lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Twitter suspends Candace Owens for tweeting defiance of Michigan lockdown

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May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Twitter locked the account of conservative pundit Candace Owens over the weekend for tweeting that Michiganders should disregard the intensely controversial lockdown conditions imposed by Democrat Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and return to work .
Since the COVID-19 panic began , Whitmer has become one of America ’ s most infamous governors for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed , from ordering grocery stores to stop selling plants and seeds ( even as lottery tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two private residences owned by the same individual .
Her lockdown provoked a protest at the state capitol drawing thousands of angry Michiganders , and two federal lawsuits asserting violations of Americans ’ constitutional rights .
“ Apparently @ GovWhitmer believes she is a duly elected dictator of a socialist country , ” Owens wrote Friday in a since-deleted tweet .
“ The people of Michigan need to stand up to her .
Open your businesses .
Go to work .
The police think she ’ s crazy too .
They are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work.
” The next day , Owens received a notification that she had been locked out for an unspecified violation of the Twitter Rules , Breitbart reported .
“ I refuse to admit to a violation , because none were committed , ” Owens responded .
“ I unequivocally stand by every single word of my tweet .
If Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can use Twitter ’ s platform to encourage workers to walk out and boycott — I should be allowed to encourage lawful citizens to resume work.
” “ The only person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gretchen Whitmer , who is impoverishing millions , ignoring the votes of her state legislature , and as a result , rolling over the constitutionally protected rights of Michigan citizens , ” Owens declared .
Twitter has been the subject of numerous free-speech controversies for years , and alarmed critics yet again in March when it announced it would be aggressively policing COVID-19 “ misinformation , ” including “ denial of global or local health authority recommendations ” with the “ intent to influence people into acting against recommended guidance , ” or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as “ coronavirus is a fraud and not real -- go out and patronize your local bar.
” Whitmer , meanwhile , has extended her stay-at-home order until ( at least ) May 15 , while lifting some restrictions on businesses and outdoor activities .
She also tried unsuccessfully to get the legislature to extend her emergency powers by 70 days .
Some sheriffs in the state have said they will not enforce the order “ strictly , ” and other law enforcement officials have spoken out about the difficulties of enforcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here for LifeSiteNews ’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

The Conservative encouraged Michiganders to return to work and stand up to the 'dictator' governor.
PETITION: Tell Twitter to unlock LifeSite account now! Sign the petition here.
May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Twitter locked the account of conservative pundit Candace Owens over the weekend for tweeting that Michiganders should disregard the intensely controversial lockdown conditions imposed by Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and return to work.
Since the COVID-19 panic began, Whitmer has become one of America’s most infamous governors for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed, from ordering grocery stores to stop selling plants and seeds (even as lottery tickets remain available) to prohibiting travel between two private residences owned by the same individual. Her lockdown provoked a protest at the state capitol drawing thousands of angry Michiganders, and two federal lawsuits asserting violations of Americans’ constitutional rights.
“Apparently @GovWhitmer believes she is a duly elected dictator of a socialist country,” Owens wrote Friday in a since-deleted tweet. “The people of Michigan need to stand up to her. Open your businesses. Go to work. The police think she’s crazy too. They are not going to arrest 10,000,000 people for going to work.”
The next day, Owens received a notification that she had been locked out for an unspecified violation of the Twitter Rules, Breitbart reported.
“I refuse to admit to a violation, because none were committed,” Owens responded. “I unequivocally stand by every single word of my tweet. If Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can use Twitter’s platform to encourage workers to walk out and boycott — I should be allowed to encourage lawful citizens to resume work.”
“The only person breaking any laws is Governor turned Dictator Gretchen Whitmer, who is impoverishing millions, ignoring the votes of her state legislature, and as a result, rolling over the constitutionally protected rights of Michigan citizens,” Owens declared.
Twitter has been the subject of numerous free-speech controversies for years, and alarmed critics yet again in March when it announced it would be aggressively policing COVID-19 “misinformation,” including “denial of global or local health authority recommendations” with the “intent to influence people into acting against recommended guidance,” or “call(s) to action such as “coronavirus is a fraud and not real — go out and patronize your local bar.”
Whitmer, meanwhile, has extended her stay-at-home order until (at least) May 15, while lifting some restrictions on businesses and outdoor activities. She also tried unsuccessfully to get the legislature to extend her emergency powers by 70 days. Some sheriffs in the state have said they will not enforce the order “strictly,” and other law enforcement officials have spoken out about the difficulties of enforcing such broad-ranging directives.
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--3 Russian doctors, one with virus, ‘fall out’ of hospital windows in 2 weeks: Live corona updates

LifeSite ’ s previous ( and future ) live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about can be viewed HERE .
Three doctors “ have mysteriously fallen out of hospital windows in Russia over the past two weeks , ” CNN reports , and only one is still alive .
The physicians are Alexander Shulepov , an ambulance doctor in Voronezh and the only one to survive the fall ; Elena Nepomnyashchaya , acting head doctor of a hospital in Krasnoyarsk , Siberia ; and Natalya Lebedeva , head of the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN notes is “ the main training base for Russia 's cosmonauts.
” Dr. Shulepov tested positive for the coronavirus and said in a now-retracted video that he was being forced to continue working anyway .
CNN noted that a Siberian TV station reported Dr. Nepomnyashchaya , who is now dead , “ allegedly fell out of a window during a meeting with regional health officials , during which they discussed turning the clinic into a coronavirus facility ” ( emphasis added ) .
May 5 , 2020 , 4:26 p.m. EST : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fining Canadians $ 5.8 million over alleged violations of so-called social distancing .
“ It ’ s extremely important that Canadians continue to behave as we have , largely , in social distancing and staying home in keeping ourselves ... safe from rapid spread of COVID-19 , ” said Trudeau .
The pastors of Romanian-American churches in Chicago sent a letter to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker advising him that “ beginning on May 10 , 2020 , our congregations will resume in-person church gatherings , and we will no longer adhere to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprised within your orders.
” You “ unlawfully required that our churches shut their doors to our congregants , irrespective of any social distancing and health precautions that we are willing and able to implement , while allowing many other non-religious businesses and organization to remain open , ” they wrote .
The pastors outlined a long list of health precautions their congregations will be taking when they re-open on May 10 .
“ We respectfully ask you to reverse the orders that discriminate against our churches and trample on our constitutional freedoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , and until you reverse course , we have authorized our legal counsel to immediately challenge your unconstitutional orders in federal court ” ( emphasis in original ) .
Liberty Counsel represents the six pastors , who lead Romanian Baptist , Romanian Pentecostal , and Romanian Church of God churches .
May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Coronavirus numbers are rising in Russia and the United Kingdom , the Associated Press reported .
A new poll shows that roughly two-thirds of Americans doubt official coronavirus death counts , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pack among those who instead think the deaths are being over-reported.
” “ A majority of Democrats , around half of independents and one in four Republicans say they think virus-related deaths are being undercounted.
” France apparently had a coronavirus patient on December 27 , 2019 .
The Guardian reports , “ A French hospital that retested old samples from pneumonia patients has discovered that it treated a man with the coronavirus as early as 27 December , nearly a month before the French government confirmed its first cases.
” At The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Kristan Hawkins has written an article on how “ this crisis has uncovered problems with rationing policies : Economic considerations are often replacing the goal of life-affirming care.
” Hawkins has two children with cystic fibrosis .
• US bishops ’ recommended guidelines for restarting Masses allow Communion on the tongue • Intelligence agencies in 5 countries find evidence China lied to world about coronavirus • Pope backs universal prayer day against coronavirus with Muslims , doesn ’ t mention sin or Christ

Live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to pro-life issues, faith, and freedom.
LifeSite’s previous (and future) live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about can be viewed HERE.
Three doctors “have mysteriously fallen out of hospital windows in Russia over the past two weeks,” CNN reports, and only one is still alive. The physicians are Alexander Shulepov, an ambulance doctor in Voronezh and the only one to survive the fall; Elena Nepomnyashchaya, acting head doctor of a hospital in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia; and Natalya Lebedeva, head of the emergency medical service at Star City, which CNN notes is “the main training base for Russia's cosmonauts.”
Dr. Shulepov tested positive for the coronavirus and said in a now-retracted video that he was being forced to continue working anyway.
CNN noted that a Siberian TV station reported Dr. Nepomnyashchaya, who is now dead, “allegedly fell out of a window during a meeting with regional health officials, during which they discussed turning the clinic into a coronavirus facility” (emphasis added).
May 6, 2020, 8:08 p.m. EST: Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, has called for “immediate release” of the salon owner jailed for keeping her business open.
Paxton said:
“I find it outrageous and out of touch that during this national pandemic, a judge, in a county that actually released hardened criminals for fear of contracting COVID-19, would jail a mother for operating her hair salon in an attempt to put food on her family’s table. The trial judge did not need to lock up Shelley Luther. His order is a shameful abuse of judicial discretion, which seems like another political stunt in Dallas. He should release Ms. Luther immediately.”
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, whose lockdown order bans Catholic priests from going within six feet of parishioners and thus makes it impossible to administer the sacraments, suggested that soon, the “state may begin to relax some restrictions due to a decrease in coronavirus cases and prepare for reopening,” FOX News reported (emphasis added).
In a stinging rebuke of Catholic bishops in most of the world, Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has said no bishop has the right to ban public Masses.
He said:
It is one thing to take precautionary measures to minimise the risks of contagion, it’s another to ban the liturgy. The Church is not a client of the state, and no bishop has the right to ban the Eucharist in this way. Moreover, we have witnessed priests being punished by their bishops for celebrating mass for only a few persons, this means they conceive themselves as state officials. But our supreme pastor is Jesus Christ, not Giuseppe Conte or any other head of state. The state has its task, but the church has its own.
The White House coronavirus task force will begin winding down, Vice President Mike Pence said.
The Chinese Communist government, under worldwide scrutiny for its mishandling and apparent cover-up of the pandemic, called Hong Kong freedom protestors a “virus” that “must be eliminated.”
Breitbart reports:
The UK scientist whose doomsday predictions triggered a massive lockdown on both sides of the Atlantic has resigned his government advisory position, amid claims he broke the strict lockdown rules he pushed to meet his married lover.
National Review explained:
Neil Ferguson is the British academic who created the infamous Imperial College model that warned Boris Johnson that, without an immediate lockdown, the coronavirus would cause 500,000 deaths and swamp the National Health Service. Johnson’s government promptly abandoned its Sweden-like “social distancing” approach, and Ferguson’s model also influenced the U.S. to make lockdown moves with its shocking prediction of over two million Americans dead. Johan Giesecke, the former chief scientist for the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has called Ferguson’s model “the most influential scientific paper” in memory. He also says it was, sadly, “one of the most wrong.” With all of his influence, it’s not surprising British media are making a great deal about Ferguson being forced to resign from the government’s virus advisory board yesterday after revelations he had violated lockdown rules he had championed in order to conduct an affair with a married woman.
A May 4 report says Ferguson was bankrolled by “Big Pharma,” noting his connections to vaccine manufacturers.
Recent LifeSiteNews coverage of the coronavirus crisis includes:
May 6, 2020, 9:47 a.m. EST: A Dallas, Texas salon owner will spend a week in jail and be fined $7,000 for keeping her business open.
“I couldn’t feed my family, and my stylists couldn’t feed their families,” she explained. 248 inmates at the jail where Shelley Luther, the salon owner, will go have the coronavirus.
Bishop Robert Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, has permitted his priests to begin offering outdoor Masses and Communion services in accordance with tight government regulations. Baker previously encouraged his priests to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful on Holy Thursday, and then reversed after being criticized.
May 5, 2020, 4:26 p.m. EST: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended fining Canadians $5.8 million over alleged violations of so-called social distancing.
“It’s extremely important that Canadians continue to behave as we have, largely, in social distancing and staying home in keeping ourselves… safe from rapid spread of COVID-19,” said Trudeau.
The pastors of Romanian-American churches in Chicago sent a letter to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker advising him that “beginning on May 10, 2020, our congregations will resume in-person church gatherings, and we will no longer adhere to the 10-person limit or the other unconstitutional restrictions comprised within your orders.”
You “unlawfully required that our churches shut their doors to our congregants, irrespective of any social distancing and health precautions that we are willing and able to implement, while allowing many other non-religious businesses and organization to remain open,” they wrote. The pastors outlined a long list of health precautions their congregations will be taking when they re-open on May 10.
“We respectfully ask you to reverse the orders that discriminate against our churches and trample on our constitutional freedoms,” they concluded. “In the meantime, and until you reverse course, we have authorized our legal counsel to immediately challenge your unconstitutional orders in federal court” (emphasis in original). Liberty Counsel represents the six pastors, who lead Romanian Baptist, Romanian Pentecostal, and Romanian Church of God churches.
May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Coronavirus numbers are rising in Russia and the United Kingdom, the Associated Press reported.
A new poll shows that roughly two-thirds of Americans doubt official coronavirus death counts, with Republicans “lead[ing] the pack among those who instead think the deaths are being over-reported.”
“A majority of Democrats, around half of independents and one in four Republicans say they think virus-related deaths are being undercounted.”
France apparently had a coronavirus patient on December 27, 2019. The Guardian reports, “A French hospital that retested old samples from pneumonia patients has discovered that it treated a man with the coronavirus as early as 27 December, nearly a month before the French government confirmed its first cases.”
At The Federalist, Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins has written an article on how “this crisis has uncovered problems with rationing policies: Economic considerations are often replacing the goal of life-affirming care.” Hawkins has two children with cystic fibrosis.
“It started out as a social distancing enforcement.” – NYC Police Commissioner Dermot Shea I honestly can't believe the things I'm seeing happen in America.pic.twitter.com/0mFquAm4Iz — Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) May 4, 2020
After a news conference decrying house parties and telling people to stay home, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot crossed the street to tell youth outside a school to go home. One young man responded: “Y’all need to find a cure, you’re talking about go home. You go home.” pic.twitter.com/uZHhNbcS0U — Gregory Pratt (@royalpratt) May 2, 2020
Recent LifeSiteNews coverage of the coronavirus crisis includes:
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Chinese Christians warn religious persecution much worse than indicated by new US federal report

May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom ( USCIRF ) has released its annual report on religious persecution around the world , and while it calls attention to ongoing abuses at the hands of the Chinese government , Chinese Christians say the situation on the ground is even worse .
The report recommends that the U.S. State Department continue its designation of China as a “ country of particular concern ” over the continued “ deteriorat ( ion ) ” of religious freedom in the country .
“ Independent experts estimate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kazakh , Kyrgyz , and other Muslims have been detained in more than 1,300 concentration camps in Xinjiang , ” where they experience “ torture , rape , sterilization , and other abuses , ” the report says .
“ The Chinese government continued to pursue a strategy of forced assimilation and suppression of Tibetan Buddhism , ” including torture and imprisonment of “ monks and nuns who refused to denounce the Dalai Lama.
” “ Chinese authorities raided or closed down hundreds of Protestant house churches in 2019 , including Rock Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing , ” it continues .
“ Authorities across the country have removed crosses from churches , banned youth under the age of 18 from participating in religious services , and replaced images of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary with pictures of President Xi Jinping.
” The report recommends that the U.S. government pressure the Chinese regime to change through a variety of measures , including public condemnation , economic sanctions against Chinese agencies , banning officials such as Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo from entering the U.S. , and legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But while the report is welcome among Chinese Christians and their defenders , some told UCA News that it could have gone even further .
One religious scholar speaking anonymously told the news service of an additional practice : `` Coercion of citizens to sign declarations rejecting religion under the threat of denying them benefits ” such as their pensions .
`` It is a serious violation of human rights and contempt for the law , causing regression of the legal system in society.
” '' After all these years since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit of sanity , but they did n't expect to go back all of a sudden , which is a disaster , '' the scholar added .
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang responded to the USCIRF report for “ denigrating China 's religious policy , ” which should be an internal affair .
Father Thomas Wang explained to UCA News that China sees the situation as follows : `` I beat my wife and children behind closed doors ; it has nothing to do with you , I just beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family business , it 's none of your business . ''

They say government threats include egregious human rights violations that go beyond closing down churches.
May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released its annual report on religious persecution around the world, and while it calls attention to ongoing abuses at the hands of the Chinese government, Chinese Christians say the situation on the ground is even worse.
The report recommends that the U.S. State Department continue its designation of China as a “country of particular concern” over the continued “deteriorat(ion)” of religious freedom in the country.
“Independent experts estimate that between 900,000 and 1.8 million Uighur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and other Muslims have been detained in more than 1,300 concentration camps in Xinjiang,” where they experience “torture, rape, sterilization, and other abuses,” the report says. “The Chinese government continued to pursue a strategy of forced assimilation and suppression of Tibetan Buddhism,” including torture and imprisonment of “monks and nuns who refused to denounce the Dalai Lama.”
“Chinese authorities raided or closed down hundreds of Protestant house churches in 2019, including Rock Church in Henan Province and Shouwang Church in Beijing,” it continues. “Authorities across the country have removed crosses from churches, banned youth under the age of 18 from participating in religious services, and replaced images of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary with pictures of President Xi Jinping.”
The report recommends that the U.S. government pressure the Chinese regime to change through a variety of measures, including public condemnation, economic sanctions against Chinese agencies, banning officials such as Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo from entering the U.S., and legislation banning the importation of goods from Xinjiang.
But while the report is welcome among Chinese Christians and their defenders, some told UCA News that it could have gone even further.
One religious scholar speaking anonymously told the news service of an additional practice: “Coercion of citizens to sign declarations rejecting religion under the threat of denying them benefits” such as their pensions. “It is a serious violation of human rights and contempt for the law, causing regression of the legal system in society.”
“After all these years since the Cultural Revolution, people have just regained a little bit of sanity, but they didn't expect to go back all of a sudden, which is a disaster,” the scholar added.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang responded to the USCIRF report for “denigrating China's religious policy,” which should be an internal affair.
Father Thomas Wang explained to UCA News that China sees the situation as follows: “I beat my wife and children behind closed doors; it has nothing to do with you, I just beat them to death, it's our family business, it's none of your business.”
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Aid money to left-wing WHO can do more good in other hands, Trump admin says

May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – On Monday the Trump administration defended its decision to suspend taxpayer support to the embattled World Health Organization ( WHO ) , arguing that other recipients can put the money to better use .
Last month , President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of the more than $ 400 million the United States sends the WHO every year , pending a review of its “ role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.
” “ So far the [ U.S. ] has used the WHO as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40 million of our assistance , ” a senior State Department official told Breitbart News .
“ So what the president saw was that WHO was not being an accountable , transparent partner , and as such it ’ s really important for us to make sure when you do foreign assistance that you always look at who is the best partner in order to get the job done.
” The official went on to note that the United States gives “ $ 18-20 billion worth of health and humanitarian assistance nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ’ s portion is relatively small , and could easily be redirected to any number of other non-government organizations ( NGOs ) .
“ We are absolutely committed to making sure every dollar is well spent and well accounted for , and that ’ s what we ’ re continuing to do every day with our COVID resources and all the rest of our global health and humanitarian assistance resources , ” the official assured Breitbart .
“ The United States continues to be the undisputed leader in foreign assistance , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Assistance Resources at the State Department , and is currently responsible for “ 49 percent of all government and multilateral assistance ” in response to COVID-19 .
Critics have faulted the pro-abortion organization for , among other offenses , opposing bans on travel from China that could have limited the reach of COVID-19 , and for legitimizing the false claims coming out of the Chinese government that initially downplayed the gravity of the situation and covered up the Communist regime ’ s mishandling of it .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States ’ relationship with the WHO will depend on whether the organization earns back the public ’ s trust .
“ If the institution works and functions , the United States will always lead and be part of it , ” he said .
“ When it ’ s not delivering , when in fact it ’ s failing to get the outcomes that are desired , we ’ re going to work with partners around the world to deliver a structure , a form , a governance model , that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews ’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

'WHO was not being an accountable, transparent partner,' said the unnamed official.
PETITION: Thank President Trump for halting U.S. funding to pro-abortion World Health Organization Sign the petition here.
May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – On Monday the Trump administration defended its decision to suspend taxpayer support to the embattled World Health Organization (WHO), arguing that other recipients can put the money to better use.
Last month, President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of the more than $400 million the United States sends the WHO every year, pending a review of its “role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.”
“So far the [U.S.] has used the WHO as an implementing partner around the world for about $40 million of our assistance,” a senior State Department official told Breitbart News. “So what the president saw was that WHO was not being an accountable, transparent partner, and as such it’s really important for us to make sure when you do foreign assistance that you always look at who is the best partner in order to get the job done.”
The official went on to note that the United States gives “$18-20 billion worth of health and humanitarian assistance nearly every year,” of which the WHO’s portion is relatively small, and could easily be redirected to any number of other non-government organizations (NGOs).
“We are absolutely committed to making sure every dollar is well spent and well accounted for, and that’s what we’re continuing to do every day with our COVID resources and all the rest of our global health and humanitarian assistance resources,” the official assured Breitbart.
“The United States continues to be the undisputed leader in foreign assistance,” declared James Richardson, director of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources at the State Department, and is currently responsible for “49 percent of all government and multilateral assistance” in response to COVID-19.
Critics have faulted the pro-abortion organization for, among other offenses, opposing bans on travel from China that could have limited the reach of COVID-19, and for legitimizing the false claims coming out of the Chinese government that initially downplayed the gravity of the situation and covered up the Communist regime’s mishandling of it.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously suggested that the future of the United States’ relationship with the WHO will depend on whether the organization earns back the public’s trust.
“If the institution works and functions, the United States will always lead and be part of it,” he said. “When it’s not delivering, when in fact it’s failing to get the outcomes that are desired, we’re going to work with partners around the world to deliver a structure, a form, a governance model, that will actually deliver on the intended purposes.”
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Pro-life leaders urge FDA to seize websites of abortion pill providers

WASHINGTON , D.C. , May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Dozens of pro-life leaders have urged the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) to seize websites of abortionists that are illegally offering abortion pills online .
In a letter dated May 4 , they called on the FDA “ to protect women from the distributers of abortion-inducing drugs who place lives at risk by circumventing your agency ’ s regulatory safeguards.
” The letter was signed , among others , by Marjorie Dannenfelser , President of the Susan B. Anthony List ; Kristan Hawkins , President of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose , President of Live Action ; Father Frank Pavone , National Director of Priests for Life ; and Jeanne Mancini , who is the organizer of the yearly March for Life in the nation ’ s capital .
They recalled that over a year ago , the FDA “ sent warning letters to AidAccess and Rablon , ” which are providing access to abortion pills on the internet .
“ Yet , these websites remain active and continue to dispense abortion-inducing drugs , including mifepristone , through internet prescriptions or orders that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then shipped to customers in the United States.
” On March 8 , 2019 , the FDA had written to both AidAccess and Rablon , “ FDA requests that you immediately cease causing the introduction of these violative drugs into U.S. commerce.
” The pro-life leaders summarized how abortion pills are used .
“ Mifeprex ( or its recently-approved generic ) , used in combination with misoprostol , is the only FDA-approved regimen for drug-induced abortion .
Mifeprex is subject to a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy ( REMS ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters , ‘ is intended to mitigate the risk of serious complications associated with Mifeprex.
’ Further , ‘ [ c ] onsistent with the REMS , Mifeprex is not sold through retail pharmacies or over the internet.
” Nevertheless , “ AidAccess and websites within Rablon ’ s network continue to flagrantly subvert the REMS by marketing mifepristone to U.S. customers.
” Recently , 159 pro-life members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate called on the FDA “ to continue to robustly enforce ” the REMS for the abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use the coronavirus crisis to ease restrictions placed on access to medication abortion .
As the members of Congress pointed out in a letter dated April 14 , “ there are some who seek to exploit this time of crisis to push for the weakening or overturning of critical Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy ( REMS ) association with medication abortion drugs , which would put women at significant risk.
” Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List said the FDA should “ protect American women from dangerous abortion drugs entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AidAccess , Rablon , and the abortion radicals who operate these illegal pill-mills jeopardize women ’ s health and safety every day they continue to operate.
” “ Chemical abortion drugs pose a serious risk of potentially life-threatening complications , ” she explained .
“ Research shows as many as five to seven percent of women who undergo chemical abortions will require follow-up surgery.
” Dannenfelser called out the abortion industry for promoting the abortion pill “ as the safe , easy , near painless way to have an abortion.
” In truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced intense pain , severe and heavy bleeding , and even death as a result of chemically-induced abortions.
” “ As our nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic , we hope to see the FDA to step up enforcement of the commonsense regulations they have already put in place to mitigate the expansion of these dangerous drugs , ” she added .
Similarly , Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life pointed out that the abortion industry “ willingly risks women ’ s lives by distributing chemical abortion drugs in ways that we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The FDA must hold the line on the health and safety standards in place to protect women from a predatory abortion sales team that wants to drop a few pills in the mail or e-mail a prescription to a pharmacy and medically abandon the women who take them , ” she emphasized .
Once a woman has taken the first abortion pill , for a short period of time , there is still a chance her baby can be saved .
The Charlotte Lozier Institute explains the whole abortion pill reversal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , in an infographic .
The medical abortion is committed by taking mifepristone , followed by misoprostol 24 to 72 hours later .
“ Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker which causes separation of the placenta from the uterus which leads to the death of the embryo or fetus .
The misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the remains of the child.
” To reverse the medical abortion , women take progesterone , orally or as an injection , “ as soon as possible after taking the mifepristone but before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dedicated to helping women with an abortion pill reversal .

The FDA should 'protect women from the distributers of abortion-inducing drugs who place lives at risk by circumventing your agency’s regulatory safeguards,' the letter stated.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Dozens of pro-life leaders have urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to seize websites of abortionists that are illegally offering abortion pills online. In a letter dated May 4, they called on the FDA “to protect women from the distributers of abortion-inducing drugs who place lives at risk by circumventing your agency’s regulatory safeguards.”
The letter was signed, among others, by Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List; Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America; Lila Rose, President of Live Action; Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life; and Jeanne Mancini, who is the organizer of the yearly March for Life in the nation’s capital.
They recalled that over a year ago, the FDA “sent warning letters to AidAccess and Rablon,” which are providing access to abortion pills on the internet. “Yet, these websites remain active and continue to dispense abortion-inducing drugs, including mifepristone, through internet prescriptions or orders that are purportedly filled by pharmacies in India, and then shipped to customers in the United States.”
On March 8, 2019, the FDA had written to both AidAccess and Rablon, “FDA requests that you immediately cease causing the introduction of these violative drugs into U.S. commerce.”
The pro-life leaders summarized how abortion pills are used.
“Mifeprex (or its recently-approved generic), used in combination with misoprostol, is the only FDA-approved regimen for drug-induced abortion. Mifeprex is subject to a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS),which, as stated in the warning letters, ‘is intended to mitigate the risk of serious complications associated with Mifeprex.’ Further, ‘[c]onsistent with the REMS, Mifeprex is not sold through retail pharmacies or over the internet.”
Nevertheless, “AidAccess and websites within Rablon’s network continue to flagrantly subvert the REMS by marketing mifepristone to U.S. customers.”
Recently, 159 pro-life members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate called on the FDA “to continue to robustly enforce” the REMS for the abortion pill. Various abortions advocates had attempted to use the coronavirus crisis to ease restrictions placed on access to medication abortion.
As the members of Congress pointed out in a letter dated April 14, “there are some who seek to exploit this time of crisis to push for the weakening or overturning of critical Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) association with medication abortion drugs, which would put women at significant risk.”
Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List said the FDA should “protect American women from dangerous abortion drugs entering the U.S. market illegally from overseas. AidAccess, Rablon, and the abortion radicals who operate these illegal pill-mills jeopardize women’s health and safety every day they continue to operate.”
“Chemical abortion drugs pose a serious risk of potentially life-threatening complications,” she explained. “Research shows as many as five to seven percent of women who undergo chemical abortions will require follow-up surgery.”
Dannenfelser called out the abortion industry for promoting the abortion pill “as the safe, easy, near painless way to have an abortion.” In truth, she said, “women have experienced intense pain, severe and heavy bleeding, and even death as a result of chemically-induced abortions.”
“As our nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to see the FDA to step up enforcement of the commonsense regulations they have already put in place to mitigate the expansion of these dangerous drugs,” she added.
Similarly, Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life pointed out that the abortion industry “willingly risks women’s lives by distributing chemical abortion drugs in ways that we know have resulted in women’s deaths.”
“The FDA must hold the line on the health and safety standards in place to protect women from a predatory abortion sales team that wants to drop a few pills in the mail or e-mail a prescription to a pharmacy and medically abandon the women who take them,” she emphasized.
Once a woman has taken the first abortion pill, for a short period of time, there is still a chance her baby can be saved. The Charlotte Lozier Institute explains the whole abortion pill reversal procedure, which is both simple and safe, in an infographic.
The medical abortion is committed by taking mifepristone, followed by misoprostol 24 to 72 hours later. “Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker which causes separation of the placenta from the uterus which leads to the death of the embryo or fetus. The misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the remains of the child.”
To reverse the medical abortion, women take progesterone, orally or as an injection, “as soon as possible after taking the mifepristone but before taking the misoprostol.”
A whole website is dedicated to helping women with an abortion pill reversal.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Biden picks gay ex-Obama ambassador for deputy campaign manager

May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Former Vice President Joe Biden made another overture to LGBT voters last week with his selection of Rufus Gifford , a former congressional candidate and Obama administration ambassador to Denmark who is “ married ” to another man , as the deputy campaign manager for his 2020 presidential run .
Gifford has been a Biden supporter and surrogate for months , The Advocate reports .
In his new role , he will serve as a campaign spokesman as well as handle a range of financial and policy responsibilities .
He was previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a staffer on former Secretary of State John Kerry ’ s 2004 presidential campaign , 2012 Democratic National Committee finance chair , and a consultant for various progressive causes .
He is most well-known , however , for serving as ambassador to Denmark from 2013 to 2017 .
He became something of a celebrity in the country from the production of a reality TV series about his work in the position , and it was in Denmark that he “ married ” veterinarian Stephen DeVincent .
In 2018 , Gifford unsuccessfully ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District , where he lost the Democrat primary to Lori Trahan .
He ran on a thoroughly-progressive platform , calling for a government-run healthcare system , aggressive climate change measures , and legal abortion .
Biden is running on an equally left-wing platform .
Gifford joins the campaign as multiple controversies surround the 77-year-old candidate , from lingering concerns about his mental acuity to Tara Reade ’ s accusation that he sexually assaulted her years ago when she was a Senate staffer .
On Sunday , New York Times columnist Liz Bruenig wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alternative strategy for 2020 — one that does not include Mr. Biden .
”

Rufus Gifford is was U.S. Ambassador to Denmark when he 'married' another man.
May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Former Vice President Joe Biden made another overture to LGBT voters last week with his selection of Rufus Gifford, a former congressional candidate and Obama administration ambassador to Denmark who is “married” to another man, as the deputy campaign manager for his 2020 presidential run.
Gifford has been a Biden supporter and surrogate for months, The Advocate reports. In his new role, he will serve as a campaign spokesman as well as handle a range of financial and policy responsibilities. He was previously a fundraiser for former President Barack Obama, a staffer on former Secretary of State John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, 2012 Democratic National Committee finance chair, and a consultant for various progressive causes.
He is most well-known, however, for serving as ambassador to Denmark from 2013 to 2017. He became something of a celebrity in the country from the production of a reality TV series about his work in the position, and it was in Denmark that he “married” veterinarian Stephen DeVincent.
In 2018, Gifford unsuccessfully ran for Congress in Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District, where he lost the Democrat primary to Lori Trahan. He ran on a thoroughly-progressive platform, calling for a government-run healthcare system, aggressive climate change measures, and legal abortion. Biden is running on an equally left-wing platform.
Gifford joins the campaign as multiple controversies surround the 77-year-old candidate, from lingering concerns about his mental acuity to Tara Reade’s accusation that he sexually assaulted her years ago when she was a Senate staffer. On Sunday, New York Times columnist Liz Bruenig wrote that “Democrats need to begin formulating an alternative strategy for 2020 — one that does not include Mr. Biden.”
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Join pro-life Canadians for first-ever ‘virtual’ March for Life May 10-15

It ’ s an uncannily apt theme for Campaign Life Coalition ’ s 22 annual March for Life given the corona-crisis in which Canada — and much of the world — now finds itself .
And it ’ s in the spirit of “ Be not afraid Canada !
” that Campaign Life , Canada ’ s national pro-life , pro-family national lobbying group is urging pro-life Canadians to join its first-ever virtual March for Life from May 10 to 15 .
Organized by Campaign Life , the March and rally on Ottawa ’ s Parliament Hill is the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It marks May 14 , 1969 , the day Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau ’ s Liberal government passed the omnibus bill decriminalizing abortion under certain circumstances .
The Supreme Court of Canada subsequently struck down that law with its January 28 , 1988 , “ Morgentaler ” decision , leaving Canada with abortion on demand and no law protecting the unborn child .
With Parliament Hill off limits this year because of coronavirus pandemic shutdowns , Campaign Life has put together a remarkable five-day event that virtually replicates the March for Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virtual National March for Life is important because the killing of preborn babies has not stopped during the pandemic , so the pro-life movement can not stop our efforts either , ” says Josie Luetke , Campaign Life ’ s youth coordinator , who along with Campaign Life vice-president Matt Wojciechowski will co-host the May 14 virtual rally and March .
“ While we can not physically be on Parliament Hill , our obligation to call for legal protection for all human beings -- from conception to natural death -- hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year ’ s Virtual March for Life is also dedicated to Fr .
Alphonse de Valk , csb , who died April 16 at age 88 .
The priest greatly influenced and contributed to the Canadian pro-life movement .
Longtime editor of Canada ’ s pro-life newspaper The Interim , as well as founder , publisher and editor of Catholic Insight Magazine , Fr .
de Valk wrote the seminal history on the legalization of abortion in Canada , Morality and Law in Canadian Politics , and is reportedly the first to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Canada ’ s “ day of infamy.
” Moreover , dedicating the March to the beloved Basilian priest is particularly appropriate because “ it was Fr .
de Valk ’ s encouragement that led to the first March for Life in 1998 , ” noted Wojciechowski .
The virtual March for Life kicks off in five days on Sunday , the first of three evenings during which Campaign Life will stream pro-life films , and interviews those involved with their creation .
May 10 ’ s showing is the Strings Attached documentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ekeocha , producer of the film and founder of Culture of Life Africa .
Monday ’ s films are Crescendo and Sing a Little Louder , followed by a conversation with filmmaker and pro-life activist , Jason Jones .
Tuesday ’ s film is Fatal Flaws : Legalizing Assisted Death , followed by a conversation with Alex Schadenberg , executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition .
The virtual candlelight vigil takes place Wednesday , May 13 , and will be hosted by the man-and-wife musical team A Guy and a Girl Music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing their life-affirming testimonials , reflections , and prayers , ” according to the March for Life website .
The candlelight vigil itself will be preceded by a broadcast of the memorial Mass for Fr .
de Valk , which was celebrated May 2 by Fr .
Louis di Rocco .
The full-day online program for May 14 , the day of the virtual march , begins with a live-streamed Mass celebrated by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast at Ottawa ’ s Notre Dame Cathedral .
That will be followed by a “ Be Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Doug Keck and featuring pro-life speakers Kevin Dunn , Stephanie Gray , and Campaign Life ’ s Wojciechowski , as well as guest appearances by other pro-life advocates and leaders .
Thursday ’ s program then moves to the virtual March for Life rally and March from 2:30 to 4:30 , which will include a “ great line-up of pro-life , religious , and political leaders and international guests along with very special appearances from Canadians across the country , ” the March for Life website says .
The Virtual March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-life webinar “ run exclusively by youth , ” which is organized by Campaign Life Coalition Youth and Niagara Region Right to Life , and takes the place of the annual March for Life Youth Conference , Luetke told LifeSiteNews .
“ Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from and connect with pro-life leaders their own age , ” she said .
Campaign Life hopes that the virtual March for Life will “ accomplish everything the National March for Life usually accomplishes -- that is , educate pro-lifers and grow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejuvenate those already involved , so they can continue pro-life work throughout the year ; and remind our elected officials that this issue is a priority to us and that we will vote and volunteer accordingly , ” said Luetke .
“ As always , CLC will be urging our supporters to take action and not just passively absorb all the events .
Now is the time to be not afraid , Canada !
” she added .
“ Be not afraid to educate your peers on social media , to call your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the items we 're highlighting on our website , to buy a Conservative Party of Canada membership and encourage your friends and family members to do the same in order to support Derek Sloan and Leslyn Lewis , ” she said .
“ Let the Virtual National March for Life spur you to take your involvement in the movement to the next level -- wherever that may be.
” All events will be broadcast through the March for Life website .
For more information on the Virtual March for Life and to check @ @ @ @ @ @

'The Virtual National March for Life is important because the killing of preborn babies has not stopped during the pandemic'
TORONTO, May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — “Be not afraid Canada!”
It’s an uncannily apt theme for Campaign Life Coalition’s 23 annual March for Life given the corona-crisis in which Canada — and much of the world — now finds itself.
And it’s in the spirit of “Be not afraid Canada!” that Campaign Life, Canada’s national pro-life, pro-family national lobbying group is urging pro-life Canadians to join its first-ever virtual March for Life from May 10 to 15.
Organized by Campaign Life, the March and rally on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is the country’s largest annual pro-life event. It marks May 14, 1969, the day Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s Liberal government passed the omnibus bill decriminalizing abortion under certain circumstances.
The Supreme Court of Canada subsequently struck down that law with its January 28, 1988, “Morgentaler” decision, leaving Canada with abortion on demand and no law protecting the unborn child.
With Parliament Hill off limits this year because of coronavirus pandemic shutdowns, Campaign Life has put together a remarkable five-day event that virtually replicates the March for Life’s traditional activities.
“The Virtual National March for Life is important because the killing of preborn babies has not stopped during the pandemic, so the pro-life movement cannot stop our efforts either,” says Josie Luetke, Campaign Life’s youth coordinator, who along with Campaign Life vice-president Matt Wojciechowski will co-host the May 14 virtual rally and March.
“While we cannot physically be on Parliament Hill, our obligation to call for legal protection for all human beings — from conception to natural death — hasn’t changed,” she told LifeSiteNews.
This year’s Virtual March for Life is also dedicated to Fr. Alphonse de Valk, csb, who died April 16 at age 88. The priest greatly influenced and contributed to the Canadian pro-life movement.
Longtime editor of Canada’s pro-life newspaper The Interim, as well as founder, publisher and editor of Catholic Insight Magazine, Fr. de Valk wrote the seminal history on the legalization of abortion in Canada, Morality and Law in Canadian Politics, and is reportedly the first to refer to May 14, 1969, as Canada’s “day of infamy.”
Moreover, dedicating the March to the beloved Basilian priest is particularly appropriate because “it was Fr. de Valk’s encouragement that led to the first March for Life in 1998,” noted Wojciechowski.
The virtual March for Life kicks off in five days on Sunday, the first of three evenings during which Campaign Life will stream pro-life films, and interviews those involved with their creation.
May 10’s showing is the Strings Attached documentary, followed by a conversation with Obianuju Ekeocha, producer of the film and founder of Culture of Life Africa.
Monday’s films are Crescendo and Sing a Little Louder, followed by a conversation with filmmaker and pro-life activist, Jason Jones.
Tuesday’s film is Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death, followed by a conversation with Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
The virtual candlelight vigil takes place Wednesday, May 13, and will be hosted by the man-and-wife musical team A Guy and a Girl Music. It will feature “special guests sharing their life-affirming testimonials, reflections, and prayers,” according to the March for Life website.
The candlelight vigil itself will be preceded by a broadcast of the memorial Mass for Fr. de Valk, which was celebrated May 2 by Fr. Louis di Rocco.
The full-day online program for May 14, the day of the virtual march, begins with the broadcast of a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast at Ottawa’s Notre Dame Cathedral.
That will be followed by a “Be Not Afraid” pro-life special hosted by EWTN’s Doug Keck and featuring pro-life speakers Kevin Dunn, Stephanie Gray, and Campaign Life’s Wojciechowski, as well as guest appearances by other pro-life advocates and leaders.
Thursday’s program then moves to the virtual March for Life rally and March from 2:30 to 4:30, which will include a “great line-up of pro-life, religious, and political leaders and international guests along with very special appearances from Canadians across the country,” the March for Life website says.
The Virtual March for Life concludes with the May 15 pro-life webinar “run exclusively by youth,” which is organized by Campaign Life Coalition Youth and Niagara Region Right to Life, and takes the place of the annual March for Life Youth Conference, Luetke told LifeSiteNews.
“Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from and connect with pro-life leaders their own age,” she said.
The Virtual March for Life will wrap up Friday with a free one-time screening of the film “Because of Grácia” followed by an interview with film director Tom Simes.
Campaign Life hopes that the virtual March for Life will “accomplish everything the National March for Life usually accomplishes — that is, educate pro-lifers and grow the movement; inspire people to action and rejuvenate those already involved, so they can continue pro-life work throughout the year; and remind our elected officials that this issue is a priority to us and that we will vote and volunteer accordingly,” said Luetke.
“As always, CLC will be urging our supporters to take action and not just passively absorb all the events. Now is the time to be not afraid, Canada!” she added.
“Be not afraid to educate your peers on social media, to call your elected official and discuss any number of the items we're highlighting on our website, to buy a Conservative Party of Canada membership and encourage your friends and family members to do the same in order to support Derek Sloan and Leslyn Lewis,” she said.
“Let the Virtual National March for Life spur you to take your involvement in the movement to the next level — wherever that may be.”
All events will be broadcast through the March for Life website. For more information on the Virtual March for Life and to check times, go to marchforlife.ca.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-05-05--US Sec of State: ‘Enormous evidence’ COVID-19 came from China lab

WASHINGTON , DC , May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – According to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , there is “ enormous evidence ” that COVID-19 first came from a laboratory in Wuhan , China .
“ I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan , ” Pompeo told ABC ’ s “ This Week ” last Sunday .
Pompeo did not comment on whether the virus was intentionally released by the Chinese institution , or whether it was an accident .
“ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because the Chinese Communist Party has refused to cooperate with world health experts.
” When asked if he believes that the virus is man-made or genetically modified , Pompeo replied : “ Look , the best experts so far seem to think it was man-made .
I have no reason to disbelieve that , at this point.
” When interviewer Martha Raddatz pointed out , however , that the office of the Director of National Intelligence has stated that the scientific consensus is the virus is not man-made or genetically modified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That 's right .
I agree with that .
Yeah , I 've seen their analysis .
I 've seen the summary that you saw that was released publicly .
I have no reason to doubt that that is accurate , ” he said .
Raddatz then asked Pompeo : “ Okay , so just to be clear , you do not think it was man-made or genetically modified ?
” “ I 've seen what the Intelligence Committee has said .
I have no reason to believe that they 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Throughout the interview , Pompeo went after the Chinese Communist Party for the way it handled information about the coronavirus outbreak .
“ We can confirm that the Chinese Communist Party did all that it could to make sure that the world didn ’ t learn in a timely fashion about what was taking place , ” the Secretary of State emphasized .
“ China has a history of infecting the world , and they have a history of running substandard laboratories , ” he said .
“ These are not the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab .
And so , while the intelligence community continues to do its work , they should continue to do that , and verify , so that we are certain.
” An intelligence report prepared by the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) , as obtained by the Associated Press ( AP ) , claims that China “ intentionally concealed the severity ” of the coronavirus in early January .
“ Not classified but marked ‘ for official use only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus , China increased imports and decreased exports of medical supplies , ” the AP reported .
“ It attempted to cover up doing so by ‘ denying there were export restrictions and obfuscating and delaying provision of its trade data , ’ the analysis states.
” On Sunday , Mike Pompeo said that “ the Chinese Communist Party had the opportunity to prevent all of the calamity that has befallen the world.
” The current situation , he continued , “ is an enormous crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communist Party reverted to form , reverted to the kinds of disinformation , the kinds of concealment , that authoritarian regimes do.
” “ Had those scientists been operating in America , they would ’ ve put this out , there would ’ ve been an exchange of ideas , and we would have quickly identified the kinds of things that needed to be done in response , ” Pompeo was convinced .
“ Instead , China behaved like authoritarian regimes do , attempted to conceal and hide and confuse .
It employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the same.
” In mid-April , President Donald Trump had announced that he would “ halt ” all funding to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , which is an institution that is part of the United Nations .
“ We have deep concerns about whether America ’ s generosity has been put to the best use possible , ” Trump said .
“ The reality is that the WHO failed to adequately obtain , vet , and share information in a timely and transparent fashion.
” The DHS intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informing the World Health Organization that the coronavirus ‘ was a contagion ’ for much of January so it could order medical supplies from abroad – and that its imports of face masks and surgical gowns and gloves increased sharply.
” According to Pompeo , the world community is coming together in its assessment of how China handled the coronavirus outbreak .
“ The Australians agree with that .
You hear the Europeans beginning to say the same thing .
I think the whole world is united , understanding that China brought this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
During a recent episode of The Van Maren Show , China expert Steven Mosher explained that “ [ i ] t ’ s always politics in China.
” Mosher said that during China ’ s handling of what has now become an international crisis , the government ’ s first priority was its political success .
Instead of providing the world with transparency and honest figures , he added , China and the WHO were slow in issuing warnings and disclosing the virus ’ spread .
Mosher has estimated that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported by the Chinese , based on the crematory chimney activity , as well as the number of funeral urns used during that time .

'I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan,' Pompeo said.
PETITION: Thank President Trump for halting U.S. funding to pro-abortion World Health Organization Sign the petition here.
WASHINGTON, DC, May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – According to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, there is “enormous evidence” that COVID-19 first came from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.
“I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan,” Pompeo told ABC’s “This Week” last Sunday.
Pompeo did not comment on whether the virus was intentionally released by the Chinese institution, or whether it was an accident. “I can’t answer your question about that, because the Chinese Communist Party has refused to cooperate with world health experts.”
When asked if he believes that the virus is man-made or genetically modified, Pompeo replied:
“Look, the best experts so far seem to think it was man-made. I have no reason to disbelieve that, at this point.”
When interviewer Martha Raddatz pointed out, however, that the office of the Director of National Intelligence has stated that the scientific consensus is the virus is not man-made or genetically modified, Pompeo backtracked on his previous statement.
“That's right. I agree with that. Yeah, I've seen their analysis. I've seen the summary that you saw that was released publicly. I have no reason to doubt that that is accurate,” he said.
Raddatz then asked Pompeo: “Okay, so just to be clear, you do not think it was man-made or genetically modified?”
“I've seen what the Intelligence Committee has said. I have no reason to believe that they've got it wrong,” he replied.
Throughout the interview, Pompeo went after the Chinese Communist Party for the way it handled information about the coronavirus outbreak.
“We can confirm that the Chinese Communist Party did all that it could to make sure that the world didn’t learn in a timely fashion about what was taking place,” the Secretary of State emphasized.
“China has a history of infecting the world, and they have a history of running substandard laboratories,” he said. “These are not the first times that we’ve had a world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab. And so, while the intelligence community continues to do its work, they should continue to do that, and verify, so that we are certain.”
An intelligence report prepared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as obtained by the Associated Press (AP), claims that China “intentionally concealed the severity” of the coronavirus in early January.
“Not classified but marked ‘for official use only,’ the DHS analysis states that, while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus, China increased imports and decreased exports of medical supplies,” the AP reported. “It attempted to cover up doing so by ‘denying there were export restrictions and obfuscating and delaying provision of its trade data,’ the analysis states.”
On Sunday, Mike Pompeo said that “the Chinese Communist Party had the opportunity to prevent all of the calamity that has befallen the world.”
The current situation, he continued, “is an enormous crisis created by the fact that the Chinese Communist Party reverted to form, reverted to the kinds of disinformation, the kinds of concealment, that authoritarian regimes do.”
“Had those scientists been operating in America, they would’ve put this out, there would’ve been an exchange of ideas, and we would have quickly identified the kinds of things that needed to be done in response,” Pompeo was convinced.
“Instead, China behaved like authoritarian regimes do, attempted to conceal and hide and confuse. It employed the World Health Organization as a tool to do the same.”
In mid-April, President Donald Trump had announced that he would “halt” all funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), which is an institution that is part of the United Nations.
“We have deep concerns about whether America’s generosity has been put to the best use possible,” Trump said. “The reality is that the WHO failed to adequately obtain, vet, and share information in a timely and transparent fashion.”
The DHS intelligence report claimed that “China held off informing the World Health Organization that the coronavirus ‘was a contagion’ for much of January so it could order medical supplies from abroad – and that its imports of face masks and surgical gowns and gloves increased sharply.”
According to Pompeo, the world community is coming together in its assessment of how China handled the coronavirus outbreak. “The Australians agree with that. You hear the Europeans beginning to say the same thing. I think the whole world is united, understanding that China brought this virus to the world,” he said.
During a recent episode of The Van Maren Show, China expert Steven Mosher explained that “[i]t’s always politics in China.” Mosher said that during China’s handling of what has now become an international crisis, the government’s first priority was its political success. Instead of providing the world with transparency and honest figures, he added, China and the WHO were slow in issuing warnings and disclosing the virus’ spread.
Mosher has estimated that the death toll was 20 times higher than reported by the Chinese, based on the crematory chimney activity, as well as the number of funeral urns used during that time.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--We need to learn our faith, we cannot live a faith we do not know

Formerly Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam , Mother Miriam Live brings you inspiration and solutions for life ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Miriam is a Catholic nun on a mission to bring hope to a world that @ @ @ @ @ let her share that hope and joy with you !
To tune into Mother Miriam @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page here every Monday to Friday at 10am .

To help keep this and other programs on the air, please donate here.
Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 5.5.2020. Today Mother speaks about the importance of knowing our faith and how we can all learn more. Mother encourages individuals and families to read the Bible and the Catechism to help deepen their faith.
You can tune in daily at 10 am EST/7 am PST on our Facebook Page.
Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live here.


lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the coronavirus crisis , LifeSite is offering Catholics throughout the world a chance to be united in praying the rosary together , at the same time , every day at 12:00 noon EST .
The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari , an American priest currently in Italy .
To date , Catholics from Israel , Uganda , Italy , France , Germany , Ireland , the United Kingdom , the U.S. , Canada , Mexico , Chile , Brazil , Australia , New Zealand , the Philippines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as other countries , have been joining in .
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak , while thousands more have been sickened .
And , across the world , business has come to a grinding halt , resulting in sudden job loss and threatening economic recession .
If there ever was a time for prayer , this is it .
Catholics around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sacraments , but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops ’ orders or government restrictions .
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time , but especially during this time of global calls for “ sheltering-in-place ” and quarantine .
“ The rosary is the weapon for these times , ” St. Padre Pio said .
Through prayer , we can shape history , change the world , and bring this painful crisis to an end .
Join us today !
Send photos or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

(LifeSiteNews) — In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church, LifeSite is happy to promote Regina Angelorum Press’s Daily Rosary, which is offering Catholics throughout the world the chance to be united daily in prayer, in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade.
Catholics from all over the world — from Israel, Uganda, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and other countries — are gathering daily to pray the Rosary, led by Father Pillari, JCL, MCL, STL, an American priest currently studying in Italy.
The Daily Rosary is being offered each day at 12noon EST through Regina Angelorum Press’ YouTube Channel to which you can subscribe HERE.
The goal is, by means of this Daily Rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima, the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.
To help obtain that goal, Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide Rosary crusade:
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother. Look upon the distress in which the Church and the whole of humanity are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church. In Fatima you warned against these errors, as you spoke about the errors of Russia. You are the Mediatrix of all graces. Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope: that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart, so that Russia will be converted, a period of peace will be granted to the world, and your Immaculate Heart will triumph, through an authentic renewal of the Church in the splendor of the purity of the Catholic Faith, of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life. O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother, turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer. Amen. + Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana
To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady’s message at Fatima, and about what you can do, please read Cardinal Burke’s 2017 address at the Rome Life Forum.
As St. Padre Pio once said, “The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” Through prayer, God can shape history, change the world, and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world, through the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Join us today!
If you would like to follow along with the prayers said during this Rosary, you can access them HERE. The document also includes a brief F.A.Q. pertaining to the daily Rosary.
You can send your prayer requests to https://reginangelorumpress.com/prayer-intentions/
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--US bishops’ recommended guidelines for restarting Masses allow Communion on the tongue

WASHINGTON , D.C. , May 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ( USCCB ) has suggested bishops around the country use guidelines prepared by the Thomistic Institute for restarting public Masses after the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is over .
Right away , the guidelines allow for reception of the Eucharist on the tongue .
Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford , Connecticut , in his position as the chairman of the USCCB ’ s Committee on Divine Worship , sent a memorandum to all bishops on April 30 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as respect for sound liturgical practice and above all respect for the matter and form of the sacraments , ” Blair wrote according to the National Catholic Reporter , which obtained a copy of the memorandum .
“ We can also anticipate that people will disagree on some points , ” he admitted .
The Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington , D.C .
However , the guidelines were prepared not only by theologians , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P. Flanigan of Brown University , and Aaron Kheriaty of the University of California , Irvine .
The lengthy guidelines , which provide meticulously detailed steps for a “ Phased Restoration of Public Masses , ” were last updated on April 28 .
The Thomistic Institute proposed three phases , beginning with “ strict limits on public gatherings and strict physical distancing.
” In that case , no more than 10 faithful would be present for Mass .
This phase would be followed by Masses with “ moderate limits on public gatherings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow for 50 faithful , perhaps more , depending on the size of the church building .
Moderate “ social distancing ” is defined as contact with another person closer than six feet , especially if that contact would last for more than 15 minutes .
“ Being within [ six ] feet of another person for brief moments and exchanges is permitted in this phase.
” In the final phase , there would be no longer any limits to crowd sizes , even though people who are at a higher risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice regular social distancing .
Churches “ should designate special seating for at-risk persons where physical distancing can be practiced , ” the guidelines emphasized .
According to the Thomistic Institute , receiving Holy Communion directly on the tongue is possible “ without unreasonable risk.
” “ Opinions on this point are varied within the medical and scientific community : some believe Communion on the tongue involves an elevated and , in the light of all the circumstances , an unreasonable risk ; others disagree , ” the document pointed out .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one could consider using hand sanitizer after each communicant who receives on the tongue.
” The guidelines specifically referred to Redemptionis Sacramentum , an Instruction published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in 2004 .
According to the document , “ each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue.
” Three options for distributing Holy Communion were discussed in detail by the Thomistic Institute .
“ Option 1 provides for Mass without any distribution of Holy Communion to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communion immediately at the end of Mass , with additional precautions ( our recommended option ) .
Option 3 provides for Holy Communion during Mass , with more modest precautions.
” The Thomistic Institute went on to explain the benefits of the second option .
“ This is our recommended option , because it respects the symbolic and liturgical integrity of the Mass ( which should be celebrated without mask or gloves ) , avoids any practices in the Mass that could become sources of future liturgical abuse , gives a greater freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not they will come forward for Holy Communion ( some may be nervous about doing so ) , and also provides for additional precautions to reduce risk , ” the guidelines stated .
They added , “ It also will permit the priest to remove his chasuble for the distribution of Holy Communion , given that it is difficult to launder if anyone should sneeze or cough on him.
” Drive-in Masses were presented as an option especially for smaller churches , and during the early phase of the restart of public Masses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as people stay in their cars , the congregation would not be considered a large public gathering .
In addition to guidelines for the celebration of Holy Mass , the Thomistic Institute issued guidelines concerning Confession and anointing of the sick .
“ Indeed , in some cases , access to the sacraments may be necessary for the salvation of those suffering from COVID-19 , ” the document on Confession began .
The Thomistic Institute emphasized the Church ’ s teaching that Confession has to take place in person and can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even in difficult situations , where the priest might have to hear a Confession on a front porch , in order to maintain social distancing , he has to “ take great care to ensure that the conversation with the penitent remains absolutely confidential.
” While many state governments are allowing religious gatherings even amid the coronavirus pandemic , several bishops have already announced they are going to keep public Masses banned for the time being , possibly until an “ effective vaccine ” has been found .

The detailed guidelines by the Thomistic Institute emphasize the need for respect for the matter and form of the sacraments.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has suggested bishops around the country use guidelines prepared by the Thomistic Institute for restarting public Masses after the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is over. Right away, the guidelines allow for reception of the Eucharist on the tongue.
Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford, Connecticut, in his position as the chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship, sent a memorandum to all bishops on April 30.
“Determining local solutions will require prudential judgment, as well as respect for sound liturgical practice and above all respect for the matter and form of the sacraments,” Blair wrote according to the National Catholic Reporter, which obtained a copy of the memorandum.
“We can also anticipate that people will disagree on some points,” he admitted.
The Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. However, the guidelines were prepared not only by theologians, but also by medical experts, including Timothy P. Flanigan of Brown University, and Aaron Kheriaty of the University of California, Irvine.
The lengthy guidelines, which provide meticulously detailed steps for a “Phased Restoration of Public Masses,” were last updated on April 28.
The Thomistic Institute proposed three phases, beginning with “strict limits on public gatherings and strict physical distancing.” In that case, no more than 10 faithful would be present for Mass.
This phase would be followed by Masses with “moderate limits on public gatherings and moderate physical distancing,” which would allow for 50 faithful, perhaps more, depending on the size of the church building.
Moderate “social distancing” is defined as contact with another person closer than six feet, especially if that contact would last for more than 15 minutes. “Being within [six] feet of another person for brief moments and exchanges is permitted in this phase.”
In the final phase, there would be no longer any limits to crowd sizes, even though people who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, would be encouraged to practice regular social distancing. Churches “should designate special seating for at-risk persons where physical distancing can be practiced,” the guidelines emphasized.
According to the Thomistic Institute, receiving Holy Communion directly on the tongue is possible “without unreasonable risk.”
“Opinions on this point are varied within the medical and scientific community: some believe Communion on the tongue involves an elevated and, in the light of all the circumstances, an unreasonable risk; others disagree,” the document pointed out. “If Communion on the tongue is provided, one could consider using hand sanitizer after each communicant who receives on the tongue.”
The guidelines specifically referred to Redemptionis Sacramentum, an Instruction published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in 2004. According to the document, “each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue.”
Three options for distributing Holy Communion were discussed in detail by the Thomistic Institute. “Option 1 provides for Mass without any distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful. Option 2 provides for Holy Communion immediately at the end of Mass, with additional precautions (our recommended option). Option 3 provides for Holy Communion during Mass, with more modest precautions.”
The Thomistic Institute went on to explain the benefits of the second option.
“This is our recommended option, because it respects the symbolic and liturgical integrity of the Mass (which should be celebrated without mask or gloves), avoids any practices in the Mass that could become sources of future liturgical abuse, gives a greater freedom to the faithful to determine whether or not they will come forward for Holy Communion (some may be nervous about doing so), and also provides for additional precautions to reduce risk,” the guidelines stated.
They added, “It also will permit the priest to remove his chasuble for the distribution of Holy Communion, given that it is difficult to launder if anyone should sneeze or cough on him.”
Drive-in Masses were presented as an option especially for smaller churches, and during the early phase of the restart of public Masses in the United States. As long as people stay in their cars, the congregation would not be considered a large public gathering.
In addition to guidelines for the celebration of Holy Mass, the Thomistic Institute issued guidelines concerning Confession and anointing of the sick.
“Indeed, in some cases, access to the sacraments may be necessary for the salvation of those suffering from COVID-19,” the document on Confession began.
The Thomistic Institute emphasized the Church’s teaching that Confession has to take place in person and cannot be done over the phone or online.
Even in difficult situations, where the priest might have to hear a Confession on a front porch, in order to maintain social distancing, he has to “take great care to ensure that the conversation with the penitent remains absolutely confidential.”
While many state governments are allowing religious gatherings even amid the coronavirus pandemic, several bishops have already announced they are going to keep public Masses banned for the time being, possibly until an “effective vaccine” has been found.
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lifesitenews--2020-05-05--Thousands sign petition supporting pro-life sidewalk counselors arrested during COVID-19

May 4 , 2020 ( Personhood Alliance ) — The Personhood Alliance partnered with LifeSiteNews to launch a petition to demand that that the rights of sidewalk counselors be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Affiliates and allies of the Personhood Alliance have hand-delivered more than 15,000 signatures to state and local leaders around the country , in the communities most impacted by sidewalk counselors ’ arrests and threats of arrest for peacefully witnessing outside abortion facilities .
These arrests and threats are egregious violations of First Amendment rights .
Gualberto Garcia Jones , Advocacy Director for LifeSiteNews and President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petition signatures to the mayor , city council , and chief of police in Hagerstown , Maryland , where local prayer warriors have been continuously harassed outside a local abortion facility and threatened with fines up to $ 5,000 .
Georgia Kijesky , president of the Personhood affiliate in Maryland , is determined to get the petition into Maryland Governor Larry Hogan ’ s hands as well — by certified mail if necessary .
Personhood affiliate Pro-Life Wisconsin ’ s legislative director Matt Sande and state director Dan Miller delivered over 15,000 signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-lifers continue to witness under threat of arrest , but have determined that as long as abortion clinics are open , their truly essential life-saving work must go on .
Pro-Life Wisconsin is also petitioning Governor Tony Evers to shut down the state ’ s abortion facilities for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency order .
PETITION : Support pro-lifers threatened and arrested for praying outside of abortion facilities Sign the petition here .
Multiple people have been arrested in North Carolina , on at least three separate occasions .
This included 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Benham , founder of Cities4Life .
You can watch the Facebook video of Benham ’ s arrest here .
Pastor Keith Pavlansky , president of Personhood North Carolina , an organization that partners with Love Life Charlotte , helped bail out those who were arrested .
Pastor Keith delivered petitions to the Greensboro city council and police department and said they are already beginning to see changes take place : “ The petition is a way for the entire body of Christ to pull itself together and to show a solidarity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So I just want to pass along a thank you .
There ’ s already been a big difference , a huge difference in the city of Greensboro in regards to these pastors that were arrested.
” Pro-lifers in Ventura , California , joined with me to personally deliver petitions to the Police Chief and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors .
In a surprising show of support , one of the officers told us : “ You are welcome to keep doing what you are doing , and you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom of speech.
” In San Francisco , Robert Byrd , Executive Coordinator at Pro-Life San Francisco ; Enggrid Tija of San Francisco Life Runners ; and local activist Matthew Prewett , took the petition to the Ingleside Police Station and the San Francisco City Attorney ’ s office .
They are also requesting a public apology for the arrest of long-time sidewalk advocate Ron Konopaski .
Personhood ’ s petition with LifeSiteNews is still active and now has over 16,000 signatures .
If you have not already done so , we encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve already signed , THANK YOU .
This is one simple way we can all make a difference during these uncertain times — one powerful way to send a message that says , “ We will not be silenced !
” Deborah Stilt is the social media coordinator for the Personhood Alliance and has been active in pro-life media for several years .
But most importantly , she ’ s a California mom who is fighting against the lies of the culture and for the protection of every human being without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Personhood Alliance .

The petition demands that that the rights of sidewalk counselors be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic as police frivolously arrest peaceful activists nationwide.
May 4, 2020 (Personhood Alliance) — The Personhood Alliance partnered with LifeSiteNews to launch a petition to demand that that the rights of sidewalk counselors be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Affiliates and allies of the Personhood Alliance have hand-delivered more than 15,000 signatures to state and local leaders around the country, in the communities most impacted by sidewalk counselors’ arrests and threats of arrest for peacefully witnessing outside abortion facilities. These arrests and threats are egregious violations of First Amendment rights.
Delivery in Maryland
Gualberto Garcia Jones, Advocacy Director for LifeSiteNews and President of the Personhood Alliance, delivered the petition signatures to the mayor, city council, and chief of police in Hagerstown, Maryland, where local prayer warriors have been continuously harassed outside a local abortion facility and threatened with fines up to $5,000.
Georgia Kijesky, president of the Personhood affiliate in Maryland, is determined to get the petition into Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s hands as well — by certified mail if necessary.
Delivery in Wisconsin
Personhood affiliate Pro-Life Wisconsin’s legislative director Matt Sande and state director Dan Miller delivered over 15,000 signatures to Representative Shae Sortwell. Brave Wisconsin pro-lifers continue to witness under threat of arrest, but have determined that as long as abortion clinics are open, their truly essential life-saving work must go on. Pro-Life Wisconsin is also petitioning Governor Tony Evers to shut down the state’s abortion facilities for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency order.
PETITION: Support pro-lifers threatened and arrested for praying outside of abortion facilities Sign the petition here.
Delivery in North Carolina
Multiple people have been arrested in North Carolina, on at least three separate occasions. This included 11 sidewalk counselors from Love Life Charlotte and David Benham, founder of Cities4Life. You can watch the Facebook video of Benham’s arrest here. Pastor Keith Pavlansky, president of Personhood North Carolina, an organization that partners with Love Life Charlotte, helped bail out those who were arrested. Pastor Keith delivered petitions to the Greensboro city council and police department and said they are already beginning to see changes take place:
“The petition is a way for the entire body of Christ to pull itself together and to show a solidarity and a unity that needs to exist there. So I just want to pass along a thank you. There’s already been a big difference, a huge difference in the city of Greensboro in regards to these pastors that were arrested.”
Delivery in California
Pro-lifers in Ventura, California, joined with me to personally deliver petitions to the Police Chief and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. In a surprising show of support, one of the officers told us:
“You are welcome to keep doing what you are doing, and you don’t need to leave. America has freedom of speech.”
In San Francisco, Robert Byrd, Executive Coordinator at Pro-Life San Francisco; Enggrid Tija of San Francisco Life Runners; and local activist Matthew Prewett, took the petition to the Ingleside Police Station and the San Francisco City Attorney’s office. They are also requesting a public apology for the arrest of long-time sidewalk advocate Ron Konopaski.
Personhood’s petition with LifeSiteNews is still active and now has over 16,000 signatures. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to add your name. If you’ve already signed, THANK YOU.
This is one simple way we can all make a difference during these uncertain times — one powerful way to send a message that says, “We will not be silenced!”
Deborah Stilt is the social media coordinator for the Personhood Alliance and has been active in pro-life media for several years. But most importantly, she’s a California mom who is fighting against the lies of the culture and for the protection of every human being without exception.
Published with permission from the Personhood Alliance.
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