need to be vigorously enforced." Trueman noted that current federal obscenity laws not only prohibit distribution of hardcore pornography on the Internet but also on hotel/motel TV, on cable/satellite TV, and in retail shops.

"We are most grateful to Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council who led the effort to get the tough new language into the platform," said Trueman. "Without enforcement of federal obscenity laws, pornographers have had a green light to target our children and families," he added.

America is suffering an untreated pandemic of harm from pornography, which touches nearly every family in America. Research shows that children and adults are developing life-long addictions to pornography; there is a very substantial increase in demand for child pornography because many adult-porn users are finding that they are no longer excited by adult images; on average four out of five 16 year-olds now regularly access pornography online; 56% of divorces cite Internet pornography as a major factor in the breakup of the marriage; girls consuming pornography are several times more likely to engage in group sex than those who do not; significant and growing numbers of men in their twenties are developing "porn-induced sexual dysfunction."

In 2010, Morality In Media initiated The War On Illegal Pornography coalition, a program to get federal laws on adult pornography vigorously enforced. This came after repeated attempts to influence the U. S. Department of Justice to enforce existing obscenity laws, which were passed by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. MIM's broad, bipartisan coalition of 127 national, state and local groups has gained the support of nearly half of the U.S. Senate and many members of the House. Trueman adds, "Family Research Council is one of the most active participants in the coalition. Tony Perkins' leadership has contributed to much of our success over the past two years."

To learn more about The War on Illegal Pornography and existing federal obscenity (hardcore pornography" laws, visit our website www.WarOnIllegalPornography.com.

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM CHANGE TARGETS ILLEGAL ADULT PORNOGRAPHY

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 27, 2012) – A change in the Republican Party Platform to target illegal adult pornography, rather than only child pornography, is a positive development that will protect children, as well as families from the scourge of hardcore pornography, according to Morality and Media.
“Distribution of obscene or hardcore pornography on the Internet is a violation of current federal law,” explained Patrick A. Trueman, president of MIM.  “Yet, most children in America have free access to obscene pornography as soon as they learn how to use a computer.  The average age of first exposure to obscene Internet pornography is now eleven,” Trueman said.

The new language replaces previous platform wording, which only opposed child pornography.  It will now read,  “Current laws on all forms of pornography and obscenity need to be vigorously enforced.”  Trueman noted that current federal obscenity laws not only prohibit distribution of hardcore pornography on the Internet but also on hotel/motel TV, on cable/satellite TV, and in retail shops.

“We are most grateful to Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council who led the effort to get the tough new language into the platform,” said Trueman.  “Without enforcement of federal obscenity laws, pornographers have had a green light to target our children and families,” he added.

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Obama to Palestinians: Delay Statehood Until Election Over

The Obama administration has asked the Palestinian Authority to delay its bid to unilaterally declare a state at the United Nations until after November’s presidential election, a senior PA official told KleinOnline.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the request was passed to PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ office by the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem earlier this month.

The official said the PA has not yet made a decision about the timing of its application with the U.N. General Assembly for accepting “Palestine” as a non-member state. The official, however, did indicate Abbas is inclined toward waiting until after the U.S. presidential election.

Any U.N. push by the PA prior to the election would thrust the Obama administration into the position of having to deal with the U.N. statehood question in the middle of an election.

Last September, the PA failed to secure enough votes to declare a state at the U.N. Security Council after the U.S. played a key role in scuttling the statehood attempt. The PA pledged to take a similar request to the General Assembly, where it expects to garner the support of more than 130 countries.
Any General Assembly recognition of a state would be considered mostly symbolic. Still, it would be a step toward possible future Security Council approval which would grant full recognition of a state.
The U.S. and Israel oppose the declaration of a Palestinian state outside the framework of direct negotiations between both parties.

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Wheaton's Birth Control Mandate Suit Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed Wheaton College's lawsuit against the Obama administration's health care mandate.

The mandate requires religious groups to provide contraception coverage in their health insurance plans, even if it violates their beliefs.

The judge threw out Wheaton's suit after the government altered an exemption to include the college. That exemption gives religious institutions one year to comply.

The government said it will re-do the mandate to protect religious freedom before the exemption expires. 

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty represented Wheaton in the case

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Syrian refugees top 200,000 as exodus grows-UN agency

GENEVA — More than 200,000 Syrians have poured into neighboring countries in the course of its 17-month-long conflict, with a recent surge pushing the total past the 185,000 the U.N. refugee agency had expected to flee by the end of this year.

The total reflects an increase of about 30,000 in the past week alone to Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan but also includes those awaiting registration in Jordan, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said.


“There has been a dramatic increase in the number of refugees in the region during August,” spokesman Adrian Edwards said in Geneva on Friday, adding that the agency expected to issue new contingency planning figures by around mid-September.
Turkey continues to see the largest refugee influx, with more than 74,000 registered as of Wednesday, Edwards said.

More than 3,500 people fleeing violence in Syria have entered Turkey over the past 24 hours, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate said Friday, one of the highest daily flows since the start of the uprising.

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