| | | Good afternoon! It's Friday, January 28th, and today's headlines include a legal settlement in Michigan over same-sex adoptions, a new faith-based film with Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson, and reactions on both sides of the abortion debate on the upcoming retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. | The state of Michigan has reached a legal settlement with St. Vincent Catholic Charities, who will now be allowed to be exempted from state anti-discrimination law when it comes to only placing children with opposite-sex married couples. In 2015, Michigan passed a law that allowed religious charities who contracted with the government to be exempted from anti-discrimination law in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs, but following a complaint filed by the American Civil Liberties Union in 2017, the state announced all groups contracted with the government would be required to comply with state anti-discrimination law. | David Maluchnik, spokesman for the Michigan Catholic Conference, released a statement celebrating the recent settlement, seeing it as a victory for religious liberty. “We are grateful that a law signed in 2015 with bipartisan support to uphold conscience rights will continue to benefit Michigan’s most vulnerable children who are served by a network of faith-based child placement agencies,” Maluchnik stated. | In Georgia, Passion City Church Pastor Louie Giglio took to the pulpit to discuss the need for Christians to avoid "crooked paths." His sermon, part of a series titled "Seek First" is a deep dive of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Watch the sermon here. |
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| Cora Jakes Colemen, daughter of megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes, has announced that she and her husband are divorcing after ten years of marriage. Coleman, who received her ministerial license from the Potter's House School of Ministry, directs the children's ministry at The Potter's House of Dallas. She and her husband, rapper Richard Brandon Coleman (stage name "Skiiventura") share two adopted children. | | Activists on both sides of the abortion debate are reacting to the news that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will retire at the end of the court's term, with both sides cautioning that the "stakes have never been higher." Pro-choice advocacy group NARAL tweeted that Breyer's retirement is a “chance to shape the Court for decades to come," while Franklin Graham called on people to "pray for the next nominee," tweeting, "We need someone who fears God — and who supports and protects the U.S. Constitution.” |
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| Chris Gacek, Ph.D., Coalitions Senior Research Fellow at Family Research Council, writes about the horrors of the Holocaust in light of Holocaust Remembrance Day, which took place on January 27. "Hitler sought a metaphysical purge of the Jews from the earth reminiscent of the same demonic drive exhibited in the Book of Esther ... There has never been anything like the tragedy of the Holocaust. That is why we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We remember the victims, and we renew our commitment to Never Again allow this to happen," he writes. | Also of Interest... | | | In this op-ed, CP Voices contributor Andrew J. Harding writes about his experience living in Russia during the 2014 conflict when Ukranian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted and Russian President Vladimir Putin used military force to annex Crimea. In comparing 2014 to the situation currently unraveling today, Harding writes, "Regrettably, the potential new Russian offensive against Ukraine brings back the difficult feelings of anxiety, fear, and hopelessness that I felt while watching television with my mother and leaving my friends. The signs for a repeat of 2014 undoubtedly exist." | Also of Interest... | |
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| Across the globe, extreme poverty, natural disasters and mass displacement are on the rise, aggravated by a changing climate and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’re currently facing the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. And yet, there is hope. Read More | |
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| Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson are set to star in "Father Stu," a faith-based film from Sony Pictures about the life of boxer-turned-priest Father Stuart Long. The film is set for debut on Good Friday, which falls on April 15. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Wahlberg discussed his beliefs and how it was important for him to start and finish his day by reflecting on his faith. | | Actor Kirk Cameron and the filmmaker brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have reunited for "Lifemark," a film that celebrates adoption and the sanctity of life. The Kendrick brothers are known for major faith-based hits "Fireproof," "War Room," and "Courageous." Cameron says "Lifemark," which is based on a true story, is both inspiring and demonstrates "the value of every life and all of its potential." |
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| In a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," world-renowned Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson discussed the Bible and its importance as a fundamental component of civilization. "[T]he Bible is the precondition for the manifestation of truth, which makes it way more true than just true. It’s a whole different kind of truth. And I think this is not only literally the case. Factually, I think it can’t be any other way," he stated. Click to view the clip on YouTube. | | | | Thank you for spending part of your day with us. We look forward to seeing you again on Monday! -- CP Editors |
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