WASHINGTON -- In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court today redefined marriage, ruling that same-sex couples may now marry in all 50 states. The ruling overrides Missouri’s Constitution which defines marriage as being only between a man and a woman. Reaction from religious leaders and supporters of traditional marriage was swift. Don Hinkle, Pathway editor and director of public policy for the Missouri Baptist Convention called the decision “a travesty. Marriage is not even … [Read more...]
Mule muffins: A liberal’s view of Christians, politics
There seems no end to the cacophony of liberals in the media demanding that there be no biblical influence on government. One of the most recent is David Rosman, columnist for The Missourian in Columbia, in his column, “Forcing religion into government is wrong.” To make his point, Rosman cites two instances where it was apparently attempted. The first was Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia requesting a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The church wanted to resurface … [Read more...]
Springfield voters overturn ’gay rights’ ordinance
SPRINGFIELD – In a tight race that showed the value of a vote, Springfield citizens April 7 narrowly repealed a sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) ordinance enacted by the city council last fall that critics said endangered privacy and religious liberty and was unnecessary. The “Yes” votes to repeal totaled 15,347 compared to 14,493 “No” votes, or 51.4 percent to 48.6 percent. Out of more than 29,000 votes, 854 made the difference in returning the city code on the issue to the … [Read more...]
LGBT discrimination law lurking in General Assembly
President Obama recently ordered the opening of the White House’s first gender-neutral restroom in what is seen as a symbolic step by the president to extend rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the workplace. No surprise there – and get ready. More is on the way as emboldened – and often intolerant – LGBT advocates seek legal avenues to force acceptance of their lifestyle on American society. They go the legal route to get what they cannot get at the … [Read more...]
Churches urged to call solemn assemblies on courthouse steps
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist pastors and church leaders are being called to conduct a solemn assembly on their county’s courthouse steps on May 7. It is timed with the National Day of Prayer, conducted the first Thursday of May each year. The call has been issued by Mark Snowden who serves Missouri Baptist as strategist for Prayer for Revival and Spiritual Awakening. “Followers of Jesus have a tremendous opportunity to pray anytime, but particularly on this special day for spiritual … [Read more...]
Ministry aims to transform Ferguson
FERGUSON – Changing the streets of unrest in Ferguson to streets of love and ministry is the ultimate goal of Adopt a Block, a plan sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. A recent workshop for training was held at First Baptist Church here. “It is a good, simple plan,” Stoney Shaw, pastor of FBC Ferguson, said. “We are concerned about the people around our church. We want to join with other churches and minister. Walking the streets and praying is a simple yet powerful … [Read more...]
Springfield gears up for ‘gay rights’ vote
SPRINGFIELD – Citizens of Springfield will vote ‘yes’ April 7 to restore religious liberty protections or ‘no’ to keep an “equal rights” ordinance that extends nondiscrimination protection to include sexual orientation and “gender identity.” Critics of the ordinance say Missouri has laws already on the books offering protections, and that the ordinance goes too far at the expense of religious liberty. The city’s council voted 6 to 3 Oct. 13, 2014, to approve Ordinance 6141, which codifies … [Read more...]
MO lawmakers defend marriage by filing brief in 8th circuit
KANSAS CITY – The leaders of the Missouri Senate and House filed a friend of the court brief on Feb. 24 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, defending the Missouri Marriage Amendment passed by a million voters in 2004. The “amicus curiae” brief supports the State of Missouri’s legal position, seeking reversal of an order by a Kansas City federal judge striking down the state’s constitutional provision. The Missouri Marriage Amendment, Article I, §33 states: “That to be … [Read more...]
Asbury enters gov’s race
MOBERLY – The election is more than a year-and-a-half away, but a Missouri Baptist has already thrown his hat into the ring to be elected governor next November. Randy Asbury, a member of First Baptist Church, Salisbury, made the announcement Feb. 12 at Moberly Area Community College. Asbury, a Republican, served in the Missouri House beginning in 2010 as the representative from the 22nd district, but lost his seat due to redistricting in 2012. He is a former deputy director for the … [Read more...]
Petitions, legislators working to legalize pot
JEFFERSON CITY – A group based out of Columbia, called Show-Me Cannabis, recently received Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander’s approval to circulate petitions seeking a statewide vote in 2016 to legalize the sale and use of marijuana. The petition proposes an amendment to Missouri’s Constitution, which would take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. If approved by voters, the amendment would prohibit state laws banning the possession or use of marijuana, the purchase or sale of marijuana, or … [Read more...]
Law sheds light on reading the Bible in schools
MARSHALL – A small town in Missouri briefly became a flashpoint of religious freedom when inconclusive reports hit media outlets that a student at Bueker Middle School here was told he was not allowed to read his Bible during his free time. A seventh grader there told his parents and WDAF-TV in Kansas City a teacher told him he could not read the Bible at school. However, there has not been validation of the accusation and the principal has since made public comments assuring the Bible and … [Read more...]
Lawmaker criticized for bill protecting religious liberty on campuses
JEFFERSON CITY – After he proposed House Bill 104 in the Missouri legislature at the beginning of this session, Springfield Republican Elijah Haahr was smeared with verbal attacks on social media outlets, blog posts and online articles. Some of the bill’s opponents posted angry messages criticizing Haahr and his family, even commenting on photos of his children. Some called him a Nazi. At least one promised to “cheer” should ISIS behead him. Why did this online onslaught erupt over Haahr’s … [Read more...]
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