Church video shows gunman’s murderous rampage

An official said the video is consistent with what witnesses attending the service said about the actions of Devin Patrick Kelley during the massacre which left 26 people dead, eight of them children.

News of the grisly video emerged as authorities released an official list of the dead.

Eight male victims and 17 female victims ranging in age from one to 77 were on the Texas Department of Public Safety list which also includes the unborn baby of Crystal Holcombe, identified on the list as Carlin Brite “Billy Bob” Holcombe, age 0 and gender unknown.

The remaining eight victims were children and teenagers ranging in age from one to 16 years old.

Authorities said one of the children died at a San Antonio-area hospital. The remaining victims all died at the scene.

 

Details of the dead came after it became clear that authorities missed at least three opportunities that might have offered law enforcement a way to stop Kelley from having access to guns long before he slaughtered much of the congregation in the middle of the service in Sutherland Springs.

Police recovered a Ruger AR-556 rifle at the church and two handguns from the shooter’s vehicle. All three weapons were purchased by Kelley, said Fred Milanowski, the agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston.

Kelley, 26, shot himself after a car chase by two local residents.

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Take a Peek Inside ‘Luther 1517’ 360 Degree Panorama in Wittenberg

(Photo: The Christian Post)The exterior of the W360 Luther 1517 panorama by artist Yadegar Asisi in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 30, 2017.

WITTENBERG, Germany — A 360 degree panorama exhibit puts on display what the town might have looked like in 1517, marking five centuries since the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

A 15×75 meter circular work constructed a short distance away from the main street in the city made famous by Martin Luther, artist Yadegar Asisi painted the town complete with characters from that time period. Martin Luther appears several times in the panorama along with other Reformation-era figures, Elector Frederick the Wise, the painter Lucas Cranach, Luther’s colleague Philip Melanchton, and Luther’s wife, Katharine von Bora.

Thousands have taken part in the panoramic experience and as visitors walk through the building accompanying music by film composer Eric Babak and sound effects reflecting the era emanate from speakers. Situated in the center of the panorama is an observatory deck where visitors can take it all in.

Camilo Seifert, a self-described “Saxon Lutheran” and the general manager of the W360 panorama, described it in an interview with The Christian Post last week as a “singular experience” that is “a dive into another epoch.”

The Wittenberg panorama will be open for pilgrims and other visitors through Oct. 31, 2021.

Here’s a sneak peek inside the panoramic experience.

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Met Gala will have a Catholic theme for 2018 show

Guests will arrive to the New York annual fundraising gala dressed in their – or their chosen designer’s interpretation of the religion.

Known as the Oscars of the fashion industry, the ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’, is expected in usual fashion to attract a wide range of stars.

According to Vogue, the theme seeks “to create a dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art” and will include “papal garb on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican”.

The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has confirmed that works by Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Versace will be included in the 150-piece exhibition, which will run from 10th May to 8th October 2018.

 

Andrew Bolton is the curator and reportedly worked closely with the Vatican to ensure the theme is approached with authenticity.

However, the Guardian reports that he had no contact with Pope Francis.

Bolton said in a statement: “Fashion and religion have long been intertwined, mutually inspiring and informing one another.

“Although this relationship has been complex and sometimes contested, it has produced some of the most inventive and innovative creations in the history of fashion.

“Beauty has often been a bridge between believers and unbelievers.”

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Previous themes have included ‘Anglo-Mania: Tradition and…

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Christian charity heads to court over euthanasia ‘injustice’

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium, but Tom Mortier said even though his mother had severe depression, she was deemed physically healthy by her long time doctor and should not have been killed.

It’s been claimed that Belgian authorities took advantage of his mother’s vulnerable state when she sought for another doctor who agreed with allowing a lethal injection.

Mortier said: “The big problem in our society is that apparently we have lost the meaning of taking care of each other.

“The oncologist who administered the injection nor the hospital had informed neither me or any of my siblings that our mother was even considering euthanasia.

“I found out a day later when I was contacted by the hospital, asking me to take care of the practicalities.”

Laurence Wilkinson from ADF told Premier Christians should pay attention to the case because the right to life as well as protecting the weak and vulnerable in society is at stake.

He said: “I don’t think we should stand around when we see serious miscarriages of justice and see people being killed because of failure of safeguards.

“Also in this particular case you look at Tom, he’s lost his mother and he’s had no opportunity to do anything about that.

“If the court recognises there has been a failure on the part of the Belgian authorities, that would be hugely significant because currently the situation in Belgium is one that doesn’t even acknowledge that anything has…

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Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily November 9, 2017 devotional: True Comfort

Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily November 9, 2017 devotional: True Comfort

Today’s Scripture: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” – (Isaiah 66:13, NIV)

Topic: True Comfort [Thursday November 9, 2017]

Oftentimes when people face challenges, their natural tendency is to seek comfort in things that are familiar. It may be work, an activity or relationships; and of course, we all know about “comfort food.” But those things only bring temporary comfort. True comfort is only found in a relationship with Jesus.

According to Webster’s dictionary, comfort means to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble. No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence. Turn to Him. Receive His love. Let go of things that would hold you back. Let Him heal your heart and give you strength for the future. Let Him empower you to rise up and overcome every obstacle in Jesus’ name!

A Prayer for Today: “Father in heaven, I come to You today and invite You to fill my whole being. Give me Your comfort and strength and empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live in the victory You have planned for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

From Joel Osteen Ministries.


Tweet about transgender legislator provokes anger

Tuesday night, Danica Roem became the first openly transgender state legislator in US history. She is one of more than twenty transgender people running for public office this year.

I have written on the issue of transgender rights in a Daily Article and devoted a chapter to the subject in my recent book, 7 Critical Issues. My purpose today is not to address this topic per se, but to explore one particular response to Roem’s historic election.

A tweet that created a firestorm

Andrew T. Walker is Director of Policy Studies for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. After the election, he sent this tweet: “Christian parents, the nation’s first transgender elected official enters into American history tonight. What are you doing to prepare your children for this new world?”

Time magazine chose to make a story out of negative reactions to his question. A “Jewish parent” called Walker a “narrow-minded hate-filled bigot.” Another responder called him a “bigot” as well. Others categorized him with “fear mongers” and “hateful followers who twist everything Christ stood for.”

I have not met Andrew Walker, but everything I have read by and about him depicts a person who is the opposite of bigoted and hateful. He is brilliant and thoughtful, with a deep passion for Jesus and his kingdom.

His question is legitimate: the first openly transgender person to be elected to a state legislature is indeed indicative of a “new world.” Preparing our children to navigate this culture is the job of every Christian parent. In no sense was his tweet hateful or bigoted.

However, we live in a culture which brands anyone who does not champion its relativistic morality as intolerant and prejudiced. As I noted yesterday, the tide of antagonism against traditional morality is continuing to rise. More than ever, American Christians find ourselves on the defensive, seeking to serve Jesus in a world that rejects…

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Trailblazing bishop in Ripon move

Currently the Bishop of Waikato, the new position will require Dr Helen-Ann to relocate than 11,000 miles away from her current home in New Zealand.

Raised in Sunderland, Dr Helen-Ann told Premier the move feels like “a return” for her, and also for her husband, whose family come from Cumbria.

 

She said: “For both of us, this is very much a return [or] a coming home in really deep sense, so it’s really good to be back in the North.”

Born in Edinburgh, the 44 year old was ordained as a priest in 2006 and became first female bishop in the international Anglican Church in 2014 – before the Church of England had passed legislation pathing the way for women bishops.

Describing her style of leadership, Dr Helen-Ann said: “I’m used to getting my wellington boots on… and having a walk around; feet-on-the-ground is how I like to be a bishop, getting to know the people and places.”

Succeeding Bishop James Bell, who retired earlier this year, an installation service for Dr Helen-Ann will be held at Ripon Cathedral on 4th February 2018.

Dr Helen-Ann added: “It [the bishop role] just seemed like such an amazing fit.

“I think that the way I’ve been able to come into this role, at every step, it’s felt like God has been calling me and the Holy Spirt has been very much moving and enabling this to happen – which I rejoice in very much.”

Click here to listen to a special report by Premier’s Ian Britton:

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