13 March 2023

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 21:59

This news item was posted in Presbyterians Week category.

“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” [Ezekiel 33:6]

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12]

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Coral Ridge Ministries Honored with the National Religious Broadcasters ‘Milestone Award’

[2] Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Hosts “Gay Wedding”; Trump Gives Thumbs Up in Photo Shoot

[3] France Becomes First Country to Enshrine Abortion in Constitution; Applauds Murder of the Unborn

[4] Christians Risk Being Deemed ‘Extremist’ under New Definition

[5] Actress Cancelled for Christian Beliefs on Sexuality to Take Case to the Court of Appeal

Additional Articles of Interest

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[1] Coral Ridge Ministries Honored with the National Religious Broadcasters ‘Milestone Award’

[Editor’s Note: D. James Kennedy was an Associate Editor and contributor to the printed version of the Christion Observer from 1987 – 2007, and through whose television ministry and biblical preaching was used of God to call the current Christion Observer editor to faith in Jesus Christ in 1986.]

Award Recognizes the Ministry’s Fifty Years of Exemplary Service in Christian Broadcasting

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 26, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ — The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) presented Coral Ridge Ministries (CRM) with the prestigious “Milestone Award” during the 2024 NRB International Christian Media Convention Feb. 20-23 in Nashville, Tennessee.

NRB acknowledges that longevity in any field is a rarity and exemplary service in Christian Broadcasting for more than 50 years is a feat worthy of recognition and applause. For this reason, the “Milestone Award” is reserved specifically for organizations with more than five decades in Christian Broadcasting.

“It is fitting to receive this honor in 2024 as our ministry celebrates 50 years since its founding by Dr. D. James Kennedy in 1974,” said Dr. Robert J. Pacienza, president of CRM. “Dr. Kennedy established CRM to meet demand for an intelligent, relevant, uncompromising proclamation of the gospel and use media to reach the most people possible for Christ. We are proud to continue his legacy today through quality programming and resources that follow his motto of ‘Excellence in all things, and all things to the glory of God.’”

CRM uses all available media to make Christ trusted, known and served, to equip Christ-followers from generation to generation, and to advance a biblical worldview that is embraced throughout the world. The ministry’s flagship programs include the Truths That Transform broadcast, The City of God podcast, the daily Christ Meets Culture with Rob Pacienza 60-second radio feature, special documentaries, Providence Forum resources, and outreach to Capitol Hill via the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship.

CRM is an active member of NRB, a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers and readers. In 2003, NRB professionals awarded The Coral Ridge Hour as the “Television Program of the Year” and in 2004 they designated the radio program, Truths That Transform, the “Best Radio Teaching Program” of the year. In 2005, Dr. Kennedy, himself, was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame. In addition to receiving the “Milestone Award” in 2024, Pacienza was also elected to the NRB Board of Trustees.

“We are grateful to NRB’s dedication to protect the free speech rights of its members and celebrate excellence in Christian broadcasting and honored to support and join with them to proclaim biblical truth through the media,” Pacienza said.

For more information about CRM, visit CRM.tv.

ABOUT CORAL RIDGE MINISTRIES
Founded by Dr. D. James Kennedy in 1974, Coral Ridge Ministries is a non-profit ministry that uses all available media to make Christ trusted, known and served, to equip Christ-followers from generation to generation, and to advance a biblical worldview that is embraced throughout the world. In addition to its weekly Truth That Transforms broadcast, The City of God podcast, the daily Christ Meets Culture with Rob Pacienza 60-second radio feature, special documentaries, Providence Forum resources, and outreach to Capitol Hill via the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, the ministry publishes numerous books and booklets, as well as a monthly newsletter IMPACT. More information is available at www.crm.tv.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Coral Ridge Ministries, 5555 N Federal Highway, Suite One. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33308, kristin@kcolecommunications.com

[2] Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Hosts “Gay Wedding”; Trump Gives Thumbs Up in Photo Shoot

On Feb. 23, two homosexual men had a “marriage” ceremony at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in south Florida. The men, dressed in matching black pants, white blazers, and bow ties, cut a three-tiered cake and danced the first dance. The forum featured multiple U.S. flags. One of the partners, John Sullivan, is an official in the Tennessee Log Cabin Republicans (pro-homosexual Republicans). The Log Cabin’s facebook page announced, “An amazing time was had by all at John Sullivan and Dan Medora’s unforgettable wedding at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, FL. A celebration of love and style that will be cherished forever.” We suspect that Trump is as much a judgment on America as Biden. There is no “Godly Party” in America. God’s redeemed people must guard their hearts and not allow themselves to care more about economics than morality. We must beware of being emotionally captured by wicked men parading as “conservatives.” “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).

+ Way of Life Literature, Post Office Box 610368, Port Huron, Michigan 48061, 519-652-2619, fbns@wayoflife.org

[3] France Becomes First Country to Enshrine Abortion in Constitution; Applauds Murder of the Unborn

The following is excerpted from “France Becomes,” Christian Post, Mar. 5, 2024: “France became the first nation to enshrine abortion in its national constitution in an overwhelming vote that prompted a standing ovation from the French Parliament in Versailles on Monday. French lawmakers overwhelmingly voted 780-72 in favor of the bill to amend Article 34 of the French constitution. … When the final vote was announced, the room in Versailles Palace erupted with sustained applause, and many who were gathered in Paris’ Trocadéro Square to watch the vote on a large screen also cheered as the amendment passed, according to the New York Times. On Monday evening, the Eiffel Tower was emblazoned with the words ‘My body, my choice.’” CONCLUSION: the legalization of abortion is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. “this know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves … Without natural affection … incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good … lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). What could better illustrate “without natural affection,” what could better illustrate incontinence and fierceness, what could better illustrate “lovers of pleasures” than a mother conceiving a child and killing it and a nation applauding the act? The hour is very late.

+ Way of Life Literature, Post Office Box 610368, Port Huron, Michigan 48061, 519-652-2619, fbns@wayoflife.org

[4] Christians Risk Being Deemed ‘Extremist’ under New Definition

Christian Concern warns that Christians will risk being deemed ‘extremist’ under the government’s new definition of extremism published today.

The new government definition of extremism states:

Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:

negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).

Christians who are pro-life could be seen as being opposed to an assumed ‘fundamental right’ to abortion and thus to be ‘intolerant’ and so extremist.

It is already the case that being anti-abortion is on a Prevent list of ideologies seen as potential signs of extremism.

Christians who are opposed to same-sex ‘marriage’ could also be seen as wishing to “negate to destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” and to be ‘intolerant’.

Gender-critical Christians may be deemed extremist and intolerant for opposing an assumed ‘right to identify’ in a chosen gender.

Christians have already been reported to the government’s counter-terrorism programme for expressing their Christian beliefs.

School chaplain, Rev Dr Bernard Randall was reported to Prevent for preaching a sermon in which he told students that they were free to disagree with LGBT ideology.

Christian teacher, Svetlana Powell was reported to Prevent after saying “God loves you” to a lesbian pupil.

Christianity has been the bedrock for our nation and Christians must be welcomed at the heart of government. By its vague terminology, this definition risks excluding genuine Christians from influencing government policy now or in the future.

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern said:

“This new definition of extremism is not fit for purpose.

“It is absurd that Christians could be deemed ‘extremist’ for believing in real marriage or for being pro-life.

“Christian Concern has supported Christians who have been referred to Prevent for expressing their Christian beliefs. The new definition of extremism should have ensured that this would not happen again. Sadly, I now expect to see more referrals of Christians to Prevent, not less.”

“The government needs to clarify that ‘fundamental rights’ do not include abortion, same-sex ‘marriage’ or identifying as the opposite sex.

“Without this clarification, Christians who express their legitimate belief that marriage is between a man and a woman would risk being deemed ‘extremist’ by the government.”

“We urge the government to urgently clarify what ‘fundamental rights’ are intended in the definition of extremism.”

+ Christian Concern, 70 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AX, England, 020 7935 1488, Contact Page

[5] Actress Cancelled for Christian Beliefs on Sexuality to Take Case to the Court of Appeal

Almost ten years after Seyi Omooba, then a 20-year-old student, made a Facebook post urging Christians to “love but also tell the truth of God’s word”, the legal battle continues to rage on over her subsequent cancellation from her acting career.

The wave of backlash after Miss Omooba’s old post was discovered and re-published in 2019, in which she received racist abuse and death threats, culminated in her dismissal by Leicester Curve Theatre from a star role in a performance. Her agents, Global Artists, then abruptly terminated her representation contract.

In the latest twist, Mrs Justice Eady at the Employment Appeal Tribunal has today delivered judgment which upholds the earlier judgment of Central London Employment Tribunal, which in turn vindicated her sacking by the Theatre and by the Agency.

Mrs Justice Eady has also upheld the order of the Tribunal which prohibits publication of evidence and documents which featured in the legal case.

However Miss Omooba, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, will now seek permission for a further appeal to the second highest court in England, the Court of Appeal.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This is an open and shut case of discrimination against the Christian faith if there ever was one. Seyi was racially abused, received death threats and was hounded out of her career for a polite and temperate expression of what the Bible says about marriage. An unjust ruling which defends her sacking cannot stand and we will be taking this to the Court of Appeal.”

Miss Omooba said: “I have long forgiven all those who have sought to ruin my theatre career, but the theatre world needs to be told, loud and clear, that cancelling people for their Christian beliefs is illegal and wrong. From the outset, the theatre was offering to pay me off for terminating my acting contract, and I would not take that money. This case is about the freedom of Christians to hold our beliefs in the modern world, and about the truth of what has happened to me.”

Background

The Facebook post made by Miss Omooba as a 20-year-old student in September 2014, made in the context of the government introducing same-sex marriage legislation, read:

“Some Christians have completely misconceived the issue of Homosexuality, they have begun to twist the word of God. It is clearly evident in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 what the Bible says on this matter. I do not believe you can be born gay, and I do not believe homosexual practice is right, though the law of this land has made it legal doesn’t mean it is right. I do believe that everyone sins and falls into temptation but it’s by the asking of forgiveness, repentance and the grace of God that we overcome and live how God ordained us to. Which is that a man should leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24. God loves everyone, just because He doesn’t agree with your decisions doesn’t mean He doesn’t love you. Christians we need to step up and love but also tell the truth of God’s word. I am tired of lukewarm Christianity, be inspired to stand up for what you believe and the truth #our God is three in one #God (Father) #Jesus Christ (Son) #Holy Spirit.”

Over four years later, in March 2019 Miss Omooba was given a lead role as Celie in Leicester Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome’s co-production of the award-winning musical The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s classic American novel.

The casting was announced the same day that Seyi went with her father, Pastor Ade Omooba, an eminent international Christian campaigner and Christian Concern’s co-founder, to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE.

Seyi had developed her raw talent from a young age singing gospel in church and studying performing arts at Anglia Ruskin University.

She had already built up a portfolio of performances, among them parts in Hadestown at the National Theatre, Little Shop of Horrors, Spring Awakening, and had played the role of Nettie in the Cadogan Hall production of The Color Purple.

In a review of her full debut in the West End musical, Ragtime, Seyi was described as: “jaw-droppingly good, and her ferocious gospel vocals…pin you to your seat. This is her professional debut, and she’s someone to watch.” In the production of A Color Purple at Cadogan Hall, Seyi’s depiction of the character of Nettie was described as capturing the “very heart of her character.”

After the Curve Theatre announced its Colour Purple cast with Miss Omooba in the lead role in March 2019, she was tagged on Twitter by another West End performer, Aaron Lee Lambert, who is not known to her. Mr Lambert re-published a screenshot of Miss Omooba’s 2014 Facebook post, and wrote:

“@seyiomooba Do you still stand by this post? Or are you happy to remain a hypocrite? Seeing as you’ve now been announced to be playing an LGBTQ character, I think you owe your LGBTQ peers an explanation. Immediately.”

Seyi received the tweet from Mr Lambert while supporting a grieving friend, and despite being deeply shocked and intimidated, refused to be drawn into an online discussion on the issue.

Calls for Seyi to be removed from the cast followed, however, as well as online abuse which included her being called a ‘nigger’. Her agency, Global Artists, received an email with a grossly obscene death threat against Seyi, which it did not report to the police and kept quiet about until being questioned in the Employment Tribunal years later.

Following discussions with Curve Theatre, Global Artists told Seyi that she might only be able to continue in her role in The Colour Purple if she retracted her Facebook post and published an apology, which she refused to do.

Leicester Curve Theatre and the Birmingham Hippodrome then released a statement on 21 March 2019 which led to Miss Omooba’s contract being terminated. The theatres claimed in their statement that: “The play and production are seeking to promote freedom and independence and to challenge views, including the view that homosexuality is a sin.”