lifesitenews--2020-07-13--German Catholic princess slams ‘the pill’ for being anti-woman, causing cancer

REGENSBURG , Germany , July 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A German Catholic princess has condemned the contraceptive pill for not being in women ’ s best interest .
Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis also criticized the modern understanding of feminism and emancipation , arguing it only harms women .
In a July 9 interview with left-leaning weekly newspaper “ Die Zeit , ” the princess , who is a household name in German social circles , indicated that a true feminist “ is someone who has the long-term interests of women in mind.
” “ Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our interest to swallow a drug that simulates a permanent pregnancy in the body , just so that we can have intercourse at any time ?
” she asked .
“ Why hasn ’ t a pill been developed to make the male sperm infertile ?
Because such a drug would never sell , quite simply !
” “ So the woman must take the pill , which in many cases causes cancer , so that the men do not have to wait , ” von Thurn und Taxis summarized .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the erotic .
But that is another subject.
” Asked about what it means to be an emancipated woman , the princess questioned the idea of emancipation , as it is commonly understood .
Celebrating the opportunity to work in jobs previously done almost exclusively by men , she said , “ has been so cleverly suggested to us by men for decades , so that in the long run they can pass everything on to us .
If you ’ re talked into something long enough , you eventually believe it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it really in the interest of women to do the same work that men have done before ?
I think not !
Of course there are exceptions , but why does a woman as a soldier have to crawl around in the dirt and carry heavy equipment and possibly shoot ?
Is that in our interest ?
” Princess Gloria also pointed out that women , in balancing their lives , end up doing a lot more tasks than men , who in turn are frustrated , themselves .
“ Household , family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she asked .
“ Women can do almost everything better anyway , so it is much smarter to leave jobs to men exclusively , because otherwise we will have to do everything in the end , while the men sit in the corner sulking , emasculated , frustrated , degenerated and with identity problems and are not even good for reproduction.
” “ I ’ m exaggerating , I know , ” the princess qualified her remarks , adding that she uses provocation to talk about problems that are often passed over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonsensical rules are established that I think are rubbish .
Then , of course , I always get rebellious.
” On the issue of homosexuality , von Thurn und Taxis said that God ’ s help , obtained through prayer , is always useful to live more easily with that disposition .
Asked about her opinion on right-wing party Alternative for Germany ( AfD ) , the princess emphasized it was filling a void created by the movement of Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s Christian Democrats ( CDU ) to the left .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders , which is often described as not being a Christian attitude — even Pope Francis has expressed similar sentiments — Princess Gloria talked about her position , managing to criticize the advocates of open borders for commonly supporting abortion .
“ Those who open borders and have children killed in the mother ’ s womb should not speak of Christian values , ” she said , reiterating , “ Those who open borders but at the same time promote the killing of children in the mother 's womb are not credible from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of immigration , she said , “ Promoting uncontrolled immigration is like inviting more people to stay at your home than you have bedrooms available .
Sure , someone can sleep on the couch for a couple of nights , but that can ’ t be a permanent state , especially if the fridge gets empty and no one wants to or can go shopping .
“ And who pays the bill for water and electricity if your guests don ’ t want to move out and can ’ t pitch in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to the fact that as a young woman , she was more interested in “ pop stars , fashion , and the jet set , ” as opposed to Catholicism and politics .
However , things changed after the early death of her husband 30 years ago – he died when the princess was 30 years old .
Faced not only with personal grief , but also with managing the property and businesses of the family , she was able “ to fall back on what I was taught from childhood : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the Lord company with your fears and worries.
” “ In the process , I was able to experience the power that this gives , ” she explained .
“ This makes a mark on you , and above all a loyalty and gratitude grows here , which has led me to deal more intensively with my faith and to stand up for the truth that I have recognized.
” Gloria von Thurn und Taxis has been outspoken on Catholic issues for many years , and has been featured on many talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often invited when the discussion focuses on sexual morality , as well as Catholic issues in general .
During a conference on persecuted Christians in November 2019 , she criticized the Western world for being “ obsessed and worried and totally taken by global warming and animal life .
But , where have we come to if animals and plants have more [ legal ] appreciation than human beings ?
” “ We all want to live in a natural and healthy environment , ” she admitted .
“ But , how is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tolerate the most atrocious and unnatural and unhealthy proceedings when it comes to our own species.
” “ Take , for example , hormone treatment .
Hormone treatment for egg harvesting , for surrogate mothers , for surrogate children .
Or , take the unhealthy sex-change .
How unnatural is that ?
And , how traumatizing for body and soul is it when you rip apart the baby and suck it out of its mother ’ s womb ?
Or , euthanasia , ” von Thurn und Taxis said .

The princess talked about contraception, abortion, homosexuality, as well as the true meaning of feminism and emancipation.
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REGENSBURG, Germany, July 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A German Catholic princess has condemned the contraceptive pill for not being in women’s best interest. Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis also criticized the modern understanding of feminism and emancipation, arguing it only harms women.
In a July 9 interview with left-leaning weekly newspaper “Die Zeit,” the princess, who is a household name in German social circles, indicated that a true feminist “is someone who has the long-term interests of women in mind.”
“Why, for example, should it be in our interest to swallow a drug that simulates a permanent pregnancy in the body, just so that we can have intercourse at any time?” she asked. “Why hasn’t a pill been developed to make the male sperm infertile? Because such a drug would never sell, quite simply!”
“So the woman must take the pill, which in many cases causes cancer, so that the men do not have to wait,” von Thurn und Taxis summarized. “Waiting would be much more beneficial to the erotic. But that is another subject.”
Asked about what it means to be an emancipated woman, the princess questioned the idea of emancipation, as it is commonly understood. Celebrating the opportunity to work in jobs previously done almost exclusively by men, she said, “has been so cleverly suggested to us by men for decades, so that in the long run they can pass everything on to us. If you’re talked into something long enough, you eventually believe it.”
“Our benefit? Zero! Is it really in the interest of women to do the same work that men have done before? I think not! Of course there are exceptions, but why does a woman as a soldier have to crawl around in the dirt and carry heavy equipment and possibly shoot? Is that in our interest?”
Princess Gloria also pointed out that women, in balancing their lives, end up doing a lot more tasks than men, who in turn are frustrated, themselves.
“Household, family, career, what else?” she asked. “Women can do almost everything better anyway, so it is much smarter to leave jobs to men exclusively, because otherwise we will have to do everything in the end, while the men sit in the corner sulking, emasculated, frustrated, degenerated and with identity problems and are not even good for reproduction.”
“I’m exaggerating, I know,” the princess qualified her remarks, adding that she uses provocation to talk about problems that are often passed over. “I’m a rebel where nonsensical rules are established that I think are rubbish. Then, of course, I always get rebellious.”
On the issue of homosexuality, von Thurn und Taxis said that God’s help, obtained through prayer, is always useful to live more easily with that disposition.
Asked about her opinion on right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD), the princess emphasized it was filling a void created by the movement of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) to the left.
As the AfD is advocating for strong borders, which is often described as not being a Christian attitude — even Pope Francis has expressed similar sentiments — Princess Gloria talked about her position, managing to criticize the advocates of open borders for commonly supporting abortion.
“Those who open borders and have children killed in the mother’s womb should not speak of Christian values,” she said, reiterating, “Those who open borders but at the same time promote the killing of children in the mother's womb are not credible from a Christian perspective.”
Talking about the question of immigration, she said, “Promoting uncontrolled immigration is like inviting more people to stay at your home than you have bedrooms available. Sure, someone can sleep on the couch for a couple of nights, but that can’t be a permanent state, especially if the fridge gets empty and no one wants to or can go shopping.
“And who pays the bill for water and electricity if your guests don’t want to move out and can’t pitch in?” she asked.
Princess Gloria referred to the fact that as a young woman, she was more interested in “pop stars, fashion, and the jet set,” as opposed to Catholicism and politics. However, things changed after the early death of her husband 30 years ago – he died when the princess was 30 years old.
Faced not only with personal grief, but also with managing the property and businesses of the family, she was able “to fall back on what I was taught from childhood: Place your worries under the cross and keep the Lord company with your fears and worries.”
“In the process, I was able to experience the power that this gives,” she explained. “This makes a mark on you, and above all a loyalty and gratitude grows here, which has led me to deal more intensively with my faith and to stand up for the truth that I have recognized.”
Gloria von Thurn und Taxis has been outspoken on Catholic issues for many years, and has been featured on many talk shows on German television. She is often invited when the discussion focuses on sexual morality, as well as Catholic issues in general.
During a conference on persecuted Christians in November 2019, she criticized the Western world for being “obsessed and worried and totally taken by global warming and animal life. But, where have we come to if animals and plants have more [legal] appreciation than human beings?”
“We all want to live in a natural and healthy environment,” she admitted. “But, how is it, then, that we accept and tolerate the most atrocious and unnatural and unhealthy proceedings when it comes to our own species.”
“Take, for example, hormone treatment. Hormone treatment for egg harvesting, for surrogate mothers, for surrogate children. Or, take the unhealthy sex-change. How unnatural is that? And, how traumatizing for body and soul is it when you rip apart the baby and suck it out of its mother’s womb? Or, euthanasia,” von Thurn und Taxis said.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-13--New book profiles 19 most likely candidates for future Pope

July 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In an interview graciously granted to LifeSiteNews , Rome Correspondent and author Edward Pentin explains the history of his new book The Next Pope : The Leading Cardinal Candidates ( published by Sophia Press ) which presents the profiles of 19 potential candidates for the next conclave .
The reason for this book is to inform the members of the conclave of the biographies and positions of the most probable candidates , but also to inform the Catholic world about them .
Discussing particular candidates , Pentin states that he does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be elected , and points on the more conservative side to Cardinals Robert Sarah , Peter Erdo , Malcolm Ranjith , and Raymond Burke .
About Burke , Pentin adds : “ Although many think Cardinal Burke is highly unlikely to be elected , I think there is such unease with this pontificate among a large number of cardinals that it could lead to some surprises on the more orthodox side.
” For the progressive side , Pentin would see in Cardinals Pietro Parolin , Luis Antonio Tagle , and Matteo Zuppi the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the duties of a future Pope , Edward Pentin believes that “ countless new challenges will certainly affect the next Pope considerably , and a frank assessment of Vatican II could be one of them , certainly if a more orthodox leaning pope were elected.
” He concludes with the words that “ it ’ s important to pray for the right candidate at a conclave and which is why I hope this book will give readers the conviction to petition the Lord for the one most suitable to lead the Church in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of EWTN ’ s “ Papal Posse ” commented on this new book , remembering his presence in Rome during the 2013 conclave : “ How I wish I had a book like this back then !
Edward Pentin provides us with thoroughly researched background reports on 19 cardinals who will likely be in serious consideration at the next conclave .
Accurate information about the pastoral and doctrinal approaches of these cardinals , set forth here with carefully footnoted references , will assist their fellow cardinals , and all interested observers , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of whom could become the next Pope.
” Please see here the full interview with Edward Pentin : LifeSite : How did this come book come about ?
Why do you think such a book would be helpful ?
The book derives from the fact that at a conclave , it ’ s usually not just the public who have little or no knowledge of a prospective pope .
Perhaps , surprisingly , neither do the cardinals who are voting for him .
At the last conclave in 2013 , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusing and others complained about a dearth of information on who they were voting for .
Often they had to rely on others ’ recommendations which were not always reliable .
This problem has been made more acute since Pope Francis ceased holding pre-consistory meetings of the Sacred College of Cardinals in 2016 .
The event was traditionally a good opportunity for cardinals to meet and get to know one another .
This book is therefore primarily aimed at equipping cardinals so they know who to vote for – or not vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it ’ s also meant as a resource for the faithful , to give them a detailed knowledge of some of the cardinals most likely to be elected Pope and therefore also to know who to pray for .
How did you come to pick these 19 cardinals and not others ?
We chose them because we feel they have the greatest chance of being elected Pope given their backgrounds , reputations for leadership , sanctity , governance , teaching , and general favorability rankings in the Church .
Of course as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chi entra papa in conclave , ne esce cardinale ” ( whoever enters a conclave a pope , leaves it as a cardinal ) , so it ’ s naturally possible the next pope will be none of these — perhaps even the 20th , the one we did not include !
But even if he is not chosen from these 19 , we hope the book will have helped the cardinals in their discernment process .
Could you tell us more about the team of scholars that assisted you with this book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each of the 19 cardinals , finding those who were of the same nationality of the relevant cardinal or knew the language of the candidate .
Six of them were Americans .
We also had a team of professional editors and proof readers .
I should say that most of the cardinals had been researched by the time I came on board and I helped fill in some gaps .
For this reason , this is really a collaborative effort even though my name appears on the front , and my gratitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editors who did much of the heavy lifting to make this book possible .
What are for you the most important characteristics for a good pope ?
In the book ’ s introduction is a guide on what cardinals should look for in choosing a good Pope , drawing on a treatise of 12th century St. Bernard of Clairvaux called On Consideration on how to be a saintly pope .
This was later summarized by Benedict XIV ( 1740-58 ) .
Some of the characteristics that stood out to me were that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pray , and teach the people .
Above all the other virtues , he must cultivate humility .
Also important is that a pope “ should have friends known for their goodness ” and “ choose cardinals from the men most eminent in learning and virtue , ones who are good and well-qualified pastors.
” And naturally they should be an instrument of unity — Peter ’ s primary task .
I prefer not to say more as I ’ m merely a reporter , and the book itself doesn ’ t tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good pope either .
Rather it lays out all the facts and lets the reader decide .
Does one or several of your cardinal candidates have those characteristics that would make him a good candidate ?
None of them are perfect of course , and none have precisely what it takes to be Pope , but then no pope ever has .
Peter was an uneducated fisherman — impulsive , ambitious , self-assertive , and imprudent who denied Christ three times before being transformed into the charismatic first pope that he became .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say one or two potentially have what it takes to be saintly great popes .
But as St. Peter and many of his successors have shown , the grace of the office can make the man .
In researching the backgrounds of these cardinals , could you tell us two or three most striking findings – either especially positive or especially shocking ?
The book reveals a number of interesting elements of these cardinals , helping to give a clear picture of their qualities , strengths and weaknesses related to their offices as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teach .
But I ’ d rather let the reader discover these qualities for themselves as taking them out of context might give a skewed image of the candidate .
Whom would you name as the cardinals on the progressive side with most chances for being elected pope in a future conclave ?
And who do you think on the more orthodox side might have the best chances for being elected ?
Or do they , in light of Pope Francis ' forming of a new College of Cardinals , have very little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Erdo , Malcolm Ranjith and Raymond Burke .
Although many think Cardinal Burke is highly unlikely to be elected , I think there is such unease with this pontificate among a large number of cardinals that it could lead to some surprises on the more orthodox side .
Would you agree with John Allen who recently at a Sophia Press panel discussion of this book said that Cardinal Christoph Schönborn could very well be a compromise candidate for both sides of the spectrum ?
I can see John ’ s point but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen as the champion of orthodoxy that he used to be , certainly in the US and Europe .
His reputation regarding the liturgy is particularly problematic for him , his judgement has been questioned , and he ’ s been in poor health .
I think his time may have passed , although many thought that of Jorge Mario Bergoglio too !
What would be your guess how soon we can expect a new conclave to happen ?
Do you think Pope Francis would ever retire like Pope Benedict XVI ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a number of theories have circulated for years , including that Pope Francis will resign once Benedict dies .
Some say Francis is hanging on by a thread and has little support inside the Vatican where morale is generally extremely low .
Others say that he continues to relish being Pope , is in good health , and wishes to see his vision for reform through , meaning his pontificate could last many years more .
What do you think the main mission would be for a future pope – not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions Pope Francis has taken in these last years , but also in light of the controversies that exist since the Second Vatican Council ?
How could a future Pope guide the Church through these very tumultuous times inside and outside the Church ?
Countless new challenges will certainly affect the next Pope considerably , and a frank assessment of Vatican II could be one of them , certainly if a more orthodox leaning pope were elected .
Connected with this are enormous spiritual battles that are taking place in the world today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they increase , both inside and outside the Church .
This is why it ’ s important to pray for the right candidate at a conclave and which is why I hope this book will give readers the conviction to petition the Lord for the one most suitable to lead the Church in our tumultuous times .

Edward Pentin hopes his book 'The Next Pope' will help a future conclave elect the cardinal 'most suitable to lead the Church in our tumultuous times.'
July 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In an interview graciously granted to LifeSiteNews, Rome Correspondent and author Edward Pentin explains the history of his new book The Next Pope: The Leading Cardinal Candidates (published by Sophia Press) which presents the profiles of 19 potential candidates for the next conclave.
The reason for this book is to inform the members of the conclave of the biographies and positions of the most probable candidates, but also to inform the Catholic world about them.
Discussing particular candidates, Pentin states that he does not believe someone like Cardinal Christoph Schönborn would be elected, and points on the more conservative side to Cardinals Robert Sarah, Peter Erdo, Malcolm Ranjith, and Raymond Burke. About Burke, Pentin adds: “Although many think Cardinal Burke is highly unlikely to be elected, I think there is such unease with this pontificate among a large number of cardinals that it could lead to some surprises on the more orthodox side.”
For the progressive side, Pentin would see in Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Matteo Zuppi the most likely candidates.
With regards to the duties of a future Pope, Edward Pentin believes that “countless new challenges will certainly affect the next Pope considerably, and a frank assessment of Vatican II could be one of them, certainly if a more orthodox leaning pope were elected.”
He concludes with the words that “it’s important to pray for the right candidate at a conclave and which is why I hope this book will give readers the conviction to petition the Lord for the one most suitable to lead the Church in our tumultuous times.”
Father Gerald Murray of EWTN’s “Papal Posse” commented on this new book, remembering his presence in Rome during the 2013 conclave: “How I wish I had a book like this back then! Edward Pentin provides us with thoroughly researched background reports on 19 cardinals who will likely be in serious consideration at the next conclave. Accurate information about the pastoral and doctrinal approaches of these cardinals, set forth here with carefully footnoted references, will assist their fellow cardinals, and all interested observers, in making well informed judgments about these men, one of whom could become the next Pope.”
Please see here the full interview with Edward Pentin:
LifeSite: How did this come book come about? Why do you think such a book would be helpful?
The book derives from the fact that at a conclave, it’s usually not just the public who have little or no knowledge of a prospective pope. Perhaps, surprisingly, neither do the cardinals who are voting for him. At the last conclave in 2013, one cardinal memorably said he found the process confusing and others complained about a dearth of information on who they were voting for. Often they had to rely on others’ recommendations which were not always reliable. This problem has been made more acute since Pope Francis ceased holding pre-consistory meetings of the Sacred College of Cardinals in 2016. The event was traditionally a good opportunity for cardinals to meet and get to know one another. This book is therefore primarily aimed at equipping cardinals so they know who to vote for – or not vote for — as the case may be. But it’s also meant as a resource for the faithful, to give them a detailed knowledge of some of the cardinals most likely to be elected Pope and therefore also to know who to pray for.
How did you come to pick these 19 cardinals and not others?
We chose them because we feel they have the greatest chance of being elected Pope given their backgrounds, reputations for leadership, sanctity, governance, teaching, and general favorability rankings in the Church. Of course as the old Roman saying goes, “Chi entra papa in conclave, ne esce cardinale” (whoever enters a conclave a pope, leaves it as a cardinal), so it’s naturally possible the next pope will be none of these — perhaps even the 20th, the one we did not include! But even if he is not chosen from these 19, we hope the book will have helped the cardinals in their discernment process.
Could you tell us more about the team of scholars that assisted you with this book?
We assigned fourteen scholars in total to each of the 19 cardinals, finding those who were of the same nationality of the relevant cardinal or knew the language of the candidate. Six of them were Americans. We also had a team of professional editors and proof readers. I should say that most of the cardinals had been researched by the time I came on board and I helped fill in some gaps. For this reason, this is really a collaborative effort even though my name appears on the front, and my gratitude goes to the backers, researchers and editors who did much of the heavy lifting to make this book possible.
What are for you the most important characteristics for a good pope?
In the book’s introduction is a guide on what cardinals should look for in choosing a good Pope, drawing on a treatise of 12th century St. Bernard of Clairvaux called On Consideration on how to be a saintly pope. This was later summarized by Benedict XIV (1740-58). Some of the characteristics that stood out to me were that a prospective pope must edify the Church, pray, and teach the people. Above all the other virtues, he must cultivate humility. Also important is that a pope “should have friends known for their goodness” and “choose cardinals from the men most eminent in learning and virtue, ones who are good and well-qualified pastors.” And naturally they should be an instrument of unity — Peter’s primary task. I prefer not to say more as I’m merely a reporter, and the book itself doesn’t tell the reader which candidate might make a good pope either. Rather it lays out all the facts and lets the reader decide.
Does one or several of your cardinal candidates have those characteristics that would make him a good candidate?
None of them are perfect of course, and none have precisely what it takes to be Pope, but then no pope ever has. Peter was an uneducated fisherman — impulsive, ambitious, self-assertive, and imprudent who denied Christ three times before being transformed into the charismatic first pope that he became. From these 19 papabili I’d say one or two potentially have what it takes to be saintly great popes. But as St. Peter and many of his successors have shown, the grace of the office can make the man.
In researching the backgrounds of these cardinals, could you tell us two or three most striking findings – either especially positive or especially shocking?
The book reveals a number of interesting elements of these cardinals, helping to give a clear picture of their qualities, strengths and weaknesses related to their offices as bishop: to sanctify, govern and teach. But I’d rather let the reader discover these qualities for themselves as taking them out of context might give a skewed image of the candidate.
Whom would you name as the cardinals on the progressive side with most chances for being elected pope in a future conclave?
Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Pietro Parolin, and Matteo Zuppi.
And who do you think on the more orthodox side might have the best chances for being elected? Or do they, in light of Pope Francis' forming of a new College of Cardinals, have very little chance altogether?
Cardinals Robert Sarah, Peter Erdo, Malcolm Ranjith and Raymond Burke. Although many think Cardinal Burke is highly unlikely to be elected, I think there is such unease with this pontificate among a large number of cardinals that it could lead to some surprises on the more orthodox side.
Would you agree with John Allen who recently at a Sophia Press panel discussion of this book said that Cardinal Christoph Schönborn could very well be a compromise candidate for both sides of the spectrum?
I can see John’s point but I think Cardinal Schönborn is no longer seen as the champion of orthodoxy that he used to be, certainly in the US and Europe. His reputation regarding the liturgy is particularly problematic for him, his judgement has been questioned, and he’s been in poor health. I think his time may have passed, although many thought that of Jorge Mario Bergoglio too!
What would be your guess how soon we can expect a new conclave to happen? Do you think Pope Francis would ever retire like Pope Benedict XVI?
The date is impossible to predict of course, but a number of theories have circulated for years, including that Pope Francis will resign once Benedict dies. Some say Francis is hanging on by a thread and has little support inside the Vatican where morale is generally extremely low. Others say that he continues to relish being Pope, is in good health, and wishes to see his vision for reform through, meaning his pontificate could last many years more.
What do you think the main mission would be for a future pope – not only in light of some of the decisions Pope Francis has taken in these last years, but also in light of the controversies that exist since the Second Vatican Council? How could a future Pope guide the Church through these very tumultuous times inside and outside the Church?
Countless new challenges will certainly affect the next Pope considerably, and a frank assessment of Vatican II could be one of them, certainly if a more orthodox leaning pope were elected. Connected with this are enormous spiritual battles that are taking place in the world today, battles that require true papal leadership as they increase, both inside and outside the Church. This is why it’s important to pray for the right candidate at a conclave and which is why I hope this book will give readers the conviction to petition the Lord for the one most suitable to lead the Church in our tumultuous times.
Follow Maike Dr. Maike Hickson was born and raised in Germany. She holds a PhD from the University of Hannover, Germany, after having written in Switzerland her doctoral dissertation on the history of Swiss intellectuals before and during World War II. She now lives in the U.S. and is married to Dr. Robert Hickson, and they have been blessed with two beautiful children. She is a happy housewife who likes to write articles when time permits. Dr. Hickson published in 2014 a Festschrift, a collection of some thirty essays written by thoughtful authors in honor of her husband upon his 70th birthday, which is entitled A Catholic Witness in Our Time. Hickson has closely followed the papacy of Pope Francis and the developments in the Catholic Church in Germany, and she has been writing articles on religion and politics for U.S. and European publications and websites such as LifeSiteNews, OnePeterFive, The Wanderer, Rorate Caeli, Catholicism.org, Catholic Family News, Christian Order, Notizie Pro-Vita, Corrispondenza Romana, Katholisches.info, Der Dreizehnte, Zeit-Fragen, and Westfalen-Blatt.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-13--Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

July 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church , LifeSite is offering Catholics throughout the world a chance to be united daily in prayer , in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade .
Catholics from all over the world—from Israel , Uganda , Italy , France , Germany , Ireland , Pakistan , Singapore , the Philippines , India , Indonesia , Australia , New Zealand , Thailand , the United Kingdom , the U.S. , Canada , Brazil , and other countries—are gathering daily to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Pillari , J.C.L.
, an American priest currently studying in Italy .
Our goal is , by means of this daily rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima , the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
To help obtain that goal , Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide rosary crusade : O Immaculate Heart of Mary , you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother .
Look upon the distress in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church .
In Fatima you warned against these errors , as you spoke about the errors of Russia .
You are the Mediatrix of all graces .
Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope : that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart , so that Russia will be converted , a period of peace will be granted to the world , and your Immaculate Heart will triumph , through an authentic renewal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purity of the Catholic Faith , of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life .
O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother , turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer .
Amen .
+ Athanasius Schneider , Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady ’ s message at Fatima , and about what you can do , please read Cardinal Burke ’ s 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //voiceofthefamily.com/full-text-cardinal-burkes-historic-call-for-consecration-of-russia/ ) .
As St. Padre Pio once said , “ The rosary is the weapon for these times.
” Through prayer , God can shape history , change the world , and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world , through the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
Join us today !
If you would like to follow along with the prayers said during this rosary , you can access them via this PDF .
This document also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daily rosary on LifeSite led by Fr .
Pillari .
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

(LifeSiteNews) — In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church, LifeSite is happy to promote Regina Angelorum Press’s Daily Rosary, which is offering Catholics throughout the world the chance to be united daily in prayer, in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade.
Catholics from all over the world — from Israel, Uganda, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and other countries — are gathering daily to pray the Rosary, led by Father Pillari, JCL, MCL, STL, an American priest currently studying in Italy.
The Daily Rosary is being offered each day at 12noon EST through Regina Angelorum Press’ YouTube Channel to which you can subscribe HERE.
The goal is, by means of this Daily Rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima, the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.
To help obtain that goal, Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide Rosary crusade:
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother. Look upon the distress in which the Church and the whole of humanity are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church. In Fatima you warned against these errors, as you spoke about the errors of Russia. You are the Mediatrix of all graces. Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope: that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart, so that Russia will be converted, a period of peace will be granted to the world, and your Immaculate Heart will triumph, through an authentic renewal of the Church in the splendor of the purity of the Catholic Faith, of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life. O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother, turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer. Amen. + Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana
To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady’s message at Fatima, and about what you can do, please read Cardinal Burke’s 2017 address at the Rome Life Forum.
As St. Padre Pio once said, “The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” Through prayer, God can shape history, change the world, and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world, through the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Join us today!
If you would like to follow along with the prayers said during this Rosary, you can access them HERE. The document also includes a brief F.A.Q. pertaining to the daily Rosary.
You can send your prayer requests to https://reginangelorumpress.com/prayer-intentions/
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lifesitenews--2020-07-13--Churches and statues vandalized, burnt, attacked across US over weekend

PETITION : Urge U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to defend Catholic heritage and statues !
Sign the petition here .
July 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Several churches and statues across the United States went up in flames or were vandalized over the weekend , including a mission church founded by Saint Junípero Serra just outside of Los Angeles almost 250 years ago .
On Saturday , a 24-year-old man was arrested and charged with attempted murder for setting fire to Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala , Florida .
He drove his car into the church , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gasoline on fire .
Parishioners were inside the church preparing for Mass , but were able to flee without injury .
“ In an interview with sheriff ’ s Detective John Lightle , suspect Steven Anthony Shields said he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is not taking his medication , ” reported a local newspaper .
“ Shields said that what he did was ‘ awesome , ’ and he smiled and laughed while he was questioned at the Sheriff ’ s Office , ” the newspaper added .
“ Referring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he was on a ‘ mission , ’ Shields told the detective he has problems with the Catholic Church and made reference to several Bible passages , including the Book of Revelation.
” After his arrest , he told police that he “ knew what he was doing .
Shields added even though he knew it was wrong , he planned to do it anyway .
He purchased the gasoline [ to set the church on fire ] Saturday morning.
” At about 7:30 a.m. that morning , the suspect had “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the church , ” before backing out again and leaving his vehicle.
” The man then entered the building “ carrying large red gas cans , according to the Sheriff ’ s Office .
The man pours gasoline on the floor , but then slips and falls .
He ’ s seen throwing something into the room ( it turned out to be a shoe ) and igniting a large fire.
” One parishioner , right after the van had been driven into the church , went into the foyer to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He responded by throwing a shoe and proceeded to start the fire , before fleeing the scene in his van .
Police , who were on patrol close to the church , managed to stop Shields after a brief chase across several red lights .
Dr. Taylor Marshall , founder of the New Saint Thomas Institute and author of Infiltration : The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within , told viewers and listeners of his popular podcast that on the day before the attack , “ some men of the parish of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a group of police officers to give the medals of St. Michael for protection .
“ They made a Catholic gesture , ” Marshall said .
“ They were doing evangelization .
They ’ re doing what we Catholics should do.
” “ Guess what happened : Within 24 hours someone serving the invisible enemy ran his car into their church , and poured two gallons of gasoline and lit it , ” he continued .
“ The same police officers were the ones who came to the church and got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think it was the Holy Ghost leading these good men from the parish … to give this medal , these medals to the police officers.
” Every Sunday afternoon , a priest of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter travels from Sarasota to Ocala to offer the Traditional Latin Mass at Queen of Peace .
“ I ’ m proud of my deputies for capturing this man so quickly and we appreciate the assistance from all of the state and federal agencies that worked alongside of us during this investigation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
According to the Marion County Sheriff ’ s Office , “ Shields has been charged with one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder , evidencing prejudice , a First-Degree Felony ; one count of Arson to a Structure ( where persons are normally present and which the Defendant had reasonable grounds to believe to be occupied by a human being ) , evidencing prejudice , a Life Felony ; one count of Burglary of an Occupied Structure ( with intent to commit a forcible felony , with assault while armed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and causing damage to the structure in excess of $ 1,000 ) , while evidencing prejudice , a Life Felony ; and one count of Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude .
He is being held in the Marion County Jail on no bond.
” Meanwhile , a statue of Our Lady was set on fire in Boston , Massachusetts , on Saturday evening .
“ Police spoke with Boston firefighters , who said that an unknown suspect had set fire to plastic flowers , which were in the hands of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body of the statue to be burned , ” local station WCVB reported .
Fr .
John Curran , the parish priest , told WCVB , “ I was shocked .
[ There ’ s ] disappointment , sadness .
The image of Our Lady is so important for us and our faith .
It ’ s such a contradiction to her love .
Mary would never desecrate anyone , never hurt anyone , only offer them the peace and love of Jesus .
I think that ’ s where it really hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Our Lady , located in New York , had been vandalized on Friday morning .
“ Investigators said an unidentified person was caught on camera spray-painting ‘ IDOL ’ on the statue in front of Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary , ” reported the local CBS station .
Mission founded by St. Junípero Serra in 1771 severely damaged by fire In Forth Worth , Texas , a small Protestant church building was vandalized and robbed on Saturday .
The pastor and his family “ said Fort Worth police located the suspect after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with items piled inside down the street , ” according to the local NBC station .
“ He admitted it and had our assistant pastor ’ s amplifier inside the grocery cart – with the assistant pastor ’ s name on it – as he was pushing it , ” the family pointed out .
“ We thank God for the Fort Worth PD was paying attention [ sic ] .
We appreciate you.
” In the early hours of Saturday , San Gabriel Mission was destroyed in large parts by a fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing , had not been linked to arson or vandalism .
“ The fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. and appears to have broken out in the rear of the church , ” according to Angelus News .
“ Multiple fire departments responded and the fire was extinguished soon after.
” “ Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded in 1771 by Franciscan missionary Fray Junipero Serra , the fourth mission in present-day California founded by the future saint.
” Pope Francis canonized the missionary , who once walked “ to Mexico City with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority to discipline the military who were abusing the indigenous people , ” during his visit to the United States in 2015 .
Archbishop José H. Gomez took to Facebook on Saturday morning , saying he woke up “ before dawn this morning to news that our beloved San Gabriel Mission , founded by St. Junípero Serra in 1771 , was burning .
Thank God no one is hurt.
” He immediately went to the church “ to pray with the people.
” He added , “ St .
Junípero , pray for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country that you helped to found.
” “ This destruction comes as we are getting ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this great mission , ” Gomez said during a sermon on Sunday .
“ But this fire changes nothing .
Mission San Gabriel will always be the spiritual heart of the Church in Los Angeles , the place from which the Gospel still goes forth.
” The archbishop referred to a prayer written by St. Junipero Serra .
“ Let us bear every hardship for the love of You and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials , may we know that we are loved as Your own children.
” As San Gabriel Mission was undergoing renovations ahead of the 250th anniversary of its founding , “ much of the artwork in the sanctuary , including historic paintings and other devotional artifacts , had been removed prior to the fire , ” reported Angelus News .
Only days before the fire , a statue of St. Junipero Serra had been removed from public view by the staff of San Gabriel Mission in order to protect it from rioters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ California had been destroyed by people affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement .
On Sunday , “ a fire broke out ” in St. Mark ’ s Catholic Church in Birmingham , Alabama , damaging the roof , according to a local news report.The chapel also sustained water damage .
No one was injured .
Authorities “ said it 's unclear how the fire started , but thunderstorms appeared to be moving through the area , ” the report added .
In view of the significant number of churches and statues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked why many media are not covering these incidents more prominently .
Among others , Lila Rose , founder and president of pro-life organization Live Action , tweeted , “ Catholic Churches in at least seven states have been vandalized or burned recently .
In FL yesterday , mass attendees were in church when it was lit on fire .
I see little reporting on this and even less outcry from progressive leaders .
Why ?
Condemning this shouldn ’ t be partisan .
”

The causes of some fires have yet to be determined, while police say others were arson. A Florida man has been charged with attempted murder.
PETITION: Urge U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to defend Catholic heritage and statues! Sign the petition here.
July 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Several churches and statues across the United States went up in flames or were vandalized over the weekend, including a mission church founded by Saint Junípero Serra just outside of Los Angeles almost 250 years ago.
On Saturday, a 24-year-old man was arrested and charged with attempted murder for setting fire to Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida. He drove his car into the church, and proceeded to light two gallons of gasoline on fire. Parishioners were inside the church preparing for Mass, but were able to flee without injury.
“In an interview with sheriff’s Detective John Lightle, suspect Steven Anthony Shields said he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is not taking his medication,” reported a local newspaper.
“Shields said that what he did was ‘awesome,’ and he smiled and laughed while he was questioned at the Sheriff’s Office,” the newspaper added. “Referring to himself as the ‘king’ and saying he was on a ‘mission,’ Shields told the detective he has problems with the Catholic Church and made reference to several Bible passages, including the Book of Revelation.”
After his arrest, he told police that he “knew what he was doing. Shields added even though he knew it was wrong, he planned to do it anyway. He purchased the gasoline [to set the church on fire] Saturday morning.”
At about 7:30 a.m. that morning, the suspect had “crashed his van through the front doors of the church,” before backing out again and leaving his vehicle.”
The man then entered the building “carrying large red gas cans, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The man pours gasoline on the floor, but then slips and falls. He’s seen throwing something into the room (it turned out to be a shoe) and igniting a large fire.”
One parishioner, right after the van had been driven into the church, went into the foyer to ask the man if he was okay. He responded by throwing a shoe and proceeded to start the fire, before fleeing the scene in his van.
Police, who were on patrol close to the church, managed to stop Shields after a brief chase across several red lights.
Dr. Taylor Marshall, founder of the New Saint Thomas Institute and author of Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within, told viewers and listeners of his popular podcast that on the day before the attack, “some men of the parish of Queen of Peace” had gone up to a group of police officers to give the medals of St. Michael for protection.
“They made a Catholic gesture,” Marshall said. “They were doing evangelization. They’re doing what we Catholics should do.”
“Guess what happened: Within 24 hours someone serving the invisible enemy ran his car into their church, and poured two gallons of gasoline and lit it,” he continued. “The same police officers were the ones who came to the church and got the bad guy. So you never know. I think it was the Holy Ghost leading these good men from the parish … to give this medal, these medals to the police officers.”
Every Sunday afternoon, a priest of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter travels from Sarasota to Ocala to offer the Traditional Latin Mass at Queen of Peace.
“I’m proud of my deputies for capturing this man so quickly and we appreciate the assistance from all of the state and federal agencies that worked alongside of us during this investigation,” Sheriff Billy Woods said in a statement.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, “Shields has been charged with one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder, evidencing prejudice, a First-Degree Felony; one count of Arson to a Structure (where persons are normally present and which the Defendant had reasonable grounds to believe to be occupied by a human being), evidencing prejudice, a Life Felony; one count of Burglary of an Occupied Structure (with intent to commit a forcible felony, with assault while armed, using a motor vehicle as an instrumentality, and causing damage to the structure in excess of $1,000), while evidencing prejudice, a Life Felony; and one count of Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude. He is being held in the Marion County Jail on no bond.”
Virgin Mary statues set on fire, spray painted
Meanwhile, a statue of Our Lady was set on fire in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday evening. “Police spoke with Boston firefighters, who said that an unknown suspect had set fire to plastic flowers, which were in the hands of the statue, causing the face and upper body of the statue to be burned,” local station WCVB reported.
Fr. John Curran, the parish priest, told WCVB, “I was shocked. [There’s] disappointment, sadness. The image of Our Lady is so important for us and our faith. It’s such a contradiction to her love. Mary would never desecrate anyone, never hurt anyone, only offer them the peace and love of Jesus. I think that’s where it really hits us in our hearts.”
Another statue of Our Lady, located in New York, had been vandalized on Friday morning. “Investigators said an unidentified person was caught on camera spray-painting ‘IDOL’ on the statue in front of Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary,” reported the local CBS station.
Mission founded by St. Junípero Serra in 1771 severely damaged by fire
In Forth Worth, Texas, a small Protestant church building was vandalized and robbed on Saturday. The pastor and his family “said Fort Worth police located the suspect after they saw him pushing a shopping cart with items piled inside down the street,” according to the local NBC station.
“He admitted it and had our assistant pastor’s amplifier inside the grocery cart – with the assistant pastor’s name on it – as he was pushing it,” the family pointed out. “We thank God for the Fort Worth PD was paying attention [sic]. We appreciate you.”
In the early hours of Saturday, San Gabriel Mission was destroyed in large parts by a fire which, at the time of this writing, had not been linked to arson or vandalism.
“The fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. and appears to have broken out in the rear of the church,” according to Angelus News. “Multiple fire departments responded and the fire was extinguished soon after.”
“Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded in 1771 by Franciscan missionary Fray Junipero Serra, the fourth mission in present-day California founded by the future saint.” Pope Francis canonized the missionary, who once walked “to Mexico City with a painful ulcerated leg to obtain the authority to discipline the military who were abusing the indigenous people,” during his visit to the United States in 2015.
Archbishop José H. Gomez took to Facebook on Saturday morning, saying he woke up “before dawn this morning to news that our beloved San Gabriel Mission, founded by St. Junípero Serra in 1771, was burning. Thank God no one is hurt.”
He immediately went to the church “to pray with the people.” He added, “St. Junípero, pray for this city, this state, and this country that you helped to found.”
“This destruction comes as we are getting ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this great mission,” Gomez said during a sermon on Sunday. “But this fire changes nothing. Mission San Gabriel will always be the spiritual heart of the Church in Los Angeles, the place from which the Gospel still goes forth.”
The archbishop referred to a prayer written by St. Junipero Serra. “Let us bear every hardship for the love of You and the salvation of souls. In our trials, may we know that we are loved as Your own children.”
As San Gabriel Mission was undergoing renovations ahead of the 250th anniversary of its founding, “much of the artwork in the sanctuary, including historic paintings and other devotional artifacts, had been removed prior to the fire,” reported Angelus News.
Only days before the fire, a statue of St. Junipero Serra had been removed from public view by the staff of San Gabriel Mission in order to protect it from rioters. Other statues of the missionary saint in California had been destroyed by people affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement.
On Sunday, “a fire broke out” in St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Birmingham, Alabama, damaging the roof, according to a local news report.The chapel also sustained water damage. No one was injured.
Authorities “said it's unclear how the fire started, but thunderstorms appeared to be moving through the area,” the report added.
In view of the significant number of churches and statues in flames or vandalized, some conservatives have asked why many media are not covering these incidents more prominently.
Among others, Lila Rose, founder and president of pro-life organization Live Action, tweeted, “Catholic Churches in at least seven states have been vandalized or burned recently. In FL yesterday, mass attendees were in church when it was lit on fire. I see little reporting on this and even less outcry from progressive leaders. Why? Condemning this shouldn’t be partisan.”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-14--Planned Parenthood exposed for selling aborted baby body parts: 5 years later

SAN FRANCISCO , July 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Five years ago , on July 14 , 2015 , David Daleiden released the first of many incriminating videos that showed the world the gruesome underbelly of illegal practices by the abortion industry .
The Thomas More Society would soon thereafter begin its defense of undercover journalist Daleiden .
As researchers and reporters for the Human Capital Project of the Center for Medical Progress , Daleiden and his investigative partner , Sandra Merritt , posed as human tissue buyers .
What they uncovered shocked the country as the videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in aborted baby body parts trafficking .
The videos , 13 in all , caused a national outcry to # DefundPlannedParenthood and triggered a congressional investigation of the abortion industry .
Within days of the first video release , David and Sandra were hauled into court by the National Abortion Federation .
The battle of David versus the “ Goliath ” abortion industry eventually evolved into seven separate court cases both criminal and civil — in four different states .
On the fifth anniversary of the video release , the Thomas More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chief Counsel , and Peter Breen , Vice President and Senior Counsel , shared their perspectives on the challenges and victories of the last five years .
“ There are many disturbing revelations that have occurred during the abortion industry ’ s aggressive pursuit of David Daleiden , ” stated Brejcha .
“ Even if you take the heinous butchering of born-alive babies out of the equation — yes , that came out in court — you still have broader implications for a free society.
” Breen , lead counsel for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that many abortion proponents claim to be “ pro-woman.
” “ Yet , ” Breen observed , “ David Daleiden is being attacked by the abortion industry for exposing their disregard for human life , the disrespect they have demonstrated for women , and the deliberate risk to women ’ s health they incur in order to reap huge profits .
Not only is that a betrayal of women ’ s rights , but the legal actions against David Daleiden pose an even deeper threat to the freedoms of every American.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ If journalists can be prosecuted and charged as criminals for undercover reporting , what will that do to the exposés that hold businesses and politicians accountable ?
If reporters are no longer able to freely investigate potential wrongdoing , the American public will be robbed of important facts that would otherwise remain hidden .
The disturbingly aggressive prosecution of David Daleiden is an overreach that reeks of tyranny and oppression.
” Breen shares Brejcha ’ s concern about this “ muzzling of the media ” and the punishment of whistleblowers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ employed in the case against David Daleiden could be used by any entity or politician or person against a reporter who was exposing wrongdoing , whether it be corrupt politicians , whether it is those who are abusing animals — anything , '' Breen warns .
“ They can use these same legal theories against undercover journalists.
” Daleiden has been charged with a broad range of both felonies and misdemeanors .
These include two Texas cases that revolved around the use of false identification and violating Texas law banning the sale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and three civil lawsuits , one filed by Planned Parenthood , one filed by the National Abortion Federation , and a class action brought by anonymous abortion industry workers .
California civil suits and criminal prosecutions have flung charges at Daleiden for violating RICO ( Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ) laws , eavesdropping , trespassing , invasion of privacy , illegal recording , and conspiracy .
“ All of these accusations are targeted against David ’ s use of standard tactics of investigative reporting , ” shared Breen .
“ David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry professionals who spoke openly about their practices and even joked about the atrocities they earned big money to commit.
” He continued , “ David is being charged as a criminal for using the same investigative reporting techniques regularly exercised by other journalists .
These industry practices are often lauded and rewarded , but in California , Mr. Daleiden is being charged as a criminal and threatened with years in the penitentiary for shining his investigative spotlight on the dark , otherwise hidden , secrets of the abortion industry.
” As part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records involving fetal tissue acquisition and testing from the University of Washington and the University of Minnesota , where he uncovered evidence of the illegal use of taxpayer money in these pursuits .
Most recently , Daleiden has launched a counterattack , suing Planned Parenthood and Kamala Harris , former California Attorney General and one-time Presidential candidate , for conspiring to violate his civil rights by means of a criminal prosecution brought and pursued in bad faith .
On November 15 , 2019 , Planned Parenthood–supporting federal judge , William H. Orrick III @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million judgment against Daleiden , which the Thomas More Society is appealing .
Exactly three weeks later , on December 6 , he and Merritt were formally charged with multiple felony counts in California criminal court .
Thomas More Society Executive Vice President and General Counsel Andrew Bath confirmed the legal group ’ s commitment , stating , “ We are unwavering in our defense of David Daleiden .
We firmly believe that he is completely innocent and will go down in the annals of American history as a heroic whistleblower , muckraker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest traditions of citizen journalism.
” Daleiden was arraigned in February 2020 on nine of the felony counts by Attorney General Xavier Becerra .
Becerra , and his predecessor , Harris , are each closely allied with , and supported by , Planned Parenthood .
A belatedly added tenth count is being challenged , as barred by the statute of limitations .
Some of the shocking revelations that came out during the September 2019 preliminary hearing before Judge Christopher Hite in People of the State of California v. David Robert Daleiden and Sandra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late-term abortionist testified that she routinely killed babies in utero with digoxin to prevent what she called the “ biggest disaster ” — a live birth • a self-proclaimed “ celebrity ” abortionist boasted in court that born-alive babies are “ one of the worst nightmares ” for an abortion provider • a former Planned Parenthood medical director was caught in blatant contradictions during her testimony • an abortion worker confessed to knowing that her tissue procurement business partner was involved in profiting from the trade of aborted baby body parts • an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded saying on undercover video • a fetal tissue broker admitted selling baby hearts and intact baby heads and even fully intact fetuses Each of the above witnesses was allowed to testify without being named — despite the fact that they are the accusers in the prosecution by which the State of California is trying to jail Daleiden .
“ This fight over David ’ s First Amendment Rights — and the people ’ s right to know what the abortion industry is desperately trying to keep hidden — is far from over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve .
“ The United States Constitution , its Amendments and the Bill of Rights are precious , ” he remarked , “ and worth much more than the millions of dollars that the abortion industry has spent over the last five years in the effort to silence truth and leave the American citizenry ignorant of these horrific crimes they want to keep hidden at all costs .
”

'This fight over David's First Amendment Rights — and the people's right to know what the abortion industry is desperately trying to keep hidden — is far from over.'
SAN FRANCISCO, July 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Five years ago, on July 14, 2015, David Daleiden released the first of many incriminating videos that showed the world the gruesome underbelly of illegal practices by the abortion industry. The Thomas More Society would soon thereafter begin its defense of undercover journalist Daleiden.
As researchers and reporters for the Human Capital Project of the Center for Medical Progress, Daleiden and his investigative partner, Sandra Merritt, posed as human tissue buyers. What they uncovered shocked the country as the videos they recorded revealed Planned Parenthood’s involvement in aborted baby body parts trafficking.
The videos, 13 in all, caused a national outcry to #DefundPlannedParenthood and triggered a congressional investigation of the abortion industry. Within days of the first video release, David and Sandra were hauled into court by the National Abortion Federation.
The battle of David versus the “Goliath” abortion industry eventually evolved into seven separate court cases both criminal and civil — in four different states.
On the fifth anniversary of the video release, the Thomas More Society’s Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel, and Peter Breen, Vice President and Senior Counsel, shared their perspectives on the challenges and victories of the last five years.
“There are many disturbing revelations that have occurred during the abortion industry’s aggressive pursuit of David Daleiden,” stated Brejcha. “Even if you take the heinous butchering of born-alive babies out of the equation — yes, that came out in court — you still have broader implications for a free society.”
Breen, lead counsel for the Thomas More Society Daleiden defense team, noted that many abortion proponents claim to be “pro-woman.” “Yet,” Breen observed, “David Daleiden is being attacked by the abortion industry for exposing their disregard for human life, the disrespect they have demonstrated for women, and the deliberate risk to women’s health they incur in order to reap huge profits. Not only is that a betrayal of women’s rights, but the legal actions against David Daleiden pose an even deeper threat to the freedoms of every American.”
Brejcha elaborated on Breen’s comment, “If journalists can be prosecuted and charged as criminals for undercover reporting, what will that do to the exposés that hold businesses and politicians accountable? If reporters are no longer able to freely investigate potential wrongdoing, the American public will be robbed of important facts that would otherwise remain hidden. The disturbingly aggressive prosecution of David Daleiden is an overreach that reeks of tyranny and oppression.”
Breen shares Brejcha’s concern about this “muzzling of the media” and the punishment of whistleblowers.
“The legal theories that Planned Parenthood employed in the case against David Daleiden could be used by any entity or politician or person against a reporter who was exposing wrongdoing, whether it be corrupt politicians, whether it is those who are abusing animals — anything,” Breen warns. “They can use these same legal theories against undercover journalists.”
Daleiden has been charged with a broad range of both felonies and misdemeanors. These include two Texas cases that revolved around the use of false identification and violating Texas law banning the sale of human organs, which was dismissed, and three civil lawsuits, one filed by Planned Parenthood, one filed by the National Abortion Federation, and a class action brought by anonymous abortion industry workers.
California civil suits and criminal prosecutions have flung charges at Daleiden for violating RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) laws, eavesdropping, trespassing, invasion of privacy, illegal recording, and conspiracy.
“All of these accusations are targeted against David’s use of standard tactics of investigative reporting,” shared Breen. “David videotaped meetings in public places with abortion industry professionals who spoke openly about their practices and even joked about the atrocities they earned big money to commit.” He continued, “David is being charged as a criminal for using the same investigative reporting techniques regularly exercised by other journalists. These industry practices are often lauded and rewarded, but in California, Mr. Daleiden is being charged as a criminal and threatened with years in the penitentiary for shining his investigative spotlight on the dark, otherwise hidden, secrets of the abortion industry.”
As part of his ongoing investigation, Daleiden sought records involving fetal tissue acquisition and testing from the University of Washington and the University of Minnesota, where he uncovered evidence of the illegal use of taxpayer money in these pursuits. Most recently, Daleiden has launched a counterattack, suing Planned Parenthood and Kamala Harris, former California Attorney General and one-time Presidential candidate, for conspiring to violate his civil rights by means of a criminal prosecution brought and pursued in bad faith.
On November 15, 2019, Planned Parenthood–supporting federal judge, William H. Orrick III, presided over a nearly $2.3 million judgment against Daleiden, which the Thomas More Society is appealing. Exactly three weeks later, on December 6, he and Merritt were formally charged with multiple felony counts in California criminal court.
Thomas More Society Executive Vice President and General Counsel Andrew Bath confirmed the legal group’s commitment, stating, “We are unwavering in our defense of David Daleiden. We firmly believe that he is completely innocent and will go down in the annals of American history as a heroic whistleblower, muckraker, and investigator, held in the highest traditions of citizen journalism.”
Daleiden was arraigned in February 2020 on nine of the felony counts by Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Becerra, and his predecessor, Harris, are each closely allied with, and supported by, Planned Parenthood. A belatedly added tenth count is being challenged, as barred by the statute of limitations.
Some of the shocking revelations that came out during the September 2019 preliminary hearing before Judge Christopher Hite in People of the State of California v. David Robert Daleiden and Sandra Susan Merritt included:
a retired late-term abortionist testified that she routinely killed babies in utero with digoxin to prevent what she called the “biggest disaster” — a live birth
a self-proclaimed “celebrity” abortionist boasted in court that born-alive babies are “one of the worst nightmares” for an abortion provider
a former Planned Parenthood medical director was caught in blatant contradictions during her testimony
an abortion worker confessed to knowing that her tissue procurement business partner was involved in profiting from the trade of aborted baby body parts
an abortionist tried to deny everything she was recorded saying on undercover video
a fetal tissue broker admitted selling baby hearts and intact baby heads and even fully intact fetuses
Each of the above witnesses was allowed to testify without being named — despite the fact that they are the accusers in the prosecution by which the State of California is trying to jail Daleiden.
“This fight over David’s First Amendment Rights — and the people’s right to know what the abortion industry is desperately trying to keep hidden — is far from over,” stated Brejcha with confidence and resolve. “The United States Constitution, its Amendments and the Bill of Rights are precious,” he remarked, “and worth much more than the millions of dollars that the abortion industry has spent over the last five years in the effort to silence truth and leave the American citizenry ignorant of these horrific crimes they want to keep hidden at all costs.”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-14--Pope Francis has already signed ‘ambitious’ Roman Curia reform document: Vatican observer

VATICAN CITY , July 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — According to a report by the French Catholic newspaper La Croix , Pope Francis ’ s long-awaited document reforming the Roman Curia has already been signed and is currently being translated into various languages .
The new constitution will lead to dozens of new appointments within the Vatican bureaucracy .
The La Croix article , written by Robert Mickens , did not provide any significant details of the new constitution , which it says is titled “ Praedicate Evangelium ” ( “ Preach the Gospel ” ) .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the current pontificate , ” wrote Mickens .
Based only on “ a source at the Vatican ” who claimed the document is done , Mickens spent the bulk of the article talking about “ more than two-dozen Rome-based cardinals [ having to be ] sent into retirement.
” He admitted himself that it is unlikely for the document to be published during the summer .
“ Naturally , this would be extremely out of the ordinary , ” he wrote .
“ The middle of Roman summer is not usually the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important events .
But this is not an ordinary pontificate.
” “ No matter when the new text is unveiled , the ramifications will be manifold and likely historic , ” he added .
“ One of the first and most visible of these will be a massive personnel shake-up.
” In any case , a number of cardinals heading various congregations and other parts of the Roman Curia are older than 75 , which has been the “ traditional ” retirement age among bishops for several decades .
At that point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Pope Francis left several leaders in place .
La Croix speculates that with the reform of the Roman Curia to be released soon , those heads will roll .
Mickens specifically mentioned Cardinal Robert Sarah , prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments .
While put in his position by Pope Francis himself , the pope has rebuked the cardinal several times for his statements on the liturgy .
“ This is the third time that Pope Francis has publicly corrected Cardinal Sarah for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the liturgy , ” wrote the dissident Jesuit publication America Magazine .
“ On previous occasions , the pope corrected the cardinal after Sarah misrepresented the pope ’ s instruction on the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday , and again after Sarah publicly advocated that the Eucharist should be celebrated with the priest facing east ( ‘ ad orientem ’ ) .
” PETITION : Support priest who was suspended for calling out the Black Lives Matter organization !
Sign the petition here .
Further cardinals to be replaced , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ouellet , prefect of the Congregation for Bishops ; Cardinal Leonardo Sandri , prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches ; Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi , prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education ; and Cardinal Beniamino Stella , prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy .
Mickens also pointed to several positions at a lower level of the Vatican ’ s bureaucracy , for instance on the Council for the Economy , headed by German cardinal Reinhard Marx .
However , the archbishop of Munich and Freising will probably stay , Mickens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the draft of the new constitution “ was completed over a year ago , but the pope wanted to give national episcopal conferences , select heads of religious orders and certain theologians the opportunity to offer more suggestions.
” In January 2020 , canon lawyer Ed Condon said in an analysis piece for the Catholic News Agency ( CNA ) that the reform of the Roman Curia could lead to a validation of the Synodal Path in Germany , calling for significant changes to Catholic teaching on sexual morality .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft constitution specifically refers to the ‘ genuine doctrinal authority ’ of national bishops ’ conferences , ” explained Condon .
Further , according to the draft , the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “ ‘ will apply the principle of subsidiarity ’ on any measures related to ‘ protecting the faith.
’ ” In Condon ’ s article , “ multiple sources familiar with the drafting process ” are cited as saying the document “ was heavily informed by the wishes of Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich , [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ conference , and a key member of the Pope ’ s council of cardinal advisors.
” This , added Condon , “ was the focus of sustained criticism in feedback offered by bishops around the world last summer.
” Officials working for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Bishops told CNA “ that , if the provision remains in the final text of the constitution , it would essentially validate the German synodal process , whatever the curia ’ s stated objections to it.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mickens also mentioned a rumor that “ the Vatican recently ordered 15 rings to be made for an upcoming consistory ” creating new cardinals .
“ Again , it would be highly unusual , especially at a time when even churchgoers have to respect social distancing and wear facemasks.
” “ But there is no Church canon that says the red hat ceremonies must be the elaborate galas that they ’ ve turned into over the years , ” he concluded .

'It is perhaps the most ambitious project of the current pontificate.'
VATICAN CITY, July 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — According to a report by the French Catholic newspaper La Croix, Pope Francis’s long-awaited document reforming the Roman Curia has already been signed and is currently being translated into various languages. The new constitution will lead to dozens of new appointments within the Vatican bureaucracy.
The La Croix article, written by Robert Mickens, did not provide any significant details of the new constitution, which it says is titled “Praedicate Evangelium” (“Preach the Gospel”).
“It is perhaps the most ambitious project of the current pontificate,” wrote Mickens. Based only on “a source at the Vatican” who claimed the document is done, Mickens spent the bulk of the article talking about “more than two-dozen Rome-based cardinals [having to be] sent into retirement.”
He admitted himself that it is unlikely for the document to be published during the summer. “Naturally, this would be extremely out of the ordinary,” he wrote. “The middle of Roman summer is not usually the time for launching major Vatican documents or important events. But this is not an ordinary pontificate.”
“No matter when the new text is unveiled, the ramifications will be manifold and likely historic,” he added. “One of the first and most visible of these will be a massive personnel shake-up.”
In any case, a number of cardinals heading various congregations and other parts of the Roman Curia are older than 75, which has been the “traditional” retirement age among bishops for several decades. At that point, they are expected to submit their resignation. However, Pope Francis left several leaders in place. La Croix speculates that with the reform of the Roman Curia to be released soon, those heads will roll.
Mickens specifically mentioned Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. While put in his position by Pope Francis himself, the pope has rebuked the cardinal several times for his statements on the liturgy.
“This is the third time that Pope Francis has publicly corrected Cardinal Sarah for giving an alternative interpretation to his instructions on the liturgy,” wrote the dissident Jesuit publication America Magazine. “On previous occasions, the pope corrected the cardinal after Sarah misrepresented the pope’s instruction on the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, and again after Sarah publicly advocated that the Eucharist should be celebrated with the priest facing east (‘ad orientem’).”
PETITION: Support priest who was suspended for calling out the Black Lives Matter organization! Sign the petition here.
Further cardinals to be replaced, according to Mickens, include Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches; Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education; and Cardinal Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy.
Mickens also pointed to several positions at a lower level of the Vatican’s bureaucracy, for instance on the Council for the Economy, headed by German cardinal Reinhard Marx. However, the archbishop of Munich and Freising will probably stay, Mickens speculated.
As pointed out by Mickens, the draft of the new constitution “was completed over a year ago, but the pope wanted to give national episcopal conferences, select heads of religious orders and certain theologians the opportunity to offer more suggestions.”
In January 2020, canon lawyer Ed Condon said in an analysis piece for the Catholic News Agency (CNA) that the reform of the Roman Curia could lead to a validation of the Synodal Path in Germany, calling for significant changes to Catholic teaching on sexual morality.
“In what would be a significant innovation, the draft constitution specifically refers to the ‘genuine doctrinal authority’ of national bishops’ conferences,” explained Condon. Further, according to the draft, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “‘will apply the principle of subsidiarity’ on any measures related to ‘protecting the faith.’”
In Condon’s article, “multiple sources familiar with the drafting process” are cited as saying the document “was heavily informed by the wishes of Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, [former] head of the German bishops’ conference, and a key member of the Pope’s council of cardinal advisors.” This, added Condon, “was the focus of sustained criticism in feedback offered by bishops around the world last summer.”
Officials working for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Bishops told CNA “that, if the provision remains in the final text of the constitution, it would essentially validate the German synodal process, whatever the curia’s stated objections to it.”
In his piece for La Croix, Robert Mickens also mentioned a rumor that “the Vatican recently ordered 15 rings to be made for an upcoming consistory” creating new cardinals. “Again, it would be highly unusual, especially at a time when even churchgoers have to respect social distancing and wear facemasks.”
“But there is no Church canon that says the red hat ceremonies must be the elaborate galas that they’ve turned into over the years,” he concluded.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-14--Trump announces review of tax status for leftist colleges that indoctrinate students

July 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – For decades , conservatives have lamented the left-wing bias of America ’ s educational institutions , and President Donald Trump says he wants to do something about it by ordering a review of how the federal government subsidizes such schools .
“ Too many Universities and School Systems are about Radical Left Indoctrination , not Education , ” the president tweeted Friday .
“ Therefore , I am telling the Treasury Department to re-examine their Tax-Exempt Status and/or Funding , which will be Our children must be Educated , not Indoctrinated !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organizations , exempt from federal taxes regardless of whether they are privately or publicly funded .
It is unclear whether such a review will actually happen , or how much could be done about educational bias purely at an administrative level .
Bloomberg noted the administration could “ could make changes through regulations , such as the Unrelated Business Income Tax , which pertains to profits earned through a part of the school that is not substantially related to the non-profit or educational part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would require legislation .
Assuming such a review does happen , it also remains to be seen how “ propaganda ” and “ indoctrination ” would translate to specific reviewable criteria .
Politico noted that Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) rules state that the `` advocacy of a particular position or viewpoint '' does not disqualify an educational institution from tax-exempt status , provided `` there is a sufficiently full and fair exposition of pertinent facts to permit an individual or the public to form an independent opinion or conclusion . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ full and fair exposition of pertinent facts ” is precisely at issue , however .
Last fall , Education & Research Institute board chairman Daniel Oliver detailed how the 17th edition of the popular history textbook The American Pageant was teeming with “ divisiveness ” and “ devotes almost twice as much space to liberal politicians as their conservative counterparts.
” Hillsdale College history professor Burton Folsom agreed that the book is is full of “ distortions , ” “ contradictions , ” and “ defective historical methods ” feeding a false conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corrupt , and that the world is often worse off because America exists and has so much global influence.
” “ In the last 20 years , a generation of academics and administrators has transformed higher education into an engine of progressive political advocacy , ” a March 2020 report from the National Association of Scholars concluded .
“ Social justice education rejects the idea that classes should aim at teaching a subject matter for its own sake , or seek to foster students ' ability to think , judge , and write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examples of teachers and academics mistreating students or otherwise acting hateful and malicious over the years also cast doubt on the accuracy of their lessons , such as a Georgetown professor who wished “ miserable deaths ” on supporters of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh ; University of Chicago faculty who tried to suppress a grad student ’ s survey on the medical consensus that life begins at conception ; and Shawnee State University officials punishing a professor who refused to use transgender pronouns .
While many conservatives cheered Trump ’ s announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s opponents .
Calling the announcement “ vile , ” “ monumentally stupid , ” and a “ grotesque constitutional violation , ” prominent NeverTrump pundit David French suggested the move would also threaten the tax-exempt status of churches and religious schools , as they are “ often DESIGNED to `` indoctrinate '' people into particular ideologies and faiths.
” French ’ s reaction appears to conflate two wildly-different understandings of the word “ indoctrination , ” despite the issue having been extensively discussed among conservatives since long before Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infamous in conservative circles for advocating an interpretation of the Constitution that requires public libraries to rent out space for drag queens to preach gender-fluidity for children , and shields professors at public universities from being fired for unprofessional conduct .

The President tweeted that exempt status and funding could be taken away from schools.
July 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – For decades, conservatives have lamented the left-wing bias of America’s educational institutions, and President Donald Trump says he wants to do something about it by ordering a review of how the federal government subsidizes such schools.
“Too many Universities and School Systems are about Radical Left Indoctrination, not Education,” the president tweeted Friday. “Therefore, I am telling the Treasury Department to re-examine their Tax-Exempt Status and/or Funding, which will be Our children must be Educated, not Indoctrinated!”
… and/or Funding, which will be taken away if this Propaganda or Act Against Public Policy continues. Our children must be Educated, not Indoctrinated! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2020
The federal government classifies colleges as 501(c)(3) organizations, exempt from federal taxes regardless of whether they are privately or publicly funded.
It is unclear whether such a review will actually happen, or how much could be done about educational bias purely at an administrative level. Bloomberg noted the administration could “could make changes through regulations, such as the Unrelated Business Income Tax, which pertains to profits earned through a part of the school that is not substantially related to the non-profit or educational part of the university,” but going much further would require legislation.
Assuming such a review does happen, it also remains to be seen how “propaganda” and “indoctrination” would translate to specific reviewable criteria. Politico noted that Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules state that the “advocacy of a particular position or viewpoint” does not disqualify an educational institution from tax-exempt status, provided “there is a sufficiently full and fair exposition of pertinent facts to permit an individual or the public to form an independent opinion or conclusion.”
Whether modern public education offers a “full and fair exposition of pertinent facts” is precisely at issue, however. Last fall, Education & Research Institute board chairman Daniel Oliver detailed how the 17th edition of the popular history textbook The American Pageant was teeming with “divisiveness” and “devotes almost twice as much space to liberal politicians as their conservative counterparts.”
Hillsdale College history professor Burton Folsom agreed that the book is is full of “distortions,” “contradictions,” and “defective historical methods” feeding a false conclusion that “the United States is fundamentally corrupt, and that the world is often worse off because America exists and has so much global influence.”
“In the last 20 years, a generation of academics and administrators has transformed higher education into an engine of progressive political advocacy,” a March 2020 report from the National Association of Scholars concluded. “Social justice education rejects the idea that classes should aim at teaching a subject matter for its own sake, or seek to foster students' ability to think, judge, and write as independent goods.”
Scores of examples of teachers and academics mistreating students or otherwise acting hateful and malicious over the years also cast doubt on the accuracy of their lessons, such as a Georgetown professor who wished “miserable deaths” on supporters of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh; University of Chicago faculty who tried to suppress a grad student’s survey on the medical consensus that life begins at conception; and Shawnee State University officials punishing a professor who refused to use transgender pronouns.
While many conservatives cheered Trump’s announcement, it also received pushback from the president’s opponents. Calling the announcement “vile,” “monumentally stupid,” and a “grotesque constitutional violation,” prominent NeverTrump pundit David French suggested the move would also threaten the tax-exempt status of churches and religious schools, as they are “often DESIGNED to “indoctrinate” people into particular ideologies and faiths.”
Tax-exempt organizations are often DESIGNED to “indoctrinate” people into particular ideologies and faiths. That's what churches and many religious schools do as a matter of strategy and practice. So no tax exemptions for them, Mr. President? — David French (@DavidAFrench) July 10, 2020
French’s reaction appears to conflate two wildly-different understandings of the word “indoctrination,” despite the issue having been extensively discussed among conservatives since long before Trump’s political career. French has become infamous in conservative circles for advocating an interpretation of the Constitution that requires public libraries to rent out space for drag queens to preach gender-fluidity for children, and shields professors at public universities from being fired for unprofessional conduct.
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