Despite Threat of Lawsuits, Fire Chief Refuses to Remove ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ Sign

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Despite Threat of Lawsuits, Fire Chief Refuses to Remove ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ Sign

Despite numerous complaints and threatened lawsuits from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), fire chief Russell Brooks said Firehouse No. 4 in South Utica, New York will keep its “Happy Birthday Jesus” sign.

Brooks received multiple letters from the organisation asking him to remove the “Happy Birthday Jesus, We Love You” placard from outside the firehouse. The Station 4 firefighters have been putting up the sign every Christmas season for about a decade now.

According to Brooks, the firefighters started the tradition after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“9/11 brought a lot of the guys closer to God, and they just wanted to show their faith in Jesus,” Brooks said. “They had no idea a controversy would arise.”

The FFRF, an organisation founded in Wisconsin in 1978, was formed to keep religion and government separate. A spokesperson for the group said that the sign was brought to their attention by a Utica resident who called them to complain about it.

According to Syracuse.com, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor released a statement saying that an estimated 20 per cent of Utica citizens, including some firefighters, are nonreligious, while others follow non-Christian faiths.

“The Utica Fire Department should not send them this exclusionary and alienating message,” Gaylor said. “How would Brooks feel if his local government put up a sign saying, ‘Happy Birthday, Mohammed. We love you!’? This sign is equally inappropriate because government bodies should not take sides on religion.”

Brooks however is baffled as to why his firehouse’s sign has been singled out by the church-state separation advocates, reported CBS Connecticut. He said that other emergency service stations have similar displays.

“Pledge of Allegiance has God in it, money has God on it,” the fire chief further pointed out. “This case isn’t unique.”

Brooks said the Thomas More Law Center, a Christian nonprofit law firm, has vowed to take the case to court pro-bono if the FRFF decides to pursue legal action against the fire department.

The fire chief said that the law firm has previously advised him that “we were well within our rights to display our Christmas sign.”

Source and Original Content by CT

Pastor Gives Away over 10,000 ‘Christmas is all about Jesus’ Signs

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Pastor Gives Away over 10,000 ‘Christmas is all about Jesus’ Signs

Pastor Jimmy Terry has given away over 11,000 “Christmas is all about Jesus” yard signs in his campaign to put Christ back in Christmas.

The Clarksville pastor paid $30,000 for 10,000 signs in November, but gave them all away after his story made national news.

“That 10,000 went just like that,” Terry said, snapping his fingers.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church leader felt that even Christians had lost the meaning of Christmas, and wanted to put Jesus on the hearts and minds of all who saw the signs.

“Christmas is no longer about Jesus Christ,” he told The Leaf-Chronicle last month. “It’s all about materialism. These yard signs are just one way we can help keep Christ in Christmas.”

The pastor said the holidays have become more and more commercialised, and the materialism is a distraction to the true meaning of the season.

“It is a holiday, but first and foremost, it is a holy day,” Terry insisted. “Christmas is not supposed to be about Black Friday and the success of America’s retail stores.

“But, that is what Christmas is all about and has been for too long. The public is obsessed with buying that ideal gift for someone. That is deeply troubling to me.”

The signs were paid for by donations, and were initially placed in front of businesses and churches across Tennessee. After his story spread, however, people in Georgia, Alabama, Illinois, and other states contacted him to receive signs.

Now, he is considering sign campaigns for the next Christian holiday.

“I’m still dreaming up ways now,” Pastor Terry said. “What else can I do for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? I’m waiting for Easter. I’m waiting for Easter now.”

Terry has received $13,000-$14,000 in donations towards his signs, and is relying on his faith to recoup the balance.

Source and Original Content by CT

Archbishop Calls for Step Up in Security after Pakistan School Massacre

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Archbishop Calls for Step Up in Security after Pakistan School Massacre

Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi says the Peshawar attack shows the Taliban “will stop at nothing now”.

The leader of Catholics in the country has urged the government to increase security, arguing that the terror threat to schools, hospitals, churches, mosques and other public places has grown.

During an interview with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) he said the attack, which killed over a hundred children, was “a sign of desperation”, adding:

“The Taliban are prepared to carry out brutal attacks, killing school children, shooting them in the head. They will stop at nothing now.

“They should be increasing security in public places. We are dealing here with people who have no conscience; It is just blind hatred.”

“The Taliban are wanting to show [the military] that they can hit the [army’s] children and all their families. Their message is: ‘We can get you in your own territory’.”
“I don’t think it was a show of strength. It is more likely to be a last ditch attempt to show what they can do.”

Archbishop Coutts, who is President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, has called on Christians to pray for the 141 victims of the attack earlier this week, and also for peace:

“It is the duty of every Christian to be a promoter of peace, reconciliation, harmony and unity … work[ing] together with fellow citizens [so] that Pakistan may be free from the scourge of violence and terrorism.”

He called on church communities to “celebrate Christmas in a sober manner as a mark of respect for all victim[s] of terror attacks”, adding:

“On the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, all Christians must pray fervently for peace.”

In a statement, Archbishop Coutts also asked Christians to remember those persecuted in Pakistan, such as Christian couple Shama Bibi and Sajjad Maseeh, who were burned to death earlier this month for alleged blasphemy…Read More

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Bill to Fast-Track Women Bishops into House of Lords Passed

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Bill to Fast-Track Women Bishops into House of Lords Passed

A bill to fast-track women bishops into the House of Lords was introduced in Parliament yesterday.

The legislation proposes that the 21 “spiritual” seats be given to women bishops as they become available, rather than to the longest-serving bishop as is currently law. This provision would remain in place for 10 years.

Constitution minister Sam Gymiah explained in a statement to MPs that unless the current law is changed, “it would be many years before women bishops were represented in the Lords”.

“With the way clear for the first women to be appointed, it is right that those women should be among the bishops who occupy seats in the House of Lords (known as Lords Spiritual),” Gymiah said.

“The government’s bill, which is supported by the Church of England, proposes a modification of this rule for the next 10 years, so that if a female bishop is available when a Lords Spiritual seat becomes vacant, they will automatically be appointed to the House of Lords.”

Gymiah added that were no female bishop available, the vacant seat would be given to the next most senior male bishop, as is the current custom.

The Church of England has welcomed the Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill. Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens, who is convenor of bishops in the House of Lords said women bishops would “enrich and strengthen the leadership of the Church of England”.

“We are very confident that they will also enrich and strengthen our voice in the House of Lords,” he added.

“We have reason to suppose that this is supported from all sides of both Houses and we are grateful to the business managers for making time to get this minor amendment to the law in place as soon as possible…Read More

Source and Original Content by CT

Pass the Light

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Pass the Light

Pass the Light – Steve Bellafiore (played by Cameron Palatas) is a very special kid; he’s a bright, religiously devout teen who yearns to become a football starter and works twice as hard as his high school peers to accomplish that goal.

Steve’s work ethic and kindness radiate through his life. Currently upset by his parents’ seeming estrangement, Steve is even more disturbed by the message of hatred and intolerance espoused by Franklin Baumann (played by Jon Gries), a candidate for Congress. Steve wants to make the point that Baumann’s exclusionary and fear-based doctrine has very little to do with his Christian perception of Christ’s teachings.

In retaliation, Steve announces his own candidacy for Congress. What begins as a tiny movement soon grows into a phenomenon, as people throughout the area embrace Steve and his Faith Crusade, whose “Pass the Light” campaign unites the community as never before.

Source and Original Content by CFDB

Movie: Just A Measure of Faith

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Movie: Just A Measure of Faith

This movie is based on one man’s faith. Husband and good friend Jacob handles all the challenges alone, refusing to allow God to help. His wife, Kayla, a strong believer tries to help overcome both of their problems and lead him in the direction of Faith. With their close knit community along with family, friends and the church, Jacob and Kayla will find the love and support they need.

This dynamic power duo for God is on the move in the Christian entertainment business. Husband and wife team, Mechelle and Marlon Wilson are the owners of M&M Films. Their primary mission is to create films and plays that addresses today s social issues and problems. We have noticed that today s society is weakened by economical conditions that sometimes lead to problems in today s families, which causes decreases stability. Our plays and films are intended to uplift the spirit and provide answers of hope to those who may be experiencing spiritual problems.

M&M Films faced the challenge of finding the right Producer/Director and production company that would give their film the proper look feel,and enhance the experience in delivering their message. They were impressed with the experience and knowledge of Memphis award winning film maker Larry LC Clark and formed a partnership to bring Just A Measure of Faith to life. M&M Films is determined to make a difference in the lives of families all across America and are proud to present this film to the public.

Source and Original Content by CFDB

Rise in Persecution of Religious Minorities in India Calls for Concern

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Rise in Persecution of Religious Minorities in India Calls for Concern

The rise in attacks by Hindu radicals against members of minority religions in India, primarily Christians and Muslims, is drawing concern across the country, with many calling for more concrete government action.

Since May, there have been a “recorded 34 cases of physical and structural violence against the Christian community (among a) total of about 600 cases reported by the media, most of them against Muslims,” Dr. John Dayal told CNA Dec. 12.

“The violence has increased exponentially since then. The government has admitted in parliament that there have been more than 560 cases of violence against religious minorities this year, in which at least 110 persons have been killed,” he said, noting that there have probably been more cases which have gone unreported.

Dayal, a member of the Indian government’s National Integration Council and former National President of the India Catholic Union, said most of the violence has been incited by the radical Hindu group Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, also referred to as the RSS, or the “the Sangh.”

The group, which Dayal referred to as an “extremely fundamentalist and often violent political organization,” sits on the right-wing and has no official, legal registration in India. However they maintain strong ties with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

BBC News reports that the RSS, established in 1925 with the goal of establishing “Hindutva,” or “Hindu-ness,” has been banned three times in post-independence India, with all three bans eventually being lifted.

The agency states that the group’s critics often refer to them as a sectarian, militant group, who believe in the supremacy of Hindus, and that “preaches hate” against Muslim and Christian minorities.

Among the violent acts carried out against minorities are the barring of Christians from entering certain Hindu villages in India’s Chhattisgarh state, attacks against persons and church property, and the forced conversion of Muslims and Christians to Hinduism.

When Christians of the Madota village were summed by local officials to an October meeting in order to discuss the resolution of the bans in their district, none of the officials showed up, the Christian Daily reports.

After waiting some time, a group of Hindu extremists entered the village and started to beat 15 of the persons gathered, sending 12 to the hospital, seven of whom had serious injuries.

Reports were also made of an arson on a Catholic church in the Indian capital of Dehli.

Concern has arisen that the increasing number of attacks enacted by the RSS are on the rise due to the May election of Narendra Modi as India’s Prime Minister. Having been a full-time worker with the group, many are concerned that Modi is giving them a free pass.

Although Modi has been informed of the incidents on numerous occasions, he “has given no indication by word or deed that he means to curb these elements and non-state actors and their hostility toward religious minorities,” Dayal explained.

“Despite our several appeals to him in recent weeks, (Mr. Modi) has remained silent on attacks in churches in Delhi and Chhattisgarh (and) the forcible conversion of Muslims in several villages of the state of Uttar Pradesh by members of the RSS group,” he said, noting that the “conversions” were taped, and have dominated local and national news outlets.

Earlier this week, police in Uttar Pradesh stated they would not allow Hindu nationalists to hold a conversion ceremony which had been planned for Dec. 25…Read More

Source and Original Content by CNA

Irish Based Nigerian Gospel Singer, Yetunde Joyce Honoured At The AfricaWorld PAN 2014 Awards In Dublin

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Irish Based Nigerian Gospel Singer, Yetunde Joyce Honoured At The AfricaWorld PAN 2014 Awards In Dublin

Ireland based Gospel singer Yetunde Joyce is all revved up as she just won an award for outstanding contribution and exceptional commitment to the Irish community in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday 14th of December 2014.

The AfricaWorld PAN 2014 Award is yearly and power-driven by AfricaWorld TV and AfricaWorld Newspaper which promotes top News, Entertainment and Lifestyle.

Yetunde Joyce recently released her latest single titled “Lift Him High” produced by Wole Oni. She is Ireland’s National Coordinator for Women of African Origin in Music Ministry (WAOMM). She is passionate about the unity between couples, hence she recently became the host of the radio show “Language of Love” on TNI Radio and has a forum – Loving and Affectionate Couple.

Congrats to Yetunde Joyce as she adds another feather to her hat!

Source and Original Content by Just Gospel

Homeless Receive 400 ‘Vatican Sleeping Bags’ from Pope

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Homeless Receive 400 ‘Vatican Sleeping Bags’ from Pope

The bags, printed with the papal coat of arms, have been distributed to mark Pope Francis’s birthday.

The sleeping bags, which bear the papal crown above a pair of crossed keys, have been given to homeless people sleeping rough on the streets of Rome.

Volunteers, including Swiss Guards and nuns, went around the city in a minibus to distribute them as a gesture to mark Pope Francis’ 78th birthday on Wednesday.

The operation was overseen by the Pope’s chief alms giver, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who is responsible for distributing charitable funds from the Holy See.

He also installed showers last month by the entrance to St Peter’s Basilica after being inspired by a homeless man he met.

When he invited the man for dinner, he responded “I can’t, because I stink”. Archbishop Krajewski said:

“I took him to dinner anyway. While we were eating he explained that for the homeless in Rome it was not difficult to find something to eat, but what they really lacked was a place to wash.”

Volunteers who distributed the new sleeping bags to some of Rome’s estimated 8,000 homeless, reportedly said:

“This is a gift for you from the Pope on the occasion of his birthday, we ask you to pray for him.”

Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio

Reality Show: Pastor takes 8-Minute Message to Prostitutes in Hotels

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Reality Show: Pastor takes 8-Minute Message to Prostitutes in Hotels

A former cop turned pastor is taking his influence to the streets in a new reality show for A&E.

The network that brought you Duck Dynasty is now telling the story of Kevin Brown, a pastor who surprises escorts in their hotel rooms and takes eight minutes to try to convince them to give up their lives as prostitutes, according to Entertainment Weekly.

“This is one of those great shows that was actually happening whether anybody was shooting it or not,” Executive Producer Tom Forman tells EW. “Brown told his congregation that for 20 years he’s had to arrest these women when what he’s really wanted to do is help them. It launched a drive within his church to run these undercover operations. We read that and thought somebody should put a camera on this, it’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever heard.”

According to EW, Brown specifically targets those who are forced into a life of prostitution and trafficking. “Even if this all seems OK to you right now, it’s quickly going to become something very different,” he tells them.

A former prostitute will then join Brown, saying, “I was right where you are, I was scared my pimp would find out and beat me, I didn’t know if I could trust [Brown], I didn’t like the idea of leaving my stuff behind and running away in the middle of the night, but I said yes and my life has never been the same,” according to EW.

To promote their rescuing efforts, Brown co-founded Safe Passage OC with another former police officer, Greg Reece. The team, which includes former prostitutes, has about a 50 percent success rate, with some women anxious to leave and others wanting to stay. They use backpage.com to contact the women and let God do the rest.

“I love the intersection of drama and transformation and faith—without making an overtly faith-based show. This is a church group … these are real people giving up weeks of their lives and putting themselves at real risk to save somebody who hasn’t asked for their help. I’m blown away by what they do,” Forman tells the International Business Times.

The series was inspired by a Los Angeles Times article.

Source and Original Content by Charisma News

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