news Archives

Same-Sex Marriage: How Did We Get Here?

By most accounts, the U.S. Supreme Court appears on the cusp of forcing the recognition of same-sex “marriage” at the end of this month, when it hands down its decision on Obergefell v. Hodges.

However, truth be told, the journey towards the redefinition of marriage started decades ago. What we see today as a legal shift in definition has its roots in steady and significant cultural change.

There was once a millennia-old, cross-cultural understanding that marriage was the lifelong union of a man and a woman.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news, policy, religious liberty June 3, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Please Pray for the Biden Family

Reaction to the death of Vice President Joe Biden’s son, Beau, has been swift and heartfelt.

Why?

Politics notwithstanding, Americans are an empathetic people. Death and tragedy touch everyone, and so there is an immediate sympathy when something of this nature occurs. The fact that Vice President Biden has previously endured the tragic death of his first wife, Neilia, and 1-year-old daughter, Naomi, in a Christmastime accident back in 1972, only accentuates the compassion we feel for the Biden family.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news June 2, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Father “Marries” Son After Adoption Dissolution

A news summary on issues that matter.

Father “Marries” “Son” After Adoption Dissolution

In 2000, Norman MacArthur and Bill Novak, two men who identify as homosexuals, were recognized as “father” and “son” in the eyes of the law. Unable to “marry” 15 years ago, Mr. Novak “adopted” Mr. MacArthur instead. Both now in their 70s, the two men successfully dissolved the “adoption” and “married” this past Sunday. The bizarre scenario highlights the new frontier we’re faced with as same-sex marriage grows in acceptance.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, homosexuality, news, pro-life May 29, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Did This Photo Go Viral?

It’s a photo so touching it’s been shared tens of thousands of times since it was first posted on Facebook this Memorial Day weekend.

The picture shows U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Earwood praying with his bride-to-be, Maggie, moments before the wedding ceremony. The pair are holding hands around a corner to avoid seeing each other before Maggie walks down the aisle. Caleb stands in full dress uniform, praying, while Maggie is visibly emotional.

“We were about to take our first steps in life together, and we didn’t want to take a step without it being in God’s will,” said 21-year-old Caleb.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, news, pop culture May 27, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Boy Scouts, Game of Thrones, and a Warning from Canada

A news summary on issues that matter.

Boy Scouts’ President Calls for End to Ban on Homosexual Leaders

When the Boy Scouts began allowing openly homosexual members in 2013 we warned the change would inevitably and eventually lead to the acceptance of homosexual leaders.

Sadly, this prediction has come true.

Yesterday, Robert M. Gates, president of the Boy Scouts of America, officially called for the group to end its ban on homosexual Scout leaders. Speaking at the organization’s national meeting, Mr.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, news, policy, pop culture, pro-life May 22, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Hear What Happened Inside a Waffle House?

At only 5 years old, Josiah Duncan is teaching the country what it means to show love and compassion.

It all started when the Alabama boy and his mom, Ava Faulk, encountered a man outside a local Waffle House, news outlets report. Josiah didn’t understand why the man wasn’t clean. It turns out little Josiah had never heard of homelessness.

He had a lot of questions – but most of all, he was troubled that the man looked hungry.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, parenting May 20, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How a Young Woman Talked About Jesus in a Public School

I want to share some encouraging reports from this year’s Day of Dialogue free speech event.

When I originally blogged about the April 16th event giving Christian students a chance to share a hope-filled perspective on issues like marriage, sexuality and gender-identity issues, I told you we were expecting 18,000 young men and women would participate.

In reality, an estimated 25,000 students took the initiative to lead Day of Dialogue events in schools across the nation.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: faith, kids, news, parenting, religious liberty May 18, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Mother from Baltimore

By now you’ve likely seen the video of Toya Graham, the Baltimore mother who forcibly removed her teenage son from the Maryland rioting.

Ms. Graham is being applauded far and wide on social media – and even by the city’s police commissioner.

To be sure, it’s a gritty video. And while many of us may not necessarily advocate her choice of technique or language, there’s no question some tough love was certainly warranted.

In an interview following the incident, Ms.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, parenting April 30, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What I Saw at Yesterday’s Supreme Court Hearing

I had the privilege of being at the United States Supreme Court yesterday during the two-and-half hours of oral arguments on the Obergefell v. Hodges marriage case.

Yesterday I gave my “first impressions,” and today I want to share in more detail with you what I saw and heard during this historic day.

As you can imagine, the scene outside the Court was filled with energy and emotion, with lots of individuals representing both sides of the debate.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news, policy, religious liberty April 29, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Focus on the Family President Reacts to Oral Arguments in SCOTUS Marriage Case

Focus on the Family President Jim Daly was at the Supreme Court today listening to oral arguments on the historic marriage case, Obergefell v. Hodges.
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“Sadly, civil discourse in America has deteriorated over the past few years. Where once our nation produced a robust exchange of ideas, we now see attempts to silence people of faith and those who support traditional marriage. Yet that silencing can’t erase the fact that an overwhelming majority of those who have voted on the issue—more than 51 million Americans—have cast their vote to maintain one man, one woman marriage in their states.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, news, policy, religious liberty April 28, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura