Pastor Prayed for Suicide of Gay Christian Author

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Pastor Prayed for Suicide of Gay Christian Author

A Baptist pastor says he stands by his email to a gay Christian author who he referred to as a “filthy child molesting fag”.

“I pray that you will commit suicide,” Pastor Logan Robertson of the Westcity Bible Baptist Church wrote in a response to an email from Jim Marjoram, who was promoting his book detailing his struggles as a gay Christian.

“We’re not interested in your filthy lifestyle or book.” Robertson said in an email now posted online.

“Romans 1 clearly says God has rejected homos and they are worthy of death. You cannot be saved…The bible says you are vile, strange (queer), reprobate, filth, sodmote, natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed (2 Peter 2:12).”

Robertson then refused to speak to ONE news reporter, Matt McClean, who is gay, about the incident.

He allegedly told McClean that he would not give an interview to a “filthy faggot”.

In a separate interview, however, he stood by his earlier claims. “I think every single one of them [gay people] should be put to death,” Robertson said.

“Christians shouldn’t be doing it. I’m not going to do it, it’s the Government’s job to be doing it.”

His words have been condemned by the National Leader of Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Rev Craig Vernall.

Vernall confirmed that Westcity Bible Baptist Church is not a member of the union, and said he was “appalled” by Robertson’s comments.

“It’s unfathomable to be that any Christian would pray for someone to commit suicide,” Vernall told GayNZ.com.

“We cannot and never would endorse his comments.”

Robertson is described as having a “love for the lost” on his church’s website, but Marjoram has said: “what you’re preaching isn’t love”.

“And if you call yourself a Christian…Jesus wouldn’t go anywhere near that,” he added.

Source and Original Content by CT

Parishioner Saves Life of Her Priest by Donating Kidney

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Parishioner Saves Life of Her Priest by Donating Kidney

A parish priest whose life has been extended for decades after being given a kidney by a parishioner has described it as a miracle.

Fr Michael Whyte arrived at St Catherine of Siena Parish in 2007 and has been parish priest there since 2008. A type 1 diabetic, he began experiencing extreme tiredness and nausea at about that time, signs of kidney failure as a result of diabetes.

Doctors gave him three choices: go on dialysis and live five or six more years; do nothing and die within six months; or get a kidney transplant and – if it’s from a live donor – live 20 to 25 years.

Two years ago, he announced at Mass that he was on the waiting list for a kidney.

More than one parishioner offered to be tested to see if they would be qualified donors, but Margaret Domashinski, a parishioner who lives in West Suffield, Massachusetts, already knew she would be the one.

“I knew I was a match,” she said during an interview at the parish rectory. “I know that’s kind of spooky, but it’s true. I knew.”

Asked what it was about Fr Whyte that prompted her to make the offer, Mrs Domashinski said, as if puzzled by the question: “He needed a transplant. He needed a kidney.”

Fr Whyte, looking fit as he sat beside his donor 10 weeks after transplant surgery, said, “I think it is very difficult when someone tells you that they’re considering getting tested or they would like to give you a body part. It is very hard to say – [a mere] thank you doesn’t seem to be appropriate.”

When Mrs Domashinski made the offer about a year ago, after a daily Mass, Fr Whyte was struck by her matter-of-fact attitude. She offered him her kidney “like it was a doughnut”, he said.

Of course, knowing instinctively that you are a match is not quite good enough for the medical profession, and Mrs Domashinski underwent many levels of testing to ensure that both she and Fr Whyte would have good chances of recovery. Their blood types had to match, and they do.

Despite having family members with diabetes, the risk at her age – mid-50s – is minimal that she would develop it. Her overall health is good.

Other, more subjective factors came into play also, Fr Whyte said. He said doctors asked Mrs Domashinski: “How are you going to feel if your other kidney has an issue or if your child needs one…Read More

Source and Original Content by Catholic Herald

Kenyan Christians in ‘Living in Fear’ after Latest Attack

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Kenyan Christians in ‘Living in Fear’ after Latest Attack

Christians in Kenya “are living in fear, wondering where the next attack will be” since Somali militants killed 36 non-Muslim quarry workers in early December, a bishop has said.

Bishop Emanuel Barbara of Malindi, in the east of the country, said there was much “confusion and anxiety” among Christians following the massacre by al-Shabab.

As Church leaders, “we are telling our people, ‘Be cautious and pay attention to what’s happening around you; but don’t let anger and vengeance grow in your hearts,’” Bishop Barbara said.

At the same time, Kenya’s Catholic bishops are “putting pressure on the government to change the way the security forces deal with this situation,” he said.

Corruption in Kenya’s security forces is a major problem, he said, noting that to prevent further escalation of tensions, the government needs to ensure that its security forces are strong.

“We would like to see our security forces taking the lead and to have a sense that they are in charge,” Bishop Barbara said, noting that most Kenyans now feel “that it’s the Muslim militants who will decide when and where to attack next.”

On December 2 attack near Mandera, which borders Somalia, militants separated the non-Muslims and shot them dead.

Bishop Barbara said it was the latest of many incidents that “make it very clear that fundamentalists are attacking Christians.” A week before this attack, 28 people were killed in an attack on a bus targeting non-Muslims in the same area.

Media reports said al-Shabab, which said it carried out the attacks, has stepped up its campaign in Kenya since 2011, when Kenya sent troops into Somalia to help battle the militants, according to the BBC.

Last year, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an attack on a Nairobi shopping mall in which 67 people were killed by gunmen.

St Joseph Brother John Mwangi Wambugu told CNS that attendance in churches has waned because of fears of more attacks in places where people are gathered together.

“There is a lot of insecurity and fear among Christians, especially in the coastal regions and northeastern Kenya,” because of their proximity to Somalia as well as the large number of Muslims living in these areas, said Brother Wambugu, director of Caritas for the ecclesiastical province of Mombasa, which includes the Archdiocese of Mombasa and the dioceses of Garissa and Malindi.

Divisions between Christians and Muslims are growing “and people are not as close as they used to be,” Brother Wambugu said in a December 5 telephone interview…Read More

Source and Original Content by Catholic Herald

Church Receives $20M From Anonymous Donor to Renovate Cathedral

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Church Receives $20M From Anonymous Donor to Renovate Cathedral

A California Roman Catholic diocese that owns the property that once was the Crystal Cathedral has received a $20 million donation for its renovation work.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange announced that an anonymous donor gave $20 million to aid the estimated $113 million renovation of the former Crystal Cathedral.

In a statement made by the donor and released by the Diocese of Orange, the person said, “I hope this gift will inspire other donors in our community to give as well.”

“I am blessed to offer my faithful and financial support to the diocese’s efforts to restore and renovate the campus and make its vision for the Christ Cathedral a reality.”

For decades, the Orange County located Crystal Cathedral was the notable megachurch headed by the Rev. Robert Schuller and his family.

However, financial scandals and in-fighting led to Crystal Cathedral Ministries filing for bankruptcy and eventually being compelled to sell their iconic property.

In February 2012, the Catholic Diocese of Orange purchased the building and grounds, renaming the sanctuary Christ Cathedral.

The diocese sought to redesign the facility at a price tag of approximately $113 million, with Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange explaining reasons for the projects in a statement made in September.

“Through this innovative design process, an insightful plan has emerged that will establish Christ Cathedral as a place for involvement in the sacraments, a place to hear the word of God proclaimed and a place for personal prayer and devotion,” said Vann.

For the multiphase renovation endeavor, this latest donation of $20 million will go to the second phase of the plan, according to Chris Haire of the Orange County Register.

“The $20 million is the first donation toward the second phase’s $60 million goal; this phase targets large donations and will be spent on campus renovations,” reported Haire.

“During phase one, meant for various diocese projects including the campus renovations, the diocese received more than $85 million from about 24,000 parishioners.”

As part of its deal with the diocese, Crystal Cathedral Ministries moved into a smaller church facility known as St. Callistus Catholic Church and dubbed their congregation Shepherd’s Grove.

Bobby Schuller, the 33-year-old grandson of the Schuller who founded Crystal Cathedral, is the lead pastor of the replanted congregation.

A graduate of Oral Roberts University in 2003 and Fuller Theological Seminary in 2008, Sculler also re-launched the “Hour of Power” series once overseen by his grandfather.

Source and Original Content by CP

Two US Churches Merge to Send Positive Message on Race Relations

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Two US Churches Merge to Send Positive Message on Race Relations

Two Florida churches are soon expected to undergo a merger that pastors hope will help send a message on race relations throughout the state — and beyond.

On Jan. 4, 2015, Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville — a predominantly black church — will take over Ridgewood Baptist Church in Orange Park. Ridgewood’s congregation is mostly white.

The latter has struggled financially and Shiloh Pastor H.B Charles Jr., who is black, along with Ridgewood Pastor Michael Clifford, who is white, decided that a union would be the best course of action.

“None of this would have happened without the leadership of Michael. He’s a good man,” Charles told The Huffington Post in a phone interview.

Charles, who serves as the lead pastor for more than 8,000 churchgoers, said his congregation is overwhelmingly excited and looks forward to the possibilities the merger will bring.

“We’re hoping we’ll be a witness of racial reconciliation in our city and beyond and that we can come together beyond the things that divide us and work together to make the community better,” he said.

Charles said he is aware of potential challenges the merger could bring, but he remains confident the church will overcome them.

“We’re learning to love beyond our culture and others learn to love beyond theirs,” he added. “It requires humility, unity and a willingness to change and grow, but they’re good challenges that we’re looking forward to facing…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

J Moss Tops Billboard With “Grown Folks Gospel” Album

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J Moss Tops Billboard With “Grown Folks Gospel” Album

What a way to rebound.

Less than two months ago, GRAMMY ®-winning recording artist and producer J Moss, 42, lost his home in an awful blaze. Today, he is back on top.

His new LP, Grown Folks Gospel is the No. 1 Gospel album in America.

Although, according to the PAJAM artist, he has been met with criticism for the title, it looks like his detractors have less impact than his supporters.

During a recent interview on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Moss spoke about penning lyrics based on true-to-life experiences.

One of the tracks featured on the new project, “Fall At Your Feet,” was written a year before he lost everything.

“After the blaze, somebody came and blessed us with a house—brand new house. It wasn’t even 24 hours. So, it was like, I wrote that a year ago,” he recalled during his featured radio segment…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

“Hunger Stalks Large Parts of UK”, Archbishop Welby

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“Hunger Stalks Large Parts of UK”, Archbishop Welby

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said he was left more shocked by the plight of Britain’s hunger-stricken poor than the suffering in African refugee camps.

Most Revd Justin Welby said food is being wasted at “astonishing” levels in the UK but hunger “stalks large parts” of the country.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday he said even families with jobs are being forced to turn to food banks to make ends meet.

He’s made the comments a day before a parliamentary report that sets out a blueprint to eliminate hunger in Britain by 2020 is published.

The archbishop has been supporting the report and said what he had seen in the UK, although less ‘serious’ than the situation in Africa, had shocked him more.

He said: “In one corner of a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo was a large marquee. Inside were children, all ill. They had been separated from family, friends, those who looked after them.

“Perhaps, mostly having disabilities, they had been abandoned in the panic of the militia attack that drove them from their homes. Now they were hungry.

“It was deeply shocking but, tragically, expected. A few weeks later in England, I was talking to some people – a mum, dad and one child – in a food bank.

“They were ashamed to be there. The dad talked miserably. He said they had each been skipping a day’s meals once a week in order to have more for the child, but then they needed new tyres for the car so they could get to work at night, and just could not make ends meet.

“So they had to come to a food bank. They were treated with respect, love even, by the volunteers from local churches. But they were hungry, and ashamed to be hungry.

“I found their plight more shocking. It was less serious, but it was here. And they weren’t careless with what they had – they were just up against it. It shocked me that being up against it at the wrong time brought them to this stage. There are many like them. But we can do something about it.”

The exact details of the parliamentry report is not known but it’s reported it could call for the government to extend free school meals to the holiday period.

Archbishop Justin also urged supermarkets to give food they could not sell to the poor rather than throw it away.

“At least some of the food being sent to the incinerator should be used as a force for good to help [the poor] out of the rut in which they find themselves,” he said.

He added: “We need to make it easier for food companies to give edible surplus food to charities and still encourage them to send inedible food for energy production.

“The big names in the food business have a moral obligation to communities. We need to make sure that the financial incentives in their industry don’t act against their moral instincts…Read More

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Disney’s ‘Christmas’ Billboard Alteration Sends Wrong Signals

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Disney’s ‘Christmas’ Billboard Alteration Sends Wrong Signals

If you are a Christian, would you greet your friends “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”?

For Eddie DelValle, a pastor of With Love Ministries, a small church in downtown Orlando, that is not the way to go, and for that reason, he’s saddened Disney has omitted the word “Christmas” from its billboard to celebrate its annual December party.

DelValle noticed Disney’s billboard “Mickey’s Very Merry Party” – with Christmas missing from the sign. The pastor told OneNewsNow that the Disney billboard always says “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” and he was surprised to see the change this year.

In response to the omission, DelValle made a series of calls to the employees of Disney to ask them about the billboard.

“They weren’t aware that the billboards did not have ‘Christmas’ on there,” DelValle told OneNewsNow.

Eventually, the pastor was able to talk to one of Disney’s employees who was familiar with the change on the billboard. DelValle said the employee told him that the company was trying a new marketing strategy.

The marketing strategy, the employee told DelValle, was designed to avoid offending non-Christians.

The Orlando pastor then explained to the employee that Christ – not Mickey – is the reason to celebrate the season and that it is called Christmas because it is Jesus’ birthday.

“Well, that was the purpose of my call: to [ask] Why do we even celebrate birthdays then?” DelValle relayed to OneNewsNow what he told the Disney employee. “You know, if I have a birthday, I would hope they would make me the guest of honour and mention my name at the birthday party.”

As a result, DelValle is encouraging everyone to rethink how they celebrate Christmas. He said he has no plan to spend money on going to Disney this year. He even suggested that Christians might consider spending their Christmas season somewhere else.

Meanwhile, DelValle is not the only person who noticed the missing Christmas. John Frost, a writer of no religious affiliation, wrote on Disney’s blog about the billboard and expressed his dissatisfaction.

Frost said he is 100 per cent in favour of Disney trying to be more inclusive in its marketing, contracting, hiring and story-telling. However, he also pointed out that the word Christmas is more important on the billboard and not less.

“You don’t cut the word Christmas out of your marketing and suddenly become more inclusive,” Frost wrote. “You do it by actually being more inclusive, celebrating additional holidays, recognising there are other cultures out there as valid and (often) more ancient than your own.”

Frost added that there is no excuse not to use the word Christmas to advertise a Christmas party.

Source and Original Content by CT

Polaroid Launches Instagram Camera

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Polaroid Launches Instagram Camera

Polaroid, a company that’s synonymous with old-school instant cameras, is bringing its products into the social media age with the Polaroid Socialmatic. Now available for preorder through Amazon, the Socialmatic combines a classic instant camera with the ability to upload your photos to your favorite social media platforms — including, yes, Instagram.

The camera, which is a dead ringer for that Instagram app icon on your smartphone, features a 14-megapixel main camera and comes with a 2 MP rear camera for taking selfies, because of course it does.

Thanks to its Android operating system and 4.5-inch display, the Socialmatic can also be used as a kind of smart camera, so you can browse the Web and access your email.

Perhaps more importantly, though, you can download your favorite social media apps including Facebook, Twitter, and, of course, Instagram, so you can upload your photos to the web as soon as you’re within range of an available Wi-Fi signal.

The Socialmatic also includes built-in Bluetooth and GPS, so you can connect the camera to your smartphone, as well as add location data to your images, which means you’ll easily be able to see where they were taken.

And with 4 GB of onboard storage, and a microSD card slot that lets you add an additional 32 GB of space, you can save a massive number of photos and videos on the Socialmatic.

The camera pumps out 2 × 3 photos that Polaroid says are water-resistant and smudge-proof, which is a huge improvement over those runny instant photos of yore. Stacks of photo paper for the Socialmatic are also fairly cheap at $15 for a stack of 50…Read More

polaroid instagram 2

Source and Original Content by Yahoo

Gospel Singer Andraé Crouch Hospitalised

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Gospel Singer Andraé Crouch Hospitalised

The “Let the Church Say Amen” Celebration Tour tribute concert has been cancelled after legendary Gospel artist and pioneer Andraé Crouch was unexpectedly hospitalised on December 1.

Riverphlo Entertainment, the company in-charge of the celebration tour, decided to pospone the performances and told ticket holders they can contact the venues for the events new schedules, according to a Nashville Publicity Group press release.

Family members of Crouch assured his fans that the Gospel artist is not in any form of danger.

“Andraé is talking and alert and resting comfortably,” Sandra Crouch, Andraé’s sister said in a statement. “On behalf of Andraé and the Crouch family, we appreciate your prayers for a quick and speedy recovery.”

Crouch, 72, has recently faced various health problems, including diabetes and cancer.

Crouch is a singer, a songwriter and producer, and is inducted in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

From 1975 to 1994, Crouch won seven Grammy Awards and from 1977 to 1997, he bagged six Dove Awards. Together with his music accolades, he has also worked in the movie industry with films like “A Time To Kill,” “The Color Purple” and “The Lion King.”

The celebration tour, comprised of an all-star cast, was supposed to begin on December 6 and pay tribute to Crouch’s contribution to the Gospel music industry. Top Gospel artists to be featured in the tour includedMarvin Sapp, CeCe Winans, Marvin Winans, Rance Allen, Israel Houghton, Marcus Cole, Gerald Albright, Keith Staten, Leon Timbo and Vonnie Lopez.

The Riverphlo company has decided to push the the concert back to April or May next year and promised ticket holders that it would announce a new schedule before Christmas.

Source and Content by Christian Today

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