lifesitenews--2020-01-20--N. Ireland priest cancels meeting of pro-abortion politicians in church after pro-lifers mobilize

COUNTY TYRONE , Northern Ireland , January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A Catholic priest in Northern Ireland has cancelled a meeting organized by the pro-abortion political party Sinn Fein which was scheduled to take place in his parish hall .
According to a press statement by Precious Life , a Northern Ireland pro-life organization , the decision to cancel the meeting came after Precious Life urged their supporters to ask that the meeting be stopped from taking place on Church property .
The parish was then reportedly inundated with calls from pro-lifers and parish priest Fr .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We welcome the cancellation of this meeting tonight , ” said Bernadette Smyth of Precious Life .
“ We stand in solidarity with Fr .
Eugene O'Neill and thank him for having courage in his convictions and taking swift action to ensure this meeting did not go ahead in Church property .
Fr .
O'Neill ... has assured us that this meeting was never endorsed by Coalisland Parish in the first place , and was organised by Sinn Fein , without the permission of the Church .
This meeting is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not sanctioned by parish personnel and does not have the support of Church figures.
” Smyth cited an October 2019 statement from the Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland .
That statement “ makes the Church 's position on abortion unequivocal , ” she noted .
“ As the bishops state , ‘ abortion is a brutal violation of the precious gift of life .
The right to life is not given to us by any law or government .
Any human law that removes the right to life is an unjust law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , every voter , every political representative .
For Catholic politicians this is not only a matter of protecting the human right to life but also a fundamental matter of Catholic faith.
’ ” Smyth added , “ Fr .
Eugene O'Neill has stood up for the faithful and strongly reaffirmed Church teaching .
He has informed us he was not aware of this meeting , but that he contacted Sinn Fein , who have a radical pro-abortion position , to cancel this meeting as soon as people responded to our action alert.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parish , as well as everyone who voiced concerns about the planned event .
“ Fr .
Eugene must be commended for taking a strong stand for life , and standing up against Sinn Fein 's radical and cruel abortion agenda , ” she said .
Catherine Sewell of the Tyrone Pro-Life Network told the Belfast Telegraph that she was grateful to Fr .
O ’ Neill for “ withdrawing permission ” from Sinn Fein to use the hall for their meeting , which she said would have been used to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that her group “ got word late on Wednesday night that Sinn Fein were planning a meeting in the hall the next evening , at which Michelle ‘ the north is next ’ O'Neill , Francie Molloy and other prominent Sinn Fein politicians would expound upon recent developments.
” “ As far as we are concerned , no pro-abortion outfit should be allowed to use Catholic Church property to crow about their role in bringing British abortion clinics into Tyrone , ” she said .
Catherine added that she believes that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their party ’ s radical pro-abortion agenda and we believe that they are trying to use Catholic Church property in order to confuse the public into somehow believing that the Church is okay with their abortion policies.
” Liam Gibson , political officer in Northern Ireland for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children ( SPUC ) and a pro-life leader in Ireland for nearly 20 years , told LifeSiteNews that “ sooner or later Sinn Féin will realise that its pro-abortion policies have alienated a section of the Catholic and nationalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their betrayal of Northern Ireland ’ s unborn babies.
” “ In July of 2019 , the Westminster Parliament swept aside constitutional safeguards which recognised abortion as an issue to be dealt with through Northern Ireland ’ s devolved administration by overturning the law which had saved the lives of over 100,000 babies since 1967 , ” Gibson explained .
“ Although Sinn Féin rejects the authority of the London government to rule Northern Ireland , the party lobbied British politicians for the decriminalisation of abortion and welcomed the opportunity for unborn babies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to death.
” “ Despite the fact that the London government is set to impose on us one of the most extreme abortion laws in Europe the pro-life movement remains as determined as ever .
The battle to restore legal protection for our unborn children has already begun .
”

‘No pro-abortion outfit should be allowed to use Catholic Church property to crow about their role in bringing British abortion clinics into Tyrone,’ said a Belfast pro-life activist.
COUNTY TYRONE, Northern Ireland, January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A Catholic priest in Northern Ireland has cancelled a meeting organized by the pro-abortion political party Sinn Fein which was scheduled to take place in his parish hall.
According to a press statement by Precious Life, a Northern Ireland pro-life organization, the decision to cancel the meeting came after Precious Life urged their supporters to ask that the meeting be stopped from taking place on Church property. The parish was then reportedly inundated with calls from pro-lifers and parish priest Fr. Eugene O’Neill cancelled the event.
“We welcome the cancellation of this meeting tonight,” said Bernadette Smyth of Precious Life. “We stand in solidarity with Fr. Eugene O'Neill and thank him for having courage in his convictions and taking swift action to ensure this meeting did not go ahead in Church property. Fr. O'Neill…has assured us that this meeting was never endorsed by Coalisland Parish in the first place, and was organised by Sinn Fein, without the permission of the Church. This meeting is no longer taking place in Church property, was not sanctioned by parish personnel and does not have the support of Church figures.”
Smyth cited an October 2019 statement from the Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland.
That statement “makes the Church's position on abortion unequivocal,” she noted.
“As the bishops state, ‘abortion is a brutal violation of the precious gift of life. The right to life is not given to us by any law or government. Any human law that removes the right to life is an unjust law and must be resisted by every person, every voter, every political representative. For Catholic politicians this is not only a matter of protecting the human right to life but also a fundamental matter of Catholic faith.’”
Smyth added, “Fr. Eugene O'Neill has stood up for the faithful and strongly reaffirmed Church teaching. He has informed us he was not aware of this meeting, but that he contacted Sinn Fein, who have a radical pro-abortion position, to cancel this meeting as soon as people responded to our action alert.”
Smyth thanked O’Neill and his parish, as well as everyone who voiced concerns about the planned event.
“Fr. Eugene must be commended for taking a strong stand for life, and standing up against Sinn Fein's radical and cruel abortion agenda,” she said.
Catherine Sewell of the Tyrone Pro-Life Network told the Belfast Telegraph that she was grateful to Fr. O’Neill for “withdrawing permission” from Sinn Fein to use the hall for their meeting, which she said would have been used to “promote their radical pro-abortion policy.”
Sewell said that her group “got word late on Wednesday night that Sinn Fein were planning a meeting in the hall the next evening, at which Michelle ‘the north is next’ O'Neill, Francie Molloy and other prominent Sinn Fein politicians would expound upon recent developments.”
“As far as we are concerned, no pro-abortion outfit should be allowed to use Catholic Church property to crow about their role in bringing British abortion clinics into Tyrone,” she said.
Catherine added that she believes that “Sinn Fein politicians are deeply embarrassed by their party’s radical pro-abortion agenda and we believe that they are trying to use Catholic Church property in order to confuse the public into somehow believing that the Church is okay with their abortion policies.”
Liam Gibson, political officer in Northern Ireland for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) and a pro-life leader in Ireland for nearly 20 years, told LifeSiteNews that “sooner or later Sinn Féin will realise that its pro-abortion policies have alienated a section of the Catholic and nationalist population who will neither forgive nor forget their betrayal of Northern Ireland’s unborn babies.”
“In July of 2019, the Westminster Parliament swept aside constitutional safeguards which recognised abortion as an issue to be dealt with through Northern Ireland’s devolved administration by overturning the law which had saved the lives of over 100,000 babies since 1967,” Gibson explained. “Although Sinn Féin rejects the authority of the London government to rule Northern Ireland, the party lobbied British politicians for the decriminalisation of abortion and welcomed the opportunity for unborn babies in Northern Ireland to be lawfully put to death.”
“Despite the fact that the London government is set to impose on us one of the most extreme abortion laws in Europe the pro-life movement remains as determined as ever. The battle to restore legal protection for our unborn children has already begun.”
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lifesitenews--2020-01-20--South Dakota bill would make it a felony to give kids puberty blockers, medical gender ‘transi

South Dakota bill would make it a felony to give kids puberty blockers, medical gender ‘transition’

SOUTH DAKOTA , January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A Republican lawmaker in South Dakota has filed a bill that would make it a criminal offense for medical professionals to assist in practices aimed at the attempted “ transitioning ” of children from one sex to another .
Last Tuesday Rep. Fred Deutsch filed House Bill 1057 , which he 's calling the Vulnerable Child Protection Act .
If passed , it will make it a Class 4 felony for a medical professional to conduct several practices on children , including those who are emancipated , in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's “ perception ” of his or her sex “ if that perception is inconsistent with the minor 's sex , ” as reported by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader .
In South Dakota , a Class 4 felony can result in imprisonment for 10 years .
The bill would prohibit any physician , surgeon , physician assistant , nurse , clinical nurse specialist , nurse practitioner , anesthetist , or medical assistant from conducting the following on children : • Prescribing , dispensing , or administering medications that block normal puberty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to males ; Deutsch said that he was introducing the legislation in order to protect children in South Dakota who are being hurt by such practices .
“ To parents , I say , love your kids .
Just love them , support them .
That ’ s what I 'm trying to do with this bill : love South Dakota children .
I 'm being the grown up in the room , ” Deutsch said .
Deutsch posted the same sentiments on Twitter over the weekend .
Deutsch has also used Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Endocrine Society that “ puberty blockers are reversible.
” The Endocrine Society is an international professional medical organization and its guidelines recommend administering puberty blockers to gender-confused children .
Deutsch retweeted a post by a practicing endocrinologist describing the Endocrine Society ’ s claim as “ ridiculous ” and tweeted himself that “ the solution for children ’ s identification with the opposite sex isn ’ t to poison their bodies , ” but rather is “ compassionate care.
” Deutsch has set up a website where people can learn more about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website states why the bill is needed : Every child deserves a natural childhood—one that allows them to experience puberty and other normal changes that shape who they will become .
There is nothing natural or healthy about pumping kids full of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones or performing sterilizing surgeries on them .
Children must be protected from permanent , harmful surgeries and experimental hormone interventions that stop natural development and sterilize them .
The website also features a video by the Colson Center which addresses the question of whether so-called sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Argus Leader , Deutsch says that he has “ found a dozen studies completed in the last 40 years that found that 85 % of children will accept their biological gender if they go through puberty , which is a ‘ natural resolution ’ to the challenges transgender children face.
” Deutsch reportedly worked on the legislation with The Kelsey Coalition , which says that its “ mission is to promote policies and laws to protect young people who identify as transgender.
” Libby Skarin , policy director of the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota , said that the proposed laws “ stigmatize ” so-called “ transgender kids.
” Anthony Sabatini , a Republican lawmaker in Florida , last week introduced HB 1365 , the Vulnerable Child Protection Act , which would also make it second degree felony in Florida for medical professionals to assist in the same practices aimed at the gender “ transitioning ” of children .
A second degree felony in Florida is punishable by up to 15 years in prison .
Last year state legislators in Georgia , Kentucky , and Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation to ban puberty blockers for minors .

'The solution for children’s identification with the opposite sex isn’t to poison their bodies,' it's 'compassionate care' that allows them to experience a normal childhood, according to the bill's sponsor.
PETITION: Puberty is Not a Disease! Ban transgender drugs and surgeries for minors. Sign the petition here.
SOUTH DAKOTA, January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A Republican lawmaker in South Dakota has filed a bill that would make it a criminal offense for medical professionals to assist in practices aimed at the attempted “transitioning” of children from one sex to another.
Last Tuesday Rep. Fred Deutsch filed House Bill 1057, which he's calling the Vulnerable Child Protection Act. If passed, it will make it a Class 4 felony for a medical professional to conduct several practices on children, including those who are emancipated, in an attempt to change or affirm the child's “perception” of his or her sex “if that perception is inconsistent with the minor's sex,” as reported by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. In South Dakota, a Class 4 felony can result in imprisonment for 10 years.
The bill would prohibit any physician, surgeon, physician assistant, nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, anesthetist, or medical assistant from conducting the following on children:
Surgeries including castration, vasectomy, hysterectomy, and vaginoplasty;
Mastectomies
Prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications that block normal puberty, give testosterone to females, give estrogen to males;
Remove a healthy or non-diseased body part or tissue.
Deutsch said that he was introducing the legislation in order to protect children in South Dakota who are being hurt by such practices.
“To parents, I say, love your kids. Just love them, support them. That’s what I'm trying to do with this bill: love South Dakota children. I'm being the grown up in the room,” Deutsch said.
Deutsch posted the same sentiments on Twitter over the weekend.
Good parents and good legislators share the same instinct — to protect children. That's why I am introducing legislation to ban puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender-reasignment surgery in children. https://t.co/zaQMYmUvlp — Rep. Fred Deutsch (@FredDeutsch) January 19, 2020
Deutsch has also used Twitter to refute the claim by the Washington-based Endocrine Society that “puberty blockers are reversible.” The Endocrine Society is an international professional medical organization and its guidelines recommend administering puberty blockers to gender-confused children.
Deutsch retweeted a post by a practicing endocrinologist describing the Endocrine Society’s claim as “ridiculous” and tweeted himself that “the solution for children’s identification with the opposite sex isn’t to poison their bodies,” but rather is “compassionate care.”
Deutsch has set up a website where people can learn more about the bill. The FAQ section of the website states why the bill is needed:
Every child deserves a natural childhood—one that allows them to experience puberty and other normal changes that shape who they will become. There is nothing natural or healthy about pumping kids full of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones or performing sterilizing surgeries on them. Children must be protected from permanent, harmful surgeries and experimental hormone interventions that stop natural development and sterilize them.
The website also features a video by the Colson Center which addresses the question of whether so-called sex change surgery makes people happy.
According to the Argus Leader, Deutsch says that he has “found a dozen studies completed in the last 40 years that found that 85% of children will accept their biological gender if they go through puberty, which is a ‘natural resolution’ to the challenges transgender children face.”
Deutsch reportedly worked on the legislation with The Kelsey Coalition, which says that its “mission is to promote policies and laws to protect young people who identify as transgender.”
Libby Skarin, policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Dakota, said that the proposed laws “stigmatize” so-called “transgender kids.”
Anthony Sabatini, a Republican lawmaker in Florida, last week introduced HB 1365, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, which would also make it second degree felony in Florida for medical professionals to assist in the same practices aimed at the gender “transitioning” of children. A second degree felony in Florida is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Today I filed HB 1365, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act. This Bill makes it a felony for a health care practitioner to surgically or medically change the sex of a minor. No parent should be allowed to sterilize or permanently disfigure a child. https://t.co/8fsi61HAPM — Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) January 13, 2020
Last year state legislators in Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas all said that they would be introducing legislation to ban puberty blockers for minors.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-20--Drag queen warns moms not to expose kids to ‘filth’ of drag and ‘ruin your child’s life’

January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A drag queen issued a stern warning to moms who want their kids influenced by drag queens and take them to drag queen library storytime : “ Don ’ t ruin your child ’ s life.
” The short video was tweeted Saturday by drag queen Kitty Demure , who says that exposing children to drag queens is no different than exposing them to strippers or porn stars .
Demure does not mince words as he questions why any parent could possibly want a child exposed to the sordid world of drag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a drag queen ever done to make you have so much respect for them , and admire them so much ?
” asked Demure , “ other than put on makeup and jump on the floor and writhe around and do sexual things on stage ?
” “ I have absolutely no idea why you would want that to influence your child , ” declared Demure , who describes himself as a “ non-conformist gay who doesn ’ t follow the leftist hive mind.
” “ Would you want a stripper or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” he asked .
“ It makes no sense at all.
” “ A drag queen performs in a nightclub for adults .
There is a lot of filth that goes on , a lot of sexual stuff that goes on , ” he explained .
“ And backstage there is a lot of nudity , sex , and drugs.
” “ So I don ’ t think this is an avenue you would want your child to explore , ” he added .
Demure talked about how many kids experiment with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposite sex when they ’ re young .
“ But to actually get them involved in drag is extremely , extremely irresponsible on your part.
” “ I understand you might want to look like you ’ re ‘ with it , ’ that you ’ re ‘ cool , ’ 'that you ’ re ‘ woke , ’ that you ’ re ‘ not a Nazi , ’ that you ’ re not a ‘ homophobe , ’ ” continued Demure .
“ But you can raise your child to be just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without including them in gay , sexual things , ” emphasized Demure .
“ Honestly , you ’ re not doing the gay community any favors .
In fact , you ’ re hurting us , ” noted Demure .
“ We have already had a reputation of being pedophiles and being perverts and deviants .
We don ’ t need you to bring your children around.
” “ So keep your kids at home , or take them to Disneyland , or Chuck E. Cheese , but if you need your child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a costume or in makeup , take him to the circus or something.
” Demure explained that the clubs are for adults only , not kids .
“ Don ’ t ruin your child ’ s life , and don ’ t ruin us , because that ’ s what you ’ re doing , ” he concluded .

Kitty Demure asks: 'What in the hell has a drag queen ever done to make you have so much respect for them, and admire them so much?'
PETITION: Drag queens don't belong in kids' libraries – #IStandWithRepresentativeBaker” Sign the petition here.
January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A drag queen issued a stern warning to moms who want their kids influenced by drag queens and take them to drag queen library storytime: “Don’t ruin your child’s life.”
The short video was tweeted Saturday by drag queen Kitty Demure, who says that exposing children to drag queens is no different than exposing them to strippers or porn stars.
Demure does not mince words as he questions why any parent could possibly want a child exposed to the sordid world of drag queens.
“What in the hell has a drag queen ever done to make you have so much respect for them, and admire them so much?” asked Demure, “other than put on makeup and jump on the floor and writhe around and do sexual things on stage?”
“I have absolutely no idea why you would want that to influence your child,” declared Demure, who describes himself as a “non-conformist gay who doesn’t follow the leftist hive mind.”
“Would you want a stripper or a porn star to influence your child?” he asked. “It makes no sense at all.”
“A drag queen performs in a nightclub for adults. There is a lot of filth that goes on, a lot of sexual stuff that goes on,” he explained. “And backstage there is a lot of nudity, sex, and drugs.”
“So I don’t think this is an avenue you would want your child to explore,” he added.
Demure talked about how many kids experiment with dressing up in the clothes of the opposite sex when they’re young. “But to actually get them involved in drag is extremely, extremely irresponsible on your part.”
“I understand you might want to look like you’re ‘with it,’ that you’re ‘cool,’ 'that you’re ‘woke,’ that you’re ‘not a Nazi,’ that you’re not a ‘homophobe,’” continued Demure.
“But you can raise your child to be just a normal, regular, everyday child without including them in gay, sexual things,” emphasized Demure.
“Honestly, you’re not doing the gay community any favors. In fact, you’re hurting us,” noted Demure. “We have already had a reputation of being pedophiles and being perverts and deviants. We don’t need you to bring your children around.”
“So keep your kids at home, or take them to Disneyland, or Chuck E. Cheese, but if you need your child to be entertained by a big human in a costume or in makeup, take him to the circus or something.”
Demure explained that the clubs are for adults only, not kids.
“Don’t ruin your child’s life, and don’t ruin us, because that’s what you’re doing,” he concluded.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-20--New York Times picks Warren, Klobuchar in unusual split 2020 endorsement

January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The New York Times editorial board took the unprecedented step Sunday of endorsing two of the Democrats running for their party ’ s presidential nomination , Sens .
Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , arguing they each represent two different models of advancing the progressive agenda .
“ The history of the editorial board would suggest that we would side squarely with the candidate with a more traditional approach to pushing the nation forward , within the realities of a constitutional framework and a multiparty country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events of the past few years have shaken the confidence of even the most committed institutionalists .
We are not veering away from the values we espouse , but we are rattled by the weakness of the institutions that we trusted to undergird those values.
” Therefore , the Times has opted to endorse the two women as the “ most effective advocates ” for two dueling paths : a “ radical ” model of “ new ideas , ” and a “ realist model ” that offers “ stability.
” Warren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gifted storyteller ” who is “ committed to reforming the fundamental structures of government and the economy ” not just by increasing government spending in myriad areas , but with initiatives to “ wean the American economy from fossil fuels ” and “ reduce the economic and political power of large corporations , ” as well as a “ sweeping expansion of government support for Americans at every stage of life ” ( with the notable exception of the nine months before birth ) .
Klobuchar , meanwhile , is a “ standard-bearer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times believes may stand the “ best chance to enact many progressive plans ” precisely due to her record of working with lawmakers of both parties .
“ Ms .
Klobuchar speaks about issues like climate change , the narrowing middle class , gun safety and trade with an empathy that connects to voters ’ lived experiences , especially in the middle of the country , ” the endorsement reads .
“ The next president will shape the direction of America ’ s prosperity and the future of the planet , perhaps irrevocably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims that President Donald Trump is a “ threat to democracy ” because he requested that the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s role in the firing of a Ukrainian prosecutor who had been investigating his son Hunter ’ s business dealings in the country .
Conservatives responded to the split endorsement with widespread mockery , as well as speculation regarding The New York Times ’ true motives : Despite the perception , reinforced by the Times editorial , that one of the two is a purer progressive while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren and Klobuchar are doctrinaire liberals on abortion and LGBT issues who have vowed to marshall the powers of the presidency , including judicial appointments on behalf of both causes .
RealClearPolitics ’ national polling average currently has Warren in third place with 14.8 percent behind Biden ’ s 28.4 percent and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ 20.4 percent .
Klobuchar is currently in seventh place with 3 percent .

'The events of the past few years have shaken the confidence of even the most committed institutionalists,' the New York Times editorial board wrote in its anti-Trump endorsement of the two left-wing women.
January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The New York Times editorial board took the unprecedented step Sunday of endorsing two of the Democrats running for their party’s presidential nomination, Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, arguing they each represent two different models of advancing the progressive agenda.
“The history of the editorial board would suggest that we would side squarely with the candidate with a more traditional approach to pushing the nation forward, within the realities of a constitutional framework and a multiparty country,” the editorial reads. “But the events of the past few years have shaken the confidence of even the most committed institutionalists. We are not veering away from the values we espouse, but we are rattled by the weakness of the institutions that we trusted to undergird those values.”
Therefore, the Times has opted to endorse the two women as the “most effective advocates” for two dueling paths: a “radical” model of “new ideas,” and a “realist model” that offers “stability.”
Warren, the paper says, is a “gifted storyteller” who is “committed to reforming the fundamental structures of government and the economy” not just by increasing government spending in myriad areas, but with initiatives to “wean the American economy from fossil fuels” and “reduce the economic and political power of large corporations,” as well as a “sweeping expansion of government support for Americans at every stage of life” (with the notable exception of the nine months before birth).
Klobuchar, meanwhile, is a “standard-bearer for the Democratic center” who the Times believes may stand the “best chance to enact many progressive plans” precisely due to her record of working with lawmakers of both parties. “Ms. Klobuchar speaks about issues like climate change, the narrowing middle class, gun safety and trade with an empathy that connects to voters’ lived experiences, especially in the middle of the country,” the endorsement reads.
“The next president will shape the direction of America’s prosperity and the future of the planet, perhaps irrevocably,” the Times declares. It claims that President Donald Trump is a “threat to democracy” because he requested that the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden’s role in the firing of a Ukrainian prosecutor who had been investigating his son Hunter’s business dealings in the country.
Conservatives responded to the split endorsement with widespread mockery, as well as speculation regarding The New York Times’ true motives:
NYT editorial board deserves the ridicule for rollout of we-can't-decide endorsement. But also deserve some credit for acknowledging that Sanders and Biden are too old to be president and Buttigieg is too young. https://t.co/MixnuehR7c — Byron York (@ByronYork) January 20, 2020
Couple interesting points… The Times which is part of the establishment didn’t back Biden bc they don’t want to feel the wrath of the crazy progressive base. Also I know person in Times newsroom. Entire place is beyond woke, and the last few decent libs are afraid to speak. — Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) January 20, 2020
Don't be fooled, NYT endorsed Warren. They threw Klobuchar in there because because they knew everyone expected them to pick Warren, and they know Klobuchar doesn't have that great of a chance. — Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) January 20, 2020
Well the NYT just threw another monkey wrench in the democrat works by a couple of presidential endorsements
Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar?
If that ain’t the chicken’s way out, they don’t even have the guts to pick one candidate
Bloomberg might buy the NYT and fire you all — Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) January 20, 2020
Wait wait wait people actually sat up late watching a dramatic TV production to learn who the Times endorsed for president? Are we sure it’s Trump who turned our politics into a reality show? — Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) January 20, 2020
Despite the perception, reinforced by the Times editorial, that one of the two is a purer progressive while the other is a centrist, both Warren and Klobuchar are doctrinaire liberals on abortion and LGBT issues who have vowed to marshall the powers of the presidency, including judicial appointments on behalf of both causes.
RealClearPolitics’ national polling average currently has Warren in third place with 14.8 percent behind Biden’s 28.4 percent and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 20.4 percent. Klobuchar is currently in seventh place with 3 percent.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-20--Pro-lifers launch new public policy org: First event is a sit-in at Pelosi’s office

WASHINGTON , D.C. , January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Pro-life activists are holding a sit-in at Rep. Nancy Pelosi ’ s office on Wednesday , the anniversary of Roe v. Wade , demanding she allow the U.S. House to vote on banning the infanticide of newborns who survive failed abortions .
The sit-in , during which some pro-lifers will peacefully risk arrest , is part of a larger campaign called the “ Purple Sash Revolution.
” It ’ s the inaugural initiative of the new Stanton Public Policy Center , a branch of Stanton Healthcare , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers in America and abroad .
The purple sashes that participants will wear are to express solidarity with the early Suffragists , who wore purple sashes demanding women have the right to vote .
The bill Pelosi has prevented the U.S. House from voting on is the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act , which would require doctors to give basic medical care to newborns who are born as a result of a failed abortion .
Infanticide after failed abortions came into the limelight last year , when Virginia ’ s governor said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept comfortable ” while a discussion ensued about his fate .
“ It is unconscionable that Speaker Pelosi is blocking Congress from voting on this critical human rights issue , ” said Brandi Swindell , founder and CEO of Stanton .
“ Stanton all along has wanted to build an organization , an entity , that would be competitive with Planned Parenthood with the end-game being to replace Planned Parenthood , ” Swindell told LifeSiteNews .
“ Wherever Planned Parenthood is , there ’ s a Stanton Healthcare presence.
” The Stanton Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the many women who aren ’ t represented by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund , according to Swindell .
The group will focus on advancing legislation that “ empowers and inspires women ” and “ upholds the dignity of every human life in the womb.
” Just as Planned Parenthood advocates for abortion abroad , the Stanton Public Policy Center will have an international presence , too , but it will be fighting female genital mutilation and helping refugee women .
“ Why would we ever as a nation want to export abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Swindell .
Swindell , who is currently based in Idaho , expects 2020 will be a blockbuster year for her organization .
She plans to spend much more time in Washington , D.C. now that Stanton ’ s public policy arm has launched .
Longtime pro-life activist and Stanton chief strategic officer Rev .
Patrick Mahoney – with whom Swindell was arrested in China protesting human rights abuses in 2008 – will participate in Wednesday ’ s event , as will pro-life students .
“ It should be common sense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infanticide , ” commented Stephanie Stone , Capital Area regional coordinator for Students for Life of America .
“ Democrats have become so extreme that they are even stalling a vote that protects innocent babies born alive during an abortion.
” “ As a woman , I am only standing here , with a vote and a voice , because of hundreds ( of ) brave women before me who fought for my right to be heard .
A hundred years ago this year , ” the right of women to vote “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful for the founding feminists , who before I was even born , fought for my right to be considered a person in our society , ” said Erica Caporaletti , president of Towson University Tigers for Life .
Caporaletti will speak at the event .
“ However , we stand here today because this right to be considered a person ... the right to a voice is not yet secured for every member of our human family , ” she continued .
“ And we know that until that right is won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually fully free.
” Wednesday ’ s `` Purple Sash Revolution '' event is the first of many that Stanton will be holding this year , Swindell told LifeSiteNews .
Pro-lifers will be able to obtain purple sashes from Stanton representatives at March for Life events , and they will be sold online starting next month .
Full list of events surrounding the 2020 March for Life

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Pro-life activists are holding a sit-in at Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s office on Wednesday, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, demanding she allow the U.S. House to vote on banning the infanticide of newborns who survive failed abortions.
The sit-in, during which some pro-lifers will peacefully risk arrest, is part of a larger campaign called the “Purple Sash Revolution.” It’s the inaugural initiative of the new Stanton Public Policy Center, a branch of Stanton Healthcare, a group of life-affirming women’s health centers in America and abroad. The purple sashes that participants will wear are to express solidarity with the early Suffragists, who wore purple sashes demanding women have the right to vote.
The bill Pelosi has prevented the U.S. House from voting on is the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would require doctors to give basic medical care to newborns who are born as a result of a failed abortion. Infanticide after failed abortions came into the limelight last year, when Virginia’s governor said in some cases an infant “would be kept comfortable” while a discussion ensued about his fate.
“It is unconscionable that Speaker Pelosi is blocking Congress from voting on this critical human rights issue,” said Brandi Swindell, founder and CEO of Stanton.
“Stanton all along has wanted to build an organization, an entity, that would be competitive with Planned Parenthood with the end-game being to replace Planned Parenthood,” Swindell told LifeSiteNews. “Wherever Planned Parenthood is, there’s a Stanton Healthcare presence.”
The Stanton Public Policy Center will be a voice for the many women who aren’t represented by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, according to Swindell. The group will focus on advancing legislation that “empowers and inspires women” and “upholds the dignity of every human life in the womb.”
Just as Planned Parenthood advocates for abortion abroad, the Stanton Public Policy Center will have an international presence, too, but it will be fighting female genital mutilation and helping refugee women.
“Why would we ever as a nation want to export abortion? We should be exporting hope,” said Swindell.
Swindell, who is currently based in Idaho, expects 2020 will be a blockbuster year for her organization. She plans to spend much more time in Washington, D.C. now that Stanton’s public policy arm has launched.
Longtime pro-life activist and Stanton chief strategic officer Rev. Patrick Mahoney – with whom Swindell was arrested in China protesting human rights abuses in 2008 – will participate in Wednesday’s event, as will pro-life students.
“It should be common sense and completely bipartisan to support any bill banning infanticide,” commented Stephanie Stone, Capital Area regional coordinator for Students for Life of America. “Democrats have become so extreme that they are even stalling a vote that protects innocent babies born alive during an abortion.”
“As a woman, I am only standing here, with a vote and a voice, because of hundreds (of) brave women before me who fought for my right to be heard. A hundred years ago this year,” the right of women to vote “was won, and I am eternally grateful for the founding feminists, who before I was even born, fought for my right to be considered a person in our society,” said Erica Caporaletti, president of Towson University Tigers for Life. Caporaletti will speak at the event.
“However, we stand here today because this right to be considered a person … the right to a voice is not yet secured for every member of our human family,” she continued. “And we know that until that right is won for everyone … none of us are actually fully free.”
Wednesday’s “Purple Sash Revolution” event is the first of many that Stanton will be holding this year, Swindell told LifeSiteNews. Pro-lifers will be able to obtain purple sashes from Stanton representatives at March for Life events, and they will be sold online starting next month.
RELATED:
Full list of events surrounding the 2020 March for Life
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lifesitenews--2020-01-20--Female reporter sues trans activist for ‘defamation,’ denies sexually assaulting him in lady’s bathr

Female reporter sues trans activist for ‘defamation,’ denies sexually assaulting him in lady’s bathroom

SURREY , British Columbia , January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A female journalist is suing a transgender activist , who has made headlines around the world for demanding that beauticians wax his genitals , for “ defamation ” after he accused her of sexually assaulting him in a female bathroom in a courthouse .
Jonathan “ Jessica ” Yaniv claimed on Twitter that Amy Eileen Hamm , a reporter for the Post Millennial , had sexually assaulted him in the ladies ’ room of a courthouse in Surrey , British Columbia on January 13 .
Hamm denies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms to launch a case of defamation against Yaniv .
According to a fundraising page dedicated to helping Hamm fund the suit , the journalist was sent on January 13 to the courthouse where Yaniv was appearing to answer prohibited weapons-related charges .
During a recess , Hamm went to the ladies ’ restroom where she saw Yaniv .
Hamm said that she left at once .
Yaniv said , however , that she assaulted him .
“ I ’ m upset .
I feel dirty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamm ] sexually assaulted me on Monday AT THE SURREY @ BCProvCourt , and @ SurreyRCMP and @ BCSheriffs did NOTHING !
!
” Yaniv tweeted on January 16 .
“ They are investigating that , but put this [ B*** ] behind bars .
She HURTS PEOPLE and the # LGBTQ Yes I am absolutely furious !
” he continued .
Yaniv also stated , over Twitter , that he had sought the help of a rape crisis center .
“ Thanks to a local rape relief crisis centre for helping me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had to endure on Monday , ” he wrote .
“ Thankfully they are accepting of trans , gender non-confirming , non-binary and cisgender folks .
Justice is coming to my assaulter !
She is n't getting away !
” Hamm swiftly responded by Twitter , saying “ This is false and defamatory .
You ’ ve crossed a line & will be hearing from my lawyer.
” According to the fundraising site , after Hamm left the restroom , Yaniv accused her of having taken photos of him and demanded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found no photos of Yaniv .
This is only the latest incident involving Yaniv .
He is also being sued by Keean Bexte of the Rebel online newspaper for having allegedly punched the reporter on the back of the head outside the same courthouse on January 13 .
Bexte managed to film their altercation and can be seen backing away as Yaniv aggressively approaches him shouting “ Get away from me.
” Bexte ’ s colleague , David Menzies , who alleges Yaniv hit him with a cane , is also a plaintiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was charged with two counts of possessing an illegal weapon last year when he displayed a Taser to another transgender activist during a live-streamed debate on Facebook .
Yaniv waved the Taser at American conservative transgender activist Blair White during a heated argument about his complaints to the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal against female aestheticians who refused to wax his male genitals .
The transsexual activist lost his case , and was instead told that he targeted the beauticians because of their ethnic background .
Meanwhile , Yaniv ’ s critics have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underage girls .
Last July he requested permission from the City of Langley , BC for “ LGBTQ2S+ organizations ” to host a topless ‘ All-Bodies Swim ’ at its municipal pools “ for people aged 12+ ” .
Parents and “ caretakers ” were barred from admittance .
Yaniv is also alleged to have contacted underage girls online , and screenshots of his comments about whether he would see nude girls in women ’ s change-rooms and about menstruation of 10- to 12-year-old girls have circulated on the internet .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter feed , he described himself as a “ proud lesbian.
” “ One proud Lesbian , ” he wrote last June .
“ I ’ ll never stop fighting for human rights equality .
”

Jonathan “Jessica” Yaniv claimed on Twitter that a female reporter had sexually assaulted him in the ladies’ room of a courthouse. She denies it.
SURREY, British Columbia, January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A female journalist is suing a transgender activist, who has made headlines around the world for demanding that beauticians wax his genitals, for “defamation” after he accused her of sexually assaulting him in a female bathroom in a courthouse.
Jonathan “Jessica” Yaniv claimed on Twitter that Amy Eileen Hamm, a reporter for the Post Millennial, had sexually assaulted him in the ladies’ room of a courthouse in Surrey, British Columbia on January 13. Hamm denies the allegation and has hired a lawyer from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms to launch a case of defamation against Yaniv.
According to a fundraising page dedicated to helping Hamm fund the suit, the journalist was sent on January 13 to the courthouse where Yaniv was appearing to answer prohibited weapons-related charges. During a recess, Hamm went to the ladies’ restroom where she saw Yaniv. Hamm said that she left at once. Yaniv said, however, that she assaulted him.
“I’m upset. I feel dirty and disgusting. @preta_6 [Amy Eileen Hamm] sexually assaulted me on Monday AT THE SURREY @BCProvCourt, and @SurreyRCMP and @BCSheriffs did NOTHING!!” Yaniv tweeted on January 16.
“They are investigating that, but put this [B***] behind bars. She HURTS PEOPLE and the #LGBTQ Yes I am absolutely furious!” he continued.
Yaniv also stated, over Twitter, that he had sought the help of a rape crisis center.
“Thanks to a local rape relief crisis centre for helping me to deal with the vicious sexual assault I had to endure on Monday,” he wrote. “Thankfully they are accepting of trans, gender non-confirming, non-binary and cisgender folks. Justice is coming to my assaulter! She isn't getting away!”
Hamm swiftly responded by Twitter, saying “This is false and defamatory. You’ve crossed a line & will be hearing from my lawyer.”
According to the fundraising site, after Hamm left the restroom, Yaniv accused her of having taken photos of him and demanded that police search her phone. The police found no photos of Yaniv.
This is only the latest incident involving Yaniv. He is also being sued by Keean Bexte of the Rebel online newspaper for having allegedly punched the reporter on the back of the head outside the same courthouse on January 13. Bexte managed to film their altercation and can be seen backing away as Yaniv aggressively approaches him shouting “Get away from me.”
Bexte’s colleague, David Menzies, who alleges Yaniv hit him with a cane, is also a plaintiff in Bexte’s suit.
Yaniv was charged with two counts of possessing an illegal weapon last year when he displayed a Taser to another transgender activist during a live-streamed debate on Facebook.
Yaniv waved the Taser at American conservative transgender activist Blair White during a heated argument about his complaints to the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal against female aestheticians who refused to wax his male genitals.
The transsexual activist lost his case, and was instead told that he targeted the beauticians because of their ethnic background.
Meanwhile, Yaniv’s critics have also accused him of untoward interest in underage girls. Last July he requested permission from the City of Langley, BC for “LGBTQ2S+ organizations” to host a topless ‘All-Bodies Swim’ at its municipal pools “for people aged 12+”. Parents and “caretakers” were barred from admittance.
Yaniv is also alleged to have contacted underage girls online, and screenshots of his comments about whether he would see nude girls in women’s change-rooms and about menstruation of 10- to 12-year-old girls have circulated on the internet. In a tweet pinned to the top of his Twitter feed, he described himself as a “proud lesbian.”
“One proud Lesbian,” he wrote last June. “I’ll never stop fighting for human rights equality.”
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lifesitenews--2020-01-20--The View’s Meghan McCain targeted in New York Times’ hit piece for her ‘conservative…on-

The View’s Meghan McCain targeted in New York Times’ hit piece for her ‘conservative…on-air spats’

January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – If you were told that the New York Times would be publishing a piece condemning a recent performance by one of the hosts of The View , you might think that a rebuke of Joy Behar ’ s recent decision to approvingly quote white nationalist Richard Spencer was forthcoming .
But , unsurprisingly , you would be wrong .
Shamira Ibrahim ’ s column “ 'The View ' Has a Meghan McCain Problem ” is snobby , condescending , and clueless .
I was not previously a huge Meghan McCain fan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed my mind .
In fact , I ’ ve actually taken to watching clips of the show simply to watch her spar with her almost entirely liberal co-hosts .
It takes guts to get up every day knowing that your colleagues find many of your views repulsive , that the audience will often boo your points of view , and that the progressive mob on Twitter will never be satisfied until they ’ re hoisting your head on a pike .
But McCain does it , and she does it well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold a range of views on different topics , it is also true that nobody is even close to being as conservative as McCain is .
She is willing to tackle topics like abortion , despite knowing that several of her fellow panelists are fanatically “ pro-choice.
” She knows her view is not going to make her popular , but she makes the pro-life case anyway—because she knows it is the right thing to do .
That takes genuine integrity .
There are very few pro-life voices on daytime television , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fact that Meghan McCain is willing to tenaciously defend the pro-life position and call out the Democrats—and sometimes her co-hosts—on their abortion extremism is , from a cultural perspective , both significant and important .
Her voice is enormously amplified by the platform , and this is precisely why progressives find her so infuriating—because she is reaching so many people with her perspective .
Ibrahim , of course , finds McCain ’ s enthusiastic defence of conservative principles to be “ just exhausting.
” Progressives these days are consistently irritated that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCain ’ s infuriating refusal to shut up and nod along must be very trying for those who prefer to cancel those they don ’ t have the courage to debate .
Her views have made her the “ most polarizing and predictable figure , ” Ibrahim writes , “ the common denominator in the show ’ s most contentious round tables as of late.
” In other words , the most conservative member of the panel often spars with the liberal members of the panel .
The “ pro-choice ” members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young woman .
How shocking .
Something must be done !
Ibrahim ’ s critique boils down to the fact that she finds McCain ’ s views wrongheaded and offensive , and her contributions to the lively discussions thus constitute an “ injection of vitriol ” which “ undercuts the substantive political critique that is supposed to be raised during these segments.
” Because Ibrahim finds many conservative ideas stupid , you see , McCain ’ s decision to express those ideas degrades the debate .
The obvious solution , Ibrahim ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of McCain .
Conservatives—especially pro-life conservatives—are used to hearing Ibrahim ’ s tiresome tropes .
Progressives seem to think everything would be so much less contentious if everyone simply agreed with them , which we could do if they weren ’ t so wrong about so many things .
Meghan McCain does a great job of reminding them of this fact every week , and so she is now predictably the source of their ire .
But the truth is that she ’ s not a “ problem ” for The View @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only reasons it is worth watching .

January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – If you were told that the New York Times would be publishing a piece condemning a recent performance by one of the hosts of The View, you might think that a rebuke of Joy Behar’s recent decision to approvingly quote white nationalist Richard Spencer was forthcoming. But, unsurprisingly, you would be wrong. Shamira Ibrahim’s column “'The View' Has a Meghan McCain Problem” is snobby, condescending, and clueless.
I was not previously a huge Meghan McCain fan, but her tenure at The View has changed my mind. In fact, I’ve actually taken to watching clips of the show simply to watch her spar with her almost entirely liberal co-hosts. It takes guts to get up every day knowing that your colleagues find many of your views repulsive, that the audience will often boo your points of view, and that the progressive mob on Twitter will never be satisfied until they’re hoisting your head on a pike. But McCain does it, and she does it well.
While it is true that her co-hosts hold a range of views on different topics, it is also true that nobody is even close to being as conservative as McCain is. She is willing to tackle topics like abortion, despite knowing that several of her fellow panelists are fanatically “pro-choice.” She knows her view is not going to make her popular, but she makes the pro-life case anyway—because she knows it is the right thing to do. That takes genuine integrity.
Follow Jonathon van Maren on Facebook
There are very few pro-life voices on daytime television, and The View has an enormous audience. The fact that Meghan McCain is willing to tenaciously defend the pro-life position and call out the Democrats—and sometimes her co-hosts—on their abortion extremism is, from a cultural perspective, both significant and important. Her voice is enormously amplified by the platform, and this is precisely why progressives find her so infuriating—because she is reaching so many people with her perspective.
Ibrahim, of course, finds McCain’s enthusiastic defence of conservative principles to be “just exhausting.” Progressives these days are consistently irritated that they have to make their case, and McCain’s infuriating refusal to shut up and nod along must be very trying for those who prefer to cancel those they don’t have the courage to debate. Her views have made her the “most polarizing and predictable figure,” Ibrahim writes, “the common denominator in the show’s most contentious round tables as of late.”
In other words, the most conservative member of the panel often spars with the liberal members of the panel. The “pro-choice” members of the panel disagree with an unabashedly pro-life young woman. How shocking. Something must be done!
Ibrahim’s critique boils down to the fact that she finds McCain’s views wrongheaded and offensive, and her contributions to the lively discussions thus constitute an “injection of vitriol” which “undercuts the substantive political critique that is supposed to be raised during these segments.” Because Ibrahim finds many conservative ideas stupid, you see, McCain’s decision to express those ideas degrades the debate. The obvious solution, Ibrahim’s column implies, would be to get rid of McCain.
Conservatives—especially pro-life conservatives—are used to hearing Ibrahim’s tiresome tropes. Progressives seem to think everything would be so much less contentious if everyone simply agreed with them, which we could do if they weren’t so wrong about so many things. Meghan McCain does a great job of reminding them of this fact every week, and so she is now predictably the source of their ire. But the truth is that she’s not a “problem” for The View. She’s one of the only reasons it is worth watching.
Jonathon’s new podcast, The Van Maren Show, is dedicated to telling the stories of the pro-life and pro-family movement. In his latest episode, he interviews Terry Schilling, Executive Director of the American Principles Project, an organization dedicated to supporting family values and their expression in politics. Today’s episode delves into the debate surrounding governmental regulations on pornography, the arguments from various sides, today’s laws, and what we can do to protect our children and save our culture. You can subscribe here and listen to the episode below:
Follow Jonathon Jonathon Van Maren is a public speaker, writer, and pro-life activist. His commentary has been translated into more than eight languages and published widely online as well as print newspapers such as the Jewish Independent, the National Post, the Hamilton Spectator and others. He has received an award for combating anti-Semitism in print from the Jewish organization B’nai Brith. His commentary has been featured on CTV Primetime, Global News, EWTN, and the CBC as well as dozens of radio stations and news outlets in Canada and the United States. He speaks on a wide variety of cultural topics across North America at universities, high schools, churches, and other functions. Some of these topics include abortion, pornography, the Sexual Revolution, and euthanasia. Jonathon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from Simon Fraser University, and is the communications director for the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform. Jonathon’s first book, The Culture War, was released in 2016.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-18--Viganò comes out of hiding to protest German bishops’ ‘synodal path’ of destruction

January 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In his first public appearance since going into hiding over a year ago , Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò joined other prominent Catholics in Munich today in prayer and protest against the German Episcopal Conference and its President Cardinal Marx .
The Vatican whistleblower joined Catholic laity to oppose the German prelates ’ plan to embark on a “ synodal path ” that critics say would create a “ new church ” that departs from Catholic teaching on priestly celibacy , contraception , homosexuality , and fornication .
Viganò had gone into hiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 his McCarrick report accusing Pope Francis of ignoring Pope Benedict XVI 's earlier restrictions on then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick on account of McCarrick ’ s preying upon and abuse of seminarians .
Viganò said that Francis should resign .
Pope Francis abolished the pontifical secret with regard to sex abuse cases in December 2019 .
He issued a decree according to which the pontifical secret binding Church officials to confidentiality in specific matters , “ does not apply to accusations , trials and decisions ” concerning sexual abuse of adults , minors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possession and distribution of pornography ( cf .
Vos estis lux mundi , art .
1 ) .
This will enable a person who files an accusation of sexual abuse , for example , as well as “ the person who alleges to have been harmed and the witnesses shall not be bound by any obligation of silence with regard to matters involving the case.
” It is perhaps in light of this new decree that Archbishop Viganò feels less restrained in appearing in public .
In any event , he continuously raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doctrinal aspects of the current Church crisis , such as the clerical sex abuse crisis , some problematic developments during and since the Second Vatican Council , the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mary , as well as the recent 6-27 October 2019 Amazon Synod in Rome .
READ : Catholic laity protest Cdl Marx , call him to repent for leading German church down schismatic ‘ synodal path ’ An international coalition of lay Catholic faithful , the Acies Ordinata , met in Munich today in order to pray in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the German Episcopal Conference and its President.
” About 100 Catholics stood quietly for an hour in prayer in front of the Theatinerkirche at the center of Munich .
Among the participants were Professor Roberto de Mattei , John-Henry-Westen , Alexander Tschugguel – who is known for having removed the Pachamama statues – as well as Michael Matt from the Catholic newspaper The Remnant .
As the organizers of this event explain in a press release , they came to Munich , the place of residence of Cardinal Reinhard Marx , in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Synodal Path ” whose first assembly is to take place at the end of January .
They explain that “ the German Bishops , after promoting the Synod on the Amazon ideologically and financially , today constitute the most advanced place of the Revolution in the Church.
” Under the guidance of Cardinal Marx , who is the President of the German Bishops ' Conference , the German bishops are undermining binding Church teachings with regard to such important matters as priestly celibacy , female ordination , contraception , cohabitation , homosexuality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had agreed upon this synodal path at their spring assembly in 2019 , and there are so far only two German bishops – Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg and Cardinal Rainer Woelki of Cologne – who warn against this process which might very well , in the words of Bishop Voderholzer , lead to a “ path of destruction.
” At a press conference today , six speakers and participants of the Munich prayers assembly discussed and criticized different aspects of this synodal path , for example their idea of promoting women in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parallels in German history where German Catholics were pressured to adapt to the spirit of the times ( Michael Matt ) ; the danger of the Church 's becoming an NGO ( Alexander Tschugguel ) ; legal problems of the synodal path ( José Antonio Ureta ) ; Cardinal Marx ' personal encouragement of homosexual and other immoral acts ( John-Henry Westen ) ; as well as the call upon German Catholics to stop paying the obligatory Church tax ( Professor de Mattei ) .
The full texts of their speeches can be @ @ @

January 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In his first public appearance since going into hiding over a year ago, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò joined other prominent Catholics in Munich today in prayer and protest against the German Episcopal Conference and its President Cardinal Marx. The Vatican whistleblower joined Catholic laity to oppose the German prelates’ plan to embark on a “synodal path” that critics say would create a “new church” that departs from Catholic teaching on priestly celibacy, contraception, homosexuality, and fornication.
Viganò had gone into hiding after he published on August 25, 2018 his McCarrick report accusing Pope Francis of ignoring Pope Benedict XVI's earlier restrictions on then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick on account of McCarrick’s preying upon and abuse of seminarians. Viganò said that Francis should resign.
Pope Francis abolished the pontifical secret with regard to sex abuse cases in December 2019. He issued a decree according to which the pontifical secret binding Church officials to confidentiality in specific matters, “does not apply to accusations, trials and decisions” concerning sexual abuse of adults, minors and vulnerable persons, and the production, possession and distribution of pornography (cf. Vos estis lux mundi, art. 1). This will enable a person who files an accusation of sexual abuse, for example, as well as “the person who alleges to have been harmed and the witnesses shall not be bound by any obligation of silence with regard to matters involving the case.”
It is perhaps in light of this new decree that Archbishop Viganò feels less restrained in appearing in public. In any event, he continuously raised his voice with regard to important moral and doctrinal aspects of the current Church crisis, such as the clerical sex abuse crisis, some problematic developments during and since the Second Vatican Council, the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the recent 6-27 October 2019 Amazon Synod in Rome.
READ: Catholic laity protest Cdl Marx, call him to repent for leading German church down schismatic ‘synodal path’
An international coalition of lay Catholic faithful, the Acies Ordinata, met in Munich today in order to pray in silence, in “firm protest against the German Episcopal Conference and its President.” About 100 Catholics stood quietly for an hour in prayer in front of the Theatinerkirche at the center of Munich. Among the participants were Professor Roberto de Mattei, John-Henry-Westen, Alexander Tschugguel – who is known for having removed the Pachamama statues – as well as Michael Matt from the Catholic newspaper The Remnant. As the organizers of this event explain in a press release, they came to Munich, the place of residence of Cardinal Reinhard Marx, in order to protest the German bishops' “Synodal Path” whose first assembly is to take place at the end of January.
They explain that “the German Bishops, after promoting the Synod on the Amazon ideologically and financially, today constitute the most advanced place of the Revolution in the Church.” Under the guidance of Cardinal Marx, who is the President of the German Bishops' Conference, the German bishops are undermining binding Church teachings with regard to such important matters as priestly celibacy, female ordination, contraception, cohabitation, homosexuality, and gender theory.
The German bishops had agreed upon this synodal path at their spring assembly in 2019, and there are so far only two German bishops – Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg and Cardinal Rainer Woelki of Cologne – who warn against this process which might very well, in the words of Bishop Voderholzer, lead to a “path of destruction.”
At a press conference today, six speakers and participants of the Munich prayers assembly discussed and criticized different aspects of this synodal path, for example their idea of promoting women in the Church (Jeanne Smits); parallels in German history where German Catholics were pressured to adapt to the spirit of the times (Michael Matt); the danger of the Church's becoming an NGO (Alexander Tschugguel); legal problems of the synodal path (José Antonio Ureta); Cardinal Marx' personal encouragement of homosexual and other immoral acts (John-Henry Westen); as well as the call upon German Catholics to stop paying the obligatory Church tax (Professor de Mattei). The full texts of their speeches can be read here.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-21--Pro-life group to spend $52 million to help re-elect Trump

WASHINGTON D.C. , January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The non-profit pro-life Susan B. Anthony List has announced that it will spend $ 52 million for the re-election of President Trump and pro-life senators this year .
The group will focus its efforts on battleground states Arizona , Georgia , Iowa , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Texas , and Wisconsin .
Each of these states is crucial to Republicans for retaining the White House and control of the Senate .
A release from the group said its teams have already visited more than 460,000 homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida , and North Carolina .
According to Mallory Quigley of Susan B. Anthony List and Women Speak Out PAC , “ [ t ] he stakes of this election could not be higher .
Democratic contenders for president are lining up to support abortion on demand , and even infanticide , and declaring war on even the most modest pro-life policies.
” She credited Trump as the “ most pro-life president in our nation ’ s history.
” Promising that pro-life activists will fan out in support of pro-life candidates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s on-the-ground experience show that “ Democrats ’ abortion radicalism is a liability for them at the ballot box.
” Quigley added that activists will go door-to-door to visit Democrat voters who may be unaware of the Democratic Party ’ s “ support for extreme pro-abortion policies.
” “ Our focused , battle-tested voter outreach method will ensure we reach the voters who can provide President Trump and pro-life Senate candidates the winning margin on Election Day , ” Quigley said .
Her group ’ s campaign efforts will include not only knocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone banks , and digital media buys as part of the multi-million-dollar spend .
In a memo to interested parties , SBA List national campaign director Tim Edson wrote that the SBA List and Women Speak Out PAC field teams , consisting of more than 4,000 canvassers , have visited more than 4.6 million voters .
He said their “ ground game ” is critical in Trump ’ s election and securing a Republican Senate majority .
• Ensure that “ unreliable pro-life voters ” go to the polls to “ vote against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • Demonstrate to “ persuadable voters , ” including “ Hispanics , Independents , Democrats , and moderate Republicans , ” how radical the pro-abortion lobby has become , and persuade them to vote Republican .
The memo said canvassers will even address voters who consider themselves “ pro-choice ” but who are uncomfortable with late-term abortion , infanticide and “ abortion activists posing as federal judges.
” Edson said canvassers are visiting moderate Democrats to educate them about the “ extreme pro-abortion positions of Democratic presidential candidates and Senate candidates bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the abortion lobby.
” SBA List president Marjorie Dannenfelser chaired Trump ’ s Pro-Life Coalition during the 2016 campaign after obtaining pro-life commitments from him .
On the associated www.lifeontheballot.com website , SBA List is tracking the president ’ s pro-life achievements .
Undeterred , Planned Parenthood announced last week an unprecedented electoral effort .
The federally subsidized abortion provider plans to spend at least $ 45 million on ad buys to reach five million voters in battleground states .

The Susan B. Anthony List has announced that it will spend $52 million for the re-election of President Trump and pro-life senators.
WASHINGTON D.C., January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The non-profit pro-life Susan B. Anthony List has announced that it will spend $52 million for the re-election of President Trump and pro-life senators this year.
The group will focus its efforts on battleground states Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. Each of these states is crucial to Republicans for retaining the White House and control of the Senate. A release from the group said its teams have already visited more than 460,000 homes. It is currently focusing on Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina.
According to Mallory Quigley of Susan B. Anthony List and Women Speak Out PAC, “[t]he stakes of this election could not be higher. Democratic contenders for president are lining up to support abortion on demand, and even infanticide, and declaring war on even the most modest pro-life policies.”
She credited Trump as the “most pro-life president in our nation’s history.” Promising that pro-life activists will fan out in support of pro-life candidates, Quigley said polling and the group’s on-the-ground experience show that “Democrats’ abortion radicalism is a liability for them at the ballot box.”
Quigley added that activists will go door-to-door to visit Democrat voters who may be unaware of the Democratic Party’s “support for extreme pro-abortion policies.”
“Our focused, battle-tested voter outreach method will ensure we reach the voters who can provide President Trump and pro-life Senate candidates the winning margin on Election Day,” Quigley said. Her group’s campaign efforts will include not only knocking on doors, but also mailings, phone banks, and digital media buys as part of the multi-million-dollar spend.
In a memo to interested parties, SBA List national campaign director Tim Edson wrote that the SBA List and Women Speak Out PAC field teams, consisting of more than 4,000 canvassers, have visited more than 4.6 million voters. He said their “ground game” is critical in Trump’s election and securing a Republican Senate majority.
The goal is twofold, wrote Edson:
Ensure that “unreliable pro-life voters” go to the polls to “vote against the extreme pro-abortion radicalism of Democratic candidates.” Demonstrate to “persuadable voters,” including “Hispanics, Independents, Democrats, and moderate Republicans,” how radical the pro-abortion lobby has become, and persuade them to vote Republican.
The memo said canvassers will even address voters who consider themselves “pro-choice” but who are uncomfortable with late-term abortion, infanticide and “abortion activists posing as federal judges.”
Edson said canvassers are visiting moderate Democrats to educate them about the “extreme pro-abortion positions of Democratic presidential candidates and Senate candidates bought and paid for by Planned Parenthood and the abortion lobby.”
SBA List president Marjorie Dannenfelser chaired Trump’s Pro-Life Coalition during the 2016 campaign after obtaining pro-life commitments from him. On the associated www.lifeontheballot.com website, SBA List is tracking the president’s pro-life achievements.
Undeterred, Planned Parenthood announced last week an unprecedented electoral effort. The federally subsidized abortion provider plans to spend at least $45 million on ad buys to reach five million voters in battleground states.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-21--Pro-life group appeals to Trump admin for relief from state-mandated abortion insurance

PORTLAND , Oregon , January 20 , 2019 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Oregon Right to Life ( ORTL ) has filed a complaint against the state of Oregon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , arguing that the abortion requirements for health insurance under the state ’ s Reproductive Health Equity Act would force the pro-life group to violate its mission .
According to a statement , ORTL executive director Lois Anderson said the group “ exists to advocate for vulnerable human beings who are not protected under law.
” “ Under this mandate , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and very reason for existing , ” she added .
ORTL objects to the state ’ s requirement that health benefit plans provided by employers include coverage for abortions and contraceptives that can act as abortifacients , as well as related services .
In an email to LifeSiteNews , ORTL spokesperson Liberty Pike said the Office of Civil Rights at HHS has confirmed receipt of the complaint .
According to the group ’ s statement , ORTL attorney James Bopp , Jr. said , “ Oregon ’ s mandate that pro-life groups cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans violates their conscience rights under the Weldon Amendment .
Weldon requires states to protect such conscience rights or lose federal funds .
Oregon receives lots of federal funding that it is putting at risk.
” The Weldon Amendment is a federal law that prohibits state government agencies from using federal funds to discriminate against health care entities that do not provide , pay for , provide coverage of , or refer for abortions .
According to an ORTL statement , “ Oregon ’ s abortion coverage mandate , compelling ORTL to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance plan , unconstitutionally burdens ORTL and violates the Weldon Amendment.
” According to the release , ORTL qualifies as a “ health care entity , ” as defined by the amendment , and objects to providing coverage for abortion and abortifacients .
The pro-life group asserted that the state is engaging in prohibited discrimination because it seeks to compel pro-life health care entities , including ORTL , to include abortion coverage in health insurance that ORTL offers to its employees .
Therefore , Oregon ’ s mandate violates the Weldon Amendment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the release , ORTL wants all of its statements and operations to “ be consistent with its beliefs and a compatible part of its pro-life message.
” These goals apply to the health insurance coverage it offers to its employees , the group said .
ORTL is seeking to have itself and similar entities exempted from Oregon ’ s mandate for heatlh care coverage as applied to coverage for abortion , abortifacients , and related services , except where the life of the mother is in imminent danger , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants authorization for insurers to offer and employers to obtain health care plans that exclude the abortion and contraceptive coverage to which the group objects .
Such an exemption is permitted under Oregon law if “ enforcement of [ the Mandate ] may adversely affect the allocation of federal funds to this state.
” Here , federal funds are at issue under Weldon , ORTL argues , so an exemption is warranted .
After President Trump took office , his administration moved to strengthen guarantees for conscience with regard to contraception and abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by HHS , the administration moved to enforce the Weldon Amendment and the related Coats-Snowe Amendments .
In addition , it launched a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division , which is the first time a federal office for civil rights has established a separate division dedicated to ensuring compliance with conscience guarantees and free exercise of religion in health care and human services .

The abortion requirements for health insurance under Oregon's Reproductive Health Equity Act would force Oregon Right to Life to violate its mission, the group argues.
PORTLAND, Oregon, January 20, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) — Oregon Right to Life (ORTL) has filed a complaint against the state of Oregon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, arguing that the abortion requirements for health insurance under the state’s Reproductive Health Equity Act would force the pro-life group to violate its mission.
According to a statement, ORTL executive director Lois Anderson said the group “exists to advocate for vulnerable human beings who are not protected under law.”
“Under this mandate, we are literally being forced to violate our mission and very reason for existing,” she added. ORTL objects to the state’s requirement that health benefit plans provided by employers include coverage for abortions and contraceptives that can act as abortifacients, as well as related services.
In an email to LifeSiteNews, ORTL spokesperson Liberty Pike said the Office of Civil Rights at HHS has confirmed receipt of the complaint.
According to the group’s statement, ORTL attorney James Bopp, Jr. said, “Oregon’s mandate that pro-life groups cover abortion on demand in its employee health plans violates their conscience rights under the Weldon Amendment. Weldon requires states to protect such conscience rights or lose federal funds. Oregon receives lots of federal funding that it is putting at risk.”
The Weldon Amendment is a federal law that prohibits state government agencies from using federal funds to discriminate against health care entities that do not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. According to an ORTL statement, “Oregon’s abortion coverage mandate, compelling ORTL to include coverage of abortion and abortifacients in its insurance plan, unconstitutionally burdens ORTL and violates the Weldon Amendment.”
According to the release, ORTL qualifies as a “health care entity,” as defined by the amendment, and objects to providing coverage for abortion and abortifacients. The pro-life group asserted that the state is engaging in prohibited discrimination because it seeks to compel pro-life health care entities, including ORTL, to include abortion coverage in health insurance that ORTL offers to its employees. Therefore, Oregon’s mandate violates the Weldon Amendment, the group’s statement said.
According to the release, ORTL wants all of its statements and operations to “be consistent with its beliefs and a compatible part of its pro-life message.” These goals apply to the health insurance coverage it offers to its employees, the group said.
ORTL is seeking to have itself and similar entities exempted from Oregon’s mandate for heatlh care coverage as applied to coverage for abortion, abortifacients, and related services, except where the life of the mother is in imminent danger, said the group’s statement. The group wants authorization for insurers to offer and employers to obtain health care plans that exclude the abortion and contraceptive coverage to which the group objects.
Such an exemption is permitted under Oregon law if “enforcement of [the Mandate] may adversely affect the allocation of federal funds to this state.” Here, federal funds are at issue under Weldon, ORTL argues, so an exemption is warranted.
After President Trump took office, his administration moved to strengthen guarantees for conscience with regard to contraception and abortion. According to a January 2019 statement by HHS, the administration moved to enforce the Weldon Amendment and the related Coats-Snowe Amendments. In addition, it launched a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division, which is the first time a federal office for civil rights has established a separate division dedicated to ensuring compliance with conscience guarantees and free exercise of religion in health care and human services.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-21--Prominent lay Catholics call on faithful to take concrete action to help Church in crisis

January 20 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Prominent Catholics , who were gathered in Munich over the weekend to protest Cardinal Marx and his plan to lead the German church on a controversial “ synodal path , ” answered questions at a press conference about the state of the Church in crisis and what faithful Catholics can do about it .
Alexander Tschugguel cautioned the faithful against putting their hopes in politics , saying , “ First of all , do not think that by voting for a specific party you will really win these fights .
Those times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , then vote for the party whose program is closest to your faith.
” Tschugguel , who threw Pachamama statues into the Tiber in 2019 , asked , “ What are the biggest problems you face as a Catholic ?
” The young Austrian went on to list abortion , homosexual “ marriage , ” the European Union taking away the sovereignty of individual nation-states , and Islam .
After studying the platforms of parties in both Germany and Austria , he had come to the conclusion that the platform of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of the Freedom Party of Austria , are currently closest to the Catholic faith .
However , he warned , “ Don ’ t think that therefore those parties are the great heroes !
They ’ re not the heroes .
They ’ re just the one-eyed among the blind.
” At the press conference following the Acies Ordinata event in Munich on Saturday , January 18 , 2020 , the speakers were mostly asked practical questions .
Michael Matt , editor of The Remnant , agreed with Tschugguel , stating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s really vastly overlooked by the entire counter-revolutionary movement in the world is culture.
” While voting is important , Matt exclaimed , “ If you ’ re allowing especially American culture , American pop music , American movies into your house , you are going to lose the war !
” Voting for certain politicians like Donald Trump can not save us , he told the audience , “ but it can buy us time.
” John Smeaton , director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m convinced that the main challenge we face is getting the bishops worldwide leading the pro-life voices around the world , rather than working against them.
” Asked about how to show that “ Germany is not all about liberalism and modernism , ” Michael Matt emphasized , “ It ’ s so important that the German Catholic people come together and unite , even if they can ’ t always speak out.
” Matt , who grew up in a German-American family , insisted , “ Continue what you ’ re already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mass .
Make that an important way to unite the German resistance , which I know is very strong.
” He told members of the audience that there are many great Catholics in Germany .
According to Matt , the resistance in the United States is united by three things : the traditional Latin Mass , the pro-life movement , and the homeschooling movement .
“ Those three things are creating a very strong counter-revolutionary bloc in the United States , and I would hope that something similar could happen here in Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still illegal in Germany , the number of Latin Masses has been growing for years .
The pro-life movement , compared to that of the United States , is still small but also growing .
The March for Life in Berlin , the German capital , grew in 2019 to more than 8,000 participants .
Five years earlier , there had been 5,000 .
Alexander Tschugguel pointed out that many Germans lack the discipline that people in the German-speaking countries had in the past .
“ We understand the problems , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and explain to everybody how bad the world actually is , ” he said , adding , “ What Germans are really lacking ... is the courage to make their own personal sacrifice for this fight.
” Not everybody has the same sacrifice to make , explained the Austrian , but different ones , depending on certain questions , like , “ Who are we ?
Where do we live ?
What is our family situation ?
Which language am I speaking ?
...
Which talents did God give us on our way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Tschugguel emphasized that we are alive right now , and not in any other time in history .
“ God wants us to live right now .
He gives us talents .
And what does he ask of us ?
To live , according to these talents and the plan he has for us , a virtuous life.
” Those virtues , he added , “ are missing right now in the Catholic Church , and especially in the German-speaking area.
” The founder of the Saint Boniface Institute asked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , as soon as you talk about these matters ?
‘ Yes , it would be very great if someone could build that up !
’ ” To great applause , he exclaimed , “ Be that someone !
That ’ s it !
” Tschugguel had hinted at the “ lively Catholic culture in France , ” a theme then picked up by Jeanne Smits , Paris correspondent for LifeSiteNews .
She agreed that “ there are very many movements on all levels.
” The encouraging things , explained Smits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vatican Council , “ when there was really a resistance to the changes.
” Smits pointed out that the resistance back then was led by “ hard-headed people , ” sometimes to their own disadvantage , as they were pushed out of respected parts of the society .
Their example , she added , is “ an example we should turn to , because we ’ re not in a very different situation , even if on some level it ’ s become much worse.
” The Acies Ordinata event has been extensively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Germany .
Süddeutsche Zeitung is the only daily mainstream newspaper that mentioned it in passing .
Beyond that , the radio station connected to the Archdiocese of Cologne , “ Domradio , ” put out an article based on the report written by Katholische Nachrichten-Agentur , the news agency controlled by the German bishops .
LifeSiteNews reached out to the German Bishops ’ Conference for a comment on the event .
The press office declined to comment , only saying that through the website , many opinions on the Synodal Path were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the Synodal Path .
“ We don ’ t want to anticipate the contents and statements right now , ” the press office stated .
The first assembly is scheduled to take place from January 30 through February 1 , 2020 .

'God wants us to live right now. He gives us talents. And what does he ask of us? To live, according to these talents.'
January 20, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Prominent Catholics, who were gathered in Munich over the weekend to protest Cardinal Marx and his plan to lead the German church on a controversial “synodal path,” answered questions at a press conference about the state of the Church in crisis and what faithful Catholics can do about it.
Alexander Tschugguel cautioned the faithful against putting their hopes in politics, saying, “First of all, do not think that by voting for a specific party you will really win these fights. Those times are over. If you go to vote, then vote for the party whose program is closest to your faith.”
Tschugguel, who threw Pachamama statues into the Tiber in 2019, asked, “What are the biggest problems you face as a Catholic?” The young Austrian went on to list abortion, homosexual “marriage,” the European Union taking away the sovereignty of individual nation-states, and Islam.
After studying the platforms of parties in both Germany and Austria, he had come to the conclusion that the platform of the Alternative for Germany, as well as that of the Freedom Party of Austria, are currently closest to the Catholic faith. However, he warned, “Don’t think that therefore those parties are the great heroes! They’re not the heroes. They’re just the one-eyed among the blind.”
At the press conference following the Acies Ordinata event in Munich on Saturday, January 18, 2020, the speakers were mostly asked practical questions.
Michael Matt, editor of The Remnant, agreed with Tschugguel, stating, “One of the things that’s really vastly overlooked by the entire counter-revolutionary movement in the world is culture.” While voting is important, Matt exclaimed, “If you’re allowing especially American culture, American pop music, American movies into your house, you are going to lose the war!”
Voting for certain politicians like Donald Trump cannot save us, he told the audience, “but it can buy us time.”
John Smeaton, director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children in the United Kingdom, added, “I’m convinced that the main challenge we face is getting the bishops worldwide leading the pro-life voices around the world, rather than working against them.”
Asked about how to show that “Germany is not all about liberalism and modernism,” Michael Matt emphasized, “It’s so important that the German Catholic people come together and unite, even if they can’t always speak out.”
Matt, who grew up in a German-American family, insisted, “Continue what you’re already doing. Build up the traditional Latin Mass. Make that an important way to unite the German resistance, which I know is very strong.” He told members of the audience that there are many great Catholics in Germany.
According to Matt, the resistance in the United States is united by three things: the traditional Latin Mass, the pro-life movement, and the homeschooling movement. “Those three things are creating a very strong counter-revolutionary bloc in the United States, and I would hope that something similar could happen here in Germany,” said Matt.
While homeschooling is still illegal in Germany, the number of Latin Masses has been growing for years. The pro-life movement, compared to that of the United States, is still small but also growing. The March for Life in Berlin, the German capital, grew in 2019 to more than 8,000 participants. Five years earlier, there had been 5,000.
Alexander Tschugguel pointed out that many Germans lack the discipline that people in the German-speaking countries had in the past. “We understand the problems, and we like to talk about them … and explain to everybody how bad the world actually is,” he said, adding, “What Germans are really lacking … is the courage to make their own personal sacrifice for this fight.”
Not everybody has the same sacrifice to make, explained the Austrian, but different ones, depending on certain questions, like, “Who are we? Where do we live? What is our family situation? Which language am I speaking? … Which talents did God give us on our way to fight our fight on this earth?”
Tschugguel emphasized that we are alive right now, and not in any other time in history. “God wants us to live right now. He gives us talents. And what does he ask of us? To live, according to these talents and the plan he has for us, a virtuous life.” Those virtues, he added, “are missing right now in the Catholic Church, and especially in the German-speaking area.”
The founder of the Saint Boniface Institute asked, “What does the typical German tell you, as soon as you talk about these matters? ‘Yes, it would be very great if someone could build that up!’” To great applause, he exclaimed, “Be that someone! That’s it!”
Tschugguel had hinted at the “lively Catholic culture in France,” a theme then picked up by Jeanne Smits, Paris correspondent for LifeSiteNews. She agreed that “there are very many movements on all levels.” The encouraging things, explained Smits, come from the time of the Second Vatican Council, “when there was really a resistance to the changes.”
Smits pointed out that the resistance back then was led by “hard-headed people,” sometimes to their own disadvantage, as they were pushed out of respected parts of the society. Their example, she added, is “an example we should turn to, because we’re not in a very different situation, even if on some level it’s become much worse.”
The Acies Ordinata event has been extensively covered by independent and faithful Catholic publications in Germany. Süddeutsche Zeitung is the only daily mainstream newspaper that mentioned it in passing. Beyond that, the radio station connected to the Archdiocese of Cologne, “Domradio,” put out an article based on the report written by Katholische Nachrichten-Agentur, the news agency controlled by the German bishops.
LifeSiteNews reached out to the German Bishops’ Conference for a comment on the event. The press office declined to comment, only saying that through the website, many opinions on the Synodal Path were received, “which will enter into” the Synodal Path. “We don’t want to anticipate the contents and statements right now,” the press office stated.
The first assembly is scheduled to take place from January 30 through February 1, 2020.
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