JEFFERSON CITY – Much of the state’s public policy may be contingent on the outcome of two liquor control bills before the General Assembly which address liquor law regulations struck down earlier by a federal judge. Kerry Messer, lobbyist for Missouri Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission, said Missouri Baptist churches should take note and, preferably take action. Missouri’s regulatory structure divides the industry into three basic categories – producers, distributors and … [Read more...]
Gambling expansion possible
JEFFERSON CITY – The legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) said it is imperative that Missouri Baptists become involved in two issues during the current General Assembly that involve the gambling industry. Kerry Messer, president of Missouri Family Network which provides lobbying services for the MBC’s Christian Life Commission, reported that the state lottery is hoping to expand its offerings without going through the formal legislative process. He also reported … [Read more...]
When did it become unconstitutional?
Perhaps the most important question asked in the Supreme Court during the two days of argument on gay marriage was a rhetorical question posed by Associate Justice Antonin Scalia to pro-gay marriage attorney Ted Olson. “When did it become unconstitutional to exclude homosexual couples from marriage?” Implicit in the question “when did it change” is the question “who changed it?” The answer to those questions exposes the fundamental difference between two competing worldviews in the … [Read more...]
A mother finally finds peace, forgiveness following abortion
COLUMBIA — In 1974, Rhonda Porter got an abortion. It was legal. It was simple. It was done. “I believed there was nothing wrong with it,” she said. Now she is a mother of four and a grandmother of five who has become a Christian. At 59, she is a member of Open Heart Baptist Church who prays for God to save babies at the local abortion clinic. Her ministry to the church uplifts forgiveness, the releasing of pain, and the healing hand of a God who eases sorrow. “I feel that people who … [Read more...]
‘Is homosexuality the worst sin?’
A few years ago I joined leaders of LifeWay Christian Resources in a meeting with executives of a Nashville TV station. They were preparing to launch a new program catering to gays and lesbians. We asked them to reconsider. Among the TV executives was a lesbian. She wanted to know why Christians couldn’t just accept her for who she is. It was the only time I recall speaking up, and I said something like this: “I accept you for who you are, if you accept me. We are both sinners who … [Read more...]
Religious liberty of child care providers threatened
JEFFERSON CITY – Church child care ministries will no longer be exempt from government regulations if a bill filed by Rep. Jeremy LaFaver, D-Waldo, becomes state law. “House Bill 493 is a threat to religious liberties,” said Kerry Messer, lobbyist for Missouri Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission. The question of licensing such ministries has been a recurrent effort in the Missouri General Assembly, but Messer calls HB 493 “the most direct frontal assault on church child care … [Read more...]
Undecided Koster ponders appeal in religious liberty case
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has yet to announce his decision on whether he will order an appeal of a U.S. District Court decision that struck down Senate Bill 749, which has been affirmed by many Christians in Missouri as non-negotiable in the fight to protect religious liberty. Koster has until April 12 to decide, the Associated Press reported. At stake is the status of a new law that is designed to protect the religious liberty of Missouri citizens who do not … [Read more...]
Lawmakers consider rights protection measures
JEFFERSON CITY–The rights of parents and health care workers are being addressed in bills recently filed with the Missouri General Assembly. Speaker of the House Timothy Jones, R-Eureka, is sponsoring House Bill 457 (HB 457), which seeks to protect the conscience rights of health care workers who decline to participate in medical procedures or research that violates their consciences. Jones is joined by 57 other representatives in sponsorship of the bill. “The bill protects employees in … [Read more...]
Missouri layman lead counsel in religious liberty / Obamacare win
JEFFERSON CITY – A Missouri-based plumbing products manufacturer, whose lead legal counsel is a Missouri Baptist layman, has won the opening legal battle over whether the company must comply with the ObamaCare mandate and provide abortion-inducing drugs in its health care coverage to its employees, even though it violates the conscience of the company’s owners. Kansas City-based Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., does not have to immediately comply with the ObamaCare mandate until the 8th U.S. … [Read more...]
Pro-life pastor, lawmaker stands strong
JEFFERSON CITY – Rep. John McCaherty, R-Murphy and pastor of First Baptist Church, Murphy, and 41 other members of the Missouri House of Representatives believe that a mother should not be coerced into having an abortion simply because she wants a child of the opposite sex. They have joined together to sponsor House Bill 386 (HB 386) which would also protect unborn babies who have been diagnosed with possible physical or mental disabilities. “We are trying to stop the sales process,” … [Read more...]
‘Daycare Bill’ could impact churches’ childcare exemptions
JEFFERSON CITY – A bill in committee would force Missouri Baptist churches that offer daycares to become licensed or shut down that portion of their ministry. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy LaFaver, a Democrat from Jackson County, strikes current portions of Missouri law which exempt churches from those that must be licensed to offer day care. Removing those exemptions and forcing licensure would make children safer, LaFaver testified, noting that some church-based daycares have become … [Read more...]
Intersection of hot issues: For faith, public policy, media
Missouri’s legal definition of spouse is being challenged in court after the surviving “partner” of a deceased police officer filed a lawsuit seeking death benefits. The benefits are being denied under state law because of Missouri’s definition of “spouse” as being either a man or a woman. The lawsuit involves two homosexual men. Their attorney argues that the two men had a long-term relationship and that the surviving man should receive survivor benefits. The Missouri case is similar to … [Read more...]