religious liberty Archives - Page 16 of 17

What Everybody Ought to Know About the Military Bible Ban

It came as a shock last week to learn that Bibles had been banned at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The official memo, issued by the hospital’s Chief of Staff, C.W. Callahan, was blunt and to the point:

“No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading material, and/or artifacts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.”

Yet, just as soon as the stunning and disturbing news spread, the ban was rescinded.

Sandy Dean, a public affairs officer at Walter Reed, tried to explain the origin of the offensive policy.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, policy, religious liberty December 7, 2011 by Jim Daly

Should the State Be Allowed to Remove Overweight Children?

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By now you’ve probably heard the story of an Ohio mother whose 8-year-old son was taken away from her because of the boy’s weight.

The Cleveland Heights youth tips the scales in excess of 200 pounds. Doctors recommend that a child of that age and height should weigh somewhere between 55 and 60 pounds.

To be fair, I’m not aware of all the facts of the case. I did read that state workers had been monitoring the child’s situation for over a year.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, policy, religious liberty November 30, 2011 by Jim Daly

On the Murder of Christians in Egypt

By now you have heard that an estimated 26 Christians were killed in Egypt this past weekend. This is not the first time that Christians have been targeted in violent acts over there. Since the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak, Cairo and its surrounding cities have become a dangerous place for followers of Jesus Christ.

The Associated Press is reporting that the ruling council and deputy defense minister are attempting to place the blame for the violence on the very people being persecuted:

At a lengthy news conference to present their version of the events, generals from the Supreme Council of Armed Forces showed footage of priests and a Coptic Christian activist they accused of instigating the violence on Sunday night with calls for demonstrations and storming the state television building.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, events, faith, news, religious liberty October 14, 2011 by Jim Daly

Did You Hear What Walmart is Selling?

According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend close to $23 billion dollars on back-to-school purchases this year. When college is included – outfitting the dorm room, buying the smart phone, etc. – that figure jumps to an incredible $68.8 billion.

Those are big numbers, but boiling it down to you and me, the average family will spend just over $600 this fall on school-related items. Given such a significant sum, it would seem wise, whenever possible, to not only competitively shop, but also frequent stores that show respect for people of the Christian faith.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, pop culture, religious liberty September 2, 2011 by Jim Daly

VIDEO: Defending Marriage on Capitol Hill

Focus on the Family has been proudly and consistently defending the sanctity of marriage for decades. The institution was created by God Himself as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman for the benefit of the human race. And despite efforts by a vocal minority to redefine this multi-millennial institution, we will never tire or grow weary in our ministry of upholding God’s plan.

Many of you are familiar with my friend and colleague, Tom Minnery, who serves as our senior vice president of public policy here at the ministry.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, policy, religious liberty July 21, 2011 by Jim Daly

D-Day in Color

The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or the next. It was the deep knowledge — and pray to God we have not lost it — that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest.

President Ronald Reagan

Topics: Family and Home Tags: religious liberty June 6, 2011 by Jim Daly

Update on Chick-fil-A

Back on January 28th I wrote that Indiana University had banned Chick-fil-A from its South Bend campus. University officials were concerned about Chick-fil-A’s donation of food to a marriage conference in Pennsylvania.

In essence, IU was offended that a vendor appeared to be in support of traditional mainstream (biblical) values.

Well, they are apparently offended no more. Chick-fil-A is back at Indiana University.

Raving fans rejoice!

“I heard from many students, faculty, staff, alumni and citizens from across the area, the state and the country,” said Chancellor Una Mae Reck.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture, religious liberty February 7, 2011 by Jim Daly

A Grateful Nation

Happy Thanksgiving!

The family and I are in California today. I pray that you and yours take every opportunity to give thanks to God for every good (and not so good) thing.

It seems appropriate to look back today, not just within our own families, but across the years to the beginning of America.

You may not be overly familiar with the name Nathaniel Morton. He was a nephew of Governor William Bradford and served as secretary of the Plymouth colony.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, religious liberty November 25, 2010 by Jim Daly

The Cost of Independence – #1

There is an old saying that suggests a person’s worst difficulties begin when he is able to do what he likes.

I think there is wisdom within those words.

America will celebrate her 234th birthday on Sunday with its usual grand and glorious traditions. Don’t you just love all the pomp and pageantry, along with the flags and fireworks that accompany family and community gatherings?

What a day! Thank God for the United States of America.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, religious liberty July 2, 2010 by Jim Daly

Why Sign the Manhattan Declaration?

It’s been several short weeks since the unveiling of the Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience, which initially had about 120 co-signers. I’m thrilled to report more than 275,500 have added their signature to this important document. If you’re unfamiliar with the Manhattan Declaration, let me encourage you to read the entire proclamation and then consider lending your support, too.

In short the Manhattan Declaration is both a celebration of, and a commitment to, preserving life, marriage, and religious liberty in America.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, policy, religious liberty December 9, 2009 by Jim Daly