lifesitenews--2020-03-25--Harvard summit promises hostility to homeschooling, demands for more regulation

March 25 , 2020 ( Home School Legal Defense Association ) — To someone of my generation ( I ’ m proudly Gen-X ) , the word “ summit ” evokes President Carter bringing warring sides of the Middle East together , or President Reagan meeting in icy Reykjavik with General Secretary Gorbachev .
Well , the homeschool community may be interested in a summit scheduled for June 18–19 at Harvard Law School to discuss “ a controversial practice ” — homeschooling .
* The Homeschooling Summit : Problems , Politics , and Prospects for Reform is being billed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and child welfare policy to discuss child rights and homeschooling .
• Dr. Rachel Coleman , founder of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education and co-founder of Homeschooling ’ s Invisible Children .
She is expected to reiterate her organization ’ s views that homeschooling must be more firmly regulated by the government .
Proposed regulations include a call for annual evaluation of every homeschooled student .
• Samantha Field , author of “ Meet HSLDA , The Most Powerful Religious-Right Lobby You ’ ve Never Heard Of.
” The article starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legal Defense Association has fomented a culture of suspicion and wild conspiracy theories that may put children in danger.
” • Carmen Longoria-Green , litigation counsel for Americans United for Separation of Church and State .
Green ’ s 2015 Note for the Georgetown Law Review describes the current homeschool environment as “ massively deregulated ” and suggests that states should set up a process where homeschooled students could petition a judge to force their parents to send them to public school .
( Educational Empowerment : A Child ’ s Right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L.J .
1089 ) Such a process is necessary , she told the Washington Post , because “ It ’ s unreasonable to expect children to be their own advocates ... You need a forum where an outside person looks at the situation and says , ‘ Is this person meeting educational outcomes ?
’ ” • Dr. Chelsea McCracken , who asserted in 2018 that “ Research on homeschooled students ’ academic performance has been hampered by the lack of data collected on homeschooled students in most states.
” • Dr. Barbara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wisconsin School of Medicine as the head of the hospital ’ s Child Protection Program until 2019 , when she voluntarily resigned while under investigation for alleged unprofessional acts including intimidation of her colleagues .
She currently works with the Alaska Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services , “ a department charged with making medical determinations about whether a child has been abused or not.
” Dr. Knox is a leader in the field of pediatric child abuse medicine , a specialty that the Parental Rights Foundation contends can lead to doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury.
” • James Dwyer , a law professor at the College of William and Mary .
He is the professor famous for claiming that “ The reason parent-child relationships exist is because the State confers legal parenthood … ” .
In his 1994 law review article “ Parents ’ Religion and Children ’ s Welfare : Debunking the Doctrine of Parents ’ Rights ” ( 82 Calif. L. Rev .
1371 ) , Dwyer argued that “ the claim that parents should have child-rearing rights — rather than simply being permitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions on a child ’ s behalf in accordance with the child ’ s rights — is inconsistent with principles deeply embedded in our law and morality.
” • Professor Robert Reich , whose views on homeschooling can be best summed up by the title of his 2015 editorial in the New York Times : “ More Oversight is Needed.
” The summit is being organized by Dwyer and Professor Elizabeth Bartholet .
In Bartholet ’ s recent article in the Arizona Law Review , “ Homeschooling : Parent Rights Absolutism vs. Child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she “ recommends a presumptive ban on homeschooling , with the burden on parents to demonstrate justification for permission to homeschool.
” A preliminary agenda includes riveting topics such as “ The Current Politics : HSLDA Dominance and Tactics ” ** and “ Concerns With Homeschooling.
” The summit looks like a fascinating line-up of speakers , and HSLDA would love to attend .
Alas , it ’ s invitation only , and the exact location is undisclosed .
However , we know that many parents homeschool to protect their children from abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summit , the website states you can contact Crisanne Hazen ( [ email protected ] ) or call 617-496-1684 .
Additionally , there are a limited number of hotel rooms for summit attendees near the Law School — see the website for further details .
* The title of Professor Dwyer ’ s 2019 book : Homeschooling : The History and Philosophy of a Controversial Practice ** To be honest , I think this talk alone should be worth the price of admission .
Published with permission from the Home School Legal @ @ @

The homeschool community may be interested in a summit scheduled for June 18–19 at Harvard Law School to discuss 'a controversial practice.'
March 25, 2020 (Home School Legal Defense Association) — To someone of my generation (I’m proudly Gen-X), the word “summit” evokes President Carter bringing warring sides of the Middle East together, or President Reagan meeting in icy Reykjavik with General Secretary Gorbachev.
Well, the homeschool community may be interested in a summit scheduled for June 18–19 at Harvard Law School to discuss “a controversial practice” — homeschooling.*
The Homeschooling Summit: Problems, Politics, and Prospects for Reform is being billed as a means of bringing together leaders in education and child welfare policy to discuss child rights and homeschooling.
They include:
Dr. Rachel Coleman , founder of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education and co-founder of Homeschooling’s Invisible Children. She is expected to reiterate her organization’s views that homeschooling must be more firmly regulated by the government. Proposed regulations include a call for annual evaluation of every homeschooled student.
, founder of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education and co-founder of Homeschooling’s Invisible Children. She is expected to reiterate her organization’s views that homeschooling must be more firmly regulated by the government. Proposed regulations include a call for annual evaluation of every homeschooled student. Samantha Field , author of “Meet HSLDA, The Most Powerful Religious-Right Lobby You’ve Never Heard Of.” The article starts by declaring, “The Home School Legal Defense Association has fomented a culture of suspicion and wild conspiracy theories that may put children in danger.”
, author of “Meet HSLDA, The Most Powerful Religious-Right Lobby You’ve Never Heard Of.” The article starts by declaring, “The Home School Legal Defense Association has fomented a culture of suspicion and wild conspiracy theories that may put children in danger.” Carmen Longoria-Green , litigation counsel for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Green’s 2015 Note for the Georgetown Law Review describes the current homeschool environment as “massively deregulated” and suggests that states should set up a process where homeschooled students could petition a judge to force their parents to send them to public school. (Educational Empowerment: A Child’s Right to Attend Public School, 103 Geo. L.J. 1089) Such a process is necessary, she told the Washington Post, because “It’s unreasonable to expect children to be their own advocates … You need a forum where an outside person looks at the situation and says, ‘Is this person meeting educational outcomes?’”
, litigation counsel for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Green’s 2015 Note for the Georgetown Law Review describes the current homeschool environment as “massively deregulated” and suggests that states should set up a process where homeschooled students could petition a judge to force their parents to send them to public school. (Educational Empowerment: A Child’s Right to Attend Public School, 103 Geo. L.J. 1089) Such a process is necessary, she told the Washington Post, because “It’s unreasonable to expect children to be their own advocates … You need a forum where an outside person looks at the situation and says, ‘Is this person meeting educational outcomes?’” Dr. Chelsea McCracken , who asserted in 2018 that “Research on homeschooled students’ academic performance has been hampered by the lack of data collected on homeschooled students in most states.”
, who asserted in 2018 that “Research on homeschooled students’ academic performance has been hampered by the lack of data collected on homeschooled students in most states.” Dr. Barbara Knox , who worked at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine as the head of the hospital’s Child Protection Program until 2019, when she voluntarily resigned while under investigation for alleged unprofessional acts including intimidation of her colleagues. She currently works with the Alaska Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services, “a department charged with making medical determinations about whether a child has been abused or not.” Dr. Knox is a leader in the field of pediatric child abuse medicine, a specialty that the Parental Rights Foundation contends can lead to doctors seeing child abuse “lurking behind every injury.”
, who worked at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine as the head of the hospital’s Child Protection Program until 2019, when she voluntarily resigned while under investigation for alleged unprofessional acts including intimidation of her colleagues. She currently works with the Alaska Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services, “a department charged with making medical determinations about whether a child has been abused or not.” Dr. Knox is a leader in the field of pediatric child abuse medicine, a specialty that the Parental Rights Foundation contends can lead to doctors seeing child abuse “lurking behind every injury.” James Dwyer , a law professor at the College of William and Mary. He is the professor famous for claiming that “The reason parent-child relationships exist is because the State confers legal parenthood …”. In his 1994 law review article “Parents’ Religion and Children’s Welfare: Debunking the Doctrine of Parents’ Rights” (82 Calif. L. Rev. 1371), Dwyer argued that “the claim that parents should have child-rearing rights — rather than simply being permitted to perform parental duties and to make certain decisions on a child’s behalf in accordance with the child’s rights — is inconsistent with principles deeply embedded in our law and morality.”
, a law professor at the College of William and Mary. He is the professor famous for claiming that “The reason parent-child relationships exist is because the State confers legal parenthood …”. In his 1994 law review article “Parents’ Religion and Children’s Welfare: Debunking the Doctrine of Parents’ Rights” (82 Calif. L. Rev. 1371), Dwyer argued that “the claim that parents should have child-rearing rights — rather than simply being permitted to perform parental duties and to make certain decisions on a child’s behalf in accordance with the child’s rights — is inconsistent with principles deeply embedded in our law and morality.” Professor Robert Reich, whose views on homeschooling can be best summed up by the title of his 2015 editorial in the New York Times: “More Oversight is Needed.”
The summit is being organized by Dwyer and Professor Elizabeth Bartholet. In Bartholet’s recent article in the Arizona Law Review, “Homeschooling: Parent Rights Absolutism vs. Child Rights to Education & Protection,” she “recommends a presumptive ban on homeschooling, with the burden on parents to demonstrate justification for permission to homeschool.”
A preliminary agenda includes riveting topics such as “The Current Politics: HSLDA Dominance and Tactics”** and “Concerns With Homeschooling.”
The summit looks like a fascinating line-up of speakers, and HSLDA would love to attend. Alas, it’s invitation only, and the exact location is undisclosed. However, we know that many parents homeschool to protect their children from abuse, so if you have questions about the summit, the website states you can contact Crisanne Hazen ([email protected]) or call 617-496-1684. Additionally, there are a limited number of hotel rooms for summit attendees near the Law School — see the website for further details.
* The title of Professor Dwyer’s 2019 book: Homeschooling: The History and Philosophy of a Controversial Practice
** To be honest, I think this talk alone should be worth the price of admission.
Published with permission from the Home School Legal Defense Association.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-25--Vatican offices remain open during pandemic, 4 employees quarantined

PRAYER PLEDGE : Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here .
March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Holy See announced yesterday that its offices remain open and are continuing to function , although with a reduction in staff present in the facilities .
In addition , Pope Francis stated on Sunday that he is continuing his own work as normal and is still holding private audiences , although not public ones .
Although a prudent distance is being maintained between individuals within Vatican City , and measures are being taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vatican Press Office has admitted that three new cases of infection have arisen recently , for a total of four , and the Italian press are expressing concern that the situation is ripe for a larger outbreak .
“ I ’ m adjusting to this new way of doing things , ” Pope Francis said Sunday in an interview with the Spanish journalist Jordi Évole , describing the now-empty St. Peter ’ s Square as a “ desert.
” Asked if he is in isolation , the pontiff responded , “ Yes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , I am taking care of myself .
I don ’ t receive groups , but I do receive personal audiences .
Every hour or every half-hour , pre-scheduled .
And I continue to work as normal.
” The current approach , according to a report by Vatican News , is to “ avoid the further spreading of COVID-19 in a way that does not involve suspending its proper activities.
” The Holy See “ is entrusting to the leadership of the Dicasteries ‘ the task of continuing to carry out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” Vatican News states .
They are to do this by “ arranging for minimal numbers of personnel in their offices and encouraging , insofar as it is possible , that work be done remotely , in such [ a ] way as to limit the transfer of employees and at the same time guarantee the exercise of the Petrine ministry.
” However , the Italian newspaper Il Messagero reports that precautions taken so far in the Vatican appear not to be sufficient for preventing the spread of disease .
“ Up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area has not been sterilized , and many of those working in the offices do not have masks available to them .
They are only following the practice of maintaining a distance of one meter from others and of using hand santizers , but the risk of contagion remains quite evident to everyone.
” Physical copies of the Vatican daily newspaper L ’ Osservatore Romano are no longer being printed “ out of fear of coronavirus contagion , ” Thomas D. Williams reported at Breitbart .
The four individuals who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantined immidately after testing positive as a precaution , according to Matteo Bruni , the director of the Holy See , and reported by Il Messagero .
“ Their isolation will last another fourteen days .
They are currently being cared for in Italian hospitals or in their own homes.
” In addition to the first case of infection , which was a visiting priest , two employees of the Vatican Museum and one worker involved in processing freight have been infected with COVID-19 , according to Il Messagero .
Pope Francis has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected and symptomatic with COVID-19 : the French bishop Emmanuel Delmas , who attended an audience with Francis on March 9 with other French bishops during an ad limina visit .
Moreover , in late February , the pontiff was ill for several days with what appears to have been a strong cold , prompting him to cancel his participation in several public events .
However , he appeared to be healthy in his interview with Évole on Sunday , which was conducted through an internet video service .
The Holy See assured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for quickly reporting any cases of infection to the health authorities of the place of residence of the employee and as well as those of Vatican City State , although the details of their plan have not been made public .

PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Holy See announced yesterday that its offices remain open and are continuing to function, although with a reduction in staff present in the facilities. In addition, Pope Francis stated on Sunday that he is continuing his own work as normal and is still holding private audiences, although not public ones.
Although a prudent distance is being maintained between individuals within Vatican City, and measures are being taken to disinfect the facilities in use, the Vatican Press Office has admitted that three new cases of infection have arisen recently, for a total of four, and the Italian press are expressing concern that the situation is ripe for a larger outbreak.
“I’m adjusting to this new way of doing things,” Pope Francis said Sunday in an interview with the Spanish journalist Jordi Évole, describing the now-empty St. Peter’s Square as a “desert.” Asked if he is in isolation, the pontiff responded, “Yes . . . no, that is to say, I am taking care of myself. I don’t receive groups, but I do receive personal audiences. Every hour or every half-hour, pre-scheduled. And I continue to work as normal.”
The current approach, according to a report by Vatican News, is to “avoid the further spreading of COVID-19 in a way that does not involve suspending its proper activities.”
The Holy See “is entrusting to the leadership of the Dicasteries ‘the task of continuing to carry out the essential services of the Universal Church,’” Vatican News states. They are to do this by “arranging for minimal numbers of personnel in their offices and encouraging, insofar as it is possible, that work be done remotely, in such [a] way as to limit the transfer of employees and at the same time guarantee the exercise of the Petrine ministry.”
However, the Italian newspaper Il Messagero reports that precautions taken so far in the Vatican appear not to be sufficient for preventing the spread of disease. “Up to now, in many Vatican congregations the area has not been sterilized, and many of those working in the offices do not have masks available to them. They are only following the practice of maintaining a distance of one meter from others and of using hand santizers, but the risk of contagion remains quite evident to everyone.”
Physical copies of the Vatican daily newspaper L’Osservatore Romano are no longer being printed “out of fear of coronavirus contagion,” Thomas D. Williams reported at Breitbart.
The four individuals who have been confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 were quarantined immidately after testing positive as a precaution, according to Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See, and reported by Il Messagero. “Their isolation will last another fourteen days. They are currently being cared for in Italian hospitals or in their own homes.”
In addition to the first case of infection, which was a visiting priest, two employees of the Vatican Museum and one worker involved in processing freight have been infected with COVID-19, according to Il Messagero.
Pope Francis has been exposed to at least one person infected and symptomatic with COVID-19: the French bishop Emmanuel Delmas, who attended an audience with Francis on March 9 with other French bishops during an ad limina visit. Moreover, in late February, the pontiff was ill for several days with what appears to have been a strong cold, prompting him to cancel his participation in several public events. However, he appeared to be healthy in his interview with Évole on Sunday, which was conducted through an internet video service.
The Holy See assured the press yesterday that they have a plan for quickly reporting any cases of infection to the health authorities of the place of residence of the employee and as well as those of Vatican City State, although the details of their plan have not been made public.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-24--Public Mass suspended, churches closed in countries around the globe due to coronavirus

PRAYER PLEDGE : Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here .
March 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― Catholic shepherds around the world have not only stopped public Masses , but some have even closed churches because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic .
In some cases , churches and other places of worship have been forced to close by state authority while wine and beer stores , cannabis stores , and other so-called “ essential services ” have been allowed to remain open .
By March 20 , every diocese of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masses have also been suspended across Canada , from the Archdiocese of St. John ’ s , Newfoundland in the east to the Diocese of Victoria in the west .
Cardinal Thomas Collins , Archbishop of Toronto , ordered all the churches and chapels in his archdiocese to be closed to reflect “ increased restrictions ” by the government .
“ In order to assist in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus , we have already cancelled the public celebration of the sacraments , including the Eucharist .
In view of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am now asking you to close your church and any chapel , even for individual prayer , effective immediately , ” he said .
In Mexico , bishops have recommended the suspension of all public Masses , and this has already been done in the Diocese of Jalisco and today in the Archdiocese of Mexico City .
Nicaragua has also suspended public Masses .
In Brazil , 36 archdioceses , 113 dioceses , five prelatures , and the personal apostolic administration of St. John Mary Vianney have suspended public worship , whereas a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public Masses .
In Argentina , the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires has suspended public worship .
The situation is even more dire in the United Kingdom , where not only have all public Masses been suspended , churches have been locked and shut so that the faithful can not go into them for private prayer .
The United Kingdom is now in a state of “ lockdown , ” with its population of over 66 million forbidden to leave their homes except for essential work , necessary shopping , medical business , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , all public Masses were suspended by St. Patrick ’ s Day .
On the European continent , the bishops of France have suspended all public Masses , although the civil authorities have not banned all religious gatherings .
In France , people are allowed to visit a church as long as no more than 20 are there at once .
The Society of St. Pius X , a fraternity of priests with irregular canonical status , is continuing to allow congregations of up to 20 people to assist at their liturgies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dioceses had suspended public worship by March 16 .
In Portugal , the bishops suspended all public Masses 10 days ago .
In Holland , there are still public weekday Masses to be found , with the stipulation that worshippers maintain a distance of 1.5 meters ( approximately 4 feet , 9 inches ) .
However , Saturday evening Masses and Sunday Masses are closed to the faithful and Holy Week ceremonies will be held behind closed doors .
In Belgium , there will be no public Masses until April 3 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference has instructed each diocese to act according to local state instructions , and most dioceses have suspended public worship .
In Austria , public worship , though not forbidden by the state , has been suspended .
In Switzerland , the state has forbidden public worship , and public Masses have been suspended by the bishops .
In Italy , all public Masses are officially suspended , although a public Mass for Laetare Sunday was filmed within St. Peter ’ s Basilica itself this week .
In Malta , all public Masses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been suspended in Hungary .
In Poland , there are still public Masses , as long as congregations are limited to 20 people , but the Polish government requested today that congregations be reduced to five people .
In Estonia , all public Masses have been suspended .
In Russia , public Masses have been suspended in Moscow and St. Petersburg .
However , public worship continues in the Saratov diocese , in southwestern Russia , in the Novosibirsk diocese in western Siberia , and in the Irkutsk diocese in eastern Siberia with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the faithful counselled to be prudent in their worship .
In Asia , public Masses are suspended in Singapore , Malaysia , and in parts of the Philippines .
In India , public Masses were suspended in Mumbai after a lawsuit by a lawyer .
Today , India is reportedly ordering its people into “ lockdown ” at midnight after a spike in coronavirus cases .
At least some dioceses have suspended public Masses in Japan .
The bishops of New Zealand have suspended all public Masses , as have several bishops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dioceses and even individual priests around the world are seeking to minister to the faithful by broadcasting and/or live-streaming their private or semi-private Masses .
In addition , many bishops are encouraging their priests to give Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation to individual parishioners while taking precautions to keep both the faithful and themselves from disease .
Funerals are also being permitted albeit with small congregations or even limited to immediate family .
In many places , churches are being left open so that the faithful can pray privately in them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on public worship because of the pandemic , the Austrian Bishops Conference wrote in defense of churches remaining open .
“ Parish churches should , if possible , be kept open as places of hope -- also in times of restrictions with regard to leaving the home , ” they wrote .
“ They are available for all people for individual prayers and thus are part of the provision of spiritual welfare , for the good of the entire population.
” With files from LifeSiteNews ’ Matthew Hoffman , Maike Hickson , and @ @

Liquor stores are considered 'essential,' but worship is not in most countries during the pandemic.
PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
March 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― Catholic shepherds around the world have not only stopped public Masses, but some have even closed churches because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In some cases, churches and other places of worship have been forced to close by state authority while wine and beer stores, cannabis stores, and other so-called “essential services” have been allowed to remain open.
By March 20, every diocese of the United States had suspended public Masses.
Public Masses have also been suspended across Canada, from the Archdiocese of St. John’s, Newfoundland in the east to the Diocese of Victoria in the west.
Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, ordered all the churches and chapels in his archdiocese to be closed to reflect “increased restrictions” by the government.
“In order to assist in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have already cancelled the public celebration of the sacraments, including the Eucharist. In view of the increased restrictions on public activity, I am now asking you to close your church and any chapel, even for individual prayer, effective immediately,” he said.
In Mexico, bishops have recommended the suspension of all public Masses, and this has already been done in the Diocese of Jalisco and today in the Archdiocese of Mexico City.
Nicaragua has also suspended public Masses. In Brazil, 36 archdioceses, 113 dioceses, five prelatures, and the personal apostolic administration of St. John Mary Vianney have suspended public worship, whereas a small minority of dioceses are still offering public Masses. In Argentina, the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires has suspended public worship.
The situation is even more dire in the United Kingdom, where not only have all public Masses been suspended, churches have been locked and shut so that the faithful cannot go into them for private prayer. The United Kingdom is now in a state of “lockdown,” with its population of over 66 million forbidden to leave their homes except for essential work, necessary shopping, medical business, or exercise outdoors. In the Republic of Ireland, all public Masses were suspended by St. Patrick’s Day.
On the European continent, the bishops of France have suspended all public Masses, although the civil authorities have not banned all religious gatherings. In France, people are allowed to visit a church as long as no more than 20 are there at once. The Society of St. Pius X, a fraternity of priests with irregular canonical status, is continuing to allow congregations of up to 20 people to assist at their liturgies. In Spain, 59 of 70 dioceses had suspended public worship by March 16. In Portugal, the bishops suspended all public Masses 10 days ago.
In Holland, there are still public weekday Masses to be found, with the stipulation that worshippers maintain a distance of 1.5 meters (approximately 4 feet, 9 inches). However, Saturday evening Masses and Sunday Masses are closed to the faithful and Holy Week ceremonies will be held behind closed doors.
In Belgium, there will be no public Masses until April 3 at the earliest. In Germany, the bishops conference has instructed each diocese to act according to local state instructions, and most dioceses have suspended public worship. In Austria, public worship, though not forbidden by the state, has been suspended. In Switzerland, the state has forbidden public worship, and public Masses have been suspended by the bishops.
In Italy, all public Masses are officially suspended, although a public Mass for Laetare Sunday was filmed within St. Peter’s Basilica itself this week. In Malta, all public Masses are suspended. Public worship has also been suspended in Hungary.
In Poland, there are still public Masses, as long as congregations are limited to 20 people, but the Polish government requested today that congregations be reduced to five people. In Estonia, all public Masses have been suspended. In Russia, public Masses have been suspended in Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, public worship continues in the Saratov diocese, in southwestern Russia, in the Novosibirsk diocese in western Siberia, and in the Irkutsk diocese in eastern Siberia with dispensations for the sick and the rest of the faithful counselled to be prudent in their worship.
In Asia, public Masses are suspended in Singapore, Malaysia, and in parts of the Philippines. In India, public Masses were suspended in Mumbai after a lawsuit by a lawyer. Today, India is reportedly ordering its people into “lockdown” at midnight after a spike in coronavirus cases. At least some dioceses have suspended public Masses in Japan.
The bishops of New Zealand have suspended all public Masses, as have several bishops in Australia.
Bishops’ conferences, dioceses and even individual priests around the world are seeking to minister to the faithful by broadcasting and/or live-streaming their private or semi-private Masses. In addition, many bishops are encouraging their priests to give Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation to individual parishioners while taking precautions to keep both the faithful and themselves from disease. Funerals are also being permitted albeit with small congregations or even limited to immediate family. In many places, churches are being left open so that the faithful can pray privately in them.
In their statement about new restrictions on public worship because of the pandemic, the Austrian Bishops Conference wrote in defense of churches remaining open.
“Parish churches should, if possible, be kept open as places of hope — also in times of restrictions with regard to leaving the home,” they wrote.
“They are available for all people for individual prayers and thus are part of the provision of spiritual welfare, for the good of the entire population.”
With files from LifeSiteNews’ Matthew Hoffman, Maike Hickson, and Jeanne Smits
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-24--‘It’s About Sin!’  Hermit says coronavirus is a ‘chastisement’

PRAYER PLEDGE : Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here .
March 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The coronavirus outbreak has forced millions of Catholics across the world not only to be quarantined , but to be without access to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass .
With that in mind , I thought there ’ d be no better person to speak to about surviving — and thriving — while living in social isolation than Fr .
Maximilian Mary Dean , a hermit who resides in the Diocese of Harrisburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate for a total of 22 years .
He was the superior of their contemplative order in Italy and served as postulant director for six years in the United States .
When the founders were replaced by a commissioner , Fr .
Maximillian prayerfully discerned that there was no future for his contemplative vocation with the Franciscans .
Eventually , Bishop Ronald Gainer welcomed him into his diocese as a priest hermit .
Fr .
Maximilian ’ s story is truly unique .
As a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild household where his parents would host massive parties .
He was also a guitarist and a member of a rock band .
When he was just 16 , after a wild night of drinking , he got into a car accident that almost cost him his life .
“ If I died at that moment , I ’ m convinced that I would have been condemned to hell , ” he told me on my podcast today .
“ But God in His mercy gave me a second lease on life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his grace.
” Fr .
Maximillian is still a musician and produces some really great songs that are wholesome and enjoyable .
Go to his website , www.FatherMaxMusic.com , to listen to some of his best work .
What I really wanted to ask Father about was his thoughts on the coronavirus and what advice he has for Catholics who are holed up in their homes .
First off , he told me , and I agree with him , that mankind is being punished with the coronavirus for its many sins and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our sins.
” He mentioned how Our Lady of La Salette , an approved apparition that occurred in the 1840s in France , proved that the famine that was occurring at the time was a direct result of men profaning Sunday and using the Lord ’ s name in vain .
Father also mentioned how Our Lady of Fatima warned about World War II taking place if men didn ’ t do penance .
Fr .
Maximillian believes that the coronavirus is being inflicted on mankind for not repenting of its ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pornography , and the failure of churchmen to preach and live by the Faith in its fullness as major contributors to sin in these times .
“ Any sickness , any suffering , is linked to our fore-bears ’ sins and also our own sins , ” he said .
“ How can God not respond in some way , you know ?
” So what can Catholics do in these times ?
When we are in isolation , Father said , music “ can help lift us up when we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are times where the music just helps me to keep my focus on God.
” He also said we should “ make our life an extension of the Mass ” and offer up our sufferings in “ atonement for our sins and those of the world.
” That ’ s not going to be easy , he added , but Catholics need to realize that the situations they find themselves are either “ willed or they ’ re permitted by God to draw us closer to Him to help save and sanctify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholics must “ hunker down and pray ” and enjoy some music to calm their nerves and to focus on God .
“ The whole world is being forced to think about their final end .
They ’ re all being forced to think about the four last things ... there ’ s many souls , I think , right now that are disposed because of the situation to extraordinary conversion , ” he told me .
“ How many souls will go to Heaven if we pray and sacrifice for them ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the salvation and sanctification of many souls.
” The John-Henry Westen Show is available by video on the show ’ s YouTube channel and right here on my LifeSite blog .
It is also available in audio format on platforms such as Spotify , Soundcloud , and ACast .
We are awaiting approval for iTunes and Google Play as well .
To subscribe to the audio version on various channels , visit the ACast webpage here .
We ’ ve created a special email list for the show so that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new episode .
Please sign up now by clicking here .
You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel , and you ’ ll be notified by YouTube when there is new content .
You can send me feedback , or ideas for show topics by emailing [ email protected ] .

Fr. Maximilian Mary Dean believes that the coronavirus is being inflicted upon mankind for our many sins but that if we 'cling to Our Lady's Immaculate Heart, everything will be all right.'
PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
March 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The coronavirus outbreak has forced millions of Catholics across the world not only to be quarantined, but to be without access to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. With that in mind, I thought there’d be no better person to speak to about surviving — and thriving — while living in social isolation than Fr. Maximilian Mary Dean, a hermit who resides in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Fr. Maximilian was a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate for a total of 22 years. He was the superior of their contemplative order in Italy and served as postulant director for six years in the United States. When the founders were replaced by a commissioner, Fr. Maximillian prayerfully discerned that there was no future for his contemplative vocation with the Franciscans. Eventually, Bishop Ronald Gainer welcomed him into his diocese as a priest hermit.
Fr. Maximilian’s story is truly unique. As a young boy, he grew up in a wild household where his parents would host massive parties. He was also a guitarist and a member of a rock band. When he was just 16, after a wild night of drinking, he got into a car accident that almost cost him his life.
“If I died at that moment, I’m convinced that I would have been condemned to hell,” he told me on my podcast today. “But God in His mercy gave me a second lease on life and began to call me to respond to his grace.”
Fr. Maximillian is still a musician and produces some really great songs that are wholesome and enjoyable. Go to his website, www.FatherMaxMusic.com, to listen to some of his best work.
What I really wanted to ask Father about was his thoughts on the coronavirus and what advice he has for Catholics who are holed up in their homes.
First off, he told me, and I agree with him, that mankind is being punished with the coronavirus for its many sins and that large-scale suffering is “always linked to our sins.”
He mentioned how Our Lady of La Salette, an approved apparition that occurred in the 1840s in France, proved that the famine that was occurring at the time was a direct result of men profaning Sunday and using the Lord’s name in vain. Father also mentioned how Our Lady of Fatima warned about World War II taking place if men didn’t do penance.
Fr. Maximillian believes that the coronavirus is being inflicted on mankind for not repenting of its ways. He singled out abortion, homosexuality, pornography, and the failure of churchmen to preach and live by the Faith in its fullness as major contributors to sin in these times. “Any sickness, any suffering, is linked to our fore-bears’ sins and also our own sins,” he said. “How can God not respond in some way, you know?”
So what can Catholics do in these times? When we are in isolation, Father said, music “can help lift us up when we're getting kind of down and struggling…there are times where the music just helps me to keep my focus on God.”
He also said we should “make our life an extension of the Mass” and offer up our sufferings in “atonement for our sins and those of the world.” That’s not going to be easy, he added, but Catholics need to realize that the situations they find themselves are either “willed or they’re permitted by God to draw us closer to Him to help save and sanctify ourselves.”
Fr. Maximillian added that Catholics must “hunker down and pray” and enjoy some music to calm their nerves and to focus on God.
“The whole world is being forced to think about their final end. They’re all being forced to think about the four last things…there’s many souls, I think, right now that are disposed because of the situation to extraordinary conversion,” he told me. “How many souls will go to Heaven if we pray and sacrifice for them? … Our prayers and sacrifices can bring about the salvation and sanctification of many souls.”
The John-Henry Westen Show is available by video on the show’s YouTube channel and right here on my LifeSite blog.
It is also available in audio format on platforms such as Spotify, Soundcloud, and ACast. We are awaiting approval for iTunes and Google Play as well. To subscribe to the audio version on various channels, visit the ACast webpage here.
We’ve created a special email list for the show so that we can notify you every week when we post a new episode. Please sign up now by clicking here. You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel, and you’ll be notified by YouTube when there is new content.
You can send me feedback, or ideas for show topics by emailing [email protected].
Email Address *
First Name *
Last Name *


lifesitenews--2020-03-26--Abortion-supporters in Germany use coronavirus as opportunity to push agenda

March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Four German organizations promoting abortion are trying to use the coronavirus pandemic to advance their agenda , including using a drug to cause a medical abortion at home instead of at a doctor ’ s office and categorizing abortion as a necessary medical procedure .
They also demand to have the mandatory counseling session , which by law has to precede any abortion in Germany , done via video conference or on the phone .
Should that not be possible , both the counseling and the waiting period of three days between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be suspended , ” the pro-abortion groups stated on Sunday .
Lamenting that some counseling centers are closed , some abortion centers have scarce resources , and people are encouraged to stay at home , the supporters of abortion added , “ Even late-term abortions abroad ( Netherlands , Great Britain ) are no longer possible due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.
” In their statement , the groups expressed their worry that there would be more unwanted pregnancies , also caused by situations of “ domestic violence and sexual violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another consequence , they said , might be the use of “ unsafe methods of abortion.
” German pro-life groups have condemned the demands made by the abortion-supporters .
“ We are rightly doing everything possible to protect endangered human lives at the moment , ” wrote Bundesverband Lebensrecht ( BVL ) , an umbrella organization uniting many other German pro-life entities .
“ The protection of life , one ’ s own sacrifice for the sake of the life of others is the highest priority.
” Nevertheless , promoters of abortion “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which despises women , in through the back door in a risk situation.
” BVL emphasized that “ now , in a special situation of crisis , ” abortionists want to make do without real face-to-face counseling in order to give mothers access to the abortion pill .
“ Apart from the fact that children are completely disregarded and women with their real problems are abandoned , their physical and mental health is put at risk , ” BVL warned .
“ Without careful examination , determination of the child ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hastily take abortion pills and wait until their child is dead for lack of care , only to have it removed from their bodies by means of prostaglandins.
” The German pro-life organization strongly criticized the abortionists ’ reaction to situations of domestic and sexual violence .
BVL called it “ misogynistic ” to say “ domestic violence would increase in view of the initial restrictions and that abortions had to be made easier as a solution to the problem.
” “ Afterwards , the women are sent back home , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come for the next abortion .
It is incomprehensible that nobody asks why these organizations do not really help the women , namely to improve their life situation.
” Cornelia Kaminski , head of pro-life Aktion Lebensrecht für Alle ( AlfA ) , said it is unacceptable “ that clinics and hospitals should continue to pay attention to prenatal infanticide in the current crisis.
” She explained that a normal pregnancy is never an “ emergency , ” even if it was unintended .
“ The demand that women should also be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own homes using the abortion pill shows that the health of these women is not a cause of concern [ to abortionists ] .
” Kaminski also explained the risks women who take the abortion pill have to face : “ a psychological burden ” as well as “ nausea and pain , heavy bleeding and , in the worst case — if the unborn child is not fully aborted — serious infections.
” For that reason , gynecologists reject the self-administering of the abortion pill , she said .
Mechthild Löhr , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDL ) , the pro-life group within the Christian Democratic Union , the largest and most influential political party in Germany , called the abortionists ’ push for lowering restrictions on abortions “ cynical.
” “ Especially under the impression of the current corona epidemic , many people are experiencing in a very impressive way how much solidarity among families and generations strengthens and maintains life and social structures , especially in times of crisis , ” Löhr said .
“ Only cynics and those who despise the right to life of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ for their own interests this critical situation , in which the saving of life and solidarity within our society and our families is needed more urgently than ever before , ” she added .
“ It is unspeakable and unmasking how many physicians offering abortions and providers of counseling ... run such a sad business model and abuse the current medical emergency situation to demand an even more radical ‘ easing ’ of abortion conditions.
” Beatrix von Storch , a pro-life politician and member of the Alternative for Germany , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on abortion would be “ an ethical break in a dam.
” “ The abortion lobby never misses an opportunity to undermine the protection of unborn life , ” added von Storch , who regularly participates in the German March for Life in Berlin .

Travel restrictions and isolating regulations on account of the pandemic necessitate relaxing German laws on when to kill unborn children, pro-abortion groups claim.
PETITION: Urge state governors to stop abortions during coronavirus crisis Sign the petition here.
March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Four German organizations promoting abortion are trying to use the coronavirus pandemic to advance their agenda, including using a drug to cause a medical abortion at home instead of at a doctor’s office and categorizing abortion as a necessary medical procedure.
They also demand to have the mandatory counseling session, which by law has to precede any abortion in Germany, done via video conference or on the phone. Should that not be possible, both the counseling and the waiting period of three days between counseling session and the actual abortion “must be suspended,” the pro-abortion groups stated on Sunday.
Lamenting that some counseling centers are closed, some abortion centers have scarce resources, and people are encouraged to stay at home, the supporters of abortion added, “Even late-term abortions abroad (Netherlands, Great Britain) are no longer possible due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.”
In their statement, the groups expressed their worry that there would be more unwanted pregnancies, also caused by situations of “domestic violence and sexual violence,” during the coronavirus pandemic. Another consequence, they said, might be the use of “unsafe methods of abortion.”
German pro-life groups have condemned the demands made by the abortion-supporters.
“We are rightly doing everything possible to protect endangered human lives at the moment,” wrote Bundesverband Lebensrecht (BVL), an umbrella organization uniting many other German pro-life entities. “The protection of life, one’s own sacrifice for the sake of the life of others is the highest priority.”
Nevertheless, promoters of abortion “are only concerned with pushing their ideology, which despises women, in through the back door in a risk situation.”
BVL emphasized that “now, in a special situation of crisis,” abortionists want to make do without real face-to-face counseling in order to give mothers access to the abortion pill.
“Apart from the fact that children are completely disregarded and women with their real problems are abandoned, their physical and mental health is put at risk,” BVL warned.
“Without careful examination, determination of the child’s age and questioning, women are supposed to hastily take abortion pills and wait until their child is dead for lack of care, only to have it removed from their bodies by means of prostaglandins.”
The German pro-life organization strongly criticized the abortionists’ reaction to situations of domestic and sexual violence. BVL called it “misogynistic” to say “domestic violence would increase in view of the initial restrictions and that abortions had to be made easier as a solution to the problem.”
“Afterwards, the women are sent back home, to the same violent situation, until they come for the next abortion. It is incomprehensible that nobody asks why these organizations do not really help the women, namely to improve their life situation.”
Cornelia Kaminski, head of pro-life Aktion Lebensrecht für Alle (AlfA), said it is unacceptable “that clinics and hospitals should continue to pay attention to prenatal infanticide in the current crisis.”
She explained that a normal pregnancy is never an “emergency,” even if it was unintended. “The demand that women should also be allowed to terminate their pregnancy alone in their own homes using the abortion pill shows that the health of these women is not a cause of concern [to abortionists].”
Kaminski also explained the risks women who take the abortion pill have to face: “a psychological burden” as well as “nausea and pain, heavy bleeding and, in the worst case — if the unborn child is not fully aborted — serious infections.” For that reason, gynecologists reject the self-administering of the abortion pill, she said.
Mechthild Löhr, head of Christdemokraten für das Leben (CDL), the pro-life group within the Christian Democratic Union, the largest and most influential political party in Germany, called the abortionists’ push for lowering restrictions on abortions “cynical.”
“Especially under the impression of the current corona epidemic, many people are experiencing in a very impressive way how much solidarity among families and generations strengthens and maintains life and social structures, especially in times of crisis,” Löhr said.
“Only cynics and those who despise the right to life of every human being can so shamelessly ‘use’ for their own interests this critical situation, in which the saving of life and solidarity within our society and our families is needed more urgently than ever before,” she added.
“It is unspeakable and unmasking how many physicians offering abortions and providers of counseling … run such a sad business model and abuse the current medical emergency situation to demand an even more radical ‘easing’ of abortion conditions.”
Beatrix von Storch, a pro-life politician and member of the Alternative for Germany, a young conservative political party, said removing restrictions on abortion would be “an ethical break in a dam.”
“The abortion lobby never misses an opportunity to undermine the protection of unborn life,” added von Storch, who regularly participates in the German March for Life in Berlin.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-26--Priests find ingenious way to say public Mass during Italian coronavirus lockdown

March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Italian priests from Naples found a creative way to celebrate a public Mass this past Sunday during the coronavirus lockdown , doing so from the roof of their parish with many people joining in prayer from nearby balconies .
With Italian churches closed due to a nationwide coronavirus lockdown , Father Francesco Gravino and Father Lorenzo Fedele , of Our Lady of Health Church , said in a local news report that the idea came to them by chance .
Late last week , they were testing a speaker set-up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recite the rosary with their faithful from their balconies .
According to Fr .
Fedele , he along with Fr .
Gravino decided to recite the Angelus after the sound check .
“ We went up to the roof to try the speaker for the Rosary as Pope Francis had hoped for and there were many people on the balconies .
It was noon and we decided to recite the Angelus , and everyone participated , ” said Father Lorenzo Fedele .
Later in the evening , the priests recited the rosary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their balconies .
Fr .
Gravino then decided to use their set-up to go one step farther to say the Mass on Sunday .
He did so with the permission of Naples cardinal Crescenzio Sepe , according to Fr .
Lorenzo .
Italy has been hard hit by the coronavirus .
As of today , there have been over 7,500 deaths .
Its citizens have been in a government-imposed lockdown since March 9 .
As Italians , like many around the world , cope with churches being closed , other priests in Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the love of Christ .
Recently , Father Tomaso Jozef Jochemczyk , a Polish priest serving a few small Italian towns , carried the monstrance in a Eucharistic procession , blessing Italy and his towns in the process , asking God for forgiveness and protection .

The two priests said the idea came to them by chance.
PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Italian priests from Naples found a creative way to celebrate a public Mass this past Sunday during the coronavirus lockdown, doing so from the roof of their parish with many people joining in prayer from nearby balconies.
With Italian churches closed due to a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, Father Francesco Gravino and Father Lorenzo Fedele, of Our Lady of Health Church, said in a local news report that the idea came to them by chance.
Embed from Getty Images
Late last week, they were testing a speaker set-up on the roof of their church to be able to recite the rosary with their faithful from their balconies. According to Fr. Fedele, he along with Fr. Gravino decided to recite the Angelus after the sound check.
“We went up to the roof to try the speaker for the Rosary as Pope Francis had hoped for and there were many people on the balconies. It was noon and we decided to recite the Angelus, and everyone participated,” said Father Lorenzo Fedele.
Later in the evening, the priests recited the rosary with many faithful joining in prayer from their balconies.
Fr. Gravino then decided to use their set-up to go one step farther to say the Mass on Sunday. He did so with the permission of Naples cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, according to Fr. Lorenzo.
Italy has been hard hit by the coronavirus. As of today, there have been over 7,500 deaths. Its citizens have been in a government-imposed lockdown since March 9.
As Italians, like many around the world, cope with churches being closed, other priests in Italy have also used creative ways to spread the love of Christ.
Recently, Father Tomaso Jozef Jochemczyk, a Polish priest serving a few small Italian towns, carried the monstrance in a Eucharistic procession, blessing Italy and his towns in the process, asking God for forgiveness and protection.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-26--Jim Caviezel: Passion of the Christ sequel ‘will be a masterpiece’

March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Actor Jim Caviezel , famous for his portrayal of Jesus in the blockbuster 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ , predicts that the movie ’ s sequel is “ going to be a masterpiece.
” “ It 's going to be the biggest film in world history , ” promised Caviezel .
“ It 's so imperative at this time , ” said the actor in an interview with Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo .
Caviezel noted that the big movie production companies avoid scriptural stories , and instead pour all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on superheroes who , ironically , are often rooted in Christian ideals that go back to Jesus Christ .
“ The films they make are Marvel comic movies , ” said Caviezel .
“ You 'll see Superman , but you wo n't see Jesus.
” “ But the man who wrote Superman , wrote it from Jesus , ” observed Caviezel .
“ I got to play the greatest superhero there ever was.
” The movie , now in pre-production , is titled The Passion of the Christ : Resurrection , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Actress Maia Morgenstern will return in the role of Mary , his mother .
Caviezel explained that director Mel Gibson is currently working on the fifth draft of the script .
“ I won ’ t tell you how he ’ s going to go about it , ” Caviezel said in 2018 of Gibson ’ s work on the film project .
“ But I ’ ll tell you this much , the film he ’ s going to do is going to be the biggest film in history .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the enduring fascination with The Passion of the Christ The Passion of the Christ brought to life the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ in a powerful , graphic way that had never before been achieved .
Despite Hollywood ’ s disdain for movies about Christianity , audiences flocked to theatres to see it , making it one of the most successful , highest grossing films in history .
“ It seems every Lent , every Easter , people gravitate back to this movie , '' noted Arroyo during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think they keep going back to it ?
” “ I think it ’ s like the Bible .
People are going to keep reading it , ” observed Caviezel .
“ We ’ ve been reading it for thousands of years .
What I think that Mel Gibson and I did very clearly is we stuck to that.
” “ Not much has changed in 2,000 years , ” he continued .
“ Jesus is as controversial now than he ’ s ever been.
” The movie “ is convicting , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ When you die , where are you going to go ?
” “ It ’ s a film that when you watch it , ” said Caviezel , “ it asks you a big question : What character are you playing in the Bible ?
I got to play Jesus , but some people play Judas .
Some people play Pilate , or the Sadduccees or Pharisees.
” “ The Bible is the living Word of God , ” he declared .
“ It ’ s happening right now.
” Caviezel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a man of faith who publicly challenges his fellow Catholics to live their faith out loud in this darkening world .
“ There ’ s a line in Scripture where Jesus said , ‘ I didn ’ t come to bring peace into the world , I came like a sword to divide father from daughter , mother from son.
’ ” Do you “ want to be liked by many , or loved by One ?
” he asked .
“ The world at its best can only like you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So do you want to be liked by many or loved by One ?
” he asked again .

The devout Catholic actor who played Jesus in the 2004 classic predicts 'The Passion of Christ: Resurrection' will be the 'biggest film in world history.'
March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Actor Jim Caviezel, famous for his portrayal of Jesus in the blockbuster 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, predicts that the movie’s sequel is “going to be a masterpiece.”
“It's going to be the biggest film in world history,” promised Caviezel.
“It's so imperative at this time,” said the actor in an interview with Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo.
Caviezel noted that the big movie production companies avoid scriptural stories, and instead pour all of their resources into making films based on superheroes who, ironically, are often rooted in Christian ideals that go back to Jesus Christ.
“The films they make are Marvel comic movies,” said Caviezel. “You'll see Superman, but you won't see Jesus.”
“But the man who wrote Superman, wrote it from Jesus,” observed Caviezel. “I got to play the greatest superhero there ever was.”
The movie, now in pre-production, is titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, and will again feature Caviezel as Jesus. Actress Maia Morgenstern will return in the role of Mary, his mother.
Caviezel explained that director Mel Gibson is currently working on the fifth draft of the script.
“I won’t tell you how he’s going to go about it,” Caviezel said in 2018 of Gibson’s work on the film project. “But I’ll tell you this much, the film he’s going to do is going to be the biggest film in history. It’s that good.”
Sixteen years later, the enduring fascination with The Passion of the Christ
The Passion of the Christ brought to life the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ in a powerful, graphic way that had never before been achieved. Despite Hollywood’s disdain for movies about Christianity, audiences flocked to theatres to see it, making it one of the most successful, highest grossing films in history.
“It seems every Lent, every Easter, people gravitate back to this movie,” noted Arroyo during the interview. “Why do you think they keep going back to it?”
“I think it’s like the Bible. People are going to keep reading it,” observed Caviezel. “We’ve been reading it for thousands of years. What I think that Mel Gibson and I did very clearly is we stuck to that.”
“Not much has changed in 2,000 years,” he continued. “Jesus is as controversial now than he’s ever been.”
The movie “is convicting,” said Caviezel, challenging viewers to ponder, “When you die, where are you going to go?”
“It’s a film that when you watch it,” said Caviezel, “it asks you a big question: What character are you playing in the Bible? I got to play Jesus, but some people play Judas. Some people play Pilate, or the Sadduccees or Pharisees.”
“The Bible is the living Word of God,” he declared. “It’s happening right now.”
Caviezel, who besides being an acclaimed actor, is a man of faith who publicly challenges his fellow Catholics to live their faith out loud in this darkening world.
“There’s a line in Scripture where Jesus said, ‘I didn’t come to bring peace into the world, I came like a sword to divide father from daughter, mother from son.’”
Do you “want to be liked by many, or loved by One?” he asked. “The world at its best can only like you because love comes from God.”
“So do you want to be liked by many or loved by One?” he asked again.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-26--Chuches deemed ‘non-essential,’ shuttered as abortionists keep working in Ontario, Quebec

TORONTO , March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Abortion centers are open for business but churches are locked in Ontario and Quebec as the two provinces ordered the shutdown this week of non-essential services because of the Wuhan flu pandemic .
Both orders took effect midnight , March 24 , with Premier Doug Ford shutting down non-essential services in Ontario for two weeks and Premier François Legault closing down those in Quebec for three weeks .
Quebec reported Wednesday that six people had died from the coronavirus and that the number of confirmed cases rose to 1,339 from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in hospital with the virus , and of these , 35 are in intensive care , according to CTV News Montreal .
Ontario reported Wednesday that nine people had died from the virus and that the province had 671 confirmed active cases , according to Global News .
However , despite the clampdown , abortion centers in both provinces — which together account for more than half of Canada ’ s population of 37 million — are open .
“ Access to abortion is maintained for any woman who requests it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , ” Robert Maranda , spokesperson for Health Quebec , told LifeSiteNews in an email .
Likewise , Ontario includes “ independent health institutions ” in its list of 74 essential services , which covers abortion centers , although the Ministry of Health did not respond to requests from LifeSiteNews to confirm this .
The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada also asserts that abortion centers are open during the pandemic , and several Ontario abortion facilities verify this on their websites .
There are at least 13 free-standing centers in Quebec that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer “ medical ” abortion .
Ontario has nine abortion facilities that commit aspiration or surgical abortion as well as a number of others that offer medical abortion Meanwhile , on March 20 , Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal ordered all churches in his archdiocese closed , as did Cardinal Gérald Lacroix , archbishop of Quebec , in a statement that cited new directives from civil authorities .
The Quebec bishops had already canceled all Masses and church events across the province March 15 .
“ In the face of a crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential , ’ but they ’ re adamant about keeping our abortion facilities open , ” he told LifeSiteNews .
“ Sad to see , but not surprising given the trajectory of Quebec society in the last decades .
We have much to pray and fast for this Lent.
” The “ really essential work ” is praying outside abortion facilities , as his colleague continues to do , while “ certain Montreal abortionists ‘ continue their essential work ’ of killing the next generation , thereby contributing to what has made now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” added Buscemi in a post on the CQV website .
Likewise , Ontario ’ s Catholic churches have been locked up indefinitely as of March 24 .
In the case of the Ottawa archdiocese , the local health authority ordered the churches closed , on the pain of a $ 250,000 daily fine for violation .
In other areas , such as Toronto , it is not clear if a municipal , county , or provincial health authority directly ordered the closure , or if the bishops concluded that as churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are legally obligated to lock up .
LifeSiteNews contacted health minister Christine Elliott to confirm if the province explicitly ordered church closures but did not receive a response by deadline .
However , Progressive Conservative MPP Christine Mitas implicitly confirmed that this was the case in a response to Steve Jalsevac , co-founder of LifeSiteNews , when she dismissed his request that the Ford government designate churches as essential services .
That this had not done in the face of massive societal upheaval caused by the pandemic was “ of very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my Catholic neighbours and friends and family across the province , ” wrote Jalsevac .
“ At least in my Catholic faith , the Church is a crucial source of much-needed counsel from the priests and is considered absolutely essential as the very best place to go to pray to ask God to intervene for the best outcome of this frightening situation .
“ This has been the case for millennia and most civil authorities , Catholic or not , have long recognized the great importance of the need for citizens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for God ’ s intercession to alleviate our anxieties and fears , ” he noted .
“ It is of course acceptable to have social distancing , sanitizing of hands and other practical rules in place to make sure those attending at Church do not aggravate the situation , but the total closure of the Churches makes no sense at all , ” Jalsevac stated .
“ Never in the history of Canada has this been mandated [ . ]
...
The province MUST designate Churches as being one of the essential services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to follow basic virus containment procedures .
I urge you to make that change as quickly as possible.
” But Mitas justified the government ’ s action in a return email .
“ I share your assertion that the Catholic Church is an important spiritual and cultural institution — both here in Ontario and around the world , ” she wrote .
“ However , at this point , the Ontario government has decided to limit gatherings as far as practical .
I understand your frustration that the Catholic Church is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , there is nevertheless a substantial risk that comes with attending services and places of worship , ” added Mitas .
“ You are quite correct when you assert that this decision is unprecedented ; we have never taken action such as this in the past when faced with a crisis — but the nature and scale of this crisis are unique .
We must do everything that is within our power to fight this outbreak and flatten the curve.
” Premier Ford stated at a Tuesday press conference that Ontario ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be adjusted either way ... it ’ s an open list.
” Please contact your MPP asking him or her to designate churches as an essential service .
To find the name and address of your MPP , go to the Campaign Life website , here , or the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website , here .

'We must do everything that is within our power to fight this outbreak and flatten the curve,' declared one member of Parliament in justifying church (but not abortion facility) closures.
PETITION: Urge state governors to stop abortions during coronavirus crisis Sign the petition here.
TORONTO, March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Abortion centers are open for business but churches are locked in Ontario and Quebec as the two provinces ordered the shutdown this week of non-essential services because of the Wuhan flu pandemic.
Both orders took effect midnight, March 24, with Premier Doug Ford shutting down non-essential services in Ontario for two weeks and Premier François Legault closing down those in Quebec for three weeks.
Quebec reported Wednesday that six people had died from the coronavirus and that the number of confirmed cases rose to 1,339 from 628 on Monday. There are 78 people in hospital with the virus, and of these, 35 are in intensive care, according to CTV News Montreal.
Ontario reported Wednesday that nine people had died from the virus and that the province had 671 confirmed active cases, according to Global News.
However, despite the clampdown, abortion centers in both provinces — which together account for more than half of Canada’s population of 37 million — are open.
“Access to abortion is maintained for any woman who requests it. There are no plans to discontinue these services,” Robert Maranda, spokesperson for Health Quebec, told LifeSiteNews in an email.
Likewise, Ontario includes “independent health institutions” in its list of 74 essential services, which covers abortion centers, although the Ministry of Health did not respond to requests from LifeSiteNews to confirm this.
The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada also asserts that abortion centers are open during the pandemic, and several Ontario abortion facilities verify this on their websites.
There are at least 13 free-standing centers in Quebec that commit aspiration abortions and several more that offer “medical” abortion. Ontario has nine abortion facilities that commit aspiration or surgical abortion as well as a number of others that offer medical abortion
Churches lock doors
Meanwhile, on March 20, Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal ordered all churches in his archdiocese closed, as did Cardinal Gérald Lacroix, archbishop of Quebec, in a statement that cited new directives from civil authorities. The Quebec bishops had already canceled all Masses and church events across the province March 15.
George Buscemi, president of Campagne Québec-Vie, decried the government’s priorities.
“In the face of a crisis, they immediately close our churches as ‘non-essential,’ but they’re adamant about keeping our abortion facilities open,” he told LifeSiteNews.
“Sad to see, but not surprising given the trajectory of Quebec society in the last decades. We have much to pray and fast for this Lent.”
The “really essential work” is praying outside abortion facilities, as his colleague continues to do, while “certain Montreal abortionists ‘continue their essential work’ of killing the next generation, thereby contributing to what has made now aging countries like Italy vulnerable to viruses,” added Buscemi in a post on the CQV website.
Likewise, Ontario’s Catholic churches have been locked up indefinitely as of March 24.
In the case of the Ottawa archdiocese, the local health authority ordered the churches closed, on the pain of a $250,000 daily fine for violation.
In other areas, such as Toronto, it is not clear if a municipal, county, or provincial health authority directly ordered the closure, or if the bishops concluded that as churches aren’t listed as essential services, they are legally obligated to lock up.
LifeSiteNews contacted health minister Christine Elliott to confirm if the province explicitly ordered church closures but did not receive a response by deadline.
Churches are essential services: LifeSite co-founder
However, Progressive Conservative MPP Christine Mitas implicitly confirmed that this was the case in a response to Steve Jalsevac, co-founder of LifeSiteNews, when she dismissed his request that the Ford government designate churches as essential services.
That this had not done in the face of massive societal upheaval caused by the pandemic was “of very serious concern to my family and many of my Catholic neighbours and friends and family across the province,” wrote Jalsevac.
“At least in my Catholic faith, the Church is a crucial source of much-needed counsel from the priests and is considered absolutely essential as the very best place to go to pray to ask God to intervene for the best outcome of this frightening situation.
“This has been the case for millennia and most civil authorities, Catholic or not, have long recognized the great importance of the need for citizens to attend Church services or just to pray for God’s intercession to alleviate our anxieties and fears,” he noted.
“It is of course acceptable to have social distancing, sanitizing of hands and other practical rules in place to make sure those attending at Church do not aggravate the situation, but the total closure of the Churches makes no sense at all,” Jalsevac stated.
“Never in the history of Canada has this been mandated[.] … The province MUST designate Churches as being one of the essential services not required to close but also still required to follow basic virus containment procedures. I urge you to make that change as quickly as possible.”
But Mitas justified the government’s action in a return email.
“I share your assertion that the Catholic Church is an important spiritual and cultural institution — both here in Ontario and around the world,” she wrote. “However, at this point, the Ontario government has decided to limit gatherings as far as practical. I understand your frustration that the Catholic Church is not part of the essential businesses/services list. Still, there is nevertheless a substantial risk that comes with attending services and places of worship,” added Mitas.
“You are quite correct when you assert that this decision is unprecedented; we have never taken action such as this in the past when faced with a crisis — but the nature and scale of this crisis are unique. We must do everything that is within our power to fight this outbreak and flatten the curve.”
Premier Ford stated at a Tuesday press conference that Ontario’s list of essential services “can be adjusted either way…it’s an open list.”
Please contact your MPP asking him or her to designate churches as an essential service. To find the name and address of your MPP, go to the Campaign Life website, here, or the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website, here.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-26--Trump admin supports CT athletes forced to compete with boys who say they’re girls

March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The Trump administration has formally weighed in on the side of Selina Soule , Alanna Smith , and Chelsea Mitchell , the Connecticut high school athletes suing for the right to compete and be judged against only members of their own sex .
The girls are suing the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference ( CIAC ) for allowing gender-confused boys to compete against females , unjustly impairing their ability to earn not only competitive recognition , but also scholarships for their hard work .
Soule has also filed a complaint on the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office for Civil Rights ( OCR ) , which is still pending .
On Tuesday , U.S. attorney general William Barr signed a statement of interest on the matter , formally asserting the administration ’ s stance that CIAC ’ s policy violates federal Title IX rules that guarantee equal opportunities for girls in sports .
“ Title IX and its implementing regulations prohibit discrimination solely ‘ on the basis of sex , ’ not on the basis of transgender status , and therefore neither require nor authorize CIAC ’ s transgender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ To the contrary , CIAC ’ s construction of Title IX as requiringthe participation of students on athletic teams that reflect their gender identity would turn the statute on its head.
” “ Under CIAC ’ s interpretation of Title IX , however , schools may not account for the real physiological differences between men and women .
Instead , schools must have certain biological males — namely , those who publicly identify as female — compete against biological females , ” the statement continues .
“ In so doing , CIAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitions that are one of the marquee accomplishments of Title IX.
” Chase Stranglo of the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) , which is representing the transgender athletes , responded by declaring that the organization ’ s clients “ are two high school seniors who are just trying to enjoy their final track season of high school and who now have to contend with the federal government arguing against their right to equal educational opportunities .
History will look back on these anti-trans attacks with deep regret and shame .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight for the rights of all girls to participate in the sports they love.
” In fact , gender-confused students remain free to compete against members of their actual sex , and research affirms that boys who call themselves girls retain physical advantages over real girls .
Last June , the Journal of Medical Ethics published a paper concluding that “ healthy young men [ do ] not lose significant muscle mass [ or power ] when their circulating testosterone levels were reduced to [ below International Olympic Committee guidelines ] for 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of testosterone ” on factors such as bone structure , lung volume , and heart size “ will not be altered by hormone therapy.
” Therefore , “ the advantage to transwomen [ men ] afforded by the [ International Olympic Committee ] guidelines is an intolerable unfairness.
” Such findings are consistent with those of organizations like USA Powerlifting , which contends that “ men naturally have a larger bone structure , higher bone density , stronger connective tissue and higher muscle density than women .
These traits , even with reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
While MTF [ ‘ male-to-female , ’ meaning men who drug themselves to appear and perform more like women ] may be weaker and less [ muscular ] than they once were , the biological benefits given them at birth still remain over than [ sic ] of a female .
”

The school's policy 'deprives those women of the single-sex athletic competitions that are one of the marquee accomplishments of Title IX,' wrote Trump's attorney general.
March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The Trump administration has formally weighed in on the side of Selina Soule, Alanna Smith, and Chelsea Mitchell, the Connecticut high school athletes suing for the right to compete and be judged against only members of their own sex.
The girls are suing the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) for allowing gender-confused boys to compete against females, unjustly impairing their ability to earn not only competitive recognition, but also scholarships for their hard work. Soule has also filed a complaint on the matter with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which is still pending.
On Tuesday, U.S. attorney general William Barr signed a statement of interest on the matter, formally asserting the administration’s stance that CIAC’s policy violates federal Title IX rules that guarantee equal opportunities for girls in sports.
“Title IX and its implementing regulations prohibit discrimination solely ‘on the basis of sex,’ not on the basis of transgender status, and therefore neither require nor authorize CIAC’s transgender policy,” the statement reads. “To the contrary, CIAC’s construction of Title IX as requiringthe participation of students on athletic teams that reflect their gender identity would turn the statute on its head.”
“Under CIAC’s interpretation of Title IX, however, schools may not account for the real physiological differences between men and women. Instead, schools must have certain biological males — namely, those who publicly identify as female — compete against biological females,” the statement continues. “In so doing, CIAC deprives those women of the single-sex athletic competitions that are one of the marquee accomplishments of Title IX.”
Chase Stranglo of the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is representing the transgender athletes, responded by declaring that the organization’s clients “are two high school seniors who are just trying to enjoy their final track season of high school and who now have to contend with the federal government arguing against their right to equal educational opportunities. History will look back on these anti-trans attacks with deep regret and shame. In the meantime we will continue to fight for the rights of all girls to participate in the sports they love.”
In fact, gender-confused students remain free to compete against members of their actual sex, and research affirms that boys who call themselves girls retain physical advantages over real girls.
Last June, the Journal of Medical Ethics published a paper concluding that “healthy young men [do] not lose significant muscle mass [or power] when their circulating testosterone levels were reduced to [below International Olympic Committee guidelines] for 20 weeks,” and “indirect effects of testosterone” on factors such as bone structure, lung volume, and heart size “will not be altered by hormone therapy.” Therefore, “the advantage to transwomen [men] afforded by the [International Olympic Committee] guidelines is an intolerable unfairness.”
Such findings are consistent with those of organizations like USA Powerlifting, which contends that “men naturally have a larger bone structure, higher bone density, stronger connective tissue and higher muscle density than women. These traits, even with reduced levels of testosterone, do not go away. While MTF [‘male-to-female,’ meaning men who drug themselves to appear and perform more like women] may be weaker and less [muscular] than they once were, the biological benefits given them at birth still remain over than [sic] of a female.”
Share


lifesitenews--2020-03-26--More states move to suspend abortions, enforcement up in the air

March 25 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The list of states ordering a suspension of elective abortions during the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow , with Louisiana , Maryland , and Mississippi joining Ohio and Texas in halting “ non-essential ” procedures , including abortion .
U.S. surgeon general Jerome Adams and the federal Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) have advised health care facilities to reschedule non-urgent appointments and elective procedures , both to limit the spread of the coronavirus and to free up time and resources to focus on patients afflicted by COVID-19 .
Compliance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some states to mandate that facilities halt “ non-essential ” procedures .
LifeSiteNews previously reported on Texas and Ohio issuing statements making it clear to abortionists that the suspension applies to them and today can confirm that other states that have effectively done the same .
The Louisiana Department of Health issued an order suspending elective , non-essential procedures at “ all licensed health care facilities in Louisiana.
” It does not specifically mention abortion , but Louisiana Right to Life reports that all three of the state ’ s abortion facilities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ordered a similar suspension , and while its order didn ’ t mention abortion , either , Republican Del .
Dan Cox sought clarification from the state Department of Health , which confirmed that the order “ prohibits all elective and non-urgent medical procedures and applies to all licensed healthcare facilities and licensees in Maryland.
” In Mississippi , Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves has openly declared his intention to stop abortions as part of the state ’ s elective procedure crackdown .
“ We ’ ll take whatever action we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives of unborn children , but also the lives of anyone who may contract this particular virus , ” he said .
Enforcement of these bans is another matter .
Mississippi state health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs told reporters he “ was not familiar with ” the ban ’ s application to abortion and would “ have to review the situation a bit more ” before commenting further .
The so-called Women ’ s Health Organization abortion center in Jackson was still open as of Tuesday .
Pro-Life Mississippi president Laura Duran says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
On Wednesday , the Ohio-based Created Equal uploaded footage of a Columbus Planned Parenthood location continuing to welcome customers as usual .
“ The abortion industry claims they perform healthcare .
However , we have evidence that abortion centers across the nation are staying open in the midst of this national health crisis , risking public health and safety , ” Created Equal president Mark Harrington said .
“ These centers must close their doors to help stop the spread of COVID-19 .
If they believe in the health of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operation Rescue reports cases of abortion facilities remaining open in Michigan , Florida , and Ohio , where police refused to take action to enforce Attorney General David Yost ’ s order .
Ohio officials have so far been noncommital on the prospect of taking action against the defiant abortion center , Preterm .
Sources have also relayed to LifeSiteNews reports from pro-life volunteers who have witnessed customers continuing to enter abortion facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi .
Live Action has a detailed rundown of state actions on medical activity , which notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposite approach to the above states and are expressly allowing abortions to continue .
In Puerto Rico , abortions are continuing even as the pro-life Cree Women ’ s Care has been shut down .
“ What we are seeing once again are abortion facilities acting as if they are above the same rules that the rest of us are expected to live by , ” said Operation Rescue president Troy Newman .
“ This is an inconsistency in the state and federal orders that are were instituted to stop the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain basic infection control protocols , and should have been among the first to shut down.
” Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews ’ s live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

Reports on the ground describe mothers walking into abortion facilities that are supposed to be closed.
PETITION: Urge state governors to stop abortions during coronavirus crisis Sign the petition here.
March 25, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The list of states ordering a suspension of elective abortions during the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow, with Louisiana, Maryland, and Mississippi joining Ohio and Texas in halting “non-essential” procedures, including abortion.
U.S. surgeon general Jerome Adams and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have advised health care facilities to reschedule non-urgent appointments and elective procedures, both to limit the spread of the coronavirus and to free up time and resources to focus on patients afflicted by COVID-19.
Compliance with this guidance has been mixed, leading some states to mandate that facilities halt “non-essential” procedures. LifeSiteNews previously reported on Texas and Ohio issuing statements making it clear to abortionists that the suspension applies to them and today can confirm that other states that have effectively done the same.
The Louisiana Department of Health issued an order suspending elective, non-essential procedures at “all licensed health care facilities in Louisiana.” It does not specifically mention abortion, but Louisiana Right to Life reports that all three of the state’s abortion facilities have closed down just the same.
Maryland has ordered a similar suspension, and while its order didn’t mention abortion, either, Republican Del. Dan Cox sought clarification from the state Department of Health, which confirmed that the order “prohibits all elective and non-urgent medical procedures and applies to all licensed healthcare facilities and licensees in Maryland.”
For immediate release: Governor Hogan has closed all elective abortion clinics under his Executive Order. We will be monitoring this with our constituents statewide to ensure the law is followed. pic.twitter.com/LFr2Mi1HON — Dan Cox ���� – Maryland House of Delegates (@DelegateCox) March 24, 2020
In Mississippi, Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has openly declared his intention to stop abortions as part of the state’s elective procedure crackdown. “We’ll take whatever action we need to, to protect not only the lives of unborn children, but also the lives of anyone who may contract this particular virus,” he said.
Enforcement of these bans is another matter.
Mississippi state health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs told reporters he “was not familiar with” the ban’s application to abortion and would “have to review the situation a bit more” before commenting further. The so-called Women’s Health Organization abortion center in Jackson was still open as of Tuesday. Pro-Life Mississippi president Laura Duran says her group has filed complaints on the matter.
On Wednesday, the Ohio-based Created Equal uploaded footage of a Columbus Planned Parenthood location continuing to welcome customers as usual. “The abortion industry claims they perform healthcare. However, we have evidence that abortion centers across the nation are staying open in the midst of this national health crisis, risking public health and safety,” Created Equal president Mark Harrington said. “These centers must close their doors to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If they believe in the health of Americans, they have no other choice.”
Operation Rescue reports cases of abortion facilities remaining open in Michigan, Florida, and Ohio, where police refused to take action to enforce Attorney General David Yost’s order. Ohio officials have so far been noncommital on the prospect of taking action against the defiant abortion center, Preterm. Sources have also relayed to LifeSiteNews reports from pro-life volunteers who have witnessed customers continuing to enter abortion facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Live Action has a detailed rundown of state actions on medical activity, which notes that New Jersey and Massachusetts have taken the opposite approach to the above states and are expressly allowing abortions to continue. In Puerto Rico, abortions are continuing even as the pro-life Cree Women’s Care has been shut down.
“What we are seeing once again are abortion facilities acting as if they are above the same rules that the rest of us are expected to live by,” said Operation Rescue president Troy Newman. “This is an inconsistency in the state and federal orders that are were instituted to stop the spread of COVID-19. Abortion facilities frequently fail to maintain basic infection control protocols, and should have been among the first to shut down.”
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’s live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
Share