lifesitenews--2020-07-07--Priest to Scottish gov’t: Pubs are allowed to open, so why can’t we have Mass?

COATBRIDGE , Scotland , July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― A Catholic priest has published an objection to the Scottish government ’ s continuing ban on public church services .
Father Michael J. Kane is the pastor of St. Augustine ’ s Catholic Church in Coatbridge , a town about 10 miles east of Glasgow .
In a June 26 open letter to Member of Scottish Parliament ( MSP ) Fulton MacGregor , Kane criticized Scotland ’ s plans not to allow public worship until late July .
“ ... .It is extremely concerning that there may now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to public worship , with the earliest date now set at 23rd July , ” Kane stated .
“ This despite the fact that the Scottish Government deems it safe to open pubs , restaurants , cinemas and other social venues.
” The Catholic Church in Scotland has been in communication with Scotland ’ s Holyrood government with its plan for the resumption of public worship .
As part of “ Phase 2 ” in Scotland ’ s emergence from the COVID-19 lockdown , Scotland ’ s places of worship were permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 , provided that so-called social distancing and hygiene protocols were followed .
Public worship began again in England on July 5 , with Catholic priests reporting low attendance .
The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass in England and Wales is still in effect .
Private prayer in England ’ s places of worship was permitted beginning June 15 .
Public health is a “ devolved ” issue , which means that the Scottish Parliament is free to determine its own lockdown guidelines independently of the Westminster government in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland has “ demonstrated good practice ” regarding social distancing and hygiene and objected to public entertainments taking precedence over public worship .
“ It seems entirely unjustified that the leisure and hospitality sectors should re-open before places of public worship , especially given their vital importance to national life , ” Kane wrote .
“ Might I remind the Government of the obligation of the State to ensure freedom of worship is a hallmark of any free , democratic society , and should not be unduly restricted without good cause , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous territory when they arbitrarily ban religious worship which is a fundamental human right.
” Kane addressed some of the issues that are being offered as the rationale for keeping churches ( but not pubs ) shut : the “ aging ” demographic of worshippers and a perception that the “ very nature of communal worship ” spreads the coronavirus .
The priest reminded the government that the Church had advised those most at risk of the infection to stay at home and outlined the various measures the Church in Scotland has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a two-meter distance between households , marshalls , and a ban on singing .
“ By any measure these procedures place us in a significantly lower risk than most … establishments in the leisure and hospitality sectors , ” Kane wrote .
Meanwhile , the priest believes that the Scottish government has failed to appreciate what religious observance actually means for Christians .
Reflecting on the four months in which Catholics have been unable to attend Mass , Kane underscored that theirs is a sacramental religion relying on physical presence .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not receive the Sacraments , ” he wrote .
“ Yet our civil authorities seem entirely blind to this distress.
” The parish priest urged the MSP to convey to the authorities the dissatisfaction of the Catholic community .
“ We feel that our religious liberties are not being given sufficient protection , ” he wrote .
“ No State should continue the suspension of public worship without serious cause .
It will most certainly be a stain on this Government 's reputation if people can visit a pub before a place of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appeal to the Government that public religious worship be allowed to begin again “ as early as safely possible.
” “ The Government can not reasonably expect people to endure the strain of this pandemic without the reassurance and strength that the Sacraments give.
” In response , MacGregor stated on Facebook that “ places of worship will not likely reopen before 23rd July.
” He noted also , however , that the Scottish Government will review the current protocols on July 9 .
MacGregor , who is the MSP for Coatbridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that his constituents ’ concerns were brought before the Scottish government .
Not all Catholics in Scotland are comfortable with the reopening of churches to public worship however .
Unconvinced by the safety measures proposed by the Church , some are happy to remain at home watching live-streamed Masses rather than risk their health or the health of others .
Although Catholics comprise only 15.9 percent of the Scottish population , the Catholic Church contains the largest group of Christians who regularly attend public worship in Scotland .
Only seven percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a stunning decline in a country once famous for Presbyterianism and strict observance of the “ Scottish Sabbath.
” The overwhelming loss of Scotland ’ s Christian identity , once fractiously divided between different Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church , has not ended centuries of prejudice against the Catholic minority .
Despite their low numbers , Catholics represent half the victims of hate crimes in the country .
These anti-Catholic attacks are not condoned by ecclesial communities belonging to the Reformed tradition ; today ecumencial relationships between the formal denominations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kane for further comment but has not yet received a response .

‘It is extremely concerning that there may now be some further delay in allowing the return to public worship,’ wrote Father Michael J. Kane, pastor of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Coatbridge. ‘It is deeply distressing that Catholics cannot receive the Sacraments.’
COATBRIDGE, Scotland, July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― A Catholic priest has published an objection to the Scottish government’s continuing ban on public church services.
Father Michael J. Kane is the pastor of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Coatbridge, a town about 10 miles east of Glasgow. In a June 26 open letter to Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) Fulton MacGregor, Kane criticized Scotland’s plans not to allow public worship until late July.
“….It is extremely concerning that there may now be some further delay in allowing the return to public worship, with the earliest date now set at 23rd July,” Kane stated.
“This despite the fact that the Scottish Government deems it safe to open pubs, restaurants, cinemas and other social venues.”
The Catholic Church in Scotland has been in communication with Scotland’s Holyrood government with its plan for the resumption of public worship. As part of “Phase 2” in Scotland’s emergence from the COVID-19 lockdown, Scotland’s places of worship were permitted to open for private prayer on June 22, provided that so-called social distancing and hygiene protocols were followed.
Public worship began again in England on July 5, with Catholic priests reporting low attendance. The dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass in England and Wales is still in effect. Private prayer in England’s places of worship was permitted beginning June 15.
Public health is a “devolved” issue, which means that the Scottish Parliament is free to determine its own lockdown guidelines independently of the Westminster government in London.
Kane informed MacGregor that the Church in Scotland has “demonstrated good practice” regarding social distancing and hygiene and objected to public entertainments taking precedence over public worship.
“It seems entirely unjustified that the leisure and hospitality sectors should re-open before places of public worship, especially given their vital importance to national life,” Kane wrote.
“Might I remind the Government of the obligation of the State to ensure freedom of worship is a hallmark of any free, democratic society, and should not be unduly restricted without good cause,” he continued.
“Politicians enter dangerous territory when they arbitrarily ban religious worship which is a fundamental human right.”
Kane addressed some of the issues that are being offered as the rationale for keeping churches (but not pubs) shut: the “aging” demographic of worshippers and a perception that the “very nature of communal worship” spreads the coronavirus. The priest reminded the government that the Church had advised those most at risk of the infection to stay at home and outlined the various measures the Church in Scotland has taken to minimize the spread of germs, including a two-meter distance between households, marshalls, and a ban on singing.
“By any measure these procedures place us in a significantly lower risk than most … establishments in the leisure and hospitality sectors,” Kane wrote.
Meanwhile, the priest believes that the Scottish government has failed to appreciate what religious observance actually means for Christians. Reflecting on the four months in which Catholics have been unable to attend Mass, Kane underscored that theirs is a sacramental religion relying on physical presence.
“It is deeply distressing that Catholics cannot receive the Sacraments,” he wrote.
“Yet our civil authorities seem entirely blind to this distress.”
The parish priest urged the MSP to convey to the authorities the dissatisfaction of the Catholic community.
“We feel that our religious liberties are not being given sufficient protection,” he wrote.
“No State should continue the suspension of public worship without serious cause. It will most certainly be a stain on this Government's reputation if people can visit a pub before a place of worship.”
Kane concluded by asking MacGregor to appeal to the Government that public religious worship be allowed to begin again “as early as safely possible.”
“The Government cannot reasonably expect people to endure the strain of this pandemic without the reassurance and strength that the Sacraments give.”
In response, MacGregor stated on Facebook that “places of worship will not likely reopen before 23rd July.” He noted also, however, that the Scottish Government will review the current protocols on July 9.
MacGregor, who is the MSP for Coatbridge and neighboring Chryston, said he would ensure that his constituents’ concerns were brought before the Scottish government.
Not all Catholics in Scotland are comfortable with the reopening of churches to public worship however. Unconvinced by the safety measures proposed by the Church, some are happy to remain at home watching live-streamed Masses rather than risk their health or the health of others.
Although Catholics comprise only 15.9 percent of the Scottish population, the Catholic Church contains the largest group of Christians who regularly attend public worship in Scotland. Only seven percent of residents of Scotland now attend public worship, a stunning decline in a country once famous for Presbyterianism and strict observance of the “Scottish Sabbath.”
The overwhelming loss of Scotland’s Christian identity, once fractiously divided between different Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church, has not ended centuries of prejudice against the Catholic minority. Despite their low numbers, Catholics represent half the victims of hate crimes in the country. These anti-Catholic attacks are not condoned by ecclesial communities belonging to the Reformed tradition; today ecumencial relationships between the formal denominations are positive.
LifeSiteNews reached out to Fr. Kane for further comment but has not yet received a response.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--African cardinal criticizes Black Lives Matter movement for ‘dismantling’ civilization

July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – South African Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier strongly criticized the Black Lives Matter movement for its “ dismantling ” of civilizations and cultures .
Napier , himself a black man and archbishop of Durban on the South African coast , tweeted that a “ brief study of the founding statement of ‘ Black Lives Matter ’ indicates the movement is being hijacked by the interests & parties committed to dismantling the very values , structure & institutions which have over the centuries undergird the best civilisations & cultures !
” After his original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on the Black Lives Matter movement two days later .
He said , “ Another crucial test of the authenticity of the Black Lives Matter movement will be its stance vis a vis Planned Parenthood and the Abortion Industry !
” Napier added , “ The same test applies when assessing the sincerity of those who voice thunderous condemnation against Domestic Violence , ( erroneously called “ Gender based Violence ) as opposed to the absolute silence concerning Violence inflicted upon Babies in their mother ’ s womb !
” As pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion center Planned Parenthood is actually a danger to the black community .
Not only was Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger a racist .
The organization also targets minority communities .
Among the black community , the abortion giant is the leading cause of death .
“ According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control , there have been over 15.5 million abortions performed on African Americans , ” Illinois Right to Life said .
“ These 15.5 million Black lives lost to abortion outnumber the deaths of Black people due to AIDS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and heart disease combined.
” US Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler , Texas , also criticized the movement .
Bishop Strickland talked about the platform of the Black Lives Matter movement , which contains several positions Catholics can in no way support .
Linking to the movement ’ s website , he tweeted , “ Please educate yourself on this !
” He then pointed out that Black Lives Matter ’ s statement of belief mentions two points “ that are contrary to FAITH ... # 1 opposing the nuclear family ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 opposing God ’ s plan for sex as a union of male & female.
” Black Lives Matter , according to its own website , wants to “ disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and ‘ villages ’ that collectively care for one another , especially our children , to the degree that mothers , parents , and children are comfortable.
” The term “ villages ” likely refers to Hillary Clinton ’ s book “ It Takes a Village , ” the title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proverb , “ It takes a village to raise a child.
” Clinton argued for society ’ s shared responsibility for successfully raising a child .
Catholic Senator Rick Santorum eventually wrote a rebuttal , titled , “ It Takes a Family.
” In addition to wanting to “ disrupt ” the traditional family , Black Lives Matter fosters “ a queer‐affirming network .
When we gather , we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking , or rather , the belief that all in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or they disclose otherwise ) .
” The website ’ s section on “ What We Believe ” mentions transgenderism in several other places .
“ We make space for transgender brothers and sisters to participate and lead , ” the movement stresses .
“ We are self-reflexive and do the work required to dismantle cisgender privilege and uplift Black trans folk , especially Black trans women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by trans-antagonistic violence.
” The term “ cisgender ” simply means that a person does not buy into gender ideology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other words , a “ cisgender ” woman is a biological woman , and a “ cisgender ” man is a biological man .
The Black Lives Matter movement claims that liberation movements for black people “ in this country have created room , space , and leadership mostly for Black heterosexual , cisgender men — leaving women , queer and transgender people , and others either out of the movement or in the background to move the work forward with little or no recognition.
” Alicia Garza , one of the founders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She claims her “ leadership and work challenge the misconception that only cisgender Black men encounter police and state violence.
” Accordingly , in order to “ truly understand how devastating and widespread this type of violence is in Black America , we must view this epidemic through a lens of race , gender , sexual orientation , and gender identity.
” Not all Church leaders are as critical of the Black Lives Matter movement as Cardinal Napier and Bishop Strickland .
Bishop George Leo Thomas of the diocese of Las Vegas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , arguing that the Church “ holds that all life is sacred , from the moment of conception until natural death .
Under the banner of Catholic Social Teaching , we say with resounding voices , ‘ Yes !
Black Lives Matter !
’ ”

'The movement is being hijacked by the interests & parties committed to dismantling the very values, structure & institutions which have over the centuries undergird the best civilisations & cultures'
PETITION: Urge U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to defend Catholic heritage and statues! Sign the petition here.
July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – South African Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier strongly criticized the Black Lives Matter movement for its “dismantling” of civilizations and cultures.
Napier, himself a black man and archbishop of Durban on the South African coast, tweeted that a “ brief study of the founding statement of ‘Black Lives Matter’ indicates the movement is being hijacked by the interests & parties committed to dismantling the very values, structure & institutions which have over the centuries undergird the best civilisations & cultures!”
A brief study of the founding statement of “Black Lives Matter” indicates the movement is being hijacked by the interests & parties committed to dismantling the very values, structure & institutions which have over the centuries undergird the best civilisations & cultures! — Cardinal Napier (@CardinalNapier) July 4, 2020
After his original tweet on July 4, Napier followed up on the Black Lives Matter movement two days later. He said, “Another crucial test of the authenticity of the Black Lives Matter movement will be its stance vis a vis Planned Parenthood and the Abortion Industry!”
Napier added, “The same test applies when assessing the sincerity of those who voice thunderous condemnation against Domestic Violence, (erroneously called “Gender based Violence) as opposed to the absolute silence concerning Violence inflicted upon Babies in their mother’s womb!”
As pointed out by Illinois Right to Life, abortion center Planned Parenthood is actually a danger to the black community. Not only was Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger a racist. The organization also targets minority communities. Among the black community, the abortion giant is the leading cause of death.
“According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, there have been over 15.5 million abortions performed on African Americans,” Illinois Right to Life said. “These 15.5 million Black lives lost to abortion outnumber the deaths of Black people due to AIDS, violent crimes, accidents, cancer, and heart disease combined.”
US Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, also criticized the movement. Bishop Strickland talked about the platform of the Black Lives Matter movement, which contains several positions Catholics can in no way support. Linking to the movement’s website, he tweeted, “Please educate yourself on this!”
He then pointed out that Black Lives Matter’s statement of belief mentions two points “that are contrary to FAITH…#1 opposing the nuclear family (where is dad?) and #2 opposing God’s plan for sex as a union of male & female.”
“This agenda is DANGEROUS!” Strickland emphatically concluded.
Please educate yourself on this! Toward the end of this statement 2 points are made that are contrary to FAITH…#1 opposing the nuclear family (where is dad?) and #2 opposing God’s plan for sex as a union of male & female. This agenda is DANGEROUS! https://t.co/pkR4p034vg — Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) July 4, 2020
Black Lives Matter, according to its own website, wants to “disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and ‘villages’ that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable.”
The term “villages” likely refers to Hillary Clinton’s book “It Takes a Village,” the title of which was based on the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Clinton argued for society’s shared responsibility for successfully raising a child. Catholic Senator Rick Santorum eventually wrote a rebuttal, titled, “It Takes a Family.”
In addition to wanting to “disrupt” the traditional family, Black Lives Matter fosters “a queer‐affirming network. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking, or rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual (unless s/he or they disclose otherwise).”
The website’s section on “What We Believe” mentions transgenderism in several other places. “We make space for transgender brothers and sisters to participate and lead,” the movement stresses. “We are self-reflexive and do the work required to dismantle cisgender privilege and uplift Black trans folk, especially Black trans women who continue to be disproportionately impacted by trans-antagonistic violence.”
The term “cisgender” simply means that a person does not buy into gender ideology, but science, instead. In other words, a “cisgender” woman is a biological woman, and a “cisgender” man is a biological man.
The Black Lives Matter movement claims that liberation movements for black people “in this country have created room, space, and leadership mostly for Black heterosexual, cisgender men — leaving women, queer and transgender people, and others either out of the movement or in the background to move the work forward with little or no recognition.”
Alicia Garza, one of the founders, openly admits to being a homosexual. She claims her “leadership and work challenge the misconception that only cisgender Black men encounter police and state violence.” Accordingly, in order to “truly understand how devastating and widespread this type of violence is in Black America, we must view this epidemic through a lens of race, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”
Not all Church leaders are as critical of the Black Lives Matter movement as Cardinal Napier and Bishop Strickland.
Bishop George Leo Thomas of the diocese of Las Vegas had released a pastoral letter on June 10, arguing that the Church “holds that all life is sacred, from the moment of conception until natural death. Under the banner of Catholic Social Teaching, we say with resounding voices, ‘Yes! Black Lives Matter!’”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--UK High Court judge: Ban on religious services during lockdown may have been illegal

PETITION : Tell politicians not to discriminate against churches when reopening society !
Sign the petition here .
UNITED KINGDOM , July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A U.K. High Court judge has said that the decision to restrict religious services during the coronavirus lockdown may have been illegal .
According to a report by The Guardian Mr. Justice Lewis dismissed virtually every claim in a legal action challenging various restrictions of individual and civil liberties during the lockdown .
But Lewis allowed for a potential future challenge with regard to restrictions on churches , saying that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a future hearing related to restrictions on religious services.
” Lewis referenced a recent High Court hearing , in which a chairman of a mosque in the north of England had argued that it was disproportionate to ban religious services during lockdown .
The judge in that case said that he was “ satisfied that there is a sufficiently arguable case to grant permission to apply for judicial review.
” “ The courts had already concluded that it was arguable that the restrictions on use of a mosque for communal prayers was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by article 9 of the convention .
That issue was , therefore , to be the subject of a full hearing to determine if any interference as justified , ” Lewis said .
“ While it was similarly arguable that the restriction on communal worship in Roman Catholic churches may involve an unjustifiable interference with freedom of religion , that issue may have become academic in the light of amendments to the regulations which came into force with effect from 4 July .
The parties were therefore invited to make further submissions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In March , the Catholic bishops of England and Wales prohibited the celebration of public Masses before the lockdown came into force and , according to their own statement , played a crucial role themselves in convincing the government to require that churches be closed altogether .
Now that churches are allowed to open again the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales ( CBCEW ) has released guidance for the resumption of the public celebration of Mass , which includes members of the congregation wearing face coverings , only allowing Holy Communion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on congregational singing , and encouraging those who receive Communion to leave church immediately after Mass .
Last week the U.K. government published guidance “ for the safe use of places of worship from 4 July , ” which strongly advises that food or drink essential to services only be distributed into the hand .
The government ’ s guidance also strongly encourages faith communities to avoid singing at services and for face coverings to be worn .
The government ’ s guidance also outlines the possibility of how failure to adequately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these by local authorities could in some instances result in criminal prosecution and even prison sentences .
But when the government ’ s guidance was announced , a group of 25 U.K. Christian leaders , including Church of England bishop Michael Nazir-Ali , said that they will continue their legal challenge against the government enforced closure of churches during the lockdown .
“ Yesterday ’ s High Court ruling on places of worship is the second judgment in recent weeks to affirm that Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was possibly violated by the government ’ s coronavirus restrictions , ” Paul Huxley , Communications Manager for Christian Concern , told LifeSiteNews .
“ The ruling suggests that the point may now be academic with the government ’ s latest , more permissive regulations .
But this does not make the point – or our own legal challenge – moot .
Even with the restrictions eased , it is important that the courts protect the rights of Christians and churches from government overreach at a time when Christian freedoms are under increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open letter published in May , Catholic clergy led by former papal nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Cardinals Gerhard Ludwig Mueller , Joseph Zen , and Janis Pujats reminded politicians around the world that “ the state has no right to interfere , for any reason whatsoever , in the sovereignty of the church.
” “ This autonomy and freedom are an innate right that Our Lord Jesus Christ has given her for the pursuit of her proper ends .
For this reason , as Pastors we firmly assert the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mass and the Sacraments , just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction , such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments , ” the signatories stated .

PETITION: Tell politicians not to discriminate against churches when reopening society! Sign the petition here.
UNITED KINGDOM, July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A U.K. High Court judge has said that the decision to restrict religious services during the coronavirus lockdown may have been illegal.
According to a report by The Guardian Mr. Justice Lewis dismissed virtually every claim in a legal action challenging various restrictions of individual and civil liberties during the lockdown.
But Lewis allowed for a potential future challenge with regard to restrictions on churches, saying that “there might be an arguable case at a future hearing related to restrictions on religious services.”
Lewis referenced a recent High Court hearing, in which a chairman of a mosque in the north of England had argued that it was disproportionate to ban religious services during lockdown. The judge in that case said that he was “satisfied that there is a sufficiently arguable case to grant permission to apply for judicial review.”
“The courts had already concluded that it was arguable that the restrictions on use of a mosque for communal prayers was an interference with the freedom of religion guaranteed by article 9 of the convention. That issue was, therefore, to be the subject of a full hearing to determine if any interference as justified,” Lewis said.
“While it was similarly arguable that the restriction on communal worship in Roman Catholic churches may involve an unjustifiable interference with freedom of religion, that issue may have become academic in the light of amendments to the regulations which came into force with effect from 4 July. The parties were therefore invited to make further submissions on that issue,” he continued.
In March, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales prohibited the celebration of public Masses before the lockdown came into force and, according to their own statement, played a crucial role themselves in convincing the government to require that churches be closed altogether.
Now that churches are allowed to open again the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) has released guidance for the resumption of the public celebration of Mass, which includes members of the congregation wearing face coverings, only allowing Holy Communion in the hand while standing, a ban on congregational singing, and encouraging those who receive Communion to leave church immediately after Mass.
Last week the U.K. government published guidance “for the safe use of places of worship from 4 July,” which strongly advises that food or drink essential to services only be distributed into the hand. The government’s guidance also strongly encourages faith communities to avoid singing at services and for face coverings to be worn.
The government’s guidance also outlines the possibility of how failure to adequately comply with regulations and the enforcement of these by local authorities could in some instances result in criminal prosecution and even prison sentences.
But when the government’s guidance was announced, a group of 25 U.K. Christian leaders, including Church of England bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, said that they will continue their legal challenge against the government enforced closure of churches during the lockdown.
“Yesterday’s High Court ruling on places of worship is the second judgment in recent weeks to affirm that Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights is not only engaged, but that it was possibly violated by the government’s coronavirus restrictions,” Paul Huxley, Communications Manager for Christian Concern, told LifeSiteNews.
“The ruling suggests that the point may now be academic with the government’s latest, more permissive regulations. But this does not make the point – or our own legal challenge – moot. Even with the restrictions eased, it is important that the courts protect the rights of Christians and churches from government overreach at a time when Christian freedoms are under increasing pressure,” Huxley added.
In an open letter published in May, Catholic clergy led by former papal nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Cardinals Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, Joseph Zen, and Janis Pujats reminded politicians around the world that “the state has no right to interfere, for any reason whatsoever, in the sovereignty of the church.”
“This autonomy and freedom are an innate right that Our Lord Jesus Christ has given her for the pursuit of her proper ends. For this reason, as Pastors we firmly assert the right to decide autonomously on the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, just as we claim absolute autonomy in matters falling within our immediate jurisdiction, such as liturgical norms and ways of administering Communion and the Sacraments,” the signatories stated.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--Caribbean priest explains why art sometimes depicts the devil as black

July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The current controversy regarding the imaging of black people is as broad and as complex as any issue involving strong views , intense emotions or passionate ideological positions .
I wish specifically to address the views which evoke controversy on art depicting the devil as black .
It is important to understand that although the Church is flexible and accommodating in the manner in which she preaches the Gospel to the world , her faith and doctrine is always presented in precise theological language .
Based on each one ’ s individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , will grasp and articulate that faith in various concrete ways .
The faithful include artists , such as painters , sculptors , iconographers , musicians , all using their particular genius , talents and skills to exteriorise Christian ideas , their understanding of the faith or , the insights they possess .
Correspondingly , throughout the centuries , Churchmen have employed , sanctioned and supported various artists and craftsmen whose masterpieces grace the walls , windows and ceilings of our places of worship .
Art is the fruit of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on aesthetic principles .
It is the production of a work that is receivable by the senses .
Its primary task is to allow ideas to shine forth with a wholly new profundity and power and to manifest the ultimate secrets of reality .
The primary purpose of art is simply to present an idea : not to produce something .
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and , a given art piece may provoke reactions in viewers varying from wondering admiration to violent disgust .
One is reminded of casting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The artist can be compared to a seer who is able to penetrate the innermost depth of existence or , to a creator whose handiwork expresses his or her vision .
While artists can prostitute themselves , at the risk of self-degradation , the work produced can still be an expression of genius .
Equally , viewers can pervert themselves by denouncing a work of art as representing only what their own biases have projected on it rather than that which the artist actually intended .
At this point , I wish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am addressing only the particular issue of why the devil is depicted as black .
In Christian iconography , which varies from region to region , from age to age or from century to century , a different colour is used to represent a given virtue , vice , passion or person .
Thus , for instance , while blue is associated with Our Lady in late Western art , red is used in Eastern or Orthodox art .
In Western art , the use of any colour would be dependent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
The colour green could be used to signal new life , Eden and Paradise .
Red evokes a lover ’ s lips , Christ ’ s wounds , the flames of hell and the power of the Holy Spirit .
White denoting truth , purity , and perfection is also associated with death .
Blue is linked to the divine .
However , it can also stand for something that is unusual and potentially dangerous .
Colour is a marker of difference and distinction .
Its monetary and symbolic values can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garments of particular shades indicate status , occupation and religious or political affiliations .
The colour of a monk ’ s habit indicate his order , stately robes and academic gowns are of a certain colour and hue , lawyers usually wear black robes and people at a political rally proudly wear their party colour .
Colour not only influences how individuals are perceived by others but , also , expresses personal beliefs and aspirations .
Colour , attributed to particular vices or virtues , translates into language .
We say ‘ green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rage ’ , ‘ seeing red ’ , ‘ yellow belly ’ for cowards , ‘ red-blooded ’ for courage or ‘ blue-blooded ’ for royalty .
A white flag represents surrender , a ‘ golden opportunity ’ should never be missed , a grey area indicates uncertainty .
We wait for the green light , watch for a blue moon , hate red tape ’ , dress elegantly for the black tie , love to be tickled pink and create white lies to cover our butts .
It is shallow , therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the devil painted black is a psychological instrument of racism , let alone , a motive to denigrate black people .
Artists will create or produce works of art but have no control over the viewer ’ s interpretation .
However , although the viewer is free to express an opinion regarding any work of art , it is unfair to the artist when viewers express their own subjective perspective so that the artist ’ s intention is completely lost .
The statue of St. Michael defeating Satan is well-known .
It originates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century painting by the Italian artist , Marco d ’ Oggiono ( 1470 – 1549 ) and , there are similar paintings by Giudo Reni ( 1575 – 1642 ) , Peter Paul Rubens ( 1577-1640 ) , Giuseppe Marullo ( 1610-85 ) , Luka Giordano ( 1634-1705 ) , and William Blake ( 1757-1827 ) , to name a few .
In none of these is the devil painted black .
In many famous paintings , Satan is depicted in the following colours : In Giotto ’ s ( 1300s ) “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pieter Bruegel ( 1500s ) “ Fall of the Rebel Angels ” he is brown ; Michael Pacher ( 1400s ) he is green ; in William Blake he is red and in Michaelangelo ’ s ( 1400s ) “ Temptation and Expulsion from the Garden ” , painted for the Sistine Chapel , he is white .
Interestingly , enough , female devils are always painted white .
Yes , the devil has been depicted as black but , then , so has our Blessed Lady whom God himself said would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The question arises , ‘ Why are two opposing persons depicted by the same colour ?
’ To answer that question , we need to return to the mind of the artist and ask what theological idea or truth did he or she intend to portray .
Black is a “ colour ” that absorbs light and reflects nothing , that is , it takes everything and gives nothing in return .
This phenomenon characterizes the epitome of evil .
It indicates that God ’ s gifts are received and nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talents .
It is much like the Dead Sea which receives the life-giving waters of the River Jordan but , having no exit , it keeps the waters for itself .
Hence , its water is black and dead .
Lucifer , whose name means “ light bearer ” , was given a plenitude of natural gifts but falling in love with himself , he declared his “ non serviam ” and , while retaining his gifts , became darkness itself ( Gen. 1:4 ) .
In depicting him as black , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed , while his cunning , mendacious and malice are reflected when he is painted white .
In the case of Blessed Virgin Mary , between four to five hundred , depending on classification , Black Madonnas can be found in Europe : Our Lady of Luxembourg , of Bistrica , Croatia , of Montserrat , Spain , of Czestochowa , Poland , of Mayfield , England , of Good Deliverance , Paris , France , of Altotting , Germany , of Vilnius , Lithuania , of Nazare , Portugal and of Loreto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Lady articulate the cry from the biblical Canticle of Canticles ( 1:5-6 ) and “ Nigra Sum ” : that is “ I am black but beautiful… ” Yet , in her many apparitions , Our Lady often adopts the similitude of the locality , such as an Aztec Indian in Mexico ( 1531 ) , a Queen at La Salette ( 1846 ) , a young girl at Lourdes ( 1858 ) , a queen mother at Rue du Bac ( 1830 ) , an Indian woman at Vailankanni ( 1500s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt ( 1968 ) , an African woman in Kibeho , Rwanda ( 1981 ) , a Chinese woman in Donglu ( 1900 ) , a Columbian in Las Lajas , Columbia ( 1754 ) , a Filipina at Manaoag in the Philippines ( 1610 ) .
As a race , especially in this hemisphere , we have suffered and are suffering , because our race is called black and there exist a colour also called black which is being narrow-mindedly viewed from a negative perspective .
These negative perspectives stem not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other and from black leaders , both secular and religious , who take advantage of the masses encouraging them to wallow in pity pots of fabrication that someone out there is causing them oppression because they are black .
Again , let me stress that I am answering the question from only one perspective and in no way wish to minimise or deny that our people have and are suffering greatly from systems , biases , bigots and racists .
After all , black , like any other colour , remains a colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painted black , blue , green or white , is absolutely immaterial .
What is required for the advancement of the human race are men and women of integrity who live heroic lives and , are worthy of emulation .
This means that we , as human beings , must all conform to the divine precept of loving our neighbour as ourselves .
In this way , we will image Him who is the image of the Unseen God ( Col.1:15 ) , who being pure spirit , is unbounded by colour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ striking images in this ‘ Mirror of Sinners ’ , a poem on death and damnation , exploit the multiple meanings of colours .
Crawling with maggots , a corpse lies on the ground , cocooned in a white shroud .
Standing nearby is the author of the text , dressed in a black robe .
Here , white signals death and decay , while black is a sign of learning and authority .
Having left the body , the airborne Soul represented by a naked figure is assaulted by demons .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the blood-red cloud , a portent of the fiery depths of Hell .

PETITION: Urge U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference to defend Catholic heritage and statues! Sign the petition here.
July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The current controversy regarding the imaging of black people is as broad and as complex as any issue involving strong views, intense emotions or passionate ideological positions. I wish specifically to address the views which evoke controversy on art depicting the devil as black.
It is important to understand that although the Church is flexible and accommodating in the manner in which she preaches the Gospel to the world, her faith and doctrine is always presented in precise theological language. Based on each one’s individual ability (Mt.25:15), the faithful, however, will grasp and articulate that faith in various concrete ways. The faithful include artists, such as painters, sculptors, iconographers, musicians, all using their particular genius, talents and skills to exteriorise Christian ideas, their understanding of the faith or, the insights they possess. Correspondingly, throughout the centuries, Churchmen have employed, sanctioned and supported various artists and craftsmen whose masterpieces grace the walls, windows and ceilings of our places of worship.
Art is the fruit of an outstanding ability to produce a piece based on aesthetic principles. It is the production of a work that is receivable by the senses. Its primary task is to allow ideas to shine forth with a wholly new profundity and power and to manifest the ultimate secrets of reality. The primary purpose of art is simply to present an idea: not to produce something. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, a given art piece may provoke reactions in viewers varying from wondering admiration to violent disgust. One is reminded of casting pearls before swine (Mt.7:6).
The artist can be compared to a seer who is able to penetrate the innermost depth of existence or, to a creator whose handiwork expresses his or her vision. While artists can prostitute themselves, at the risk of self-degradation, the work produced can still be an expression of genius. Equally, viewers can pervert themselves by denouncing a work of art as representing only what their own biases have projected on it rather than that which the artist actually intended.
At this point, I wish, again, to make it clear that I am addressing only the particular issue of why the devil is depicted as black.
In Christian iconography, which varies from region to region, from age to age or from century to century, a different colour is used to represent a given virtue, vice, passion or person. Thus, for instance, while blue is associated with Our Lady in late Western art, red is used in Eastern or Orthodox art. In Western art, the use of any colour would be dependent on the period, the nation or the region. The colour green could be used to signal new life, Eden and Paradise. Red evokes a lover’s lips, Christ’s wounds, the flames of hell and the power of the Holy Spirit. White denoting truth, purity, and perfection is also associated with death. Blue is linked to the divine. However, it can also stand for something that is unusual and potentially dangerous. Colour is a marker of difference and distinction. Its monetary and symbolic values can reflect social hierarchy and moral norms. Garments of particular shades indicate status, occupation and religious or political affiliations. The colour of a monk’s habit indicate his order, stately robes and academic gowns are of a certain colour and hue, lawyers usually wear black robes and people at a political rally proudly wear their party colour. Colour not only influences how individuals are perceived by others but, also, expresses personal beliefs and aspirations.
Colour, attributed to particular vices or virtues, translates into language. We say ‘green with envy’, ‘black with rage’, ‘seeing red’, ‘yellow belly’ for cowards, ‘red-blooded’ for courage or ‘blue-blooded’ for royalty. A white flag represents surrender, a ‘golden opportunity’ should never be missed, a grey area indicates uncertainty. We wait for the green light, watch for a blue moon, hate red tape’, dress elegantly for the black tie, love to be tickled pink and create white lies to cover our butts.
It is shallow, therefore, to say the least, that the devil painted black is a psychological instrument of racism, let alone, a motive to denigrate black people. Artists will create or produce works of art but have no control over the viewer’s interpretation. However, although the viewer is free to express an opinion regarding any work of art, it is unfair to the artist when viewers express their own subjective perspective so that the artist’s intention is completely lost.
The statue of St. Michael defeating Satan is well-known. It originates, in fact, from a 16th century painting by the Italian artist, Marco d’Oggiono (1470 – 1549) and, there are similar paintings by Giudo Reni (1575 – 1642), Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), Giuseppe Marullo (1610-85), Luka Giordano (1634-1705), and William Blake(1757-1827), to name a few. In none of these is the devil painted black. In many famous paintings, Satan is depicted in the following colours: In Giotto’s (1300s) “Last Judgement” he is blue; in Pieter Bruegel (1500s)“Fall of the Rebel Angels” he is brown; Michael Pacher (1400s) he is green; in William Blake he is red and in Michaelangelo’s (1400s) “Temptation and Expulsion from the Garden”, painted for the Sistine Chapel, he is white. Interestingly, enough, female devils are always painted white. Yes, the devil has been depicted as black but, then, so has our Blessed Lady whom God himself said would crush the head of Satan (Gen.3:15).
The question arises, ‘Why are two opposing persons depicted by the same colour?’ To answer that question, we need to return to the mind of the artist and ask what theological idea or truth did he or she intend to portray.
Black is a “colour” that absorbs light and reflects nothing, that is, it takes everything and gives nothing in return. This phenomenon characterizes the epitome of evil. It indicates that God’s gifts are received and nothing is returned as in the parable of talents. It is much like the Dead Sea which receives the life-giving waters of the River Jordan but, having no exit, it keeps the waters for itself. Hence, its water is black and dead. Lucifer, whose name means “light bearer”, was given a plenitude of natural gifts but falling in love with himself, he declared his “non serviam” and, while retaining his gifts, became darkness itself (Gen. 1:4). In depicting him as black, his egotistical character and his self-absorption is being stressed, while his cunning, mendacious and malice are reflected when he is painted white.
In the case of Blessed Virgin Mary, between four to five hundred, depending on classification, Black Madonnas can be found in Europe: Our Lady of Luxembourg, of Bistrica, Croatia, of Montserrat, Spain, of Czestochowa, Poland, of Mayfield, England, of Good Deliverance, Paris, France, of Altotting, Germany, of Vilnius, Lithuania, of Nazare, Portugal and of Loreto, Italy. These black depictions of Our Lady articulate the cry from the biblical Canticle of Canticles (1:5-6) and “Nigra Sum”: that is “I am black but beautiful…” Yet, in her many apparitions, Our Lady often adopts the similitude of the locality, such as an Aztec Indian in Mexico (1531), a Queen at La Salette (1846), a young girl at Lourdes (1858), a queen mother at Rue du Bac (1830), an Indian woman at Vailankanni (1500s), an Egyptian in Zeitoun in Egypt (1968), an African woman in Kibeho, Rwanda (1981), a Chinese woman in Donglu (1900), a Columbian in Las Lajas, Columbia (1754), a Filipina at Manaoag in the Philippines (1610).
As a race, especially in this hemisphere, we have suffered and are suffering, because our race is called black and there exist a colour also called black which is being narrow-mindedly viewed from a negative perspective. These negative perspectives stem not only from the system but also from each other and from black leaders, both secular and religious, who take advantage of the masses encouraging them to wallow in pity pots of fabrication that someone out there is causing them oppression because they are black. Again, let me stress that I am answering the question from only one perspective and in no way wish to minimise or deny that our people have and are suffering greatly from systems, biases, bigots and racists. After all, black, like any other colour, remains a colour.
And, whether the devil is painted black, blue, green or white, is absolutely immaterial. What is required for the advancement of the human race are men and women of integrity who live heroic lives and, are worthy of emulation. This means that we, as human beings, must all conform to the divine precept of loving our neighbour as ourselves. In this way, we will image Him who is the image of the Unseen God (Col.1:15), who being pure spirit, is unbounded by colour.
Note about photo at top: The striking images in this ‘Mirror of Sinners’, a poem on death and damnation, exploit the multiple meanings of colours. Crawling with maggots, a corpse lies on the ground, cocooned in a white shroud. Standing nearby is the author of the text, dressed in a black robe. Here, white signals death and decay, while black is a sign of learning and authority. Having left the body, the airborne Soul represented by a naked figure is assaulted by demons. The Soul’s pale flesh stands out against the blood-red cloud, a portent of the fiery depths of Hell.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--Abortion clinics, advocacy orgs raked in millions from gov’t COVID-19 relief

PETITION : Demand Planned Parenthood return $ 80M improperly taken from coronavirus emergency fund !
Sign the petition here .
July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Trump administration released a list of businesses Monday that received more than $ 150,000 in federal loans meant to compensate for the financial hardships of COVID-19 restrictions , revealing in the process that tax dollars went to multiple national pro-abortion organizations and independent abortion facilities .
The U.S. Treasury Department and federal Small Business Administration ( SBA ) made the disclosure in response to lawmaker inquiries about the Paycheck Protection Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 2 trillion CARES Act legislation enacted this spring , CNBC reports .
The program was meant to help businesses with fewer than 500 employees weather the costs of forced indefinite shutdowns imposed by most states in the name of public health .
The full list of loan recipients reveals that no less than 43 Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country received loans of at least $ 150,000 , with many being much higher .
Sixteen received loans in the $ 1-2 million range , sixteen in the $ 2-5 million range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range , and eight in the $ 350-1 million range .
Taken together , the total Planned Parenthood affiliates received from PPP was somewhere between $ 65.8 million and $ 135 million .
Other pro-abortion organizations cashed in as well , including groups lacking even the pretense of Planned Parenthood ’ s non-abortion services : the National Network of Abortion Funds ( $ 350,000 - $ 1 million ) , National Abortion Federation ( $ 350,000 - $ 1 million ) , and NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation ( $ 350 - $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chains in Illinois , Maine , Michigan , Texas , and Virginia also received loans ranging from $ 150,000 to $ 1 million .
It was previously known that 37 Planned Parenthood Federation of America ( PFFA ) affiliates had obtained $ 80 million in PPP loans , with the SBA notifying them back in May they were ineligible and had to return the money , and would face more “ severe penalties ” than just repayment , such as criminal or civil punishment , if they were found to have knowingly made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ An investigation into how Planned Parenthood was awarded these funds over the intent of the members who voted for it appears warranted , ” Conservative Partnership Institute senior policy director Rachel Bovard told NBC News , noting that Republican lawmakers who supported the CARES Act expected the SBA to deem Planned Parenthood affiliates ineligible .
Regardless , many pro-lifers feared this was inevitable as soon as Congress undertook the task of putting together a spending package for COVID-19 relief .
Planned Parenthood killed 345,672 preborn children last year while receiving more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , $ 430 million in private revenue , and $ 591 million in charitable contributions .
This year , the abortion giant prepared a $ 5 million campaign to bombard election battleground states with advertising against state efforts to suspend elective abortions as part of COVID-19 emergency measures .

Planned Parenthood was not the only abortion organization to benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
PETITION: Demand Planned Parenthood return $80M improperly taken from coronavirus emergency fund! Sign the petition here.
July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Trump administration released a list of businesses Monday that received more than $150,000 in federal loans meant to compensate for the financial hardships of COVID-19 restrictions, revealing in the process that tax dollars went to multiple national pro-abortion organizations and independent abortion facilities.
The U.S. Treasury Department and federal Small Business Administration (SBA) made the disclosure in response to lawmaker inquiries about the Paycheck Protection Program, (PPP), created by the $2 trillion CARES Act legislation enacted this spring, CNBC reports. The program was meant to help businesses with fewer than 500 employees weather the costs of forced indefinite shutdowns imposed by most states in the name of public health.
The full list of loan recipients reveals that no less than 43 Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country received loans of at least $150,000, with many being much higher. Sixteen received loans in the $1-2 million range, sixteen in the $2-5 million range, three in the $5-10 million range, and eight in the $350-1 million range.
Taken together, the total Planned Parenthood affiliates received from PPP was somewhere between $65.8 million and $135 million.
Other pro-abortion organizations cashed in as well, including groups lacking even the pretense of Planned Parenthood’s non-abortion services: the National Network of Abortion Funds ($350,000 – $1 million), National Abortion Federation ($350,000 – $1 million), and NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation ($350 – $1 million). Independent abortion centers and chains in Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Texas, and Virginia also received loans ranging from $150,000 to $1 million.
It was previously known that 37 Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PFFA) affiliates had obtained $80 million in PPP loans, with the SBA notifying them back in May they were ineligible and had to return the money, and would face more “severe penalties” than just repayment, such as criminal or civil punishment, if they were found to have knowingly made false statements on their loan applications.
“An investigation into how Planned Parenthood was awarded these funds over the intent of the members who voted for it appears warranted,” Conservative Partnership Institute senior policy director Rachel Bovard told NBC News, noting that Republican lawmakers who supported the CARES Act expected the SBA to deem Planned Parenthood affiliates ineligible.
Regardless, many pro-lifers feared this was inevitable as soon as Congress undertook the task of putting together a spending package for COVID-19 relief.
Planned Parenthood killed 345,672 preborn children last year while receiving more than $616 million from the federal government, $430 million in private revenue, and $591 million in charitable contributions. This year, the abortion giant prepared a $5 million campaign to bombard election battleground states with advertising against state efforts to suspend elective abortions as part of COVID-19 emergency measures.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--North Carolina gov’t website crashes due to influx of parents filing to homeschool

RALEIGH , North Carolina , July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The increasing willingness of parents in North Carolina to homeschool their children has led to the online system for filing a Notice of Intent to Establish a Home School being temporarily overwhelmed .
“ The system is not currently available due to an overwhelming submission of Notices of Intent ( NOI ) , ” the website explained to visitors in the evening hours of July 1 .
“ It will be back online as soon as possible , ” stated the North Carolina Department of Administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belongs .
“ We apologize for any inconvenience as we work to process NOIs as quickly as possible.
” Robert Bortins , CEO of Classical Conversations , an organization active within the homeschooling movement , told North State Journal , “ Families are uncertain if the public schools will be able to serve their families needs for school this fall .
The pandemic schooling at home gave them the opportunity to see that they could homeschool , and now they are choosing to do it intentionally.
” According to North Carolinians for Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 90,000 homeschooling families in the state last school year ( 2018-2019 ) , which amounts to more than 226,000 students .
By comparison , in early 1988 , “ there were about 1046 homeschools in North Carolina .
When NCHE convinced the NC General Assembly to pass a favorable homeschool law that was ratified on June 20 , 1988 , the number of homeschools began to grow rapidly.
” In the first year , “ the NC homeschool community had experienced a phenomenal 32 % increase in numbers to 1,385 homeschools .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Carolina has grown at an annual compound growth rate of more that 16 % .
” According to the Home School Legal Defense Association ( HSLDA ) , public schools across the United States are making it harder for parents to withdraw their children from those schools amid the coronavirus pandemic .
As HSLDA ’ s Thomas J. Schmidt , a lawyer , told Fox News in May , many parents are “ shocked ” to find they can not simply take their children out of public schools .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in Florida , ” Schmidt said .
“ But I ’ ve had numerous parents in a couple of different counties told , ‘ we ’ re not allowed to withdraw students right now ’ … They ’ re trying to hold onto these students.
” “ We see this across the country , ” the lawyer added .
“ I ’ ve had school officials attempt to prevent or dissuade parents from pulling their kids out.
” Schmidt pointed out “ two main reasons ” for public schools making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from school .
On the one hand , “ school officials are fearful of losing too many students to homeschooling , ” which causes school districts to also lose money .
“ Traditionally , public schools are funded based on their total student enrollment , ” the Washington Post explained .
Factoring in various types of funding , Utah spends about $ 7,000 per student , whereas New York , as the most costly state , spends more than $ 22,000 .
For public schools , a lot of money is involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Schmidt for not processing the paperwork necessary to get out of public school “ is perhaps a staffing issue , just a lacking staffing issue to process these withdrawals.
” He clarified that it is “ not always an issue of trying to stop parents from homeschooling but there is a significant part of that involved.
” In North Carolina , parents have to notify the state of their intent to operate a home school , including the name of the school , and the name of the chief administrator , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HSLDA as a state with moderate regulation in terms of homeschooling , families need to maintain attendance records and immunization records for each student .
They are also required to have “ a regular schedule , excluding reasonable holidays and vacations , during at least nine calendar months of the year , ” NCHE summarized .
Students need to take “ a nationally standardized test , or other equivalent measurement , that measures achievement in the areas of English grammar , reading , spelling , and math , to every student each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file for one year , subject to inspection by a duly authorized representative of the State.
” As reported by the Raleigh News & Observer , North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper , a Democrat , “ delayed his decision Wednesday on whether schools should reopen this fall under minimal social distancing , moderate social distancing or with remote learning only.
” Meanwhile , schools in Wake County , where the capital of Raleigh is located , are determined to reopen “ in August at one-third capacity , with students rotating in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless the state allows looser social distancing requirements .
”

Parents in North Carolina temporarily overwhelmed the online system for filing a Notice of Intent to Establish a Home School.
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The increasing willingness of parents in North Carolina to homeschool their children has led to the online system for filing a Notice of Intent to Establish a Home School being temporarily overwhelmed. “The system is not currently available due to an overwhelming submission of Notices of Intent (NOI),” the website explained to visitors in the evening hours of July 1.
“It will be back online as soon as possible,” stated the North Carolina Department of Administration, to which the Division of Non-Public Education belongs. “We apologize for any inconvenience as we work to process NOIs as quickly as possible.”
Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, an organization active within the homeschooling movement, told North State Journal, “Families are uncertain if the public schools will be able to serve their families needs for school this fall. The pandemic schooling at home gave them the opportunity to see that they could homeschool, and now they are choosing to do it intentionally.”
According to North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE), there were over 90,000 homeschooling families in the state last school year (2018-2019), which amounts to more than 226,000 students.
By comparison, in early 1988, “there were about 1046 homeschools in North Carolina. When NCHE convinced the NC General Assembly to pass a favorable homeschool law that was ratified on June 20, 1988, the number of homeschools began to grow rapidly.”
In the first year, “the NC homeschool community had experienced a phenomenal 32% increase in numbers to 1,385 homeschools. Since then, the number of homeschools in North Carolina has grown at an annual compound growth rate of more that 16%.”
According to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), public schools across the United States are making it harder for parents to withdraw their children from those schools amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As HSLDA’s Thomas J. Schmidt, a lawyer, told Fox News in May, many parents are “shocked” to find they cannot simply take their children out of public schools.
“The most egregious situations I’ve had have been in Florida,” Schmidt said. “But I’ve had numerous parents in a couple of different counties told, ‘we’re not allowed to withdraw students right now’ … They’re trying to hold onto these students.”
“We see this across the country,” the lawyer added. “I’ve had school officials attempt to prevent or dissuade parents from pulling their kids out.”
Schmidt pointed out “two main reasons” for public schools making it harder for parents to withdraw their children from school.
On the one hand, “school officials are fearful of losing too many students to homeschooling,” which causes school districts to also lose money.
“Traditionally, public schools are funded based on their total student enrollment,” the Washington Post explained.
Factoring in various types of funding, Utah spends about $7,000 per student, whereas New York, as the most costly state, spends more than $22,000. For public schools, a lot of money is involved in losing students.
The second reason given by Schmidt for not processing the paperwork necessary to get out of public school “is perhaps a staffing issue, just a lacking staffing issue to process these withdrawals.”
He clarified that it is “not always an issue of trying to stop parents from homeschooling but there is a significant part of that involved.”
In North Carolina, parents have to notify the state of their intent to operate a home school, including the name of the school, and the name of the chief administrator, which generally is a parent.
Categorized by the HSLDA as a state with moderate regulation in terms of homeschooling, families need to maintain attendance records and immunization records for each student. They are also required to have “a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations, during at least nine calendar months of the year,” NCHE summarized.
Students need to take “a nationally standardized test, or other equivalent measurement, that measures achievement in the areas of English grammar, reading, spelling, and math, to every student each year, and maintain the results on file for one year, subject to inspection by a duly authorized representative of the State.”
As reported by the Raleigh News & Observer, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, “delayed his decision Wednesday on whether schools should reopen this fall under minimal social distancing, moderate social distancing or with remote learning only.”
Meanwhile, schools in Wake County, where the capital of Raleigh is located, are determined to reopen “in August at one-third capacity, with students rotating in and out of campus on a weekly basis, unless the state allows looser social distancing requirements.”
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--When we sin we rebel against God

When we sin we rebel against God

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

To help keep this and other programs on the air, please donate here.
Watch Mother Miriam's Live aired on June 24, 2020 and re-aired on 7.7.2020. In today’s episode, Mother speaks about the harmfulness of sin and the need for Catholic families to be heroic.
You can tune in daily at 10 am EST/7 am PST on our Facebook Page.
Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live here.


lifesitenews--2020-07-07--Navy bans sailors from attending Mass, defying President Trump’s orders

The U.S. Navy has issued a directive than bans its members from attending 'indoor religious services . '
However , @ @ @ @ @ to use mass transit , host social gatherings of any size , and participate in @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , has already declared churches to be essential during the coronavirus outbreak .
The @ @ @ @ @ suing the Navy , citing infringement on religious freedom .

The U.S. Navy has issued a directive than bans its members from attending 'indoor religious services.' However, the order still allows them to use mass transit, host social gatherings of any size, and participate in protests. President Trump, meanwhile, has already declared churches to be essential during the coronavirus outbreak. The First Liberty law firm is suing the Navy, citing infringement on religious freedom.
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

Join our daily worldwide rosary HERE

July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the crisis unfolding in our world and in the Church , LifeSite is offering Catholics throughout the world a chance to be united daily in prayer , in the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade .
Catholics from all over the world—from Israel , Uganda , Italy , France , Germany , Ireland , Pakistan , Singapore , the Philippines , India , Indonesia , Australia , New Zealand , Thailand , the United Kingdom , the U.S. , Canada , Brazil , and other countries—are gathering daily to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Pillari , J.C.L.
, an American priest currently studying in Italy .
Our goal is , by means of this daily rosary and by embracing and living out the message given by the Virgin Mary at Fatima , the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
To help obtain that goal , Bishop Athanasius Schneider graciously composed the following prayer for this worldwide rosary crusade : O Immaculate Heart of Mary , you are the holy Mother of God and our tender Mother .
Look upon the distress in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are living because of the spread of materialism and the persecution of the Church .
In Fatima you warned against these errors , as you spoke about the errors of Russia .
You are the Mediatrix of all graces .
Implore your Divine Son to grant this special grace for the Pope : that he might consecrate Russia to your Immaculate Heart , so that Russia will be converted , a period of peace will be granted to the world , and your Immaculate Heart will triumph , through an authentic renewal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purity of the Catholic Faith , of the sacredness of Divine worship and of the holiness of the Christian life .
O Queen of the holy Rosary and our sweet Mother , turn your merciful eyes to us and graciously hear this our trusting prayer .
Amen .
+ Athanasius Schneider , Auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana To learn more about the urgency of responding to Our Lady ’ s message at Fatima , and about what you can do , please read Cardinal Burke ’ s 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //voiceofthefamily.com/full-text-cardinal-burkes-historic-call-for-consecration-of-russia/ ) .
As St. Padre Pio once said , “ The rosary is the weapon for these times.
” Through prayer , God can shape history , change the world , and bring about a great time of renewal and peace for the Church and for the world , through the triumph of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Heart .
Join us today !
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

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

CLARKS SUMMIT , Pennsylvania , July 7 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― The founder of a social messaging website dedicated to freedom of speech says a credit card company has made it impossible for him or his wife to take credit card payments .
Andrew Torba , the founder of Gab , an alternative to Twitter , told LifeSiteNews that this is not the first time he has faced “ targeted persecution ” and “ industry blacklisting.
” “ Our app is banned by both Apple and Google , ” Torba said via email .
“ We are banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coinbase , Bitpay , and many other popular payment processors .
We are banned from many popular hosting providers such as Amazon AWS.
” Torba published an article in late June alleging that Visa had blacklisted not only his company , but him and his wife .
“ We were told this week that not only is Gab blacklisted by Visa as a business , but my personal name , phone number , address , and more are all also blacklisted by Visa .
If I wanted to leave Gab tomorrow ( something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and start a lemonade stand I wouldn ’ t be able to obtain merchant processing for it , ” he wrote .
Torba added that if his wife wanted to start a business , she would n't be able to obtain merchant processing because she lives at Torba ’ s address and therefore “ would be flagged by Visa.
” The entrepreneur told LifeSiteNews on Friday that he “ can ’ t share much more detail ” because he and his wife are seeking legal advice .
He underscored that his company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the First Amendment of the American Constitution .
“ We aim to conserve those rights online and to export the freedom of speech to billions of people around the world who do not have the legal blessing that is the first amendment , ” he wrote .
“ We also have common-sense rules : no illegal activity , no threats of violence , no sharing someone else 's personal information , and no pornography.
” Torba describes himself on his Gab profile as “ a Christian , a husband , a father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of @ gab , ” including the scriptural verse “ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen .
Hebrews 11:1.
” The sentiments on Gab , however , are often contrary to Christianity .
Users take advantage of Torba ’ s free-speech philosophy to post racist , anti-Semitic , and pro-fascist messages .
One recent post introduced with a racial slur a shocking video of a black woman shooting a black man in the head .
( The man , Devyn Holmes of Houston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women to have sexual relations only with black men .
Another recent post is by a woman hoping to join a White Nationalist chat group .
At the same time , Gab provides chat groups for people interested in Catholicism , rural issues , homeschooling , and breaking news among other themes .
Gab also protects sensitive viewers to a certain extent : the shooting of Devyn Holmes by Cassandra Damper was hidden under the warning “ The following media includes potentially sensitive content.
” Torba was also criticized by a Gab user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Socialist — i.e.
, Nazi ) groups from his website .
“ Torba cries about cencorship [ sic ] yet does it himself , ” said the user , a Hitler fan calling himself AddictedtoRedPills .
Gab ’ s founder told LifeSiteNews that the company doesn ’ t allow users free rein .
“ We take action against groups and users who repeatedly violate our community guidelines , ” Torba explained .
“ We enforce these guidelines equally regardless of political affiliation , ” he continued .
“ While we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence and other illegal activity are not protected by the First Amendment and therefore not protected on Gab.
” The entrepreneur flagged a different totalitarian regime when he described Visa ’ s interference with his ability to do business : the People ’ s Republic of China .
“ In China there is something called the Social Credit System , which was developed by the Communist Chinese Party as a ‘ national reputation system , ’ ” Torba wrote .
“ This system tracks the ‘ trustworthiness ’ of individuals , businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means total and complete submission to the Chinese Communist Party .
If the Communist Party deems you to be untrustworthy , you are denied access to plane tickets , train tickets , opening and operating businesses , and more , ” he continued .
“ To most Americans , this sounds horrifying , and it is .
I now know from first-hand experience because this social credit system exists in the United States.
” Torba added that although the U.S. government doesn ’ t endorse this system , it is used by American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways more power , data , and control over our lives than our government does.
” “ Many of these corporations also happen to be endorsing and raising money for communist organizations , revolutionaries , and the domestic terrorists burning down our cities , ” he alleged .
Torba stressed that Gab does not violate the law .
A statement for the company said it tries to appeal to people of all backgrounds and does not endorse hate speech .
“ From its inception , Gab has been committed to appealing to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuasions who support the free flow of information , ” the company wrote .
“ ...
Anyone is welcome to express themselves on Gab.
” “ Of course Gab does not advocate hate speech .
In fact , Gab terms state that it ‘ treats all people with respect and dignity , regardless of their background , origins and point of view , ’ ” it continued .
“ But while Gab prohibits rhetoric that advocates violence or illegal activity and allows users to block hateful speech , Gab does not forbid any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleges that Visa is taking extraordinary measures to interfere with Gab ’ s ability to take payment for its clothing merchandise and subscriptions to extra features on the website .
“ We were told that Visa has someone camping on our website watching our payment processing , ” the founder wrote .
“ As soon as we get a new processor up they find out who it is on their end and contact them .
They tell the processor that Gab is flagged for ‘ illegal activity ’ and if they do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heavily fined , ” he wrote .
“ When the processor inquires about this alleged ‘ illegal activity , ” Visa tells them that Gab has been flagged for ‘ hate speech.
’ ” However , hate speech is not a crime in the USA , and all opinions are protected by the First Amendment , Torba asserted .
He doesn ’ t recognize “ hate speech ” as a defined concept .
Torba expressed worry that Christians will suffer if something is not done to stop this form of corporate harassment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States are coming for us all , ” he wrote .
“ It ’ s only a matter of time before the Bible is labeled as ‘ hate speech ’ and churches start to experience what I am going through right now.
” LifeSiteNews reached out to Visa for a statement but has not yet received a reply .
To make your views on the corporate attack on free speech respectfully known to the Department of Justice , please contact :

Andrew Torba, the founder of Gab, an alternative to Twitter, told LifeSiteNews that this is not the first time he has faced 'targeted persecution' and 'industry blacklisting.'
CLARKS SUMMIT, Pennsylvania, July 7, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― The founder of a social messaging website dedicated to freedom of speech says a credit card company has made it impossible for him or his wife to take credit card payments.
Andrew Torba, the founder of Gab, an alternative to Twitter, told LifeSiteNews that this is not the first time he has faced “targeted persecution” and “industry blacklisting.”
“Our app is banned by both Apple and Google,” Torba said via email.
“We are banned from PayPal, Stripe, Square, Coinbase, Bitpay, and many other popular payment processors. We are banned from many popular hosting providers such as Amazon AWS.”
Torba published an article in late June alleging that Visa had blacklisted not only his company, but him and his wife.
“We were told this week that not only is Gab blacklisted by Visa as a business, but my personal name, phone number, address, and more are all also blacklisted by Visa. If I wanted to leave Gab tomorrow (something that isn’t going to happen) and start a lemonade stand I wouldn’t be able to obtain merchant processing for it,” he wrote.
Torba added that if his wife wanted to start a business, she wouldn't be able to obtain merchant processing because she lives at Torba’s address and therefore “would be flagged by Visa.”
The entrepreneur told LifeSiteNews on Friday that he “can’t share much more detail” because he and his wife are seeking legal advice. He underscored that his company defends all political speech as protected by the First Amendment of the American Constitution.
“We aim to conserve those rights online and to export the freedom of speech to billions of people around the world who do not have the legal blessing that is the first amendment,” he wrote.
“We also have common-sense rules: no illegal activity, no threats of violence, no sharing someone else's personal information, and no pornography.”
Torba describes himself on his Gab profile as “a Christian, a husband, a father, a proud American, and the CEO of @gab,” including the scriptural verse “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.”
The sentiments on Gab, however, are often contrary to Christianity. Users take advantage of Torba’s free-speech philosophy to post racist, anti-Semitic, and pro-fascist messages. One recent post introduced with a racial slur a shocking video of a black woman shooting a black man in the head. (The man, Devyn Holmes of Houston, survived.) Another encourages white women to have sexual relations only with black men. Another recent post is by a woman hoping to join a White Nationalist chat group.
At the same time, Gab provides chat groups for people interested in Catholicism, rural issues, homeschooling, and breaking news among other themes.
Gab also protects sensitive viewers to a certain extent: the shooting of Devyn Holmes by Cassandra Damper was hidden under the warning “The following media includes potentially sensitive content.” Torba was also criticized by a Gab user for removing “NatSoc” (National Socialist — i.e., Nazi) groups from his website.
“Torba cries about cencorship [sic] yet does it himself,” said the user, a Hitler fan calling himself AddictedtoRedPills.
Gab’s founder told LifeSiteNews that the company doesn’t allow users free rein.
“We take action against groups and users who repeatedly violate our community guidelines,” Torba explained.
“We enforce these guidelines equally regardless of political affiliation,” he continued. “While we don’t comment on individual cases, threats of violence and other illegal activity are not protected by the First Amendment and therefore not protected on Gab.”
The entrepreneur flagged a different totalitarian regime when he described Visa’s interference with his ability to do business: the People’s Republic of China.
“In China there is something called the Social Credit System, which was developed by the Communist Chinese Party as a ‘national reputation system,’” Torba wrote.
“This system tracks the ‘trustworthiness’ of individuals, businesses, and organizations. ‘Trustworthiness’ here means total and complete submission to the Chinese Communist Party. If the Communist Party deems you to be untrustworthy, you are denied access to plane tickets, train tickets, opening and operating businesses, and more,” he continued.
“To most Americans, this sounds horrifying, and it is. I now know from first-hand experience because this social credit system exists in the United States.”
Torba added that although the U.S. government doesn’t endorse this system, it is used by American corporations “who today have in many ways more power, data, and control over our lives than our government does.”
“Many of these corporations also happen to be endorsing and raising money for communist organizations, revolutionaries, and the domestic terrorists burning down our cities,” he alleged.
Torba stressed that Gab does not violate the law. A statement for the company said it tries to appeal to people of all backgrounds and does not endorse hate speech.
“From its inception, Gab has been committed to appealing to people of all races, backgrounds and political persuasions who support the free flow of information,” the company wrote. “… Anyone is welcome to express themselves on Gab.”
“Of course Gab does not advocate hate speech. In fact, Gab terms state that it ‘treats all people with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, origins and point of view,’” it continued.
“But while Gab prohibits rhetoric that advocates violence or illegal activity and allows users to block hateful speech, Gab does not forbid any speech based solely on viewpoint.”
Torba alleges that Visa is taking extraordinary measures to interfere with Gab’s ability to take payment for its clothing merchandise and subscriptions to extra features on the website.
“We were told that Visa has someone camping on our website watching our payment processing,” the founder wrote.
“As soon as we get a new processor up they find out who it is on their end and contact them. They tell the processor that Gab is flagged for ‘illegal activity’ and if they do not stop processing payments for us they will be heavily fined,” he wrote.
“When the processor inquires about this alleged ‘illegal activity,” Visa tells them that Gab has been flagged for ‘hate speech.’”
However, hate speech is not a crime in the USA, and all opinions are protected by the First Amendment, Torba asserted. He doesn’t recognize “hate speech” as a defined concept.
“Visa doesn’t agree with me,” he stated.
Torba expressed worry that Christians will suffer if something is not done to stop this form of corporate harassment.
“The Communist revolutionaries taking over the United States are coming for us all,” he wrote.
“It’s only a matter of time before the Bible is labeled as ‘hate speech’ and churches start to experience what I am going through right now.”
LifeSiteNews reached out to Visa for a statement but has not yet received a reply.
To make your views on the corporate attack on free speech respectfully known to the Department of Justice, please contact:
Attorney-General William Barr
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001
Switchboard: (202) 514-2000
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lifesitenews--2020-07-07--LifeSite is hiring a video editor! Come join our team.

Are you passionate about the battle for life and family ?
We are facing a growing assault on all that is good and true in our world , and we need passionate , faith-filled men and women to come and join us in the fight to restore the Christian foundations of our society .
If you ’ re ready to give your life for the cause , then you ’ re in the right place .
Apply to join our team as an Assistant Video Editor here : https : //lifesitenews.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php ?
id=56 Here is the job ad : LifeSiteNews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mission-oriented video producer/editor .
The responsibilities of this position will include a wide variety of audio and video production-based assignment including video and audio editing , motion graphics , filming and photography , some graphic design as well as managing content on our Youtube/Vimeo accounts .
He/she will be directly involved in the audio and video production of our regular weekly podcasts , some on-the-ground video reporting , as well as a variety of other video related initiatives .
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant , passionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture of Life , and to use their God-given talents to literally reach millions of viewers with the truth about life , family and faith .
This position reports to the Podcast and Video Director .
• Produce high quality audio and video in a timely and professional manner • Help to review departmental video content before publishing • Assist in the production of news-based video stories • Help to provide the LifeSite team with video and audio based technical support as needed • Consult with stakeholders from production to post-production process • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo editing software packages ( Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud , Adobe Premiere and After Effects is an asset ) • Highly self-motivated with a growth mindset and willingness to learn evolving technology • Strong personal commitment to the pro-life and pro-family cause LOCATION : The successful will be able to work remotely from home .
However , some travel will almost certainly be necessary to capture original video content/assist in setting up home studios for staff , etc .
SALARY : Salary is negotiable based upon need and experience .
Keep in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although we always seek to meet our employees ' legitimate financial needs .
Your application should include a resume , cover letter , at least three references , and answers to the list of questions provided .
Please send samples of your work to [ email protected ] .
The cover letter should explain your interest in working for LifeSite and outline how your experience has proven both your commitment to LifeSite ’ s mission and your ability to succeed in the position .
It should show knowledge of LifeSite ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please be aware that at a later stage of the application process , you will be required to arrange calls for us with your references .
We will contact successful applicants for an interview .
New employees are required to fly to Ontario , Canada for a week of training in the first month on the job , so a passport is essential for non-Canadians .
* *Current Coronavirus lockdown may require at home orientation until on location training is permissible .

LifeSite is seeking an Asst Video Editor to help us build our platform. Apply today!
Are you passionate about the battle for life and family?
We are facing a growing assault on all that is good and true in our world, and we need passionate, faith-filled men and women to come and join us in the fight to restore the Christian foundations of our society.
If you’re ready to give your life for the cause, then you’re in the right place.
Apply to join our team as an Assistant Video Editor here: https://lifesitenews.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=56
Here is the job ad:
Assistant Video Editor
LifeSiteNews is looking for a creative, self-motivated, mission-oriented video producer/editor. The responsibilities of this position will include a wide variety of audio and video production-based assignment including video and audio editing, motion graphics, filming and photography, some graphic design as well as managing content on our Youtube/Vimeo accounts. He/she will be directly involved in the audio and video production of our regular weekly podcasts, some on-the-ground video reporting, as well as a variety of other video related initiatives.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant, passionate team of professionals committed to promoting the Culture of Life, and to use their God-given talents to literally reach millions of viewers with the truth about life, family and faith.
This position reports to the Podcast and Video Director.
Responsibilities:
Produce high quality audio and video in a timely and professional manner
Edit weekly podcast audio and video
Help to review departmental video content before publishing
Assist in the production of news-based video stories
Produce fundraising and marketing videos
Capture studio-quality photographs and video
Set up studio lighting for video interviews
Help to provide the LifeSite team with video and audio based technical support as needed
Consult with stakeholders from production to post-production process
Requirements
Proven work experience as a video editor/videographer
Experience with audio, video, and photo editing software packages
(Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Premiere and After Effects is an asset)
(Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Premiere and After Effects is an asset) Demonstrable videography and photography abilities with a strong portfolio
Creative mind and storytelling skills
Highly self-motivated with a growth mindset and willingness to learn evolving technology
The ability to work independently
Strong personal commitment to the pro-life and pro-family cause
LOCATION: The successful will be able to work remotely from home. However, some travel will almost certainly be necessary to capture original video content/assist in setting up home studios for staff, etc.
SALARY: Salary is negotiable based upon need and experience. Keep in mind that LifeSiteNews is a mission-based non-profit, although we always seek to meet our employees' legitimate financial needs.
Your application should include a resume, cover letter, at least three references, and answers to the list of questions provided. Please send samples of your work to [email protected].
The cover letter should explain your interest in working for LifeSite and outline how your experience has proven both your commitment to LifeSite’s mission and your ability to succeed in the position. It should show knowledge of LifeSite’s reporting.
The references are important. Please be aware that at a later stage of the application process, you will be required to arrange calls for us with your references.
We will contact successful applicants for an interview. New employees are required to fly to Ontario, Canada for a week of training in the first month on the job, so a passport is essential for non-Canadians.*
*Current Coronavirus lockdown may require at home orientation until on location training is permissible.
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