The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor on this day: The path to true peace

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The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor on this day: The path to true peace

Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York.

The Statue of Liberty stands 305 feet on her majestic pedestal. This majestic copper statue was given by the people of France to the people of the United States. It was intended to be finished by 1876, the one-hundredth anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence, but fundraising efforts took longer than anticipated.

Lady Liberty is in the news today because it was on this day in 1885 that she arrived in New York Harbor. She was shipped from France across the Atlantic Ocean in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases, then reassembled.

The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, who modeled it after his own mother. He was assisted by engineer Gustave Eiffel, who later developed the iconic tower in Paris that bears his name.

Dubbed “Liberty Enlightening the World,” the statue was taller than any structure in New York City at the time. It was originally copper-colored but underwent a natural color-change process over the years that produced its current greenish-blue hue.

Ellis Island, located near Bedloe’s Island (which in 1956 was renamed Liberty Island) opened in 1892 as America’s chief immigration station. For the next sixty-two years, Lady Liberty stood watch over more than twelve million immigrants who sailed as she had into New York harbor.

My wife and I visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island a few years ago, making a memory we’ll have for the rest of our lives. I had seen the statue in movies and photos over the years, of course, and flown over it numerous times. But I had never seen it up close.

The statue portrays a proud woman dressed in a loose robe which cascades in graceful folds to the top of the pedestal on which she stands. In her right hand she holds a great torch raised high in the air. In her left arm she grasps a tablet bearing the date of the Declaration of Independence.

A crown…

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Woman with Down Syndrome Sues U.K. over Abortion Law that Targets Disabled Babies

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Woman with Down Syndrome Sues U.K. over Abortion Law that Targets Disabled Babies


Woman with Down Syndrome Sues U.K. over Abortion Law that Targets Disabled Babies

A 24-year-old British woman with Down syndrome is urging the government to change the current law so that unborn children with her genetic condition can’t be targeted with abortion.

Heidi Crowter, a political activist with Down syndrome, joined forces earlier this year with British mom Cheryl Bilsborrow in a lawsuit against the government over the abortion law in England, Wales and Scotland. (Bilsborrow has a child with Down syndrome.)

Although British abortion law is generally more restrictive than that in the U.S. – there is a 24-week-limit in the U.K. – it allows abortions up to the moment of birth if the baby has a disability, including Down syndrome, cleft lip or club foot.

Crowter and Bilsborrow have raised more than $50,000 USD on a crowdfunding website for their legal fees.

“Babies can be aborted right up to birth if they are considered to be ‘seriously handicapped,” Crowter said in a press release. “They include me in that definition of being seriously handicapped – just because I have an extra chromosome! Can you believe that? What it says to me is that my life just isn’t as valuable as others, and I don’t think that’s right. I think it’s downright discrimination.”

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, she noted, has criticized nations that allow abortion on the basis of disabilities.

Crowter’s campaign…

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Rev. Rolland Slade, First Black Chair of Southern Baptist Executive Committee, Elected

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Rev. Rolland Slade, First Black Chair of Southern Baptist Executive Committee, Elected


Rev. Rolland Slade, First Black Chair of Southern Baptist Executive Committee, Elected

(RNS) — The Rev. Rolland Slade, senior pastor of Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon, California, has been elected as the first African American chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, the group that runs the business of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination outside its annual meetings.

He was elected unanimously.

Slade was previously vice chairman of the Executive Committee and chair of its Cooperative Program Committee, which handles the denomination’s central funding mechanism.

He was nominated by Pastor Jared Wellman of Tates Spring Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.

“He’s next in line, you could argue, as the vice chair, but that’s not why I’m placing his name into nomination,” said Wellman during an online meeting of the committee on Tuesday (June 16). “I’m nominating him because he’s the first in line when it comes to following Jesus. Whether it’s serving his family, the needs of his community, the people of his church, or the SBC and its Cooperative Program, Pastor Rolland has always been first in line.”

The 61-year-old Slade is a San Diego native who was ordained in 1987. Prior to 2014 when he began his current pastorate, he helped start a church in an apartment complex, served as a missionary and started a Southern Baptist mentoring program for men. More recently he has been recognized for promoting…

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Louie Giglio Apologizes for Suggesting ‘White Privilege’ Be Changed to ‘White Blessing’

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Louie Giglio Apologizes for Suggesting ‘White Privilege’ Be Changed to ‘White Blessing’


Louie Giglio Apologizes for Suggesting ‘White Privilege’ Be Changed to ‘White Blessing’

Megachurch pastor Louie Giglio has apologized after suggesting the term ‘white privilege’ should change to ‘white blessing.’

The comment came during a discussion on race with Christian rapper Lecrae and Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy, according to Faithwire. Earlier this week a two-minute clip of the ‘white blessing’ suggestion hit the internet and went viral, eliciting strong criticism of Giglio. 

Tuesday afternoon, Giglio posted an apology video where he sought to clarify his intentions.

“I sincerely apologize for the phrase ‘white blessing,’” he said. “I want to help my white brothers and sisters understand that white privilege is real and in trying to get that sentiment across, I used the phrase ‘white blessing,’ for which I am deeply sorry. Horrible choice of words. It does not reflect my heart.”

He continued: “I and my white brothers and sisters sit in large part where we are today because of the centuries of gross injustice done to our black brothers and sisters.”

Louie Giglio

Other critics lashed out at Lecrae for not immediately pushing back during the interview. The rapper took to social media to respond.

“I wasn’t okay with it,” he said. “I was very uncomfortable, and I was processing, ‘man, what do I say in light of this?’ There have been a lot of times, as I’ve navigated white supremacy or racial injustice and I’ve wanted to lash…

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O. J. Simpson and Dylann Roof: The day I saw the white Ford Bronco and the prayer that can change everything

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O. J. Simpson and Dylann Roof: The day I saw the white Ford Bronco and the prayer that can change everything

In this June 17, 1994 photo, a white Ford Bronco, driven by Al Cowlings carrying O.J. Simpson, is trailed by Los Angeles police cars as it travels on a freeway in Los Angeles.

On this day in 1994, O. J. Simpson led police on a low-speed chase through the streets of Los Angeles.

His attorney informed him that morning that murder charges had been filed against him in the killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. That evening, he reportedly made a 911 call from a cellphone in the white Ford Bronco of his friend, Al Cowlings.

The California Highway Patrol then began pursuit of the vehicle. The Bronco led them onto the 405 Freeway in Torrance and eventually to Simpson’s home in Brentwood, where he surrendered.

Like millions of others, I watched the pursuit as it was broadcast on live television. But I never thought I would see the white Ford Bronco in person.

Last year, my wife and I were on vacation in the Smoky Mountains, one of our favorite places in the world. We stopped by a museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. And there we found the vehicle on display. Not a replica—the actual white Ford Bronco.

Now let’s turn to another event that occurred on this day five years ago.

On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. He joined parishioners for forty minutes of Bible study, then he gunned down nine of them. He reloaded seven times. His intention was to start a race war, as he later confessed to police. He was eventually sentenced to nine consecutive sentences of life in prison without parole.

I do not expect ever to meet O. J. Simpson or Dylann Roof. I can mourn the tragic deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson, Ronald Goldman, and nine precious lives lost in Charleston. And I can pray for those who mourn their deaths.

But I can do more than respond to the past—I can help create the future. So can you.

The prayer that can change…

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Zondervan Won’t Promote Chris Heuertz after Accusations of Sexual Harassment

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Zondervan Won’t Promote Chris Heuertz after Accusations of Sexual Harassment


Zondervan Won’t Promote Chris Heuertz after Accusations of Sexual Harassment

(RNS) — Zondervan, the Christian media and publishing company, is suspending promotion of two books and indefinitely halting a documentary by popular Enneagram teacher and best-selling author Christopher Heuertz after allegations by nearly three dozen people who saw or experienced “spiritual and psychological abuse” by him.

A spokesman for Zondervan said a foreword and endorsement written by popular social scientist Brené Brown would be removed from Heuertz’s latest book, “The Enneagram of Belonging: A Compassionate Journey of Self-Acceptance.”

The decision by Zondervan follows a public post on the platform Medium signed by 33 women and men who wrote that Heuertz “has harmed many people and we cannot remain silent anymore.” Many others have since corroborated the accusations and added their stories.

The June 10 post described a pattern of spiritual and psychological abuse by Heuertz, a liberal Christian active in social justice causes as well as the contemplative tradition borrowed from Catholicism. He is an expert on the Enneagram, a model of the human psyche based on nine personality types that has exploded in popularity in certain Christian circles.

Heuertz apologized publicly on his webpage, saying, “I failed to maintain suitable boundaries in some of my friendships with women.”

“We are suspending any promotion of ‘The Sacred Enneagram’ and ‘The…

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President Trump signs police reform order and Dr. Fauci predicts when we will return to ‘normal’: How awareness can lead to hope

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President Trump signs police reform order and Dr. Fauci predicts when we will return to ‘normal’: How awareness can lead to hope

President Trump signed an executive order on police reform yesterday. He stated that “chokeholds will be banned except if an officer’s life is at risk.” In addition, the federal government will provide funding for “co-responders” like social workers to help police officers deal with issues such as homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse.

The order also mandates that departments share information on officers accused of abusing power. The National Fraternal Order of Police praised the president’s action. 

In other news, Dr. Anthony Fauci told a British newspaper, “I would hope to get to some degree of real normality within a year or so. But I don’t think it’s this winter or fall.”

Two days that revealed the world 

March 11 was a day that changed the world. That was the day Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, announced they had been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and the day the NBA suspended its season. 

Actually, March 11 was the day when the world became aware of a reality that already existed. A disease that began in China the previous year has now infected more than eight million people and caused more than 443,000 deaths as of this morning. 

May 25 was a second day that changed the world. That was the day George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. The response to his tragic death has become a global movement to combat racism in all its forms. 

Actually, May 25 was the day when the world became aware of a reality that already existed. African slaves were first imported into what we know as America four hundred years earlier. Racial minorities have been dealing with discrimination for centuries. 

Awareness of racism in the past 

If you’re like most of us, you wish we were making more progress than we are on both fronts. To that end, let’s consider a call issued last Sunday by former New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson at an event he…

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10 Findings about Church Membership Classes

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Several years ago, I completed a study and wrote a book about church membership classes. Since that time, I’ve continued to watch and listen as more and more churches develop a membership class. Here are several of the findings of that ongoing research:

  1. Some folks will disagree with having a membership class. Arguments vary from “There aren’t membership classes in the Bible” to “That’ll lower our number of new members,” but it’s likely somebody will question the necessity of this class.
  2. Well-designed membership classes are worth the effort. I’ve talked with leaders who regretted some aspect of their class (poor leadership, bad scheduling, too long or too short, etc.), but I’ve not heard a leader say, “We simply should have never had a class.” Many leaders have said, “We should have done it sooner.”
  3. Some other activity may need to be shelved to make room for this class. Because this class is important, it deserves priority of staffing and scheduling. Even if the church schedule is clear, involved staff may need to say “no” to something else to participate.
  4. Personally recruiting for the class is not a bad idea. Some attendees will come because they are ready to make a commitment to the church. Other attendees who are, in Josh Harris’ terms “dating the church,” may not take that step. Some of the same folks, though, will attend if they receive a personal invite from a church leader.
  5. The pastor/primary preacher needs to be involved. Class attendees have…

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Israel Moves Forward with Housing Settlement Named after President Trump

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Israel Moves Forward with Housing Settlement Named after President Trump


Israel Moves Forward with Housing Settlement Named after President Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at a cabinet meeting over the weekend that Israel is preparing to start a new housing development in the Golan Heights named after President Donald Trump.

According to CBN News, Settlement Minister Tzipi Hotovely also confirmed the move on Facebook, saying the community will be named “Ramat Trump,” which is Hebrew for “Trump Heights.”

Israel claimed the formerly Syrian Golan Heights after a war in 1967. They formally annexed the region in 1981. According to Time Magazine, most of the “international community” believes the annexation is illegal “under international law.” However, Trump signed an executive order in March 2019 stating that the United States recognized the Golan Heights as Israeli territory.

During the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said his nation would “begin practical steps in establishing the community of Ramat Trump on the Golan Heights, Israel’s sovereignty over which was recognized by President Trump.

Trump made the announcement during a Netanyahu visit to the United States in the leadup to last year’s elections in Israel. Netanyahu announced the decision to name the new settlement after Trump on the President’s 74th birthday. Netanyahu tweeted, “Happy Birthday President @realDonaldTrump! You’ve been an INCREDIBLE friend to Israel and you’ve done extraordinary things for the Jewish state for…

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New Study Shows Significant Increase in Teaching of Evolution over Creationism in Public Schools

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New Study Shows Significant Increase in Teaching of Evolution over Creationism in Public Schools


New Study Shows Significant Increase in Teaching of Evolution over Creationism in Public Schools

Over the last 12 years, the teaching of creationism in public high schools across the U.S. has declined while the time devoted to teaching the theory of evolution has sharply increased, a new study finds.

The study, titled “Teaching evolution in U.S. public schools: a continuing challenge,” was released by Evolution: Education and Outreach, a peer-reviewed journal that seeks to advocate for the comprehensive teaching of evolutionary theory, last week.

According to the Christian Post the study was conducted by political science professor Eric Plutzer of Penn State University alongside Glenn Branch and Anne Reid from the National Center for Science Education, a California nonprofit that equips teachers in teaching evolution and climate change.

The study relied on surveys of 752 public high school biology teachers.

The NCSE noted that the study was meant to “replicate a similar national survey that Plutzer and his colleagues conducted in 2007.”

The 2019 study found that from 2007 to 2019 in U.S. public schools, there was a 60 percent increase in the average number of class hours geared towards teaching evolution and a seven percent increase in teachers who chose not to teach on creationism or intelligent design at all.

“We find a 60 percent increase in the mean number of class hours reported as devoted to human evolution, from 4.1 to 7.7 class hours,” the…

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