lifesitenews--2020-11-17--When meditating on the Word of God, choose a Bible translation that works

November 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Longtime readers will know that I am an ardent proponent of lectio divina — that is , the traditional method of praying with Sacred Scripture .
( See , for example , this article and this one . )
Once upon a time , reading the Bible was the privilege of clergy and religious who were educated and had access to libraries of handwritten books .
Today , with literacy at an all-time high and printed Bibles abundantly available , we have really no excuse not to be applying our literacy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of God , at least at regular intervals .
Inevitably , the question arises : “ What ’ s your favorite translation/edition of the Bible ?
Which one should I get ?
” The market in English is glutted with options .
According to one estimate , there are over 450 versions ( and counting ! )
.
It is a difficult question to answer for many reasons .
First , while the Church , based on many centuries of constant practice and teaching , established the definitive canon of Scripture at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ canonized ” a particular edition of the original languages ( Hebrew and Greek ) or a particular translation , saying : “ This , and this alone , you shall use.
” The Vulgate is the most honorable , influential , and “ safe ” edition , because Trent confirmed that it is free from error in matters of faith and morals , which can not be claimed for any other version of the Bible .
However , as with papal infallibility , this is a negative guarantee : the Vulgate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That does not mean that it is a perfect translation , with no grammatical mistakes , or no possibility of improvement .
Anyone who knows about the challenges of moving from one language to another knows that there is no such thing as a perfect translation .
On the one hand , terms or phrases often have multiple valid translations , each conveying a different nuance ; on the other hand , the base text itself can exist in better or worse editions ( that ’ s why we have so-called “ critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best-quality base text possible ) .
Indeed , St. Jerome himself made three different Latin versions of the Psalter , and he probably wasn ’ t satisfied with any of them !
St. Augustine articulates a commonsense principle in De Doctrina Christiana when he says those who can not read the original languages ( which is obviously the best thing : the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek ) ought to avail themselves of a panoply of translations so they will not get stuck on any one rendering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contrasting the different versions .
This advice is intended primarily for preachers , scholars , and apologists — for those who will make arguments based on Scripture .
Lectio divina isn ’ t supposed to be a time of academic study , where our desk is strewn with concordances and lexicons and a critical Hexapla , but rather a time of meditative encounter with the Lord , so we should seek out a version that will suit this purpose well , from among the versions that have good reputations among conservative or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of alarming or scandalizing some “ rad trads ” by making two points about the classic English version called the Douay-Rheims .
First , what most people call the “ Douay-Rheims ” is not the original Douay Old Testament of 1609 and the original Rheims New Testament of 1582 ; it is , instead , the much revised Challoner edition from two hundred years later , which was updated in light of the King James Version — a fact easy to confirm by looking at the texts .
The original version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the efforts of Dr. William Von Peters , who modernized the spelling but otherwise left the words intact ; there is also an online version , as yet incomplete , with the original orthography .
Second , while I find the Douay-Rheims an admirable version in many ways , and I frequently use it in my writing and consult it against the Vulgate , it is not my favorite version for lectio divina .
Unlike the poetic diction of Shakespeare , the Douay-Rheim ’ s language is stilted , awkward , and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trying to pray with it is a bit like trying to walk a long distance in ill fitting shoes , or swimming with weights on .
I know there are others who don ’ t feel this way , and that ’ s fine ; my point is that there ’ s no requirement to use this or any version of the Bible for our personal prayer .
We ought to look for a translation that combines dignity of style with accuracy , in an idiom that is not distracting to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence of God with a holy fear .
For that reason , my favorite Bible for prayer is the five-volume Biblotheca , which uses what it calls “ the American Literary Version , ” a slight modernization of the American Standard Version , itself based on the King James .
It belongs to the now burgeoning genre of “ reader ’ s Bibles ” — that is , Bibles that have little or no “ apparatus ” — no chapter and verse numbers , no footnotes , no running headers or section headings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the text , and usually printed in one column in a comfortable font on thicker paper .
Basically , it presents the appearance of a normal modern book so that one can enjoy the reading of an uncluttered text .
While I have many other Bibles on my shelf for scholarship and literary work , I find Bibliotheca ’ s approach ideal for “ getting lost ” in the story and in the message .
I use it nearly every day for lectio divina and love everything about it : the translation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page , the lack of clutter , the binding and ribbon .
In my opinion , it ’ s the ideal reader ’ s Bible and beats the competition by cubits and fathoms .
Yes , from a Catholic point of view , it could be better : the books of the Old Testament are arranged in Hebrew/Protestant fashion , with the deuterocanonicals separated out into a volume called Apocrypha .
But after using it for over five years , I would still say it is the best I have found for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intention is to continue with it .
I want to re-emphasize that there is plenty of room for differences in personal preference , and that Bibliotheca may not be everyone ’ s cup of tea ( for one thing , it ’ s fairly pricey ) .
Some may find more solace and light in the Douay-Rheims ( Vetus or Novus ) , or in the Revised Standard Version ( as found in the Ignatius Bible ) , or in the English Standard Version ( as found in the Augustine Bible ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give , however , is that any translation we use should not be in “ contemporary English ” as it is spoken — or rather , cheapened and slaughtered — in today ’ s society .
There are many reasons for this judgment .
Here I will present one set of reasons articulated by Fr .
Luke Bell in his book Staying Tender : Contemplation , Pathway to Compassion ( Angelico , 2020 ) , when he explains why he chose to quote from the King James Version : Readers of early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this might be more difficult for people to get their head around than a modern version , so a word of explanation is in order .
I don ’ t want you to get your head around it .
I want it to get into your heart .
I have chosen this version because it is poetic .
T. S. Eliot observed ( in connection with Dante ) that “ genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.
” That is to say that what comes through it is more than what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin with .
It speaks first of all to intuition rather than to any analytical faculty .
That in us which sees the whole is touched by the poet ’ s own vision of the whole , its words awakening in us what awoke the words in him or her .
Just as an inspiration of the oneness of creation can sometimes come through the beauty of nature , so a sense of the one divine source of all meaning can sometimes be received through poetry .
It is the genre of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an echo of the music of eternity .
If all this is true of poetry it should be true a fortiori of versions of Scripture , which is above all the text through which the transcendent comes to us .
If we word it so it reflects back to us the quotidian banalities of our own speech with all the limitations of its vision , reducing in effect what it speaks of to that of which we speak , then we tend to make it tamer than it should be .
We risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it replacing the aspiration that it should master us… [ A ] n older version , written when the language was richer and less abstract , is more likely to make us pause before the mystery , to humble us before the numinous , to open us to what comes from beyond .

Pick the translation that works best for you — but whatever you do, don't go with a 'contemporary English' version.
November 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Longtime readers will know that I am an ardent proponent of lectio divina — that is, the traditional method of praying with Sacred Scripture. (See, for example, this article and this one.) Once upon a time, reading the Bible was the privilege of clergy and religious who were educated and had access to libraries of handwritten books. Today, with literacy at an all-time high and printed Bibles abundantly available, we have really no excuse not to be applying our literacy to pondering and praying with the revealed word of God, at least at regular intervals.
Inevitably, the question arises: “What’s your favorite translation/edition of the Bible? Which one should I get?” The market in English is glutted with options. According to one estimate, there are over 450 versions (and counting!).
It is a difficult question to answer for many reasons.
First, while the Church, based on many centuries of constant practice and teaching, established the definitive canon of Scripture at the Council of Trent, she has never “canonized” a particular edition of the original languages (Hebrew and Greek) or a particular translation, saying: “This, and this alone, you shall use.” The Vulgate is the most honorable, influential, and “safe” edition, because Trent confirmed that it is free from error in matters of faith and morals, which cannot be claimed for any other version of the Bible. However, as with papal infallibility, this is a negative guarantee: the Vulgate is free from doctrinal and moral error. That does not mean that it is a perfect translation, with no grammatical mistakes, or no possibility of improvement. Anyone who knows about the challenges of moving from one language to another knows that there is no such thing as a perfect translation. On the one hand, terms or phrases often have multiple valid translations, each conveying a different nuance; on the other hand, the base text itself can exist in better or worse editions (that’s why we have so-called “critical editions,” which attempt to produce the best-quality base text possible). Indeed, St. Jerome himself made three different Latin versions of the Psalter, and he probably wasn’t satisfied with any of them!
St. Augustine articulates a commonsense principle in De Doctrina Christiana when he says those who cannot read the original languages (which is obviously the best thing: the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek) ought to avail themselves of a panoply of translations so they will not get stuck on any one rendering, but deepen their understanding by comparing and contrasting the different versions. This advice is intended primarily for preachers, scholars, and apologists — for those who will make arguments based on Scripture. Lectio divina isn’t supposed to be a time of academic study, where our desk is strewn with concordances and lexicons and a critical Hexapla, but rather a time of meditative encounter with the Lord, so we should seek out a version that will suit this purpose well, from among the versions that have good reputations among conservative or traditional Christians.
— Article continues below Petition — PETITION: Ask Pope Francis to clarify and rectify scandalous remarks on homosexual civil unions Show Petition Text 22787 have signed the petition. Let's get to 25000 ! Thank you for signing this petition! Add your signature: Show Petition Text Country... State... Sign this Petition Remarks attributed to Pope Francis (and, not denied by the Vatican) in support of homosexual civil unions have caused grave scandal to the faithful. Please SIGN this urgent petition which asks Pope Francis to clarify and rectify these heterodox and scandalous remarks on homosexual civil unions, and which will be delivered both to the Vatican and to the Papal Nuncio of the United States (the Pope's official representative in the U.S.). As the last guarantor of the Faith, the Pope should clarify and rectify these remarks, which go against the perennial teaching of the Church, even including the teaching of his living predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. "What we have to create is a law of civil coexistence [meaning civil union law, for homosexuals]...," Pope Francis is reported to have remarked, in what is arguably his clearest statement of public support for a practice morally prohibited by official Catholic Church teaching. In fact, the Church has been crystal clear in Her opposition to homosexual unions. Just in 2003, Pope Saint John Paul II approved a document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, titled 'Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons' and written by Cardinal Ratzinger (now, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI), which concludes with the following: "The Church teaches that respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions. The common good requires that laws recognize, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society. Legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on the same level as marriage would mean not only the approval of deviant behaviour, with the consequence of making it a model in present-day society, but would also obscure basic values which belong to the common inheritance of humanity. The Church cannot fail to defend these values, for the good of men and women and for the good of society itself." It could not be more clear: the Church is calling people to repentance, not to be left to indulge in grave sin. Since becoming public, several senior prelates as well as other notable Catholic figures have voiced their opposition to these remarks attributed to the Pontiff. Cardinal Raymond Burke stated: "It is a source of deepest sadness and pressing pastoral concern that the private opinions reported with so much emphasis by the press and attributed to Pope Francis do not correspond to the constant teaching of the Church, as it is expressed in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition." Cardinal Gerhard Müller commented: "Where there is tension between the plain and obvious Word of God and the infallible interpretation on the one hand, and private expressions of opinion even by the highest church authorities on the other, the principle always applies: in dubio pro DEO [When in doubt, be in favor of God]." And, Catholic theologian and apologist Scott Hahn, without directly quoting Pope Francis, shared on Facebook the 'Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons,' published by the CDF in 1986, with the statement: "Holy Father, respectfully and humbly, I beg to differ... if that is indeed what you said. In any case, please clarify and rectify your statement, especially in view of the official teaching of our Lord through the magisterium of His Church." But, the silence from the Vatican has been deafening, with no clarification forthcoming. We must, therefore, ask the Pope for clarification in this serious matter. Please SIGN and SHARE this petition which asks Pope Francis to clarify and rectify remarks attributed to him in support of homosexual civil unions. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 'Cdl. Burke: Pope’s homosexual civil union remarks ‘contrary’ to Scripture, Tradition' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/cardinal-burke-on-popes-homosexual-civil-union-remarks-contrary-to-the-teaching-of-sacred-scripture-and-sacred-tradition 'Cardinal says Catholics ‘can and should’ disagree with Pope’s ‘opinion’ on gay civil unions' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/cdl.mueller-popes-words-on-gay-civil-unions-purely-private-expression-of-opinion-which-every-catholic-can-and-should-freely-contradict 'Archbishop Vigano, Bishops Tobin and Strickland respond to Pope’s approval of homosexual civil unions' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/archbishop-vigano-and-bishops-tobin-strickland-respond-to-popes-approval-of-homosexual-civil-unions 'Pope’s comments on gay civil unions cause shockwaves around the world' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/deepest-sadness-cardinal-burke-condemns-pope-franciss-remarks-supporting-civil-unions Hide Petition Text Sign this Petition
Here I will run the risk of alarming or scandalizing some “rad trads” by making two points about the classic English version called the Douay-Rheims.
First, what most people call the “Douay-Rheims” is not the original Douay Old Testament of 1609 and the original Rheims New Testament of 1582; it is, instead, the much revised Challoner edition from two hundred years later, which was updated in light of the King James Version — a fact easy to confirm by looking at the texts. The original version has been made available again thanks to the efforts of Dr. William Von Peters, who modernized the spelling but otherwise left the words intact; there is also an online version, as yet incomplete, with the original orthography.
Second, while I find the Douay-Rheims an admirable version in many ways, and I frequently use it in my writing and consult it against the Vulgate, it is not my favorite version for lectio divina. Unlike the poetic diction of Shakespeare, the Douay-Rheim’s language is stilted, awkward, and at times baffling in meaning. For me, trying to pray with it is a bit like trying to walk a long distance in ill fitting shoes, or swimming with weights on. I know there are others who don’t feel this way, and that’s fine; my point is that there’s no requirement to use this or any version of the Bible for our personal prayer. We ought to look for a translation that combines dignity of style with accuracy, in an idiom that is not distracting to us, but rather brings us into the presence of God with a holy fear.
For that reason, my favorite Bible for prayer is the five-volume Biblotheca, which uses what it calls “the American Literary Version,” a slight modernization of the American Standard Version, itself based on the King James. It belongs to the now burgeoning genre of “reader’s Bibles” — that is, Bibles that have little or no “apparatus” — no chapter and verse numbers, no footnotes, no running headers or section headings, no cross-references or language notes, just the text, and usually printed in one column in a comfortable font on thicker paper. Basically, it presents the appearance of a normal modern book so that one can enjoy the reading of an uncluttered text. While I have many other Bibles on my shelf for scholarship and literary work, I find Bibliotheca’s approach ideal for “getting lost” in the story and in the message. I use it nearly every day for lectio divina and love everything about it: the translation, the typeface, the layout of the page, the lack of clutter, the binding and ribbon. In my opinion, it’s the ideal reader’s Bible and beats the competition by cubits and fathoms.
Yes, from a Catholic point of view, it could be better: the books of the Old Testament are arranged in Hebrew/Protestant fashion, with the deuterocanonicals separated out into a volume called Apocrypha. But after using it for over five years, I would still say it is the best I have found for quiet, reflective reading, and my intention is to continue with it. I want to re-emphasize that there is plenty of room for differences in personal preference, and that Bibliotheca may not be everyone’s cup of tea (for one thing, it’s fairly pricey). Some may find more solace and light in the Douay-Rheims (Vetus or Novus), or in the Revised Standard Version (as found in the Ignatius Bible), or in the English Standard Version (as found in the Augustine Bible).
The one inflexible piece of advice I will give, however, is that any translation we use should not be in “contemporary English” as it is spoken — or rather, cheapened and slaughtered — in today’s society. There are many reasons for this judgment. Here I will present one set of reasons articulated by Fr. Luke Bell in his book Staying Tender: Contemplation, Pathway to Compassion (Angelico, 2020), when he explains why he chose to quote from the King James Version:
Readers of early drafts of the book have suggested that this might be more difficult for people to get their head around than a modern version, so a word of explanation is in order. I don’t want you to get your head around it. I want it to get into your heart. I have chosen this version because it is poetic. T. S. Eliot observed (in connection with Dante) that “genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” That is to say that what comes through it is more than what the mind can grasp, at least to begin with. It speaks first of all to intuition rather than to any analytical faculty. That in us which sees the whole is touched by the poet’s own vision of the whole, its words awakening in us what awoke the words in him or her. Just as an inspiration of the oneness of creation can sometimes come through the beauty of nature, so a sense of the one divine source of all meaning can sometimes be received through poetry. It is the genre of the transcendent. Through it can be heard an echo of the music of eternity. If all this is true of poetry it should be true a fortiori of versions of Scripture, which is above all the text through which the transcendent comes to us. If we word it so it reflects back to us the quotidian banalities of our own speech with all the limitations of its vision, reducing in effect what it speaks of to that of which we speak, then we tend to make it tamer than it should be. We risk the complacency of thinking we have mastered it replacing the aspiration that it should master us… [A]n older version, written when the language was richer and less abstract, is more likely to make us pause before the mystery, to humble us before the numinous, to open us to what comes from beyond.
Peter Kwasniewski, Thomistic theologian, liturgical scholar, and choral composer, is a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College in California (B.A. Liberal Arts) and The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC (M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy). He taught at the International Theological Institute in Austria and the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Austria Program, then helped establish Wyoming Catholic College in 2006. There he taught theology, philosophy, music, and art history and directed the choirs until leaving in 2018 to devote himself full-time to writing and lecturing. Today he contributes regularly to many websites and publications, including New Liturgical Movement, OnePeterFive, LifeSiteNews, Rorate Caeli, The Remnant, and Catholic Family News, and has published thirteen books, including four on traditional Catholicism: Resurgent in the Midst of Crisis (Angelico, 2014, also available in Czech, Polish, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Belarusian), Noble Beauty, Transcendent Holiness (Angelico, 2017), Tradition and Sanity (Angelico, 2018), and Reclaiming Our Roman Catholic Birthright: The Genius and Timeliness of the Traditional Latin Mass (Angelico, 2020). His work has been translated into at least eighteen languages. Kwasniewski is a scholar of The Aquinas Institute in Green Bay, which is publishing the Opera Omnia of the Angelic Doctor, a Fellow of the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies, and a Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center. He has published over a thousand articles on Thomistic thought, sacramental and liturgical theology, the history and aesthetics of music, and the social doctrine of the Church. For news, information, article links, sacred music, and the home of Os Justi Press, visit his personal website, www.peterkwasniewski.com.
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lifesitenews--2020-11-17--Trudeau ‘Great Reset’ remarks resurface as Canada finances global COVID-19 vaccine plan

OTTAWA , November 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that Canada supports the post-COVID-19 global “ Great Reset ” promoted by Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum and backed by the United Nations , as well as plans to push a COVID-19 vaccine globally .
“ This pandemic has provided an opportunity for a reset .
This is our chance to accelerate our pre-pandemic efforts to reimagine economic systems that actually address global challenges like extreme poverty , inequality and climate change , ” declared Trudeau .
“ Building back better means getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our momentum on reaching the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs [ Sustainable Development Goals ] .
” Critics — notably Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò — are warning that the proposed Great Reset is , in fact , a plan by billionaire elites to implement a globalist socialist surveillance state .
While Trudeau ’ s comments date back to late September , they have come under recent scrutiny as pandemic lockdowns continue and world leaders increasingly use “ Great Reset ” talking points , as Ezra Levant of Rebel News noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statements during a September 29 video conference where he , United Nations secretary general António Guterres , and Jamaica ’ s Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the convening of a “ high-level ” meeting to discuss how world leaders “ could build a better , more equitable system that works for everyone ” in the wake of the pandemic .
“ The last six months have laid bare fundamental gaps and inequities within our societies and between them .
As with climate change , those who have the least are impacted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also laid out a timeline for the proposed reset .
Following other “ high-level meetings ” in the summer and September , world leaders will meet again in December “ to discuss the progress we ’ ve made , because we understand that right now , we have to fix urgent problems , and in the long run , we also have to fix the system , so that it works for everyone , ” said the prime minister .
Meanwhile , the “ most promising ideas will be taken up within existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as at the G7 and G20 Leaders ’ Summits later in the fall , ” added Trudeau .
He also reiterated that a COVID-19 vaccine is needed , evidently a necessary condition for the proposed Great Reset , and announced that Canada is contributing $ 400 million to the COVID-19 vaccine Global Access Facility , or Covax .
That ’ s the World Economic Forum–led plan to be carried out by the United Nations and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) to circulate two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ September that the U.S. would not be joining the approximately 170 countries participating in Covax , in part because the WHO is involved , the Washington Post reported at the time .
“ To eliminate this virus anywhere , we need to eliminate it everywhere , ” said Trudeau .
“ While the scientists work around the clock to develop a vaccine , governments ... have the responsibility to ensure it ’ ll be distributed quickly and fairly around the world , ” he added .
“ We need to work together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a strong , coordinated response across the world and across sectors is essential.
” Then there ’ s climate change , which , Trudeau contended in a video address to the U.N. the same day , is a greater threat to the world than the pandemic .
“ Our world is facing a climate reckoning , ” he said .
“ We are at this point because of our collective inability over the past decade to make the tough decisions and sacrifices needed to fight climate change and save future generations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s look at what we can do to make a difference together .
Let ’ s use our shared power not just to get a vaccine , but to get it out to everyone , ” he added .
“ Let us be inspired by our citizens ’ call to restore the global economy while we tackle climate change.
” Trudeau ’ s remarks echo those of Democrat former vice president Joe Biden and U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson , who also insist on the need for a “ reset ” to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ build back better ” after the pandemic .
Trudeau ’ s comments also take on significance in light of American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer ’ s recently announcing that it has developed a vaccine that is 90 percent effective against COVID-19 .
Trudeau described this as “ encouraging ” and said “ we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
” Canada has secured 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine should it eventually become available .
However , just days later , reports emerged about “ severe ” side-effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including fevers and headaches .
Indeed , U.K. health authorities admit to expecting a “ high volume of adverse drug reaction ” to the COVID-19 vaccine , according to Irish commentator Dave Cullen of Computing Forever .
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulator Agency ( MHRA ) put out a contract offer October 23 , 2020 , he reported .
It “ urgently seeks an Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) software tool to process the expected high volume of Covid-19 vaccine adverse drug reaction and ensure that no details from the ADRs ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covax initiative , it is “ a global risk-sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual COVID-19 vaccines , ” according to GAVI , the World Vaccine Alliance .
GAVI is co-leading the Covax along with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations ( CEPI ) , a global partnership to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics .
Both GAVI and CEPI were launched at Schwab ’ s World Economic Forum meetings in Davos in 2000 and 2017 , respectively .
The World Economic Forum and the U.N. ’ s Guterres signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development .

Trudeau's remarks have come under renewed scrutiny as pandemic lockdowns continue and world leaders increasingly use 'Great Reset' talking points.
OTTAWA, November 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that Canada supports the post-COVID-19 global “Great Reset” promoted by Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum and backed by the United Nations, as well as plans to push a COVID-19 vaccine globally.
“This pandemic has provided an opportunity for a reset. This is our chance to accelerate our pre-pandemic efforts to reimagine economic systems that actually address global challenges like extreme poverty, inequality and climate change,” declared Trudeau.
“Building back better means getting support to the most vulnerable while maintaining our momentum on reaching the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals].”
— Article continues below Petition — PETITION: Urge the RCMP to launch independent investigation into the WE Charity contract deal Show Petition Text 6904 have signed the petition. Let's get to 7500 ! Thank you for signing this petition! Add your signature: Show Petition Text Country... State... Sign this Petition Please SIGN this petition which asks the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to launch an investigation into the controversial WE Charity contract deal. Canadians deserve a corruption-free government, but allegations of impropriety are hanging over matters related to the WE Charity contract deal with the current government. And, only the RCMP is positioned to launch an independent inquiry into the issues of whether or not any laws were broken, and or possible abuse of political office for personal or family gain. Indeed, the WE Charity was criticized in June 2020 when the Canadian government selected the charity to administer the Canada Student Service Grant program, a $900 million program which would help students experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of particular concern are revelations that WE Charity paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to members of the Trudeau family for past speaking engagements, and that the charity paid for Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s vacation (Morneau later repaid them). These revelations obviously raise serious questions: What is the connection between WE Charity and high-ranking government officials?
What, if anything, did either party stand to gain from this contract?
Why and how was the $43.53 M contract awarded to WE Charity without going through a competitive bidding process?
And, was the Lobbying Act violated? The main concern is that the charity has deep connections with the Trudeau Family and other important government officials, and that serious conflicts of interests may have existed between members of government and the charity...and that laws may have been broken. Although an investigation into the connection between the federal government and WE Charity was launched, questions have not been answered. Instead, more questions have been brought up. Since the story broke, the Liberals have repeatedly delayed voting on the release of WE Charity documents. And, just recently, a motion, which was sponsored by the Conservatives in the House of Commons and which called for an investigation into the relationships between WE Charity and the government and Ministers of the Crown and their families, was defeated. But, the fact that the government and its political allies seem to be trying to bury this issue politically should not distract the attention of law enforcement who have a duty to ensure that government officials are held to account for serious breaches of conflict of interest. No government leader or official should behave as though they are above the law. Please SIGN this petition which calls on the RCMP to launch an independent investigation into the WE Charity controversy. Then, please SHARE with your like-minded family, friends and relations. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 'Politician accuses Trudeau of redacting ‘damning information’ in released docs on WE Charity scandal' 'Conservative MP grills Trudeau on family’s enrichment in WE Charity scandal' 'Scandal-plagued WE Charity shuts down Canadian operations, will leave ‘endowment’' Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com Hide Petition Text Sign this Petition
Critics — notably Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò — are warning that the proposed Great Reset is, in fact, a plan by billionaire elites to implement a globalist socialist surveillance state.
While Trudeau’s comments date back to late September, they have come under recent scrutiny as pandemic lockdowns continue and world leaders increasingly use “Great Reset” talking points, as Ezra Levant of Rebel News noted in a Sunday tweet:
I thought this was supposed to be a conspiracy theory. But here it is, straight from Trudeau’s mouth. The pandemic is the excuse for a “Great Reset” of the world, led by the UN. pic.twitter.com/ybugYfjhAq — Ezra Levant �� (@ezralevant) November 15, 2020
Trudeau made the statements during a September 29 video conference where he, United Nations secretary general António Guterres, and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the convening of a “high-level” meeting to discuss how world leaders “could build a better, more equitable system that works for everyone” in the wake of the pandemic.
“The last six months have laid bare fundamental gaps and inequities within our societies and between them. As with climate change, those who have the least are impacted the most,” he said.
Trudeau also laid out a timeline for the proposed reset.
Following other “high-level meetings” in the summer and September, world leaders will meet again in December “to discuss the progress we’ve made, because we understand that right now, we have to fix urgent problems, and in the long run, we also have to fix the system, so that it works for everyone,” said the prime minister.
Meanwhile, the “most promising ideas will be taken up within existing IMF and World Bank processes, as well as at the G7 and G20 Leaders’ Summits later in the fall,” added Trudeau.
He also reiterated that a COVID-19 vaccine is needed, evidently a necessary condition for the proposed Great Reset, and announced that Canada is contributing $400 million to the COVID-19 vaccine Global Access Facility, or Covax.
That’s the World Economic Forum–led plan to be carried out by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) to circulate two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by 2021.
U.S. president Donald Trump announced earlier in September that the U.S. would not be joining the approximately 170 countries participating in Covax, in part because the WHO is involved, the Washington Post reported at the time.
“To eliminate this virus anywhere, we need to eliminate it everywhere,” said Trudeau.
“While the scientists work around the clock to develop a vaccine, governments … have the responsibility to ensure it’ll be distributed quickly and fairly around the world,” he added.
“We need to work together, not just on vaccines. Canada believes that a strong, coordinated response across the world and across sectors is essential.”
Then there’s climate change, which, Trudeau contended in a video address to the U.N. the same day, is a greater threat to the world than the pandemic.
“Our world is facing a climate reckoning,” he said.
“We are at this point because of our collective inability over the past decade to make the tough decisions and sacrifices needed to fight climate change and save future generations,” said Trudeau.
“Let’s look at what we can do to make a difference together. Let’s use our shared power not just to get a vaccine, but to get it out to everyone,” he added.
“Let us be inspired by our citizens’ call to restore the global economy while we tackle climate change.”
Trudeau’s remarks echo those of Democrat former vice president Joe Biden and U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson, who also insist on the need for a “reset” to address global income inequality and climate change and to “build back better” after the pandemic.
Trudeau’s comments also take on significance in light of American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s recently announcing that it has developed a vaccine that is 90 percent effective against COVID-19.
Trudeau described this as “encouraging” and said “we see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Canada has secured 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine should it eventually become available.
However, just days later, reports emerged about “severe” side-effects volunteers for the vaccine trial experienced, including fevers and headaches.
Indeed, U.K. health authorities admit to expecting a “high volume of adverse drug reaction” to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Irish commentator Dave Cullen of Computing Forever.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulator Agency (MHRA) put out a contract offer October 23, 2020, he reported.
It “urgently seeks an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software tool to process the expected high volume of Covid-19 vaccine adverse drug reaction and ensure that no details from the ADRs’ reaction text are missed.”
As for the Covax initiative, it is “a global risk-sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual COVID-19 vaccines,” according to GAVI, the World Vaccine Alliance.
GAVI is co-leading the Covax along with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global partnership to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics.
Both GAVI and CEPI were launched at Schwab’s World Economic Forum meetings in Davos in 2000 and 2017, respectively.
The World Economic Forum and the U.N.’s Guterres signed a Strategic Partnership Framework in June 2019 to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Readers in Canada are encouraged to contact their MP. They can find their MP HERE, and can establish a contact by clicking on the name. A similar list with contact information has been provided by Campaign Life Coalition.
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Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trials showed ‘severe’ side effects, ‘fever and aches’
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lifesitenews--2020-11-17--BLM, Antifa inject violence into Million MAGA March, attack peaceful participants

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November 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews.com ) — As night fell on Saturday and the peaceful participants of the Million MAGA March in Washington , D.C. began to disperse , violent clashes provoked by Black Lives Matter and Antifa against Trump-supporters began being posted to social media .
Saturday ’ s massive event in support of Trump was countered by a variety of left-wing organizations , including Refuse Fascism and Black Lives Matter .
As Trump-supporters were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hotels toward the end of the day , the leftist groups seemed no longer content to curse their opponents , but began to lay hands on them as well .
Part of a video of a daytime incident leading to the arrest of several BLM activists went viral on Saturday evening and into Sunday .
The part that was most widely seen showed a Trump-supporter being hit from behind and then kicked while he was down .
Leftists on social media complained that this video left out footage of the Trump-supporter starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that this particular incident was the outcome of police redirecting Trump-supporters through an increasingly violent mob of BLM activists .
In the first video , Trump-supporters are redirected through a crowd of BLM and Antifa counter-protesters by police , and a man is repeatedly punched and pushed by a woman in an orange hat starting around 1:13 ( warning : violence and foul language ) : The video continues , showing the man making his way to the corner .
At that point , it seems that some Trump-supporters have had enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who was shouting expletives through a bullhorn .
One Trump-supporter gets in a scuffle with several of the BLM activists , and when he turns to leave , he is struck in the head , then kicked while down .
The attacker has been identified as Kenneth DeBarry , a convicted sex offender : Another short video shows several of the BLM activists in police custody after the incident .
De Barry was found to be in possession of a handgun when he was arrested .
USA Today reports that at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of charges including disorderly conduct , inciting violence , and possession of weapons .
The pattern of harassment of Trump-supporters continued into the evening .
One video shows a cyclist being pushed onto the ground , while another of the same event shows someone attempting to take his bike : Other videos show families and couples being hounded by activists as they make an attempt to return to their lodgings .
Another shows a young couple being hounded by activists as they attempted to leave the area : As they marched through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the sidelines , throwing firecrackers at Trump-supporters as they ate dinner : BLM activists did meet with resistance .
One BLM activist was knocked out when Trump-supporters sought to retrieve a flag from the knife-wielding activist , while a group of “ Proud Boys ” got in a street fight with a group of Antifa activists , resulting in one person being taken to the hospital with knife wounds .
It seems that even certain members of the press were involved in the theft and destruction of MAGA merchandise , as can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday evening , President Trump called the counter-protestors “ Antifa Scum ” and called on police to enforce the law , while his daughter Ivanka called out the media for their “ near total silence about the physical violence being perpetrated against conservatives.
” Amy Kremer , the organizer of the March for Trump , contrasted the behavior of the marchers with the counter-protesters , saying , “ While our rally and march were a peaceful and patriotic affair , the violent attacks on Trump supporters on Saturday night were absolutely disgusting.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their bias in covering the evening ’ s conflicts .
“ The main stream media has either ignored this violence all together or tried to gaslight Americans into believing that the violence was on both sides .
Let ’ s be completely clear , the only violence came from left wing radicals , ” she insisted .
Finally , Kremer noted that the failure of the Democrat leaders to condemn the violence of the BLM/Antifa counter-protesters shows that they really have no interest in fostering unity in the nation .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in unity , they would have spoken out immediately about this violence .
Their silence speaks volumes about just how disingenuous their claims to want to bring the country together actually are , ” she said .
Tens of thousands of Trump supporters flood streets of DC , urge pres .
‘ do not quit !
’ as he fights for fair election Help stop voter fraud : The Trump Campaign has created “ Defend Your Ballot ” to report election issues .
Report fraud here or call 888-630-1776 .
Project Veritas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The FBI says to report suspected instances of voter suppression/fraud to your local FBI field office or at tips.fbi.gov .

PETITION UPDATE (1/15/2021) -
The events of the past month, and especially the past 10 days, have shaken the faith Americans have in their elected and appoint officials.
We continue to call for investigations to be made into allegations of election fraud. Texas is in the process of prosecuting one political operative for illegal ballot harvesting, and multiple state legislatures have called for investigations, too.
However, the judiciary has severely let down the American electorate.
As we have said all along, the integrity of the election is much bigger than President Trump. Election integrity is at the heart of republican democracy, and if we don't have it, we no longer have a functioning republic.
Therefore, we continue to seek the truth for the election outcome. Perhaps that will only be known in the future when state or federal commissions are established to investigate the instances of election fraud which were witnessed and sworn to, by thousands of Americans of all political persuasions.
In the meantime, you may still sign this petition. Thank you!
___________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (12/10/20) -
On Wednesday, President Trump tweeted: "We will be INTERVENING in the Texas (plus many other states) case. This is the big one. Our Country needs a victory!"
He is referring to the lawsuit which the state of Texas has filed against Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia in the Supreme Court over changes those states made to their election rules, claiming they violated the U.S. Constitution in the process.
Here is the central part of the argument: if Texas were to allow possible voter fraud to go unchecked in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia, it would be akin to committing fraud upon the people of Texas, who cast their ballots within the framework of the law.
Indeed, this would apply equally to all citizens who voted within the framework of the law across the United States!
President Trump also tweeted that this case is, "very strong...ALL CRITERIA MET."
Please continue to SIGN and SHARE this urgent petition, now.
____________________________________________________________________
PETITION UPDATE (12/7/20) - Since this petition was launched, President Trump's legal team, as well as other concerned citizens, have discovered what appears to be irrefutable evidence of voter fraud in several of the key battleground states, and have initiated legal challenges in six states.
While the situation continues to evolve, this remains a hugely important petition which we encourage you to SIGN and SHARE.
Below, please WATCH and READ about the mounting evidence of voter fraud and how the mainstream media seem determined to ignore even the most egregious instances of vote tampering. Then, please SIGN and SHARE this petition.
'Trump: ‘Our election system is now under assault and siege’ and as president I must defend it'
'Tens of thousands 2020 election votes illegally scanned in Detroit, says Dominion IT contractor'
'Trump campaign files lawsuit demanding ‘a new statewide election for president’ in Georgia'
'Experts flag over 500k ballots in PA with new evidence of major 2020 election voter fraud'
''Smoking gun'? Pennsylvania vote fraud hearing gets gasps from audience'
'FBI and Justice Department have dragged their feet investigating 2020 vote fraud'
''CNN top brass in leaked tape: We won't give Trump 'too much of a platform on his not conceding'
'Twitter censored Trump 63 times over Thanksgiving holiday, Biden untouched'
LifeSite supports President Trump with this petition because we believe he is trying to defend the Constitution, ensuring that electoral fraud does not taint the result of the 2020 general election.
But, since starting this petition, we have launched a separate petition related to the disputed election outcome, calling on the Department of Justice to 'do their job' and engage in meaningful investigations of the mounting evidence of voter fraud.
We believe that conducting forensic audits of ballots and voting machines, as well as issuing subpoenas to collect more evidence, would be a good start.
Thankfully, some of the state started to demand investigations independent of federal agencies. But we still believe that the DoJ needs to use its enormous fact-finding resources to help resolve allegations of election fraud.
Thank you for continuing to SIGN and SHARE all our election-related petitions.
_____________________________________________________________________
Please SIGN and SHARE this urgent petition which calls on all Americans to Stand With President Trump as he uses every legitimate means to find out if voter fraud played any role in the election outcome.
Amid allegations of voter fraud, and at a time when the situation with COVID has been used by many of the states to facilitate the use of mail-in ballots on a massive scale, we need to be very careful in dismissing the possibility of voter fraud.
The fact is, the possibility of wide-spread fraud with mail-in ballots is significant.
But, this is not about Donald Trump or Joe Biden! This about whether or not the sanctity of the ballot box has been tampered with!
Please Stand With President Trump as he attempts to defend the integrity of this election, as well as well as the right to vote itself!
Indeed, this is so important, not so much because one election hangs in the balance, but because our democracy, itself, hangs in the balance.
Americans not only have a right to know, but should demand that every legitimate means be used to discover the truth about these elections!
Please SIGN this petition and Stand With President Trump to ensure that these elections were conducted freely and fairly!
While most all Americans believe in playing by the rules, we also know that some very devious, politically-motivated operatives have been trying to harm the Trump administration from before he even took the oath of office.
This fact should lead us to question how some allegations of voter fraud can be so easily dismissed by state election authorities.
We demand to know the truth, and, for the sake of our democracy, we demand that President Trump keep fighting to learn the truth.
Thank you for SIGNING and SHARING this petition today!
**Photo Credit: Shealah Craighead / White House / Flickr


lifesitenews--2020-11-18--California court respects strip clubs’ rights while discriminating against churches

SAN DIEGO , California , November 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — An interesting recent development in California showcases how churches are indeed being unconstitutionally discriminated against .
On November 6 , 2020 , the Honorable Joel R. Wohlfeil of the San Diego Superior Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order enjoining Governor Newsom and San Diego County from enforcing their COVID-19 restrictions against Pacers Showgirls .
In issuing the order , the court found that the strip clubs ’ entertainment is “ constitutionally protected speech.
” The court concluded that “ the harm to [ the strip clubs ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the harm to [ the government ] if the Application is granted.
” In contrast , courts in California have refused to enjoin these same COVID-19 restrictions against houses of worship .
As a result , in many counties — including San Diego — churches are closed for indoor services while strip clubs remain open indoors .
In other words , California courts have currently extended greater constitutional protections to strip clubs than churches .
Thomas More Society Special Counsel Paul Jonna observed “ This is a constitutional travesty that must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aptly noted — you can ’ t treat a church like a hair salon because churches are entitled to greater protection under the Constitution .
And you certainly can ’ t treat a church like a strip club .
In California , churches are being treated worse than strip clubs .
The constitutional right to worship God is infinitely more important than any right to entertainment .
The Thomas More Society is currently involved in multiple California court cases on behalf of pastors , priests , and churches , and Jonna declares , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully vindicate the fundamental constitutional right to worship God without government interference .
”

SAN DIEGO, California, November 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — An interesting recent development in California showcases how churches are indeed being unconstitutionally discriminated against.
On November 6, 2020, the Honorable Joel R. Wohlfeil of the San Diego Superior Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order enjoining Governor Newsom and San Diego County from enforcing their COVID-19 restrictions against Pacers Showgirls. In issuing the order, the court found that the strip clubs’ entertainment is “constitutionally protected speech.” The court concluded that “the harm to [the strip clubs] if the Application is denied is greater than the harm to [the government] if the Application is granted.”
In contrast, courts in California have refused to enjoin these same COVID-19 restrictions against houses of worship. As a result, in many counties — including San Diego — churches are closed for indoor services while strip clubs remain open indoors. In other words, California courts have currently extended greater constitutional protections to strip clubs than churches.
Thomas More Society Special Counsel Paul Jonna observed “This is a constitutional travesty that must be immediately rectified. As one California judge aptly noted — you can’t treat a church like a hair salon because churches are entitled to greater protection under the Constitution. And you certainly can’t treat a church like a strip club. In California, churches are being treated worse than strip clubs. The constitutional right to worship God is infinitely more important than any right to entertainment.
The Thomas More Society is currently involved in multiple California court cases on behalf of pastors, priests, and churches, and Jonna declares, “We will not rest until we fully vindicate the fundamental constitutional right to worship God without government interference.”
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lifesitenews--2020-11-18--US officials defend pro-life policies against abortion-supporters at United Nations

GENEVA , November 17 , 2020 ( C-Fam ) — At the UN in Geneva recently , European countries attacked the U.S. record on abortion .
The U.S. pushed back .
In a three-hour grilling during the Universal Periodic Review the U.S. sat in the dock while various European countries asserted that abortion is a human right .
Though abortion is legal in the United States , the U.S. has never supported the idea that it is a human right .
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Destro told the governments , “ Abortion is legal in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and international programs for women ’ s health at a very high level .
But we do reject the proposition that abortion is a matter of international human rights , and affirms that all lives , both born and unborn , should be protected.
” Altogether , fourteen countries criticized U.S. pro-life policies , twelve of which belong to the group of western European and allied countries .
They urged the U.S. to ensure universal access to “ sexual and reproductive health services.
” More specifically , the Netherlands called on the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bans U.S. foreign assistance from funding abortions , and the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy , formerly called the Mexico City Policy , which bans U.S. funding from foreign organizations that promote or provide abortions .
Belgium also asked the U.S. to allow foreign assistance “ to support safe abortion services , where legal in the host country ” in a written comment .
This emphasis on “ sexual and reproductive health services ” was unprecedented , but not unexpected .
During the first two cycles of the Universal Periodic Review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration , the U.S. received only seven recommendations referring to “ reproductive health ” or abortion .
In the Universal Periodic Review , each of the 193 UN member countries is reviewed by the Human Rights Council during a five-year cycle .
The ongoing session was originally scheduled for May , but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Most of the participants , which included 116 countries , delivered their statements remotely .
In their statements during the dialogue , members of the Trump administration representing different U.S. agencies responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequent topics were the federal use of the death penalty , the recent unrest over racial issues , and requests that the U.S. ratify more UN human rights treaties .
Dr. Dorothy Fink , Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women ’ s Health , spoke on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services .
She defended Mexico City Policy , outlining four pillars : improving women ’ s health , protecting life at all stages , strengthening the family as foundational to society , and defending national sovereignty .
Following the interactive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the specific recommendations it received and will respond to each by “ supporting ” or merely “ noting ” it .
Under the Obama administration , the U.S. “ noted ” recommendations that it provide support for abortion in humanitarian settings because it was incompatible with existing U.S. law .
Pro-life UN observers hope the Trump administration will go further in explaining its responses in this cycle , in keeping with the unambiguous statement issued by Destro .

At the U.N. in Geneva recently, European countries attacked the U.S. record on abortion. The U.S. pushed back.
GENEVA, November 17, 2020 (C-Fam) — At the UN in Geneva recently, European countries attacked the U.S. record on abortion. The U.S. pushed back.
In a three-hour grilling during the Universal Periodic Review the U.S. sat in the dock while various European countries asserted that abortion is a human right. Though abortion is legal in the United States, the U.S. has never supported the idea that it is a human right.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Destro told the governments, “Abortion is legal in the United States, and the U.S. supports both domestic and international programs for women’s health at a very high level. But we do reject the proposition that abortion is a matter of international human rights, and affirms that all lives, both born and unborn, should be protected.”
Altogether, fourteen countries criticized U.S. pro-life policies, twelve of which belong to the group of western European and allied countries. They urged the U.S. to ensure universal access to “sexual and reproductive health services.”
More specifically, the Netherlands called on the U.S. to repeal the Helms Amendment, which bans U.S. foreign assistance from funding abortions, and the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy, formerly called the Mexico City Policy, which bans U.S. funding from foreign organizations that promote or provide abortions. Belgium also asked the U.S. to allow foreign assistance “to support safe abortion services, where legal in the host country” in a written comment.
This emphasis on “sexual and reproductive health services” was unprecedented, but not unexpected.
During the first two cycles of the Universal Periodic Review, both of which occurred during the Obama administration, the U.S. received only seven recommendations referring to “reproductive health” or abortion.
In the Universal Periodic Review, each of the 193 UN member countries is reviewed by the Human Rights Council during a five-year cycle. The ongoing session was originally scheduled for May, but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the participants, which included 116 countries, delivered their statements remotely.
In their statements during the dialogue, members of the Trump administration representing different U.S. agencies responded to countries’ recommendations. Among the most frequent topics were the federal use of the death penalty, the recent unrest over racial issues, and requests that the U.S. ratify more UN human rights treaties.
Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health, spoke on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services. She defended Mexico City Policy, outlining four pillars: improving women’s health, protecting life at all stages, strengthening the family as foundational to society, and defending national sovereignty.
Following the interactive dialogue, the U.S. will review each of the specific recommendations it received and will respond to each by “supporting” or merely “noting” it. Under the Obama administration, the U.S. “noted” recommendations that it provide support for abortion in humanitarian settings because it was incompatible with existing U.S. law. Pro-life UN observers hope the Trump administration will go further in explaining its responses in this cycle, in keeping with the unambiguous statement issued by Destro.
Published with permission from C-Fam.
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lifesitenews--2020-11-18--A Biden presidency would be devastating for unborn children around the world

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WASHINGTON , D.C. , November 17 , 2020 ( C-Fam ) — The U.S. presidential election is not yet settled .
But the campaign is over and , as a U.S.-based non-profit , we are now allowed to comment .
A Biden-Harris administration would be an unmitigated disaster for the unborn child , religious freedom , and the family .
They would be far worse than the Clintons , who were awful , and the Obamas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what a President Biden would do right away .
He would remove the U.S. from the Geneva Consensus Declaration that the U.S. led and that says , correctly , that abortion is not a human right , and laws regulating it are for sovereign states to determine .
Mr. Biden will pressure other governments to take their names from the declaration and pressure other governments not to join the consensus .
Mr. Biden will immediately begin funding groups overseas that perform and promote abortion .
As you well know , the Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s more , President Trump expanded the policy from only the family planning budget to the entire global health budget .
All of this will go away and the U.S. will return to funding groups that target unborn babies in the developing world .
Mr. Biden will resume funding the UN Population Fund , a major engine pushing abortion on the developing world .
It has been defunded by Republican presidents for having a hand in establishing the brutal Chinese one-child policy which resulted in millions of forced abortions .
Mr. Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the phrase “ reproductive health.
” One of the pro-life movement ’ s proudest achievements was making that phrase controversial again .
The Trump administration pledged to remove the term , replace it , or narrowly define it .
Furthermore , other governments followed the U.S. ’ s lead .
Mr. Biden will join with the European Union and major UN agencies in pressing abortion as a human right and forcing it upon traditional societies .
To the left , abortion is practically a religious sacrament .
Mr. Biden will push abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise known as the laws of war .
He will do this through the UN Security Council , where President Trump was able to stop it over these past four years .
This will be unprecedented and very dangerous to women in war zones .
This will place abortion at a very high level in international law .
Mr. Biden will continue the practice of pushing the LGBT agenda , including pressuring poor countries to adopt this radical agenda that is offensive to most people in the world .
Mr. Biden will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive sexuality education , ” which is a curriculum of the sexual revolution .
I would just point out that the UN pro-life movement has survived such enormities before .
We survived the Clinton years .
We survived the Obama years .
As hard as they tried , abortion is still not a part of international law .
Sexual orientation and gender identity are not a part of international law .
The family is still defined as men and women joined in marriage .
We will survive the likes of Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is surrounded by the most radical people we have ever faced , and he will have the full support of the bureaucracy at the UN and the U.S. government that has spent the past four years working against the wishes of President Trump .
Dark days are ahead if Joe Biden is finally , officially , determined to have won this election .
Get ready .
We are .
Help stop voter fraud : The Trump Campaign has created “ Defend Your Ballot ” to report election issues .
Report fraud here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also accepting voter fraud tips here .
The FBI says to report suspected instances of voter suppression/fraud to your local FBI field office or at tips.fbi.gov .

PETITION UPDATE (12/10/20)
Prior to the election on November 3, the U.S. bishops as a whole did not address Joe Biden’s anti-Catholic position regarding faith and morals. The bishops’ lack of clarity is a scandal in itself and probably contributed to the possible election of a pro-abortion “Catholic” to the presidency.
The bishops could have spoken out against Biden’s stance collectively, but they were overwhelmingly silent. Because of this, they will be at least partly responsible for the policies advanced by a Biden administration, in the event that Biden is sworn into office.
Please SIGN and SHARE this petition today!
Since Archbishop José H. Gomez and the USCCB prematurely congratulated Joe Biden as “the second United States president to profess the Catholic faith,” Gomez has announced that Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron will lead a “working group” to deal with a Biden Administration.
Although Joe Biden professes to be a Catholic, he supports policies that directly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church, including abortion, homosexual “marriage,” and transgenderism for children.
“[Biden has] given us reason to believe that he will support policies that are against some fundamental values that we hold dear as Catholics. These policies include the repeal of the Hyde Amendment and the preservation of Roe v. Wade. Both of these policies undermine our pre-eminent priority of the elimination of abortion,” said Gomez.
On November 9, Archbishop Strickland of Tyler, Texas tweeted: “A dark cloud has descended on this nation when the USCCB and Planned Parenthood speak in unison in support of a Biden-Harris administration that supports the slaughter of innocents by abortion for all 9 months of pregnancy.”
Additionally, Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver, Colorado and Archbishop Charles Chaput have both declared publicly that Joe Biden “should not receive Holy Communion."
Unfortunately, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C. has said that he will give Holy Communion to Biden because “it’s a matter of the responsibility that I have as the archbishop to be engaged and to be in dialogue with him, even in those areas where we obviously have some differences.”
Bishop W. Francis Malooly of Wilmington, Delaware and Bishop McElroy of San Diego also congratulated Biden in statements, but they have not indicated whether or not they would administer Holy Communion to him.
The bishops should not congratulate someone who has betrayed his Catholic Faith like Joe Biden has. It's an embarrassment and a scandal.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishops-concerned-about-pro-abortion-biden-previously-hailed-him-as-second-catholic-president
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/abp-aquila-backs-call-for-pro-abortion-catholic-joe-biden-to-be-denied-holy-communion?utm_source=top_news&utm_campaign=standard
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/former-philly-archbishop-biden-not-in-full-communion-with-the-catholic-church
https://www.thesoutherncross.org/news/bishop-mcelroy-offers-prayers-and-congratulations-to-president-elect-biden/
https://www.ncronline.org/news/politics/us-catholics-weigh-mixed-reaction-biden-win
_______________________________________________________________________
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has finally spoken on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris....
Not to chastise them for their blatant anti-life, anti-family and anti-Catholic views, but to "congratulate" them on "[being elected]"!
BUT, as everyone know, the anti-Catholic Biden-Harris ticket has NOT been elected.
Please SIGN and SHARE this urgent petition to the U.S. Catholic bishops telling them to retract their premature and offensive statement on the media's call of the election in Biden's favor.
As of the launch of this petition on November 9, NOT ONE STATE has certified the election results. All of the results are tentative and many are being litigated.
So, this is not the time for the bishops to falsely assert that Biden "has received enough votes to be elected the 46th President of the United States."
That's just not true, and for the bishops to willingly play along with the media's attempt to sweep allegations of voter fraud under the rug, is shocking behavior.
And, while Joe Biden may profess the Catholic Faith, he has also stated his support for abortion, homosexual "marriage," and recently, transgenderism for children.
For bishops, therefore, to congratulate a traitor to the Catholic Faith like Joe Biden, it requires a disturbing level of arrogance and pride.
That is not to say they should stand in judgement. But to congratulate such a man, rather than chastise him, sends exactly the wrong message to the faithful, 50% of whom are believed to have supported Biden in his election bid.
Stop ingratiating yourselves to a person who is advocating mass murder! Stop congratulating this anti-Catholic "Catholic."
For goodness' sake, grow a backbone and start defending the Faith!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
'US Bishops hail Biden as second Catholic president, ignoring his pro-abortion record and disputed election outcome' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishops-hail-biden-as-second-catholic-president-ignoring-his-pro-abortion-record-and-disputed-election-outcome
**Photo Credit: Screen grab from USCCB's Twitter feed. Original photo: CNS Photo/Colton Machado/Archdiocese of LA


lifesitenews--2020-11-18--Gruesome new Muslim attacks on Christians prove jihad is central to Islam

November 17 , 2020 ( Turning Point Project ) — After a series of terror attacks in France , including one that left three people dead at a Catholic Church in Nice , Vatican Cardinal Robert Sarah said that the West must wake up to the threat of Islamism .
“ Islamism , ” His Eminence said , “ is a monstrous fanaticism which must be fought with force and determination.
” But you can ’ t fight something with determination unless you first believe it exists .
Unfortunately , many authorities in the West , including many of Sarah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to acknowledge the existence of some obvious facts about Islam .
Cardinal Sarah is one of a few prelates willing to break with the semiofficial narrative about Islam now prevalent in the Church — namely , that terrorists who kill in the name of Islam both misunderstand and pervert their religion .
Secular authorities , particularly in Europe , have adopted a similar line .
There ’ s nothing wrong with Islam , they maintain ; jihadists have simply misunderstood their faith .
Thus , government-sponsored “ deradicalization ” programs are based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islam will cure the would-be jihadist of his extremism .
But that works only if authentic Islam really is the religion of peace , justice , fraternity , and equality that secular and Church leaders hold it to be .
In fact , the deradicalization programs in France and other countries haven ’ t been very successful .
Why ?
Because , as a number of European studies have concluded , increased devotion among Muslims correlates with increased radicalization .
After reviewing an extensive German study , Danish psychologist Nicolai Sennels observed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is distinguished by being the only religion that makes people more prone to violence the more religious one becomes.
” Indeed , the FBI used to list “ increased religiosity ” as one of the signs of potential terrorist activity .
Then , in what might be considered a sign of increased leftist activity , the Obama administration purged the FBI training programs of all materials that might be considered offensive to Islam .
So , when mild-mannered graduate student Muhammad Jones suddenly starts growing a beard , wearing long robes and attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not supposed to notice .
With this in mind , let ’ s look at the assailants in the recent attacks in France .
All three were heard to shout “ Allahu akbar ” as they attacked their victims .
One shouldn ’ t jump to conclusions , of course , but the invocation of Allah does suggest a religious motive , doesn ’ t it ?
After beheading a teacher for “ insulting ” Muhammad , Abdullah Anzorov sent a message to a contact saying that he had “ avenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , locals in the Normandy town where Anzorov lived remarked that he had become increasingly religious in recent years .
Apparently so .
In his last message before being killed by police , Anzorov made a final request : “ Brothers , pray that Allah accepts me as a martyr.
” The behavior of the other two terrorist also suggests a religious motivation .
Brahim Aoussaoui , a Tunisian migrant who killed three people inside the Basilica of Notre Dame in Nice on October 29 , also tried to behead one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is prescribed in the Koran for blasphemers .
Not coincidentally , Aoussaoui was carrying a Koran .
The other not-so-coincidental feature of his attack was that he targeted a Catholic Church .
Why ?
Well , quite possibly because the Koran encourages Muslims to “ kill [ unbelievers ] wherever you find them ” ( 2:191 ) .
To borrow a phrase from Senator Feinstein , one might say of Mr. Aoussaoui that “ the dogma lives loudly ” within him .
But , with a few exceptions , no one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admit that Islamic dogma , not “ a desire to divide us , ” is what motivates young jihadis to commit murder .
Take the case of the third jihadi , twenty-five-year-old Zaheer Mahmoud .
On September 25 , he severely wounded two people with a meat cleaver outside the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo , the satirical weekly that published the infamous Muhammad cartoons .
Before the attack , Mahmoud posted a video saying he wanted to avenge the Prophet Muhammad for the offense committed by the Charlie Hebdo staff .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devout Muslim .
Although Mahmoud was not killed in his subsequent encounter with police , he was , it seems , quite willing to die for the sake of Allah and Muhammad .
By any standard that is a clear sign of devotion .
His mother recounts that her son had told family members in Pakistan of his plans prior to the attack , and asked for their prayers .
So , the case of Zaheer Mahmoud seems to confirm the finding that devout Muslims may be more prone to jihad than their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are told incessantly that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful moderates .
Surely , Mahmoud must have misunderstood his religion .
N ’ est-ce pas ?
Well , if that was the case , we would expect that Mahmoud ’ s mother would have rushed to the authorities the minute she heard of her son ’ s plans to massacre a bunch of people in Paris .
But she didn ’ t .
Indeed , according to Roznama Ummat , a Pakistani newspaper , the whole family was quite proud of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Zaheer Mahmoud is being considered a hero across all of Pakistan.
” As Zaheer ’ s father explained , “ Whatever Zaheer has done , it ’ s very good .
The punishment for committing blasphemy of the prophet is death , and the blasphemer deserves nothing less than death .
The one who kills those who commit blasphemy against the prophet enters paradise and his entire family will go to paradise .
This is the reason I feel very proud that my son has carried out such a good deed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zealot .
His deed reflected the sentiments of many in Pakistan .
Indeed , this habit of honoring the avengers of Allah and Muhammad is widespread in the Muslim world .
In Palestine , for instance , numerous streets , squares , parks , and schools are named in honor of “ martyrs ” — that is , Palestinians who have murdered innocent Israeli men , women , and children .
In the case of Israelis , it ’ s not even necessary that they utter a blasphemy .
The mere fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and therefore sufficient justification for their execution .
What ’ s more , the Palestinian government ’ s “ pay for slay ” program — the awarding of lifelong stipends to the families of the “ martyrs ” — acts as an incentive to ensure that more “ good ” sons will make their parents proud , and earn them a ticket to paradise to boot .
Meanwhile , back in France , the delusion that the Allah of the Koran and the God worshipped by Christians and Jews is one and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Archdiocese of Paris , Archbishop Aupetit said he was “ stunned by this murderous madness in the name of God.
” Don ’ t the Muslims know that Allah is a God of love ?
At the same time , the bishops of France issued a statement suggesting that they too subscribe to the belief that when Muslims murder in the name of Allah , it is because they misunderstand the peaceful nature of their faith .
Thus , “ it is urgent that this gangrene be stopped , as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraternity which will hold us all upright in the face of these threats.
” The use of the term “ gangrene ” suggests that the bishops believe that the death penalty for blasphemy is some sort of unhealthy development in an otherwise sound system .
But that ’ s not the case .
Killing blasphemers is sanctioned in the Koran , the hadith , and the Islamic law books .
As Islam scholar Raymond Ibrahim observes , Westerners have fallen for the notion that “ killing blasphemers is somehow strange or ‘ extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and always has been standard.
” The fact that numerous Muslim leaders all over the world have expressed more concern over the blasphemy than the beheadings suggests that it is the bishops , not the jihadists , who have misunderstood Islam .
They seem to have created in their imaginations a fantasy Islam , one that bears little relation to the real one .
This habit of wishful thinking is confirmed in the clause immediately following the one that describes the prescribed sharia penalty for blasphemy as a “ gangrene.
” “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ that we find the indispensable fraternity which will hold us all upright in the face of these threats.
” Fraternity ?
Muslims and Christians do share a common humanity , and it ’ s important to keep that in mind .
However , movements to base a workable society on simple human fraternity , like the French Revolution , always end up in totalitarian regimes .
The brotherhood of man without the fatherhood of God is a formula for disaster .
The trouble with trying to create a fraternity with Islam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share a common theology .
For starters , Muslims don ’ t believe that God is a father .
In fact , it ’ s blasphemy to say that he is .
Catholics are deeply confused about Islam .
Because there are surface similarities between the two faiths , many have jumped to the conclusion that fellowship with Islam is just a step away .
The latest example of this overly optimistic assessment of Islam is the recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti ( “ Brothers All ” ) .
After reading Fratelli Tutti , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression that Islam is a humanistic religion .
Fratelli Tutti contains a reminder from the “ Human Fraternity ” document signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb that religious violence is “ the consequence of a deviation from religious teachings.
” That may be true of some religions , but it is becoming increasingly clear that Islamic violence is very often a direct consequence of following the teachings of Islam .
Catholic leaders and Catholic scholars ( such as Thomas Aquinas ) once knew that and taught it .
The bishops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we find the indispensable fraternity which will hold us all upright.
” It seems much more urgent that they locate copies of the Koran and The Life of Muhammad , and acquaint themselves with the teachings of Islam .
This article originally appeared in the November 5 , 2020 edition of Crisis .
It is published here with the author ’ s permission .
For more of William Kilpatrick ’ s work , visit the Turning Point Project .

November 17, 2020 (Turning Point Project) — After a series of terror attacks in France, including one that left three people dead at a Catholic Church in Nice, Vatican Cardinal Robert Sarah said that the West must wake up to the threat of Islamism. “Islamism,” His Eminence said, “is a monstrous fanaticism which must be fought with force and determination.” But you can’t fight something with determination unless you first believe it exists. Unfortunately, many authorities in the West, including many of Sarah’s fellow cardinals and bishops, refuse to acknowledge the existence of some obvious facts about Islam. Cardinal Sarah is […]
November 17, 2020 (Turning Point Project) — After a series of terror attacks in France, including one that left three people dead at a Catholic Church in Nice, Vatican Cardinal Robert Sarah said that the West must wake up to the threat of Islamism. “Islamism,” His Eminence said, “is a monstrous fanaticism which must be fought with force and determination.”
But you can’t fight something with determination unless you first believe it exists. Unfortunately, many authorities in the West, including many of Sarah’s fellow cardinals and bishops, refuse to acknowledge the existence of some obvious facts about Islam. Cardinal Sarah is one of a few prelates willing to break with the semiofficial narrative about Islam now prevalent in the Church — namely, that terrorists who kill in the name of Islam both misunderstand and pervert their religion.
Secular authorities, particularly in Europe, have adopted a similar line. There’s nothing wrong with Islam, they maintain; jihadists have simply misunderstood their faith. Thus, government-sponsored “deradicalization” programs are based on the premise that learning more about Islam will cure the would-be jihadist of his extremism.
— Article continues below Petition — PETITION: Stand with Poland for defending the unborn and churches against leftist aggression! Show Petition Text 3555 have signed the petition. Let's get to 4000 ! Thank you for signing this petition! Add your signature: Show Petition Text Country... State... Sign this Petition Young Poles defending their church against pro-abortion aggression stemming from the decision of the country's Constitutional Court to protect the lives of sick unborn babies. Photo Credit: Polonia Christiana Since the Constitutional Court of Poland's decision on October 22nd to protect and vindicate the right to life of sick preborn children, leftist pro-abort feminists have been attacking churches, government officials and pro-lifers across Poland in a foul display of bloody-minded vulgarity. But, we STAND with Poland. And, we PRAY for Poland. Please WATCH this video which congratulates faithful Catholics in Poland for their pro-life example and for standing up to rioters trying to vandalize statues, churches. We now call on all pro-lifers, faithful Christians (especially in the Polish diaspora) and pro-life organizations to SIGN this petition to encourage pro-lifers in Poland, the Polish Constitutional Court, and especially the Polish Government to remain steadfastly pro-life right now. And we call on all faithful Polish Catholics to defend their churches and patriotic monuments! This is the time to keep faith with generations of Polish heroes and "Be not afraid!" This is not the time for the Government to give-in to demands from the opposition. Stand up against the people who are attacking your churches while baying for the blood of innocent preborn children! And, explain to your people how the Court was RIGHT to have challenged the abortion law allowing the barbaric practice of eugenic abortion. Poland is a republican democracy, and in such a democracy, the Constitutional Court has the last say on matters of national importance. The Polish Court has spoken, and its ruling should be respected and implemented. And, under no circumstances should the Polish Government promise to reverse this decision in law or by granting a referendum on the same. Poland, be courageous and stand fast for Life. Don't give in to the Culture of Death! Thank you for your example, Poland. Now, remain strong! And, thank you for SIGNING and SHARING this petition of support and solidarity with the Constitutional Court of Poland's decision to disallow eugenic abortion. Thank you also for standing with and praying for Polish pro-lifers and government officials to remain steadfastly pro-life during time of leftist, pro-abortion aggression. After you sign and share, could you also take the time to congratulate the Polish pro-life movement for their historic victory in defense of human life, and to offer emotional and spiritual support? Please contact: The Ordo Iuris Institute for Legal Culture Jerzy Kwaśniewski, Esq., President
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Poland
Tel: +48 608 594 158
[email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION: 'Poland bans eugenic abortion, possibly saving over 1K babies per year' - https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/poland-bans-eugenic-abortion-possibly-saving-over-1k-babies-per-year Hide Petition Text Sign this Petition
But that works only if authentic Islam really is the religion of peace, justice, fraternity, and equality that secular and Church leaders hold it to be.
In fact, the deradicalization programs in France and other countries haven’t been very successful. Why? Because, as a number of European studies have concluded, increased devotion among Muslims correlates with increased radicalization. After reviewing an extensive German study, Danish psychologist Nicolai Sennels observed, “the many interviews showed that Islam is distinguished by being the only religion that makes people more prone to violence the more religious one becomes.”
Indeed, the FBI used to list “increased religiosity” as one of the signs of potential terrorist activity. Then, in what might be considered a sign of increased leftist activity, the Obama administration purged the FBI training programs of all materials that might be considered offensive to Islam. So, when mild-mannered graduate student Muhammad Jones suddenly starts growing a beard, wearing long robes and attending mosque five times a week, you’re not supposed to notice.
With this in mind, let’s look at the assailants in the recent attacks in France. All three were heard to shout “Allahu akbar” as they attacked their victims. One shouldn’t jump to conclusions, of course, but the invocation of Allah does suggest a religious motive, doesn’t it? After beheading a teacher for “insulting” Muhammad, Abdullah Anzorov sent a message to a contact saying that he had “avenged the Prophet.” According to an AFP report, locals in the Normandy town where Anzorov lived remarked that he had become increasingly religious in recent years. Apparently so. In his last message before being killed by police, Anzorov made a final request: “Brothers, pray that Allah accepts me as a martyr.”
The behavior of the other two terrorist also suggests a religious motivation. Brahim Aoussaoui, a Tunisian migrant who killed three people inside the Basilica of Notre Dame in Nice on October 29, also tried to behead one of his victims — one of the punishments that is prescribed in the Koran for blasphemers. Not coincidentally, Aoussaoui was carrying a Koran. The other not-so-coincidental feature of his attack was that he targeted a Catholic Church. Why? Well, quite possibly because the Koran encourages Muslims to “kill [unbelievers] wherever you find them” (2:191). To borrow a phrase from Senator Feinstein, one might say of Mr. Aoussaoui that “the dogma lives loudly” within him.
But, with a few exceptions, no one in the Church or the world wants to admit that Islamic dogma, not “a desire to divide us,” is what motivates young jihadis to commit murder. Take the case of the third jihadi, twenty-five-year-old Zaheer Mahmoud. On September 25, he severely wounded two people with a meat cleaver outside the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, the satirical weekly that published the infamous Muhammad cartoons.
Before the attack, Mahmoud posted a video saying he wanted to avenge the Prophet Muhammad for the offense committed by the Charlie Hebdo staff. He must, one assumes, be a devout Muslim. Although Mahmoud was not killed in his subsequent encounter with police, he was, it seems, quite willing to die for the sake of Allah and Muhammad. By any standard that is a clear sign of devotion. His mother recounts that her son had told family members in Pakistan of his plans prior to the attack, and asked for their prayers.
So, the case of Zaheer Mahmoud seems to confirm the finding that devout Muslims may be more prone to jihad than their more lukewarm coreligionists. Still, we are told incessantly that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful moderates. Surely, Mahmoud must have misunderstood his religion. N’est-ce pas?
Well, if that was the case, we would expect that Mahmoud’s mother would have rushed to the authorities the minute she heard of her son’s plans to massacre a bunch of people in Paris.
But she didn’t. Indeed, according to Roznama Ummat, a Pakistani newspaper, the whole family was quite proud of the son. Not only that, but “Zaheer Mahmoud is being considered a hero across all of Pakistan.” As Zaheer’s father explained, “Whatever Zaheer has done, it’s very good. The punishment for committing blasphemy of the prophet is death, and the blasphemer deserves nothing less than death. The one who kills those who commit blasphemy against the prophet enters paradise and his entire family will go to paradise. This is the reason I feel very proud that my son has carried out such a good deed.”
So, Zaheer was not a rogue zealot. His deed reflected the sentiments of many in Pakistan. Indeed, this habit of honoring the avengers of Allah and Muhammad is widespread in the Muslim world. In Palestine, for instance, numerous streets, squares, parks, and schools are named in honor of “martyrs” — that is, Palestinians who have murdered innocent Israeli men, women, and children. In the case of Israelis, it’s not even necessary that they utter a blasphemy. The mere fact that they are Jews is offensive to Allah and therefore sufficient justification for their execution.
What’s more, the Palestinian government’s “pay for slay” program — the awarding of lifelong stipends to the families of the “martyrs” — acts as an incentive to ensure that more “good” sons will make their parents proud, and earn them a ticket to paradise to boot.
Meanwhile, back in France, the delusion that the Allah of the Koran and the God worshipped by Christians and Jews is one and the same continues. In a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Paris, Archbishop Aupetit said he was “stunned by this murderous madness in the name of God.” Don’t the Muslims know that Allah is a God of love?
At the same time, the bishops of France issued a statement suggesting that they too subscribe to the belief that when Muslims murder in the name of Allah, it is because they misunderstand the peaceful nature of their faith. Thus, “it is urgent that this gangrene be stopped, as it is urgent that we find the indispensable fraternity which will hold us all upright in the face of these threats.”
The use of the term “gangrene” suggests that the bishops believe that the death penalty for blasphemy is some sort of unhealthy development in an otherwise sound system. But that’s not the case. Killing blasphemers is sanctioned in the Koran, the hadith, and the Islamic law books. As Islam scholar Raymond Ibrahim observes, Westerners have fallen for the notion that “killing blasphemers is somehow strange or ‘extreme’ for Islam, when it is and always has been standard.”
The fact that numerous Muslim leaders all over the world have expressed more concern over the blasphemy than the beheadings suggests that it is the bishops, not the jihadists, who have misunderstood Islam. They seem to have created in their imaginations a fantasy Islam, one that bears little relation to the real one.
This habit of wishful thinking is confirmed in the clause immediately following the one that describes the prescribed sharia penalty for blasphemy as a “gangrene.” “It is urgent,” the bishops write, “that we find the indispensable fraternity which will hold us all upright in the face of these threats.”
Fraternity? Muslims and Christians do share a common humanity, and it’s important to keep that in mind. However, movements to base a workable society on simple human fraternity, like the French Revolution, always end up in totalitarian regimes. The brotherhood of man without the fatherhood of God is a formula for disaster. The trouble with trying to create a fraternity with Islam is that Muslims and Christians do not share a common theology. For starters, Muslims don’t believe that God is a father. In fact, it’s blasphemy to say that he is.
Catholics are deeply confused about Islam. Because there are surface similarities between the two faiths, many have jumped to the conclusion that fellowship with Islam is just a step away. The latest example of this overly optimistic assessment of Islam is the recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti (“Brothers All”). After reading Fratelli Tutti, one could easily come away with the impression that Islam is a humanistic religion.
Fratelli Tutti contains a reminder from the “Human Fraternity” document signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb that religious violence is “the consequence of a deviation from religious teachings.”
That may be true of some religions, but it is becoming increasingly clear that Islamic violence is very often a direct consequence of following the teachings of Islam. Catholic leaders and Catholic scholars (such as Thomas Aquinas) once knew that and taught it.
The bishops of France say “it is urgent we find the indispensable fraternity which will hold us all upright.” It seems much more urgent that they locate copies of the Koran and The Life of Muhammad, and acquaint themselves with the teachings of Islam.
This article originally appeared in the November 5, 2020 edition of Crisis. It is published here with the author’s permission. For more of William Kilpatrick’s work, visit the Turning Point Project.
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