Tag: Christian Rights

Christians Fear to Attend Sunday Service


Shamim writes about Muslims of a community in the Rawalpindi area of Pakistan harassing Pakistani-Christians primarily because the Muslims find the Christian services offensive.

 

Shamim doesn’t really share the specific details of the Muslim Islamic Supremacism against Christian religious freedom. I found an article the Christian Times Pakistan that make the issues a bit clearer:

 

Rawalpindi Neighborhood Christians & Muslims Clash Over Religious Freedom (Photo: Christian Times Pakistan)

 

…

 

The complainants namely Muhammad Sajid, Rashid Akhtar, Afzal Hussain and Muhammad Sadiq have maintained that some Christian residents of the locality including Patras Salamat Masih, James Allah Ditta and others are carrying out church activities which are bothering them.

 

In an application submitted at the New Town Police Station, the complainants claimed that Patras and James have illegally formed a church in house right in front of theirs. “They perform their religious ceremonies three days a week (Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday).” The complainants claim that during the church services Christian youngsters are stationed on the street; who block the passage of lay people on the street.

 

Moreover, the complainants said that whenever a Christian dies, these congregants use the street for observing funeral ceremonies. They said that religious practices of these Christians have caused much nuisance to them. Furthermore, the complainants have stated that when they tried to approach the church’ administration they hurled death threats at us.

 

Sajid, Rashid, Afzal and Sadiq also claim that Patras and James were allegedly trying to pressurize them to sell their houses and leave the street. “We also informed the Union Council Chairman, Abid Hussain Abbasi,” they maintained in the compliant. They maintained that the Union Council Chairman had also advised them to sell their properties to the Christians and leave the street.

 

On the other hand, the Christians claim that on August 8, 2017, Sajid, Rashid, Afzal and Sadiq long with others arrived at the church when a prayer service was going on. Christians allege that the said people arrived with intent to attack the congregants and therefore the police was informed about the situation. (Bold text Editor’s — Rawalpindi: Tension arises between Christians, Muslims in New Town neighborhood; By  admin; Christian Times Pakistan; 10/3/17)

 

I used bold text to point out that Muslims often lie when it comes to the religious liberty of Christians. This is particularly so when Islamic Supremacist use Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law to eject or cause harm to Christians.

 

Here is Shamim Masih’s account below.

 

JRH 10/22/17

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Christians Fear to Attend Sunday Service

 

By SHAMIM MASIH

Sent: 10/22/2017 12:16 AM

 

RAWALPINDI: Christians fear of attending ceremonial services and Sunday service due to the threats of Muslims living in the neighborhood. Muslims disrupted church a service and wanted to eliminate the church building in the twin area of Rawalpindi, a twin city of Pakistan. Police are reluctant to arrest Muslims even after the attack.

 

According to the reports, a group of 13 people in the town area of Rawalpindi district filed an application against the Pastor Patras Salamat at the office of the district administrator “City Police Officer” (CPO) to shut down the church. The CPO Israr Abbasi ordered the concerned officials to take stern action against the church administration, the report said. The document available with the Covenant TV reads that Mohammad Sajid, Rashid Akhter, Mohammad Sadiq and others have filed an application against the Pastor Patras Salamat and James Allah Dita to stop the religious ceremony done by local the Christians around their houses and also wrote a threatening statement between the lines. Number of 13 members of the locality wrote an application to the district administration with their signatures underwritten and said that due to their Sunday service and the religious ceremonial; the Muslim community living around feels irritated and itchy. Therefore, they have requested the higher ups to remove the church from their neighborhood. The city administrator (CPO) ordered the concerned officials to take action and stop these activities, the document reads.

 

Application CPO

 

In talking to the Covenant TV Pastor Patras Salamat, he said the Philadelphia Pentecostal Church is a registered body under the constitutions of the country and was established nineteen years ago at the same place when his father Pastor Salamat purchased the land and started with the small building. And with the passage of time as the church grew, he purchased the nearby land as well. The Philadelphia Pentecostal Church is registered and the sitting Priest claimed that he obtain the written approval for the said piece of land for Church building from the local administration. On every Sunday service the police chief also assigned two police security at the venue. When the congregation gathered for the service, we also arrange our church volunteers to take care of the visitors and congregation as well.

 

A few weeks back, when the service was on and as soon as worshipers began worshipping, Mohammad Sajid and a few other Muslims arrived armed with guns and machetes to disrupt the Sunday service and shouted to stop the service. The church administration went to resolve the issue.  Later the local administration arranged a reconciliation meeting between the Muslims and members of the congregation. After a few days the Muslims again filed an application to the senior officials, he added.

 

Mr. Javed Youhana, a regular church-goer said that he used to attend the Sunday services since 1999 but he feels himself insecure while going to church since the Muslim in the neighborhood have threatened the Christians. Basharat Khokher, an activist said, “I live nearby but attend the service on regular basis with my family, since the attack on [the] church has created [a] sense of insecurity in me and many others. We live under constant traumatiz[ation] since the attacks began on Pakistan on worship places by the extremists. … For the most time, when I go to church I fear anything can happen anytime and I feel whether I will go back home (alive) or not.” [Blog Editor: Emphasis mine]

 

Taliban terrorists and extremist in Pakistan have been attacking worship places of the religious minorities across the country for the last two decades, killing hundreds and with thousands injured. Many of them are still living with their constant diseases and some are paralyzed due to these attacks while worshiping their God. There have been attacks on Shiite mosques and Imambargahs; Bohra worship places; Ahmadiya community worship places; Churches; and Hindu temples. Due to the situation, the minorities in general, live in the grip of fear even during the worship.

 

www.thecovenant.tv

 

Be Blessed,

 

Shamim Mahmood

 

Journalist, Blogger and Social Reformer
http://oiwerk.blogspot.com/

+92-300-642-4560

_______________

SUPPORT Shamim’s Christian advocacy in Pakistan. First contact Shamim in case he has found an easy way to donate. I like to use Western Union sending money with this LINK to the destination of Islamabad. Contact Shamim in case he has changed cities). Shamim’s email is shamimpakistan@gmail.com, Western Union may ask for Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560

 

Edited by John R. Houk

Text embraced by brackets are by the Editor.

 

Unedited version at Pakistan Christian Post

 

© Shamim Masih (Mahmood)

 

Christian Rights Protected from LGBTQ Impositions


John R. Houk

© June 23, 2017

 

I received an update yesterday from the American Family Association (AFA) celebrating the 5th Circuit Appellate Court spanking an earlier Federal Court decision to strike down a Mississippi State law protecting the Rights and Liberties of Christians against the ungodly LGBTQ militants who enjoy forcing their homosexual beliefs down the throats of Christians.

 

I avoid reading the Leftist-oriented Mainstream Media (MSM) reports because of their hatred of Conservative America values. Actually, when I Googled confirmation of the AFA alert, I was not at all surprised at the majority of MSM links deriding the 5th Circuit Appellate Court for damning the poor ungodly homosexuals of the militant LGBTQ.

 

This is what I am going to do. I am going to cross post the brief AFA email alert followed by a Daily Signal article on the 5th Circuit Appellate Court decision. In my humble opinion, The Daily Signal had the best report. Many other Conservative-oriented news sites even referenced The Daily Signal analysis. Nonetheless, here are a few titles from Conservative media also reporting on the victory for Christian religious Freedom in Mississippi:

 

 

 

 

Let us pray the many more States follow suit and declare Religious Freedom outweighs homosexuals forcing their ungodly beliefs on Bible observing Christians. Perhaps the U.S. Congress passing a Bill protecting the Freedom and Liberty of ALL Christian American citizens.

 

JRH 6/23/17

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Mississippi Religious Freedom bill upheld by court!

 

Sent by Tim Wildmon, President
Sent 6/22/2017 3:21 PM

Sent from American Family Association

 

Great news! This afternoon, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (federal court in New Orleans) upheld the Mississippi “Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act” or HB 1523. This law protects people of faith – including Christians – from being forced to participate in a wedding ceremony between two homosexuals, along with other protections. I interviewed Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant a little while ago. You can hear that short conversation here.

 

Religious freedom has been under assault in our country, especially against Christians. This decision is another reason to give thanks to the Lord today! AFA thanks our friends at the Alliance Defending Freedom for taking this case up on behalf of the people of Mississippi.

 

If our mission resonates with you, please consider supporting our work financially with a tax-deductible donation. The easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure.

 

Tim Wildmon, President
American Family Association

 

+++

Circuit Court Win for Religious Freedom on Gay Marriage

 

By Ryan T. Anderson

June 22, 2017

The Daily Signal

 

Blind Justice Statue

 

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously on Thursday that a Mississippi law that protects religious liberty and the rights of conscience in light of the redefinition of marriage may go into effect.

 

In the decision, the circuit court overruled a previous judgment from a district court judge who had declared the Mississippi law unconstitutional for violating the Establishment Clause and the Equal Protection Clause.

 

But as the circuit court pointed out, the challengers to Mississippi’s law lack standing because they “have not clearly shown injury-in-fact.” In other words, they did not show how the Mississippi law protecting liberty for people who hold to the pre-Obergefell v. Hodges definition of marriage harmed them.

 

The court explained that the “failure” of the “plaintiffs to assert anything more than a general stigmatic injury dooms their claim.”

 

While the ruling focused on the lack of standing of the plaintiffs, there are plenty of reasons to rule in favor of the constitutionality of laws like Mississippi’s on the merits.

 

As Sherif Girgis and I explain in our new book, “Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination,” there is nothing scandalous about protections for particular views that are at odds with those on which the government acts.

 

When the government takes Americans to war, exceptions cover pacifists. When the government guarantees abortion, exceptions cover pro-lifers. These exemptions don’t amount to establishments of any religion, and neither do laws protecting dissenters after Obergefell.

 

Indeed, as law professor Richard Epstein explains, the Establishment Clause—meant to “knock down state coercion for religion”—can’t be used to invalidate “a statute whose whole purpose was to insulate private parties from any form of coercion.”

 

So, what does the Mississippi law do? As previously explained at The Daily Signal:

 

  • Religious organizations, like churches, cannot be forced to use their facilities to celebrate or solemnize weddings that violate their beliefs.

 

  • Religious convents, universities, and social service organizations can continue to maintain personnel and housing policies that reflect their beliefs.

 

  • Religious adoption agencies can continue to operate by their conviction that every child they serve deserves to be placed with a married mom and dad.

 

  • Bakers, photographers, florists, and similar wedding-specific vendors cannot be forced to use their talents to celebrate same-sex weddings if they cannot do so in good conscience.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a reasonable bill. It protects the consciences of people who hold to the historic definition of marriage in the aftermath of the Supreme Court redefining marriage, and it does so while avoiding the awful outcomes that critics fear. The bill provides that the government cannot punish, fine, or coerce specific people and organizations, in specific contexts. It doesn’t harm anyone.

 

Other states should follow Mississippi’s lead in protecting religious liberty and the rights of conscience after the redefinition of marriage. So, too, should Congress pass protections at the federal level.

 

Longstanding Precedent on Abortion

 

There is great precedent for such protections on the abortion issue, as Girgis and I explain in “Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination.”

 

In 1973, just months after Roe v. Wade was handed down, Congress passed the Church Amendment, named for Sen. Frank Church, a Democrat from Idaho.

 

While Roe shielded the choice to have an abortion, the Church Amendment protected doctors’ and nurses’ choices not to perform one. It provided that health care organizations receiving federal funds could not force their doctors or nurses to perform or assist abortions.

 

Some 20 years later, Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed the Coats–Snowe Amendment. It prohibits the government from discriminating against medical students who refuse to perform abortions and medical residency programs that leave out abortion training.

 

And in 2004, Congress passed the Hyde-Weldon Amendment, which keeps the government from discriminating against health care institutions that don’t offer abortions.

 

Since 1973, then, U.S. policy has protected a right to choose an abortion right alongside an individual and institutional right to choose against facilitating one.

 

Our law should now do the same on marriage. It needn’t and shouldn’t penalize private associations for their beliefs on this issue. Doing so would make no appreciable difference to the ability of same-sex couples to receive the goods and services they seek, but it would undermine conscience rights for some.

 

So lawmakers can and should grant a categorical accommodation.

 

Current Legislation

 

A proposed federal law would do that. Much like the Church, Coats-Snowe, and Hyde-Weldon amendments, the First Amendment Defense Act would protect the freedoms of citizens and organizations who hold a belief at odds with one enshrined by courts.

 

Protecting pro-life consciences did not violate the Constitution—by establishing a religion or engaging in viewpoint discrimination or otherwise. Nor do laws protecting pacifists. Their only aim is peaceful coexistence in the face of disagreement.

 

The same goes for the First Amendment Defense Act. It would enact a bright-line rule to keep government from penalizing someone just for acting on her belief that marriage is the union of husband and wife. It would protect people who hold that belief for religious or secular reasons, and it would shield organizations from losing nonprofit tax status, licensing, or accreditation for operating by these beliefs.

 

But even the First Amendment Defense Act’s categorical protections reflect a careful balance. They protect individuals, nonprofit charities, and privately held businesses, but not publicly traded corporations, or federal employees or contractors in the course of their work.

 

The First Amendment Defense Act makes clear that it does not relieve the federal government of its duty to provide services, medical care, or benefits to all who qualify. It must simply respect conscience in the course of doing so.

 

Mississippi has shown the way forward on this issue at the state level. And on Thursday, the 5th Circuit allowed that law to go into effect.

 

Other states should offer similar protections at the state level, and Congress should do the same at the federal level.

 

Protecting a New Minority

 

America is in a time of transition. The Supreme Court has redefined marriage, and beliefs about human sexuality are changing.

 

During this time, it is critical to protect the right to dissent and the civil liberties of those who speak and act in accord with what Americans had always previously believed about marriage—that it is the union of husband and wife.

 

Good public policy is needed at the local, state, and federal levels to protect cherished American values. Good policy would help achieve civil peace amid disagreement and protect pluralism and the rights of all Americans, regardless of what faith they may practice.

 

________________

Christian Rights Protected from LGBTQ Impositions

John R. Houk

© June 23, 2017

________________

Mississippi Religious Freedom bill upheld by court!

 

American Family Association
P O Drawer 2440  |  Tupelo, MS 38803  |  1-662-844-5036
Copyright ©2017 American Family Association. All Rights Reserved

 

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Circuit Court Win for Religious Freedom on Gay Marriage

 

About The Daily Signal

 

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Lesbian Rights or Christian Rights


John R. Houk

© June 8, 2017

 

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC – SEE ALSO HERE) is taking the lead in the legal defense of the lesbian Janet Jenkins against former lesbian turned Christian Lisa Miller. Jenkins and Miller were once lesbian lovers that had united in a civil union in the State of Vermont where same-sex Marriage is recognized.

 

During the civil union Lisa Miller had a child that has no biological connection to Janet Jenkins. Sometime after the birth of Miller’s child, she became a Christian redeemed by the Blood of Jesus from past sins, which included homosexuality:

 

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

 

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

 

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

 

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; … (Romans 1: 18-21, 26-28 NKJV)

 

After becoming a Christian Lisa Miller no longer desired to live in sin with Janet Jenkins in a lesbian relationship. Even though Jenkins had no biological connection to Miller’s child Jenkins demanded visitation rights. In the mean time Lisa Miller moved to the State of Virginia which thankfully still does not recognize same-sex marriages.

 

Jenkins used the vile favoritism of Vermont law on civil unions filing for and winning visitation rights to Lisa Miller’s child. In the course of this Janet Jenkins decided to bath nude with Miller’s female daughter brainwashing the child about the so-called validity of having two mommies.

 

The brainwashing incident correctly horrified Lisa Miller. Due to the law giving more credence to the rights of godless lesbians over the rights of Christians, Lisa Miller fled the USA with her child.

 

AND this is where the Liberty Counsel and Mat Staver enter the picture. Janet Jenkins has named the Liberty Counsel and Staver in the aiding and abetting of Lisa Miller fleeing the Country to escaping lesbian-favoring laws.

 

Jenkins has acquired the legal resources of the SPLC to sue the Liberty Counsel and Mat Staver out of existence as defenders of the faith of Christian in the United States of America.

 

Below is an email from Mat Staver appealing for legal funds to combat the SPLC objective. Following the email, I am cross posting a 6/6/17 (also dated as 6/5) article explaining some of the details I have just gone over.

 

But before the cross posts. I want to point out an acronym used in those posts. That acronym is LGBTQ. If you are a Christian you are fully aware the acronym references the homosexual lifestyle. Just so my fellow Christians can realize just how vile that lifestyle that the Left promotes as normal, let me point out what each letter stands for:

 

Lesbian

Gay

Bisexual

Transgender

Queer

 

JRH 6/8/17

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Proof that they want to destroy us

 

Email by Mat Staver

Sent 6/6/17 5:14 PM

Sent by Liberty Counsel

 

Yesterday, we filed our 116-page “Memorandum Of Law” and other legal documents countering the outrageous lawsuit against both Liberty Counsel and me personally which has been joined by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

This is one of the most important filings our team has made because of what is at stake and the vile nature of our adversaries’ accusations.

+ + Proof the SPLC wants to destroy us…

The SPLC is a dangerous, multi-hundred million dollar organization that specifically lists Liberty Counsel as a “hate group” on its website. And the SPLC is serving as Lead Counsel in this outrageous case.

Clearly, the SPLC has specifically targeted Liberty Counsel. They want to use this case to publicize their dangerous agenda. Ultimately, they want to destroy us – both Liberty Counsel and me personally. This isn’t my opinion. These are the words of the SPLC’s Mark Potok:

 

“Sometimes the press will describe us as monitoring hate crimes and so on. I want to say plainly that our aim in life is to destroy these groups, to completely destroy them…”

 

I simply will not allow that to happen. Not with so many people of faith across the country relying on Liberty Counsel to defend them against attacks by LGBTQ activists and other radicals.

+ + The battle we face…

Our work on yesterday’s legal filings consumed many weeks and many hundreds of hours from our legal team. But this battle has just begun.

With the SPLC serving as Lead Counsel against us, this likely will be one of the most intense battles we have yet faced. The SPLC has at its disposal a substantial team of litigators committed to their mission of targeting and destroying those who dare to challenge the radical LGBTQ agenda.

Simply put, as we enter the next round of this critical battle to “Save Liberty,” I’m once again turning to you for help.

As a result of this and other critical legal cases and ministry priorities, we are approaching our fiscal year end (June 30) still far short of our ministry budget. I don’t want to start the new fiscal year handicapped by a financial shortfall that puts our “Save Liberty” efforts at risk.
John, will you prayerfully consider helping me right now as we face an adversary that is determined to “destroy” both Liberty Counsel and me personally? Go here now to make your tax-deductible contribution:

 

The stakes in this battle couldn’t be higher…

We know that with the SPLC as Lead Counsel, we will face the most malevolent attacks imagineable. They don’t want simply to win their baseless case. They want to destroy us!

Why? So they can take Liberty Counsel out of this battle and leave countless people of faith across the country more susceptible to radical attacks. That’s why we must stand and fight. And that’s why I need your help to meet this critical ministry shortfall that threatens to weaken our efforts to Save Liberty across this land.

Can I count on your support? Even if you have already helped meet this critical need, please prayerfully consider making a gift today by going here. As always, your contribution is tax-deductible.

Thank you in advance, and may God richly bless you!
Mat Staver

P.S. This is a fight for the rights of people of faith against a rising tide of extremism that literally wants to criminalize Christianity! Just yesterday, Liberty Counsel won a hotly contested legal battle on behalf of a pastor who was falsely accused of “crimes against humanity” by a George Soros-backed LGBTQ group. We must defeat this SPLC attack so Liberty Counsel can continue to fight and win!  If you can help with a contribution of ANY AMOUNT, please go here:

 

Has God blessed you in such a way that you can make an over-and-above gift of $5,000 or more to Liberty Counsel at this critical time? If so, please go here and my team will contact you soon. If you prefer, you can always make your contribution by credit card or check here.

 

+++

Liberty Counsel Responds to SPLC Lawsuit

LIBERTY ALERTS

 

By LC STAFF

Posted 4:08 pm June 6, 2017

Written Jun 5, 2017

Liberty Counsel

 

BURLINGTON, VT — Today, Liberty Counsel filed a comprehensive response in federal court to the lawsuit backed by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in the case of Jenkins v. Miller, et al. The legal Memorandum of Law is 116 pages, not counting affidavits. Liberty Counsel also filed a second Motion and Memorandum of Law raising Vermont’s anti-SLAPP, which prevents suits designed to restrict free speech.

 

While living in Virginia, Lisa Miller and Janet Jenkins entered into a Vermont same-sex civil union.  Lisa gave birth to her biological child, Isabella. For a brief period, they moved to Vermont. There Lisa became a Christian and left the lesbian relationship. Lisa moved back to Virginia and a visitation battle ensued between the laws of Vermont (which recognized the civil union) and Virginia (which did not). Liberty Counsel represented Lisa from late 2004 until she disappeared in September 2009.

 

A Vermont state court judge granted Janet visitation of Lisa’s biological child, even though she was not the biological or adoptive parent and Vermont precedent did not recognize such parental rights. Isabella knew very little about Janet as she was a baby at the time of the split. Lisa complied with the visitation orders, but she raised concerns to the Vermont judge which he never addressed. Lisa presented evidence that Janet read Heather Has Two Mommies to Isabella and told her she was her mommy. Janet bathed naked with her, which greatly upset young Isabella. Lisa advised the court that Isabella was having emotional problems over the visitation. She began wetting her bed, clinging to Lisa, and even tried to harm herself. The case became a nationally watched legal battle because it was the first case in the country pitting the opposing laws on same-sex civil unions of two different states.

 

While the litigation and appeals were still proceeding in September 2009, Lisa stopped communicating. She did not respond to emails and her voicemail filled up. The last communication from Lisa was about a week prior to her disappearance in which she stated she was interviewing for a job in Virginia. Without any warning or hint of her plan to disappear, Lisa ceased all communication. We advised the Vermont court we had lost contact with Lisa and requested to withdraw, but the Vermont court denied the request. The withdrawal was later effectuated in 2010.

 

During the Obama administration, a federal prosecutor filed criminal charges against two Mennonite ministers associated with a Mennonite community in Nicaragua, both of them with the last name of Miller (Ken and Timothy), but with no relationship to Lisa. A third person in Northern Virginia was also charged. All three have been convicted of helping Lisa flee the country. The criminal investigation is complete and at least one of the criminal defendants is on appeal. Lisa had no prior association with the Mennonites.

 

Janet Jenkins, the former lesbian partner of Lisa, filed a civil complaint in a Vermont federal court in 2012, claiming the alleged defendants participated in helping Lisa flee. The 2012 lawsuit did not name Liberty Counsel, Rena Lindevaldsen or Mat Staver. Lindevaldsen worked on the Lisa Miller case with Liberty Counsel.

 

In late 2016, Jenkins moved to amend her lawsuit to include Liberty Counsel, Lindevaldsen and Staver. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) then joined the suit as the lead counsel for Jenkins.

 

The SPLC is a dangerous group because it creates a “Hate Map” listing “hate groups.” Mark Potock, with the SPLC, in an interview admitted: “Our criteria for a ‘hate group,’ first of all, have nothing to do with criminality, or violence, or any kind of guess we’re making about ‘this group could be dangerous.’ It’s strictly ideological.”

 

This false labeling has serious consequences. After the founder of Chick-fil-A said he believed marriage is between a man and a woman, Floyd Corkins went online to the SPLC Hate Map, entered the Family Research Council’s (FRC) office in Washington, D.C. fully-armed and carrying Chick-fil-A sandwiches. He intended to commit mass murder and rub the sandwiches in the faces of the dead bodies. Fortunately, the security guard wrestled Corkins to the ground. However, he was shot in the process. Corkins later confessed to the FBI that he sought to kill as many people at FRC after reading about the group on the SPLC Hate Map. Corkins is now in prison, but the SPLC refuses to take down its false and dangerous statements.

 

Mark Potok is on video in a public meeting stating: “Sometimes the press will describe us as monitoring hate crimes and so on. I want to say plainly that our aim in life is to destroy these groups, to completely destroy them…”

 

During the Obama administration, the SPLC frequently visited the White House. The SPLC even peddled its false ideological propaganda for some in the military until their extremism and false reporting got the group removed.

 

The Philanthropy Roundtable recently published an article about the SPLC pointing out the false labeling. The SPLC even labeled famed surgeon Dr. Ben Carson as a “hater.” The SPLC rakes in millions of dollars each year and has huge financial reserves, causing some to wonder what nonprofit work the SPLC does.

 

The Motions and Memoranda of Law to Dismiss the suit against Liberty Counsel, Staver and Lindevaldsen dismantle the Jenkin’s lawsuit, which has the sole purpose of harassing and “destroying” Liberty Counsel, Staver and Lindevaldsen. First, Jenkin’s complaint admits that Liberty Counsel, Staver and Lindevaldsen have always maintained they had no knowledge of Lisa’s plan to flee and had no part in her disappearance. Indeed, Lisa was always counseled to obey the court orders. The litigation was still in progress. Without any hint of her plan, Lisa disappeared with Isabella. Second, there are too many legal arguments to list here, but the Memoranda of Law demolishes the baseless complaint.

 

“The lawsuit by Janet Jenkins, with the backing of the Southern Poverty Law Center, is designed solely to harass and destroy,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “In the nearly eight years since Lisa Miller disappeared, and with the intense investigation conducted on this case by the federal government and Janet Jenkins, there is not one shred of evidence that points to Liberty Counsel, Rena Lindevaldsen or me. But the facts and the law are irrelevant to Janet Jenkins and the SPLC. The SPLC’s motivation for joining this suit is to publicize their dangerous agenda. Ultimately, they want to destroy us. But that will not happen. The truth, a word the SPLC does not like, shall prevail,” said Staver.

 

Jenkins and the SPLC will have to respond to the legal arguments, and at some point, the federal court will make its ruling.

 

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.

______________

Lesbian Rights or Christian Rights

John R. Houk

© June 8, 2017

_____________

Proof that they want to destroy us

 

AND

 

Liberty Counsel Responds to SPLC Lawsuit

 

© 2014-2017 Liberty Counsel Action

 

About Liberty Counsel

 

ADVANCING THE MISSION THROUGH THREE PILLARS OF MINISTRY

 

Liberty Counsel produces several multimedia programs dealing with various legal, religious and policy issues, and is active in social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

Liberty Counsel sends a Liberty Alert® email to inform subscribers about breaking news, and publishes The Liberator® newsletter to overview current issues and legal cases.

 

Read more about Liberty Counsel® (sometimes referred to as Liberty Council) in our Annual Report.

 

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

 

Natural laws are laws that transcend time, cultures and political institutions. The Declaration of Independence recognizes those laws as “laws of nature and of nature’s God.”

The first rights recognized by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution are the freedom of religion and speech. Liberty Counsel advances these liberties on behalf of students, teachers, parents, pastors, churches and individuals in their homes, at work and in public spaces.

Liberty Counsel advocates for students who want to pray and thank God in their schools and help Christians gain equal access to host events in public facilities. We protect the right of ministers to speak the truth without fear of government censors, and fight for those who are at risk of losing their religious freedom.

 

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

 

The Declaration of Independence recognizes that we are endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights, including the right to life. This fundamental right applies to every human, from … READ THE REST

 

Stop Raising Voice for Justice, Peace and Respect


Tahir Naveed Chaudhry (center) & Basharat Khokhar (right)

Tahir Naveed Chaudhry (left) & Basharat Khokher (right)
 
Shamim Masih highlights the Christian Human Rights activism of Basharat Khokher. Then Shamim reports something of little surprise. Muslim activists err radicals have been attempting to silence Basharat.
 
JRH 12/24/14

Please Support NCCR

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Stop Raising Voice for Justice, Peace and Respect
 
By Shamim Masih
Sent: 12/23/2014 11:22 PM
 
ISLAMABAD: Let the voices of justice, peace, and respect for law enforcement be heard. People around the world have seen the iron man protecting a Christian minor girl Rimsha (accused of burning holy papers of Islamic verses that focused international attention on Pakistan’s unsympathetic blasphemy laws) up to a helicopter outside the prison, when she was released on bail. I have also seen him during the said case protecting her attorney Tahir Naveed Chaudhry during the case trial.Rimsha Masih & Basharat Khokhar at Helocopter Although Chaudhry’s role as a lawyer was not prominent but his presence was there which won her release on bail. Later Rana Abdul Hameed, Rimsha’s attorney came in and saved her skin up to the apex court. I am an eye witness and have seen him in or outside the Islamabad courts running in rain or sun. Although I knew him before but since then we came close to each other and working together for the rights of Christians. Rimsha was held in jail before getting bail, but the cleric was later accused of fabricating evidence and the case against the girl was dropped. Later Rimsha and her family found refuge in Canada. But this man is still under threat and facing threatening calls on routine basis. Yes, he is Basharat Masih Khokhar, a police official, who had been serving as a security guard with Shahbaz Bhatti, a slain Federal Minister for minorities in Islamabad.
 
Basharat Khokher has been struggling for Christian rights for many years. In November, 2008, he was accused of harsh blasphemy law and a First Investigation Report (FIR) 267/08 was registered against him under 295-C and 109 Pakistan Penal Code, when he was saving a Christian colony in Rawal Dam Islamabad. He was arrested in the same case in January, 2009 and was put into prison. He remained in the jail for five months and was released on bail from Islamabad High Court on June, 2009. After he was released on bail, he was appointed as security guard to Shahbaz Bhatti, a Federal Minister for minorities. After the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti on March 2011, he worked with Dr. Paul Bhatti, his brother, during this time he left no stone unturned to save the minor Christian girl Rimsha’s life. Finally his case was discharged on the baseless allegation on June, 2011. Since then, he is under constant threats. According to him, he received many threatening calls and was attacked on September 9, 2012 at Zero point Islamabad. Basharat Khokher’s car was damaged and received injuries. Later he filed a complaint in Abbpara police station, Islamabad. On December 15, 2012, the same group followed him to his house and attacked his house. He sent his family into hiding for fear his family members would be attacked again.
 
Most recently, he complained at the police station and said that on December 19, 2014 at 10:37 pm, he received a phone call from a landline number that threatened him and asked to stop raising a voice against terrorism. He said that he held candle vigil against the terrorist attack in Peshawar Army ran school, which left 147 people killed including 132 school children. The voice told him to keep in mind the scene of carnage of Shahbaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer, governor Punjab.
 
This is really pathetic that we cry over spilled milk but do not take protective measures when the situation can be controlled and the life of a man can be saved. I have seen many Christian rights defenders [that are] much active on social media but there are few who really work hard to safe guard other’s rights, Basharat Khokhar is one of them, who act on the rights of Christian from foot. I think, he is an asset and human rights organizations should come in to raise a voice against the extremists who work behind the radicalism.
 
Be Blessed,
 
Shamim Masih
 
Diplomatic Correspondent, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, UN, F & S, MOST, CADD & Human Rights Activist
 
Daily Khabrian – in Urdu (PakBiz.com description – in English) & Channel – 5 (A project of Khabrian Group of papers)
 
For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending this LINK to a Western Union agent in Islamabad. Include Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560
__________________________
Edited by John R. Houk
All text enclosed by brackets are added by the Editor with the hope bringing clarity from an American perspective.
 
© Shamim Masih

Shamim Masih Christian Pakistan Updates


Shamim Masih

Shamim Masih

Shamim writes about Christian Rights and the abuse of Christians. He also writes with a spark of nationalism for Pakistan as you will realize in the last sentence of the last article of three that I am posting here. As an American I have mixed feelings in combining as a singularity the two issues of Christian Rights in Pakistan and nationalism for Pakistan. Making the effort to see it from the other side I guess the only perceived hope for Christian Rights in Muslim Pakistan is a national acceptance of Christian Pakistanis as equal citizens.

 

JRH 8/17/13

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Shamim Masih Christian Pakistan Updates

By Shamim Masih

Posted August 17, 2013

 

PMA launched to protect Christians’ rights in Pakistan

Sent: 8/12/2013 11:31 AM

 

ISLAMABAD: I am the true follower of the Shaheed Shahbaz Bhatti and will continue the struggle for my people, said Tahir Naveed Chaudhry.

 

According to the sources, Tahir Naveed Ch- Ex. Member Punjab Assembly – MPA has launched a political party with the name, Pakistan Minorities Alliance – PMA [Stories I found: HERE and HERE] aims to protect Christians’ rights in the country. Talking to the media at the launching ceremony he said that minorities in the country are being targeted frequently during the past decades. I am devoted to serve my community and have spared my life to protect their rights, he said.

 

The PPP government had declared August 11 as Minorities’ Day in 2009 by the effort of our leader Shahbaz Bhatti but the present government is in no mood to celebrate Minorities Day. This shows the lack of interest from the newly elected government towards minorities but we made an effort to make this day, a memorable day and staged the launching ceremony, he claimed. PMA signifies Quaid –e-Azam’s speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947 in which he had said, “You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.” [Related Post: Pakistani Christian community celebrates Equality Day on August 11]

 

PMA believes that Pakistan was established as a secular Islamic republic at the inception of its nationhood in 1947. As the years have distanced itself from 1947 Pakistan has become more and more entrenched in the purist Islamic thought that revolves around the theo-political jurisprudence of Sharia Law.

 

Chaudhry said that we have equal rights according to the founders’ speech, but religious extremist are trying to divide citizens of the country. PMA is committed to promote peace and harmony in the country.

 

Talking to the gathering at the launching ceremony, Sohail Johnson [The blog Random Thoughts has numerous posts relating to Mr. Johnson. I believe you can getting a snapshot of Mr. Johnson’s work with this tag link.] Chairman Sharing Life Ministries said that the government has illustrated that they will not tolerate the celebration of the minorities living in the country during the holy period of Eid. Article 2 of the Constitution clearly states, “Islam shall be the State Religion of Pakistan” and this fact alone enshrines a principle that all other faiths are secondary and a natural pariah status to believer of non-Islamic teachings.

 

The Christian community has upheld minorities’ day celebrations despite governmental insouciance and we pray that this will not manifest in the attack on our communities, he added.

 

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

________________________

We would not beg for our rights, says Dr. Paul Bhatti

Sent: 8/14/2013 1:43 AM

 

ISLAMABAD: We are equal citizen of Pakistan and we would not beg for our rights; instead we are going to get our rights because we are united, said Dr. Paul Bhatti.

 

Talking to media in National Press Club, Islamabad – NPC Dr. Paul Bhatti Ex-Minister In charge for National Harmony said that Minorities’ Day was declared in 2009 by the effort of my brother and then Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti. The day signifies Quaid-e-Azam’s speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947 in which he had said, “You may belong to any religion, caste or creed- that has nothing to do with business of the State.”

 

However, this government doesn’t seem serious to stand with minorities. He condemned the Parvez Rasheed’s statement about the celebration of Minorities’ Day. Dr. Paul criticized Parvez Rasheed and said instead encouraging our courageous step about minorities’ rights, he become critical.

 

Parvaiz Rasheed the Information Minister had criticized Dr. Paul Bhatti and said that Dr. Paul Bhatti and Akram Gill were portraying the picture of minorities’ rights in Pakistan. “They (Bhatti and Gill) represent their party (PPP and PML-Q) that is why they are politicizing the matter.”

 

However, information Minister said that the day is falling during Eid holidays. Though Pakistan is going through a testing time but Minorities are on our priority list, he added.

 

Dr. Paul Bhatti added passages of Shahbaz’s speech on August 14, 2008: Shahbaz Bhatti said “This very first step of solidarity.” In coming people “have also proved” that they “would be no more depressed and voiceless.” “ From now, I assure you all, that we are no more beggars and we would not beg for our rights; instead we are going to get our rights because we are united . . . the sons of this sacred land of Pakistan,” Bhatti said.


“Women,” he added, “have to come out of [their] homes.” They must join “our peaceful struggle for equal rights . . . and youth has to sacrifice to make a new history of Pakistan.”

 

We are strengthening the nation and I have been visiting people at their places and creating awareness among Pakistani minorities, Dr. Paul added.

 

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

_______________________

Our first identity is Pakistani and we are proud of it, says Albert David

Sent: 8/14/2013 4:27 AM

 

ISLAMABAD: Today we are celebrating our 67th independence day. No doubt freedom is a blessing and we celebrate this event with zeal and joy as Pakistanis and as Christians. Let’s pray and work together for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan. Let us not forget that our first identity in the community of Nations is being Pakistanis, let’s be proud of it, said Albert David.

Talking at the Independence Day celebration, Albert David Chairman Pakistan United Christian Movement said, that there is no doubt that there are many inequalities that hurt us as Non-Muslims, be it constitutional, social or political in Pakistan. However there are bigger challenges that we face as Pakistanis, war against terrorism being the biggest. And let’s not forget the energy crisis, economic problems and governance issues and above all the current situation at the borders with India.

We have to stand up with these challenges as Pakistanis, we have to come out of our alienation and own Pakistan and the national issues. We have to make use of all our potentials and work with the wider community to overcome these challenges, he said.

As Pakistani Christians we have another important responsibility. We have to regain the same glory and honor that we had during the first three decades of our independence. Where we produced soldiers who became part of history, our education institutions are still the best and have been producing leaders of national and international stature, we had an important role and presence in the field of medicine, he claimed.

Unfortunately our progress and development has slowed down due to the reasons both social and political however we must admit that we have suffered from brain drain. Our institutions have weakened and we have become infertile in producing enough leaders rather visionaries to take on the responsibility of leading us and converting into a nation, he added.

Let us make a pledge today that we will work together and implement the word “unity” that we talk about the most. Let us start appreciating each other’s abilities rather than criticizing just for the sake of it. Let’s not work for quick wins let’s start thinking and plan for 100 years ahead, let’s not only think politically but analytically, not only be leaders but visionaries.

Let us not only give statements about youth, let’s believe in them and give them the space to grow and develop as future leaders and visionaries. Let us not forget the word “transition”. Youth and children are the best investment that we can make today.

Let us collectively work on a national agenda, do away with personal interests. An agenda of development, be it social, political or economic, let’s work on a road map of achieving it and agreeing priorities, one of these in my opinion is education.

God bless all of you and our country. Pakistan live forever!

 

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

_________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

All information links are by the Editor

 

© Shamim Masih

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