• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Federal Judge OK's Mojave Cross
• HHS Secretary Questioned by House Committee
• Chaplains Protest Bible Removal from Hotels
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Monday, April 30, 2012
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Blessed are the people he has chosen as his own." (Psalm 33:12)
The Daily Brief
1. Moslem Brotherhood's reach extends to White House - The Blaze
On Wednesday evening, GBTV unveiled a powerful documentary, "Rumors of War III," exposing how radical Islamists, including the Muslim Brotherhood, are infiltrating American government at its highest levels.
Read more.
- Precious Father, we ask that You expose those who have infiltrated our government at the highest levels to subvert and destroy our nation from within. Lord, we forbid it, and agree with You that this nation is founded on Your principles, and belongs to You! Root out the evil, we pray. May those plans contrived in the darkness be exposed to the light, and shouted from the rooftops. May those who love You and Your Word come into positions of responsibility in our government, we pray! Amen!
- "See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (2 Chronicles 20:11,12)
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Federal Judge OK's Mojave Cross
• HHS Secretary Questioned by House Committee
• Chaplains Protest Bible Removal from Hotels
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Monday, April 30, 2012
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Blessed are the people he has chosen as his own." (Psalm 33:12)
The Daily Brief
1. Moslem Brotherhood's reach extends to White House - The Blaze
On Wednesday evening, GBTV unveiled a powerful documentary, "Rumors of War III," exposing how radical Islamists, including the Muslim Brotherhood, are infiltrating American government at its highest levels.
Read more.
- Precious Father, we ask that You expose those who have infiltrated our government at the highest levels to subvert and destroy our nation from within. Lord, we forbid it, and agree with You that this nation is founded on Your principles, and belongs to You! Root out the evil, we pray. May those plans contrived in the darkness be exposed to the light, and shouted from the rooftops. May those who love You and Your Word come into positions of responsibility in our government, we pray! Amen!
- "See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (2 Chronicles 20:11,12)
"For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." (Mark 4:22)
2. Egypt plans "Farewell Intercourse" law - Ynet News
The law was first introduced in a fatwa (Islamic law) issued by a Moroccan cleric last year. Zamzami Abdul Bari said marriage remains valid even after death. He also said that women have the right to have sex with their dead husbands. The "Farewell Intercourse" law is just one of many new laws being introduced to Egyptians recently by the Islamist-dominated parliament. Other laws call for the legal marriage age to be lowered to 14 and abolish women's rights to education and employment.
Read more:
- "O Lord, God of Israel, we thank You that You are a God who abhors evil and perversion of every kind. We pray for sanity for those considering this evilness and sexual perversion. We ask You to turn their hearts to know wisdom, and to come to know You, O God.
- "He reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deep darkness into light. Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous." (Job 12:21; Psalm 112:4)
3. Russia Is Sending Troops To The US To Learn American Military Tactics - Business Insider
Russian paratroopers will meet up with American forces next month for an unprecedented military exercise in Colorado, according to RT News. It's the first time Russian service members will be invited into the United States for a joint drill. . . The official purpose of the joint training is to practice airborne tactics and anti-terror operations, such as dropping into a hostile area and conducting a "terrorist camp raid."
Read More:
- Father, we are puzzled by this joint drill with the Russian military - especially when the Russians also have troops working in cooperation with China. Father, we cry out for mercy and grace over these decisions. Protect our country from unwise decisions. May American be blessed with strong, righteous, God-fearing leaders! Amen!
- The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever - forsake not the work of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8)
4. Obama lifts freeze on $192 million aid package to Palestinian Authority - Times of Israel
Obama has lifted a ban on financial aid to the Palestinian Authority. Obama stated that the aid was "important to the security interests of the United States."
The US Congress froze a $192 million aid package to the Palestinian Authority after its president, Mahmoud Abbas, defied US pressure and sought to attain UN endorsement of Palestinian statehood last September. The presidential waiver means that aid can now be delivered.
Read more.
- Father, we cover this decision in prayer. We lift this concern to You. We pray You surround our leaders with wise counsel. In the Name of Jesus, we cry out for mercy and grace!
- "Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
5. Speaker Boehner: White House Should Reimburse Taxpayers for Cost of Campaign Trips - Christian Coalition of America
In his weekly press conference on Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) drew a stark contrast between House Republicans' focus on creating jobs and addressing real challenges, and President Obama's taxpayer-funded campaign to distract attention from his failed record on jobs, energy and the economy.
- Father, may both parties come together on the issues facing the American people regarding jobs and the economy. Father, move on our leaders to put priorities first. May they deny themselves and put politics aside, and work to solve our country's challenges.
- " Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:34-35) (NIV)
6. House Votes to Stop Student Loan Rates from Doubling, Cut ObamaCare Slush Fund - Christian Coalition of America
WASHINGTON, DC - House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement after the House approved the Interest Rate Reduction Act (H.R. 4628), legislation by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) that would extend current student loan interest rates by cutting spending from an ObamaCare slush fund:
"Students and families are struggling in President Obama's economy. Nearly half of college graduates are unemployed or underemployed, and laws like ObamaCare have only made it harder for small businesses to hire them. That's why House Republicans voted to extend current student loan rates and to pay for it by eliminating an ObamaCare slush fund President Obama himself proposed cutting from his budget. It's time for the president and Democrats in Congress to stop exploiting the challenges facing young Americans for political gain, and start working with Republicans to create a better environment for private-sector job growth."
- Father, thank You for these strategies that will help these students on their loans. Continue to give creative solutions to the problems we are facing in America. We cry out for Your help, Lord. You are our Adonae (the one in control), Jehovah Jireh (Provider), Jehovah Nissi (victory in defeated places), and Jehovah Shalom (peace).
- Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. (Psalm 138:7)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"For the LORD has chosen Zion. He has desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever. Here will I dwell, for I have desired it." (Psalms 132:13-14)
1. August-September elections highly likely - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his advisors to explore the possibility of holding August or September elections and is leaning towards this option, Ynet has learned.
2. Jpost poll: Most Israelis support US-led Iran strike - Jerusalem Post
An overwhelming majority of Israelis would support America leading an international consortium of air forces in a military strike on Iran if sanctions and diplomatic talks fail, according to a Smith Research poll sponsored by The Jerusalem Post.
3. OP-ED: Bethlehem's last Christians? - Ynet News
Ignored by Western media, a systematic campaign of Muslim persecution against the Christians is taking place in Palestinian areas. It's a religious and ethnic cleansing campaign silenced by the global churches.
4. 'Hezbollah boosting drone unit' - Ynet News
Hezbollah has been allocating increased resources towards bolstering its drone unit, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday.
The Daily Jot
Islam as a tool of judgment
Yesterday after our Bible study, we got into a discussion about travel. One of our friends says he refuses to fly because the White House has made it such an indignant process. He made the point that we tell our kids all the time to not talk to strangers, yet the one exception is the TSA agent who is allowed to not only ask your child questions, expecting answers, but also allowed to grope your child ostensibly for weapons or weapon components. Another recently relayed the story when she last visited her grand children. After going through the xray machine, a male TSA agent smiled at her and said, "You just made my day." All this because of Islamic terrorists. But is it necessary? Is it judgment?
There must be a better way. Israel, for example, has a great system. The last time I was there, it was not invasive. It was matter of fact. It was professional. It was serious. It was also very efficient. The problem here is that there is one somewhat small group of people who are making it difficult on a large group of people. If there were no Islamic terrorists, the security at airports could be minimized and millions, if not billions, of dollars could be saved. But Islam's true meaning is submission to allah--their cultic god that they have convinced even the elect is the same as YHVH. In a sense, Islam has brought the world into submission--at least at airports.
It would seem that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is also under submission to Islam. The New York Times Sunday Review wrote about terrorist plots "hatched" by the FBI. The story relates how the FBI says it is regularly saving Americans from "lethal terrorist plots." In reality, the Times concludes, the FBI is facilitating terrorist dramas through undercover agents posing as terrorists to entrap other terrorists. The Times questions, "This is legal, but is it legitimate? Without the FBI, would the culprits commit violence on their own?" Of course, the Times is likely taking the side of poor Muslims who are enticed into being home-grown terrorists. They really don't want to hurt anybody, the Times submits.
Perhaps most Americans believe the world views their nation as one who follows the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, "Everything whatsoever you desire that people should do for you, do likewise for them." In reality, the world views America much differently because of US government actions. My friends in Ghana, for example, are well reminded of CIA initiated coups. Though they like Americans, many are suspicious of America. Isaiah 29:15 says, "Woe to those who burrow down deep to hide their plans from YHVH. They work in the dark and say to themselves 'Nobody sees us, nobody knows us.'" What our government has done in darkness has helped bring judgment to light. But who is the government, but We the People? Do the righteous cry out: "Time to repent. Time to act"?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Federal Judge OK's Mojave Cross
Mojave Cross: Judge OKs deal to allow display of war memorial on once-public land
A federal judge has approved a land swap that could end an 11-year legal battle over the right to display a cross memorializing war veterans in a remote part of the Mojave Desert.
U.S. District Judge Robert Timlin in California on Monday, April 23, signed an order that will allow the Mojave Cross to return to Sunrise Rock. According to the settlement, the National Park Service will transfer the title for the one-acre parcel on which the cross sat to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Barstow, Calif., in exchange for five acres of donated land.
. . . The cross stood quietly for 67 years until the American Civil Liberties Union sued in 2001, contending religious symbols shouldn't be displayed on public land. (U.S.News; MSNBC) Read more.
. . . Meanwhile, While this week's decision will allow one cross memorial to be restored, groups are trying to remove other memorials around the country. One organization is threatening to sue over two memorial crosses at Camp Pendleton, and another just this week demanded that a Rhode Island city remove a 91-year-old memorial cross that was erected to those who died in World Wars I and II. The city has indicated that it may not defend the cross because it fears significant litigation costs.
HHS Secretary Questioned by House Committee
House Committee Questions Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Conscience Mandate
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made yet another embarrassing admission about the lack of constitutional analysis that went into the HHS anti-conscience mandate on Thursday, April 26.
At a full committee hearing of the House Education and Workforce Committee Secretary Sebelius was repeatedly questioned by Representative Trey Gowdy (R-SC) on whether she had consulted Supreme Court precedent or any official legal memo before publishing a rule that burdens religious liberty of employers. Under the mandate, almost all employers are forced to provide and pay for coverage of abortion-inducing drugs and contraception - regardless of any moral or religious objections to such services.
Referring to Secretary Sebelius' statement earlier this year that promised an accommodation that "strikes an appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services," Rep. Gowdy sharply questioned the Secretary's understanding of a constitutionally permissible "balance."
"There are only three balancing tests that I am aware of when it comes to matters of constitutional significance. There is the rational basis balancing test for economic legislation, there is the intermediate or mid-level scrutiny for gender-related constitutional issues and then there is the heightened or strict scrutiny when fundamental rights are involved. And given the fact that I am sure you can see that religious liberty is a fundamental right, which of those three constitutional balancing tests were you making reference to when you said you balanced things?"
Secretary Sebelius, claiming ignorance of "nuances of the constitutional balancing tests," was unable to provide answer.
Nor could the Secretary answer that she had relied on an official legal memo. As she previously admitted to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) at an Senate hearing a few weeks ago, it seems the Secretary did not even enlist the legal advise of the Department of Justice on whether it is constitutional to force religious employers to subsidize abortion and contraception services against their moral or religious beliefs.
The inability to adequately defend legal reasoning behind the HHS mandate does not bode well for the Secretary. There are currently seven lawsuits filed against Secretary Sebelius and other applicable department heads by organizations and businesses that are placed in an untenable situation by the mandate. Forced to either discard their deeply held beliefs or cease providing health insurance to their employees - and face a fine after 2014 for doing so - these organizations and countless others are standing up for religious liberty. (The Foundry) Read more.
Chaplains to Air Force: Please Don't Remove Bibles
Officials at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia have decided to remove a question from a 1,200-point checklist for guest accommodations, asking if the room is outfitted with a Bible. The change takes effect in September.
According to base newspaper The Patriot, the Washington, D.C.-based Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers has been pressuring the Air Force to remove all Bibles from guest quarters, saying having them connotes "a special privilege for Christianity."
The Bibles are donated by The Gideons International. Col. Ron Crews, executive director of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, said guest quarters on military bases also often include copies of the Koran and the Book of Mormon.
"That is a symptom of the larger problem," Crews said. "It just seems that the Air Force is caving at every point. Any time there's a threatened suit, they just take another step back instead of defending the religious liberty of military personnel."
Air Force Services Agency spokesman Michael Dickerson told The Patriot that though the checklist will be changed in a few months, no promises have been made to remove the Bibles.
"We communicated a legal opinion that there is no requirement (to have Bibles in the rooms)," he said. "The only thing that was communicated to them was that the question would be removed from the checklist. That's it." (CitizenLink)
Worship with Us Today!
Shelter Me
Selah
Worship Here:
(Shelter me Lord)
Hide me underneath you wings
Hide me deep inside your heart
In your refuge cover me
The world can shake
But Lord I'm making you my hiding place
2. Egypt plans "Farewell Intercourse" law - Ynet News
The law was first introduced in a fatwa (Islamic law) issued by a Moroccan cleric last year. Zamzami Abdul Bari said marriage remains valid even after death. He also said that women have the right to have sex with their dead husbands. The "Farewell Intercourse" law is just one of many new laws being introduced to Egyptians recently by the Islamist-dominated parliament. Other laws call for the legal marriage age to be lowered to 14 and abolish women's rights to education and employment.
Read more:
- "O Lord, God of Israel, we thank You that You are a God who abhors evil and perversion of every kind. We pray for sanity for those considering this evilness and sexual perversion. We ask You to turn their hearts to know wisdom, and to come to know You, O God.
- "He reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deep darkness into light. Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous." (Job 12:21; Psalm 112:4)
3. Russia Is Sending Troops To The US To Learn American Military Tactics - Business Insider
Russian paratroopers will meet up with American forces next month for an unprecedented military exercise in Colorado, according to RT News. It's the first time Russian service members will be invited into the United States for a joint drill. . . The official purpose of the joint training is to practice airborne tactics and anti-terror operations, such as dropping into a hostile area and conducting a "terrorist camp raid."
Read More:
- Father, we are puzzled by this joint drill with the Russian military - especially when the Russians also have troops working in cooperation with China. Father, we cry out for mercy and grace over these decisions. Protect our country from unwise decisions. May American be blessed with strong, righteous, God-fearing leaders! Amen!
- The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever - forsake not the work of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8)
4. Obama lifts freeze on $192 million aid package to Palestinian Authority - Times of Israel
Obama has lifted a ban on financial aid to the Palestinian Authority. Obama stated that the aid was "important to the security interests of the United States."
The US Congress froze a $192 million aid package to the Palestinian Authority after its president, Mahmoud Abbas, defied US pressure and sought to attain UN endorsement of Palestinian statehood last September. The presidential waiver means that aid can now be delivered.
Read more.
- Father, we cover this decision in prayer. We lift this concern to You. We pray You surround our leaders with wise counsel. In the Name of Jesus, we cry out for mercy and grace!
- "Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
5. Speaker Boehner: White House Should Reimburse Taxpayers for Cost of Campaign Trips - Christian Coalition of America
In his weekly press conference on Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) drew a stark contrast between House Republicans' focus on creating jobs and addressing real challenges, and President Obama's taxpayer-funded campaign to distract attention from his failed record on jobs, energy and the economy.
- Father, may both parties come together on the issues facing the American people regarding jobs and the economy. Father, move on our leaders to put priorities first. May they deny themselves and put politics aside, and work to solve our country's challenges.
- " Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:34-35) (NIV)
6. House Votes to Stop Student Loan Rates from Doubling, Cut ObamaCare Slush Fund - Christian Coalition of America
WASHINGTON, DC - House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement after the House approved the Interest Rate Reduction Act (H.R. 4628), legislation by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) that would extend current student loan interest rates by cutting spending from an ObamaCare slush fund:
"Students and families are struggling in President Obama's economy. Nearly half of college graduates are unemployed or underemployed, and laws like ObamaCare have only made it harder for small businesses to hire them. That's why House Republicans voted to extend current student loan rates and to pay for it by eliminating an ObamaCare slush fund President Obama himself proposed cutting from his budget. It's time for the president and Democrats in Congress to stop exploiting the challenges facing young Americans for political gain, and start working with Republicans to create a better environment for private-sector job growth."
- Father, thank You for these strategies that will help these students on their loans. Continue to give creative solutions to the problems we are facing in America. We cry out for Your help, Lord. You are our Adonae (the one in control), Jehovah Jireh (Provider), Jehovah Nissi (victory in defeated places), and Jehovah Shalom (peace).
- Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. (Psalm 138:7)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"For the LORD has chosen Zion. He has desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever. Here will I dwell, for I have desired it." (Psalms 132:13-14)
1. August-September elections highly likely - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his advisors to explore the possibility of holding August or September elections and is leaning towards this option, Ynet has learned.
2. Jpost poll: Most Israelis support US-led Iran strike - Jerusalem Post
An overwhelming majority of Israelis would support America leading an international consortium of air forces in a military strike on Iran if sanctions and diplomatic talks fail, according to a Smith Research poll sponsored by The Jerusalem Post.
3. OP-ED: Bethlehem's last Christians? - Ynet News
Ignored by Western media, a systematic campaign of Muslim persecution against the Christians is taking place in Palestinian areas. It's a religious and ethnic cleansing campaign silenced by the global churches.
4. 'Hezbollah boosting drone unit' - Ynet News
Hezbollah has been allocating increased resources towards bolstering its drone unit, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday.
The Daily Jot
Islam as a tool of judgment
Yesterday after our Bible study, we got into a discussion about travel. One of our friends says he refuses to fly because the White House has made it such an indignant process. He made the point that we tell our kids all the time to not talk to strangers, yet the one exception is the TSA agent who is allowed to not only ask your child questions, expecting answers, but also allowed to grope your child ostensibly for weapons or weapon components. Another recently relayed the story when she last visited her grand children. After going through the xray machine, a male TSA agent smiled at her and said, "You just made my day." All this because of Islamic terrorists. But is it necessary? Is it judgment?
There must be a better way. Israel, for example, has a great system. The last time I was there, it was not invasive. It was matter of fact. It was professional. It was serious. It was also very efficient. The problem here is that there is one somewhat small group of people who are making it difficult on a large group of people. If there were no Islamic terrorists, the security at airports could be minimized and millions, if not billions, of dollars could be saved. But Islam's true meaning is submission to allah--their cultic god that they have convinced even the elect is the same as YHVH. In a sense, Islam has brought the world into submission--at least at airports.
It would seem that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is also under submission to Islam. The New York Times Sunday Review wrote about terrorist plots "hatched" by the FBI. The story relates how the FBI says it is regularly saving Americans from "lethal terrorist plots." In reality, the Times concludes, the FBI is facilitating terrorist dramas through undercover agents posing as terrorists to entrap other terrorists. The Times questions, "This is legal, but is it legitimate? Without the FBI, would the culprits commit violence on their own?" Of course, the Times is likely taking the side of poor Muslims who are enticed into being home-grown terrorists. They really don't want to hurt anybody, the Times submits.
Perhaps most Americans believe the world views their nation as one who follows the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, "Everything whatsoever you desire that people should do for you, do likewise for them." In reality, the world views America much differently because of US government actions. My friends in Ghana, for example, are well reminded of CIA initiated coups. Though they like Americans, many are suspicious of America. Isaiah 29:15 says, "Woe to those who burrow down deep to hide their plans from YHVH. They work in the dark and say to themselves 'Nobody sees us, nobody knows us.'" What our government has done in darkness has helped bring judgment to light. But who is the government, but We the People? Do the righteous cry out: "Time to repent. Time to act"?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Federal Judge OK's Mojave Cross
Mojave Cross: Judge OKs deal to allow display of war memorial on once-public land
A federal judge has approved a land swap that could end an 11-year legal battle over the right to display a cross memorializing war veterans in a remote part of the Mojave Desert.
U.S. District Judge Robert Timlin in California on Monday, April 23, signed an order that will allow the Mojave Cross to return to Sunrise Rock. According to the settlement, the National Park Service will transfer the title for the one-acre parcel on which the cross sat to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Barstow, Calif., in exchange for five acres of donated land.
. . . The cross stood quietly for 67 years until the American Civil Liberties Union sued in 2001, contending religious symbols shouldn't be displayed on public land. (U.S.News; MSNBC) Read more.
. . . Meanwhile, While this week's decision will allow one cross memorial to be restored, groups are trying to remove other memorials around the country. One organization is threatening to sue over two memorial crosses at Camp Pendleton, and another just this week demanded that a Rhode Island city remove a 91-year-old memorial cross that was erected to those who died in World Wars I and II. The city has indicated that it may not defend the cross because it fears significant litigation costs.
HHS Secretary Questioned by House Committee
House Committee Questions Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Conscience Mandate
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made yet another embarrassing admission about the lack of constitutional analysis that went into the HHS anti-conscience mandate on Thursday, April 26.
At a full committee hearing of the House Education and Workforce Committee Secretary Sebelius was repeatedly questioned by Representative Trey Gowdy (R-SC) on whether she had consulted Supreme Court precedent or any official legal memo before publishing a rule that burdens religious liberty of employers. Under the mandate, almost all employers are forced to provide and pay for coverage of abortion-inducing drugs and contraception - regardless of any moral or religious objections to such services.
Referring to Secretary Sebelius' statement earlier this year that promised an accommodation that "strikes an appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services," Rep. Gowdy sharply questioned the Secretary's understanding of a constitutionally permissible "balance."
"There are only three balancing tests that I am aware of when it comes to matters of constitutional significance. There is the rational basis balancing test for economic legislation, there is the intermediate or mid-level scrutiny for gender-related constitutional issues and then there is the heightened or strict scrutiny when fundamental rights are involved. And given the fact that I am sure you can see that religious liberty is a fundamental right, which of those three constitutional balancing tests were you making reference to when you said you balanced things?"
Secretary Sebelius, claiming ignorance of "nuances of the constitutional balancing tests," was unable to provide answer.
Nor could the Secretary answer that she had relied on an official legal memo. As she previously admitted to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) at an Senate hearing a few weeks ago, it seems the Secretary did not even enlist the legal advise of the Department of Justice on whether it is constitutional to force religious employers to subsidize abortion and contraception services against their moral or religious beliefs.
The inability to adequately defend legal reasoning behind the HHS mandate does not bode well for the Secretary. There are currently seven lawsuits filed against Secretary Sebelius and other applicable department heads by organizations and businesses that are placed in an untenable situation by the mandate. Forced to either discard their deeply held beliefs or cease providing health insurance to their employees - and face a fine after 2014 for doing so - these organizations and countless others are standing up for religious liberty. (The Foundry) Read more.
Chaplains to Air Force: Please Don't Remove Bibles
Officials at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia have decided to remove a question from a 1,200-point checklist for guest accommodations, asking if the room is outfitted with a Bible. The change takes effect in September.
According to base newspaper The Patriot, the Washington, D.C.-based Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers has been pressuring the Air Force to remove all Bibles from guest quarters, saying having them connotes "a special privilege for Christianity."
The Bibles are donated by The Gideons International. Col. Ron Crews, executive director of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, said guest quarters on military bases also often include copies of the Koran and the Book of Mormon.
"That is a symptom of the larger problem," Crews said. "It just seems that the Air Force is caving at every point. Any time there's a threatened suit, they just take another step back instead of defending the religious liberty of military personnel."
Air Force Services Agency spokesman Michael Dickerson told The Patriot that though the checklist will be changed in a few months, no promises have been made to remove the Bibles.
"We communicated a legal opinion that there is no requirement (to have Bibles in the rooms)," he said. "The only thing that was communicated to them was that the question would be removed from the checklist. That's it." (CitizenLink)
Worship with Us Today!
Shelter Me
Selah
Worship Here:
(Shelter me Lord)
Hide me underneath you wings
Hide me deep inside your heart
In your refuge cover me
The world can shake
But Lord I'm making you my hiding place
