lifesitenews--2020-02-06--German prelates outraged over faithful cardinal comparing ‘synodal path’ to Hitler’s power grab

February 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Dissident German prelates have expressed outrage over the Vatican ’ s former head of doctrine comparing the German bishops ’ controversial “ synodal path ” to Hitler ’ s seizure of power to become a dictator .
Progressive bishops and clergymen have strongly criticized German cardinal Gerhard Müller for the comparison .
His comments have received much media coverage in Germany .
Two days ago , LifeSiteNews published comments by Müller on last weekend 's first synodal assembly of the “ synodal path ” in Germany which is organized by the German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lay organization and which aims at questioning the Church ’ s sacramental and moral teaching .
Since the 230 members of the synodal assembly decided to allow also those proposals of the four smaller discussion forums that contradict the Church ’ s teaching to be presented to the general assembly , the German cardinal and former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith compared this event with the Enabling Act of Adolf Hitler which legally repealed the Weimar Constitution and gave plenary powers to Hitler , thus legally establishing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is like the situation when the Weimar Constitution was repealed by the Enabling Act .
A self-appointed assembly , which is not authorized by God nor by the people it is supposed to represent , rescinds the Constitution of the Church of Divine Right , which is based on the Word of God ( in Scripture and Tradition ) .
” A spiritual adviser of the members of the synodal path , a key organizer of the synodal path , and several bishops have now made statements , specifically rejecting Cardinal Müller ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative of the progressive wing of the Catholic Church in Germany that is about to overhaul the Church 's sacramental , hierarchical , and moral structure of the Catholic Faith and teaching .
First , Father Bernd Hagenkord , S.J.
, who just recently left his leading position at Vatican News in Rome in order to return to Germany and to become the spiritual advisor of the members of the German synodal path , sharply criticizes Müller ’ s words as “ poisonous.
” “ He who makes such a comparison , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either has no historical knowledge or intentionally acts in order to poison any debate.
” Müller ’ s comments , he continues , are “ inhuman.
” “ This is not a critique anymore , ” the Jesuit explains , adding that these are “ unacceptable methods.
” “ This is not the Church anymore , ” he writes .
Cardinal Müller , in Hagenkord 's view , is the “ limit ” of acceptable criticism .
“ There is much to criticize , ” writes the German priest .
“ The synodal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without .
Even if it does not suit everyone , what Bishops Woelki and Oster , for example , contribute , they are important voices which belong to it .
But the whole thing has limits .
One limit is called Gerhard Ludwig Müller.
” Thus , Hagenkord declares that Cardinal Müller is excluded from the acceptable discourse .
In his post , Hagenkord also mentions in a critical way Bishop Athanasius Schneider , whose name he refuses even to mention ( “ a completely unknown auxiliary bishop in Astana , Kazakhstan – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be found ” ) .
He explicitly says he would not even provide a link to Bishop Schneider 's words about Cardinal Marx ' “ heresies.
” Bishop Schneider 's strong critique of the German synodal path can be found here .
Returning to the critics of Cardinal Müller , a second voice is Professor Thomas Sternberg , the President of the German Committee of Lay Catholics ( ZdK ) , who , together with Cardinal Reinhard Marx , leads the synodal path .
Sternberg and Marx have been accused of steering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that it does not represent the German Catholics at large , but , rather the organized , politicized form of German Catholicism .
( One example is that an internet survey among 5,000 Catholics in Germany showed that hardly anyone asked for female ordination ; yet this is one of the key points on the agenda of the synodal path . )
It is exactly this way of operating that has caused many observers to think of a sort of political take-over of the Catholic Church that is taking place in Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Müller described with the words : “ This political conversion of the Church is the turning away from her religious mission.
” Sternberg comments on Cardinal Müller with the words : “ There is a sort of criticism that judges itself .
This is so far away from reality that it can not be taken seriously.
” The German professor adds that Cardinal Müller opposes “ the great agreement of Catholic faithful and the great majority of the episcopal fellow brothers.
” The General Vicar of Essen , Klaus Pfeffer , called Cardinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he was `` stunned '' by them .
Bishop Franz Jung ( Würzburg ) adds his critical voice , saying that the comparison made by the German cardinal is “ misplaced.
” Such comparisons are not helpful , according to this bishop , adding that the synodal path is “ based on votes , ” and one has “ to stand by them.
” The problem with the bishop ’ s words , however , is that strong evidence shows that the synodal path is exactly not representative .
The small leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there will be four discussion forums dealing with “ power , ” “ women in leadership roles , ” “ sexuality , ” and “ priestly life.
” They also already picked groups of experts who wrote preparatory documents , thus channeling and steering the discussion even before the synodal path even started .
As LifeSiteNews reported , one of these preparatory documents questions the Church 's teachings on cohabitation , homosexuality , contraception , gender theory , and masturbation .
Another preparatory document proposes to discuss female ordination .
This document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions in the Church and also to sacramental ordination .
With regard to this topic , the document asks : “ Is there at all a possibility to gain , with human power of knowledge , certainty about the Will of God in this matter ?
” Even though Pope John Paul II had , in a definitive manner , ruled out in 1994 the priestly ordination of women , the German experts of the synodal path still question this matter .
Dorothea Schmidt – a representative of the conservative group “ Maria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 – February 1 first assembly of the synodal path in Frankfurt and then published a diary of the three-day event , describing how much the entire event was steered and managed by the synodal path leadership .
Seeing these political machinations , she called out : “ That is not Church , that is politics !
” In further comments to the German newspaper Die Tagespost , Schmidt speaks of “ manipulation.
” As in politics , Schmidt explains in her diary , “ there is a rough tone.
” During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainly discussed procedural aspects of the synodal path that is to take place during the period of the next two years , “ the impression grew in me that everything had already been arranged , discussed and planned in advance.
” She describes the atmosphere of the synodal discussions and how the minority of “ preservers ” were treated : “ We who are committed to the spiritual renewal of the Church are kept small , our right to speak is restricted , and we have been presented with a fait accompli .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to and speaking time was extended , the preservers are asked to leave the microphone immediately .
All that was left to do was to turn off the tap , i.e .
turn off the microphone , because I did not let myself be shot down.
” Another excerpt of this diary from a Catholic woman further strengthens the impression that there are , indeed , parallels to some undemocratic events in history : “ For I also missed justice and democratic action : the 30 to 35 participants in the four synodal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute .
About 30 members of the General Assembly were not chosen as forum participants .
Instead , 15 of the preparatory forums were automatically included in the new group .
Only five people could be elected to each forum – all others had already been pre-selected .
Is this what the much-praised participation looks like ?
Everything was supposed to start from scratch , as if the preparation had not existed .
And even the texts that were written at the end of the preparatory forums were given to us in advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , form the basis for further considerations ?
I am afraid that is how it will be.
” According to Professor Ulrich Lehner , a German theologian and professor at Notre Dame University , it is obvious that the results of this synodal path which will take place for the next two years are already prepared .
He commented on Twitter on this first synod assembly in Frankfurt , saying : “ One could save a lot of time and energy and money if Cardinal Marx would just publish the 'outcome ' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's already written and in his drawer .
China could not have organized a synod better.
” Finally , one may also ask why those promoters of the synodal path do not have a similar strong indignation when it comes to the questioning of the Church 's Permanent Magisterium on sacramental , hierarchical , and moral matters .
After all , they are all called , before God and by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders , to preserve the Catholic Faith whole and entire and to pass it on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their salvation .
Much is at stake .

February 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Dissident German prelates have expressed outrage over the Vatican’s former head of doctrine comparing the German bishops’ controversial “synodal path” to Hitler’s seizure of power to become a dictator. Progressive bishops and clergymen have strongly criticized German cardinal Gerhard Müller for the comparison. His comments have received much media coverage in Germany.
Two days ago, LifeSiteNews published comments by Müller on last weekend's first synodal assembly of the “synodal path” in Germany which is organized by the German Bishops' Conference and a major Catholic lay organization and which aims at questioning the Church’s sacramental and moral teaching.
Since the 230 members of the synodal assembly decided to allow also those proposals of the four smaller discussion forums that contradict the Church’s teaching to be presented to the general assembly, the German cardinal and former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith compared this event with the Enabling Act of Adolf Hitler which legally repealed the Weimar Constitution and gave plenary powers to Hitler, thus legally establishing his dictatorship.
Müller said: “This is like the situation when the Weimar Constitution was repealed by the Enabling Act. A self-appointed assembly, which is not authorized by God nor by the people it is supposed to represent, rescinds the Constitution of the Church of Divine Right, which is based on the Word of God (in Scripture and Tradition).”
A spiritual adviser of the members of the synodal path, a key organizer of the synodal path, and several bishops have now made statements, specifically rejecting Cardinal Müller’s comments. All of them are representative of the progressive wing of the Catholic Church in Germany that is about to overhaul the Church's sacramental, hierarchical, and moral structure of the Catholic Faith and teaching.
First, Father Bernd Hagenkord, S.J., who just recently left his leading position at Vatican News in Rome in order to return to Germany and to become the spiritual advisor of the members of the German synodal path, sharply criticizes Müller’s words as “poisonous.”
“He who makes such a comparison,” he states on his blog, “either has no historical knowledge or intentionally acts in order to poison any debate.” Müller’s comments, he continues, are “inhuman.” “This is not a critique anymore,” the Jesuit explains, adding that these are “unacceptable methods.” “This is not the Church anymore,” he writes. Cardinal Müller, in Hagenkord's view, is the “limit” of acceptable criticism. “There is much to criticize,” writes the German priest. “The synodal path needs criticism, from within and without. Even if it does not suit everyone, what Bishops Woelki and Oster, for example, contribute, they are important voices which belong to it. But the whole thing has limits. One limit is called Gerhard Ludwig Müller.” Thus, Hagenkord declares that Cardinal Müller is excluded from the acceptable discourse.
In his post, Hagenkord also mentions in a critical way Bishop Athanasius Schneider, whose name he refuses even to mention (“a completely unknown auxiliary bishop in Astana, Kazakhstan – check it out where it is to be found”). He explicitly says he would not even provide a link to Bishop Schneider's words about Cardinal Marx' “heresies.” Bishop Schneider's strong critique of the German synodal path can be found here.
Returning to the critics of Cardinal Müller, a second voice is Professor Thomas Sternberg, the President of the German Committee of Lay Catholics (ZdK), who, together with Cardinal Reinhard Marx, leads the synodal path. Sternberg and Marx have been accused of steering and manipulating the synodal path in such a way that it does not represent the German Catholics at large, but, rather the organized, politicized form of German Catholicism. (One example is that an internet survey among 5,000 Catholics in Germany showed that hardly anyone asked for female ordination; yet this is one of the key points on the agenda of the synodal path.) It is exactly this way of operating that has caused many observers to think of a sort of political take-over of the Catholic Church that is taking place in Germany right now. This is what Cardinal Müller described with the words: “This political conversion of the Church is the turning away from her religious mission.”
Sternberg comments on Cardinal Müller with the words: “There is a sort of criticism that judges itself. This is so far away from reality that it cannot be taken seriously.” The German professor adds that Cardinal Müller opposes “the great agreement of Catholic faithful and the great majority of the episcopal fellow brothers.”
The General Vicar of Essen, Klaus Pfeffer, called Cardinal Müller's remarks “destructive,” saying he was “stunned” by them.
Bishop Franz Jung (Würzburg) adds his critical voice, saying that the comparison made by the German cardinal is “misplaced.” Such comparisons are not helpful, according to this bishop, adding that the synodal path is “based on votes,” and one has “to stand by them.”
The problem with the bishop’s words, however, is that strong evidence shows that the synodal path is exactly not representative. The small leadership cadre of the synod has determined beforehand that there will be four discussion forums dealing with “power,” “women in leadership roles,” “sexuality,” and “priestly life.” They also already picked groups of experts who wrote preparatory documents, thus channeling and steering the discussion even before the synodal path even started.
As LifeSiteNews reported, one of these preparatory documents questions the Church's teachings on cohabitation, homosexuality, contraception, gender theory, and masturbation.
Another preparatory document proposes to discuss female ordination. This document proposes to admit women to all leadership positions in the Church and also to sacramental ordination. With regard to this topic, the document asks: “Is there at all a possibility to gain, with human power of knowledge, certainty about the Will of God in this matter?” Even though Pope John Paul II had, in a definitive manner, ruled out in 1994 the priestly ordination of women, the German experts of the synodal path still question this matter.
Dorothea Schmidt – a representative of the conservative group “Maria 1.0” – participated at the January 30 – February 1 first assembly of the synodal path in Frankfurt and then published a diary of the three-day event, describing how much the entire event was steered and managed by the synodal path leadership. Seeing these political machinations, she called out: “That is not Church, that is politics!” In further comments to the German newspaper Die Tagespost, Schmidt speaks of “manipulation.”
As in politics, Schmidt explains in her diary, “there is a rough tone.” During the second day of the synodal meeting which mainly discussed procedural aspects of the synodal path that is to take place during the period of the next two years, “the impression grew in me that everything had already been arranged, discussed and planned in advance.”
She describes the atmosphere of the synodal discussions and how the minority of “preservers” were treated: “We who are committed to the spiritual renewal of the Church are kept small, our right to speak is restricted, and we have been presented with a fait accompli. While those calling for reform were listened to and speaking time was extended, the preservers are asked to leave the microphone immediately. All that was left to do was to turn off the tap, i.e. turn off the microphone, because I did not let myself be shot down.”
Another excerpt of this diary from a Catholic woman further strengthens the impression that there are, indeed, parallels to some undemocratic events in history: “For I also missed justice and democratic action: the 30 to 35 participants in the four synodal forums were not announced until the last minute. About 30 members of the General Assembly were not chosen as forum participants. Instead, 15 of the preparatory forums were automatically included in the new group. Only five people could be elected to each forum – all others had already been pre-selected. Is this what the much-praised participation looks like? Everything was supposed to start from scratch, as if the preparation had not existed. And even the texts that were written at the end of the preparatory forums were given to us in advance. Should they now, after all, form the basis for further considerations? I am afraid that is how it will be.”
According to Professor Ulrich Lehner, a German theologian and professor at Notre Dame University, it is obvious that the results of this synodal path which will take place for the next two years are already prepared. He commented on Twitter on this first synod assembly in Frankfurt, saying: “One could save a lot of time and energy and money if Cardinal Marx would just publish the 'outcome' of the #SynodalWay – after all, it's already written and in his drawer. China could not have organized a synod better.”
Finally, one may also ask why those promoters of the synodal path do not have a similar strong indignation when it comes to the questioning of the Church's Permanent Magisterium on sacramental, hierarchical, and moral matters. After all, they are all called, before God and by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, to preserve the Catholic Faith whole and entire and to pass it on to the faithful, for the sake of their salvation. Much is at stake.
Follow Maike Dr. Maike Hickson was born and raised in Germany. She holds a PhD from the University of Hannover, Germany, after having written in Switzerland her doctoral dissertation on the history of Swiss intellectuals before and during World War II. She now lives in the U.S. and is married to Dr. Robert Hickson, and they have been blessed with two beautiful children. She is a happy housewife who likes to write articles when time permits. Dr. Hickson published in 2014 a Festschrift, a collection of some thirty essays written by thoughtful authors in honor of her husband upon his 70th birthday, which is entitled A Catholic Witness in Our Time. Hickson has closely followed the papacy of Pope Francis and the developments in the Catholic Church in Germany, and she has been writing articles on religion and politics for U.S. and European publications and websites such as LifeSiteNews, OnePeterFive, The Wanderer, Rorate Caeli, Catholicism.org, Catholic Family News, Christian Order, Notizie Pro-Vita, Corrispondenza Romana, Katholisches.info, Der Dreizehnte, Zeit-Fragen, and Westfalen-Blatt.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-05--Muslim dad trying to save son from LGBT indoctrination is right to defy the establishment

February 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – I ’ ve been to many conferences and lectures over the past several years where inspiring speakers tell the audience that we must have hope for the future of Western civilization .
This call is generally accompanied by inspiring anecdotes of those who held firm in the face of oppression , usually in circumstances far more dire than our own , presented as evidence that decline can be stopped and that and that all we need is a little courage and a lot of hard work , and cultural reformation is possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for one moment — Dr. Charles Murray noted his own skepticism on that point on my podcast last month — I think that it may be important to consider that hopefulness may not be the most helpful disposition in the future .
Instead , defiance in the face of an overwhelmingly anti-Christian culture will in all likelihood be in order .
Our culture in the West is already so hostile to Christian values that parents have to consciously opt out if they wish to ensure their children are not poisoned by the post-modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dutifully pass on the orthodoxies of the Sexual Revolution and the gender ideologues , progressive politicians promise to use their power at the pleasure of LGBT activists , and the courts move to cement cultural shifts into law .
And increasingly , the revolutionaries are casting a calculating eye at our own families , schools , and church communities .
They have no intention of letting us carve out enclaves where we can live in peace .
And so , as I said , defiance may be in order .
One recent example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from an unexpected place : The Birmingham Mail reported this week that Jay Hussain , a 51-year-old Muslim father , is facing a fine and possible jail time after pulling his nine-year-old son out of school .
Parkfield Community School in Birmingham had recently implemented a “ No Outsiders equality programme ” replete with extensive LGBT lessons , and Hussain argued that these lessons were “ incompatible ” with both his rights as a parent to teach his children about sexuality as well as the tenets of his Muslim faith .
Further to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBT lessons were a “ safeguarding risk ” due to the fact that they cause confusion for young children regarding their gender identity .
He has also said that his prosecution is unlawful , stating through his lawyer Paul Conrathe of Sinclairs Law that : “ This prosecution criminalises him for not submitting to teaching in breach of his rights .
He considers the school ’ s approach presents a safeguarding risk to his child.
” Hussain has been one of the leaders of parental protests rocking Birmingham for months over the LGBT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s former assistant head Andrew Moffatt ( who is in a gay civil partnership ) in 2014 .
Last year , four schools stopped teaching the curriculum after sustained parental protest .
One school was forced to suspend the lessons after 600 children were pulled out of their schools .
At one protest , Hussain told the gathered parents that “ We are not against anyone expressing their sexuality or being homosexual if that ’ s what they want .
We have no issue if Mr. Moffatt wants to put on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballet dancer , or put on a skirt , we have no issue .
We have an issue with teaching that nonsense to our kids.
” In fact , the curriculum , which features children ’ s books about transgenderism and children in the wrong bodies for kids as young as four years of age , “ goes well beyond teaching acceptance for different types of families , ” Hussain argued in his legal challenge to dismiss the prosecution .
“ For instance , it advocates for children to be whatever they feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gender.
” One children ’ s book is titled Introducing Teddy and features a boy teddy who wants to be a girl teddy .
The school has responded to Hussain ’ s objections by stating that “ Whilst Mr Hussain may believe being gay and lesbian as well as transgender are morally wrong , they are protected characteristics under the Equality Act.
” To deter parental protests , Birmingham City Council got a high court injunction for a bubble zone around schools that forbid the events .
After an initial suspension of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have resumed with an amended form of the LGBT programming , with a report on the protests indicating that the tension is “ unresolved.
” Simply put , the Muslim parents do not want their children to be taught gender ideology and LGBT lessons , and want to affirm their right to pass on their religious values to their children .
As far as the school is concerned , these parents have no right to prevent them from attempting to inculcate their children into the values of the LGBT movement .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Jay Hussain ’ s case will be an interesting indicator as to how far this might go .
Under law , any parent who “ fails to ensure their child attends school for long periods is ultimately liable to a fine of up to 2,500 pounds , a community order , or a jail sentence up to three months.
” Even worse , a court could ostensibly deem the parents of the child unfit .
It is a faceoff with the highest stakes over a fundamental question : Do parents in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values on to their children , or does the state have the right to force postmodern sexual values on the children of others ?
The LGBT movement is demanding access to the children of others because they know that this is how they win .
Hussain ’ s defiance indicates that he understands this , too .
If this was a Christian facing down the school system and being threatened with jail time , the narrative would have already been set in stone : A homophobic , transphobic , unfit parent is attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children and must be punished .
Because Hussain is Muslim , however , progressives must tread more carefully , because diversity is another sacred cow that must not be disturbed .
They have been praising Muslim values without considering the fact that many Muslim values are very similar to Christian values , especially on the issues that seem to ceaselessly animate our culture wars today .
The LGBT movement knows how to go to war with Christian parents .
We will find out if their thuggish tactics and total disregard for parental rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they do , we could see a Muslim father locked up in prison because he does not want his children to be taught that gender is fluid when they are children .
At that point , defiance is an essential response .
Jonathon ’ s new podcast , The Van Maren Show , is dedicated to telling the stories of the pro-life and pro-family movement .
In his latest episode , he interviews Brian Fisher of Human Coalition about the innovative way Human Coalition has saved over 14,500 babies from abortion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ center as a donor and volunteer over 20 years ago .
Quickly , Fischer began using his business experience and way of looking at everything to evaluate the pro-life movement .
You can subscribe here and listen to the episode below :

February 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – I’ve been to many conferences and lectures over the past several years where inspiring speakers tell the audience that we must have hope for the future of Western civilization. This call is generally accompanied by inspiring anecdotes of those who held firm in the face of oppression, usually in circumstances far more dire than our own, presented as evidence that decline can be stopped and that and that all we need is a little courage and a lot of hard work, and cultural reformation is possible.
Leaving that question to the side for one moment — Dr. Charles Murray noted his own skepticism on that point on my podcast last month — I think that it may be important to consider that hopefulness may not be the most helpful disposition in the future. Instead, defiance in the face of an overwhelmingly anti-Christian culture will in all likelihood be in order.
Our culture in the West is already so hostile to Christian values that parents have to consciously opt out if they wish to ensure their children are not poisoned by the post-modern ideologies of the moment. Public schools dutifully pass on the orthodoxies of the Sexual Revolution and the gender ideologues, progressive politicians promise to use their power at the pleasure of LGBT activists, and the courts move to cement cultural shifts into law. And increasingly, the revolutionaries are casting a calculating eye at our own families, schools, and church communities. They have no intention of letting us carve out enclaves where we can live in peace.
And so, as I said, defiance may be in order. One recent example of what this might look like comes from an unexpected place: The Birmingham Mail reported this week that Jay Hussain, a 51-year-old Muslim father, is facing a fine and possible jail time after pulling his nine-year-old son out of school. Parkfield Community School in Birmingham had recently implemented a “No Outsiders equality programme” replete with extensive LGBT lessons, and Hussain argued that these lessons were “incompatible” with both his rights as a parent to teach his children about sexuality as well as the tenets of his Muslim faith.
Further to that, Hussain has argued that the LGBT lessons were a “safeguarding risk” due to the fact that they cause confusion for young children regarding their gender identity. He has also said that his prosecution is unlawful, stating through his lawyer Paul Conrathe of Sinclairs Law that: “This prosecution criminalises him for not submitting to teaching in breach of his rights. He considers the school’s approach presents a safeguarding risk to his child.”
Hussain has been one of the leaders of parental protests rocking Birmingham for months over the LGBT curriculum, which was developed by Parkfield’s former assistant head Andrew Moffatt (who is in a gay civil partnership) in 2014. Last year, four schools stopped teaching the curriculum after sustained parental protest. One school was forced to suspend the lessons after 600 children were pulled out of their schools. At one protest, Hussain told the gathered parents that “We are not against anyone expressing their sexuality or being homosexual if that’s what they want. We have no issue if Mr. Moffatt wants to put on a dress, or dance around like a ballet dancer, or put on a skirt, we have no issue. We have an issue with teaching that nonsense to our kids.”
In fact, the curriculum, which features children’s books about transgenderism and children in the wrong bodies for kids as young as four years of age, “goes well beyond teaching acceptance for different types of families,” Hussain argued in his legal challenge to dismiss the prosecution. “For instance, it advocates for children to be whatever they feel they might be, including in relation to gender.” One children’s book is titled Introducing Teddy and features a boy teddy who wants to be a girl teddy. The school has responded to Hussain’s objections by stating that “Whilst Mr Hussain may believe being gay and lesbian as well as transgender are morally wrong, they are protected characteristics under the Equality Act.” To deter parental protests, Birmingham City Council got a high court injunction for a bubble zone around schools that forbid the events.
After an initial suspension of the lessons, Parkfield and other schools have resumed with an amended form of the LGBT programming, with a report on the protests indicating that the tension is “unresolved.” Simply put, the Muslim parents do not want their children to be taught gender ideology and LGBT lessons, and want to affirm their right to pass on their religious values to their children. As far as the school is concerned, these parents have no right to prevent them from attempting to inculcate their children into the values of the LGBT movement. There is no middle ground — and that is why Jay Hussain’s case will be an interesting indicator as to how far this might go.
Under law, any parent who “fails to ensure their child attends school for long periods is ultimately liable to a fine of up to 2,500 pounds, a community order, or a jail sentence up to three months.” Even worse, a court could ostensibly deem the parents of the child unfit. It is a faceoff with the highest stakes over a fundamental question: Do parents in the West have the right to pass their values on to their children, or does the state have the right to force postmodern sexual values on the children of others? The LGBT movement is demanding access to the children of others because they know that this is how they win. Hussain’s defiance indicates that he understands this, too.
If this was a Christian facing down the school system and being threatened with jail time, the narrative would have already been set in stone: A homophobic, transphobic, unfit parent is attempting to pass his hate on to his children and must be punished. Because Hussain is Muslim, however, progressives must tread more carefully, because diversity is another sacred cow that must not be disturbed. They have been praising Muslim values without considering the fact that many Muslim values are very similar to Christian values, especially on the issues that seem to ceaselessly animate our culture wars today. The LGBT movement knows how to go to war with Christian parents. We will find out if their thuggish tactics and total disregard for parental rights work as effectively with Muslim parents.
If they do, we could see a Muslim father locked up in prison because he does not want his children to be taught that gender is fluid when they are children. At that point, defiance is an essential response.
Jonathon’s new podcast, The Van Maren Show, is dedicated to telling the stories of the pro-life and pro-family movement. In his latest episode, he interviews Brian Fisher of Human Coalition about the innovative way Human Coalition has saved over 14,500 babies from abortion. Fisher became involved with a pregnancy resource center as a donor and volunteer over 20 years ago. Quickly, Fischer began using his business experience and way of looking at everything to evaluate the pro-life movement.
You can subscribe here and listen to the episode below:
Follow Jonathon Jonathon Van Maren is a public speaker, writer, and pro-life activist. His commentary has been translated into more than eight languages and published widely online as well as print newspapers such as the Jewish Independent, the National Post, the Hamilton Spectator and others. He has received an award for combating anti-Semitism in print from the Jewish organization B’nai Brith. His commentary has been featured on CTV Primetime, Global News, EWTN, and the CBC as well as dozens of radio stations and news outlets in Canada and the United States. He speaks on a wide variety of cultural topics across North America at universities, high schools, churches, and other functions. Some of these topics include abortion, pornography, the Sexual Revolution, and euthanasia. Jonathon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from Simon Fraser University, and is the communications director for the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform. Jonathon’s first book, The Culture War, was released in 2016.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-05--Former gay drug dealer speaks out about transgenderism in the US

Dr. Christopher Yuan , a former drug addict who lived a promiscuous gay lifestyle , joins Jonathon Van Maren on @ @ @ @ @ of The Van Maren Show .
Dr. Yuan is now a professor at Moody Bible @ @ @ @ @ discusses his powerful journey and conversion and what the LGBT agenda is to the US @ @ @ @ @ when a new episode is uploaded click here .

Dr. Christopher Yuan, a former agnostic gay man who was also a drug dealer, joins Jonathon Van Maren on this week’s episode of The Van Maren Show. Dr. Yuan is now a professor at Moody Bible Institute and today, he discusses his powerful journey and conversion and what the LGBT agenda is to the US.
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded click here.


lifesitenews--2020-02-05--Finnish police investigate Lutheran cleric for publishing book calling homosexuality a ‘disorder’

HELSINKI , Finland , February 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland is under investigation by the country ’ s Prosecutor General over publication of a booklet upholding Christian teachings on human sexuality that calls homosexuality a “ disorder.
” Juhana Pohjola , a cleric and dean of the mission diocese , is accused of incitement to hatred against a group and has been summoned to the Helsinki Police Department for a preliminary investigation on Tuesday , February 11 .
As the editor-in-chief of the publishing branch of Lutheran Foundation Finland , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at the center of the investigation .
In 2004 , the foundation published a small book called “ Male and Female He Created Them – Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity.
” The mission diocese reported on its website that Pohjola “ is under suspicion for distributing this material to the public and for keeping this material available online.
” In the fall of 2019 , Prosecutor General Raija Toiviainen ordered an investigation .
Her appointment to that position only one year before might explain the fact that an investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after its initial publication .
Speaking with the International Lutheran Council , Pohjola declared , “ The decision of the Prosecutor General to conduct a preliminary investigation of our publication is surprising , as I believe the police have already thoroughly investigated and concluded that this is not a criminal offense.
” He continued , “ It is our job to teach the entire word of the Bible in peace , including on marriage as created by God.
” The book , including its English version , is still available on the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Päivi Räsänen , a Finnish member of parliament for the Christian Democrats , the book states , “ Homosexual relationships are clearly considered against the sexuality that was created by God , not only in the Old Testament but even more powerfully in the New Testament.
” While “ Male and Female He Created Them ” is a Biblically-based book , it does not leave out a discussion of natural law , “ The further society disengages from Christian ethics , the greater becomes the necessity to examine the inferences of natural moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e. in the light of the Word of God .
As a result of the Fall into sin , humanity has become morally corrupt , and therefore has a propensity to twist the natural moral law to fit its own selfish interests.
” In 2017 , homosexual partnerships were considered “ marriage ” according to Finnish law .
Räsänen ’ s book also questions the claim that people are born homosexual .
“ Instead , the scientific material unequivocally proves that homosexuality is a disorder of psycho-sexual development , ” the book states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physician , supports her position by pointing to the fact that people have changed from being sexually attracted to members of the same sex to being attracted to members of the opposite sex .
On the push for homosexual couples to adopt and raise children , the author commented , “ There is no known situation in the history of humankind where two women or two men were capable of reproduction .
Thus , nature does not accidentally produce a child with two mothers or two fathers .
Gender-neutral parenting is no substitute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accord with the order of creation.
” The book added that there is no human right to having children .
On the other hand , Räsänen maintained , “ children should have the right to both parents , a mother and a father , in their daily lives.
” Months ago , Räsänen was under investigation by Finnish authorities herself on her tweet that criticized the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland , which is different from the conservative mission diocese , for participating in a “ pride ” event celebrating homosexuality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told of being “ interrogated for almost four hours concerning this tweet.
” “ The police asked me if I agree to remove the tweet within two weeks .
I answered no .
I was asked about the contents of the Letter to the Romans and what I meant by saying that practicing homosexuality is a sin and a shame .
I answered that all of us are sinners , but the sinfulness of practicing homosexuality is nowadays denied , ” she said .
Räsänen also explained , “ The law does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal to speak and preach about what the Bible teaches .
Freedom of religion is strongly guaranteed both in our Constitution and in the International Human Rights Treaties.
” At the same time , talking about certain issues , for instance , the sinfulness of homosexual acts , is considered to be politically incorrect and frowned upon .
Asked about the future of Christianity in Finland , Räsänen said , “ In my opinion , it is specifically Christianity that is being attacked and will be attacked even more aggressively in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when the core of the Christianity is being questioned.
” However , she expressed hope that police investigations and a climate of political correctness “ won ’ t lead to self-censorship among Christians .
”

HELSINKI, Finland, February 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland is under investigation by the country’s Prosecutor General over publication of a booklet upholding Christian teachings on human sexuality that calls homosexuality a “disorder.”
Juhana Pohjola, a cleric and dean of the mission diocese, is accused of incitement to hatred against a group and has been summoned to the Helsinki Police Department for a preliminary investigation on Tuesday, February 11.
As the editor-in-chief of the publishing branch of Lutheran Foundation Finland, which includes maintenance of its website, Pohjola is at the center of the investigation.
In 2004, the foundation published a small book called “Male and Female He Created Them – Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity.” The mission diocese reported on its website that Pohjola “is under suspicion for distributing this material to the public and for keeping this material available online.”
In the fall of 2019, Prosecutor General Raija Toiviainen ordered an investigation. Her appointment to that position only one year before might explain the fact that an investigation regarding the book was ordered 15 years after its initial publication.
Speaking with the International Lutheran Council, Pohjola declared, “The decision of the Prosecutor General to conduct a preliminary investigation of our publication is surprising, as I believe the police have already thoroughly investigated and concluded that this is not a criminal offense.”
He continued, “It is our job to teach the entire word of the Bible in peace, including on marriage as created by God.”
The book, including its English version, is still available on the website of the Lutheran Foundation. Written by Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish member of parliament for the Christian Democrats, the book states, “Homosexual relationships are clearly considered against the sexuality that was created by God, not only in the Old Testament but even more powerfully in the New Testament.”
While “Male and Female He Created Them” is a Biblically-based book, it does not leave out a discussion of natural law, “The further society disengages from Christian ethics, the greater becomes the necessity to examine the inferences of natural moral law by the special revelation, i. e. in the light of the Word of God. As a result of the Fall into sin, humanity has become morally corrupt, and therefore has a propensity to twist the natural moral law to fit its own selfish interests.”
In 2017, homosexual partnerships were considered “marriage” according to Finnish law.
Räsänen’s book also questions the claim that people are born homosexual.
“Instead, the scientific material unequivocally proves that homosexuality is a disorder of psycho-sexual development,” the book states.
Räsänen, who is also a physician, supports her position by pointing to the fact that people have changed from being sexually attracted to members of the same sex to being attracted to members of the opposite sex.
On the push for homosexual couples to adopt and raise children, the author commented, “There is no known situation in the history of humankind where two women or two men were capable of reproduction. Thus, nature does not accidentally produce a child with two mothers or two fathers. Gender-neutral parenting is no substitute for the motherhood and fatherhood that is in accord with the order of creation.”
The book added that there is no human right to having children. On the other hand, Räsänen maintained, “children should have the right to both parents, a mother and a father, in their daily lives.”
Months ago, Räsänen was under investigation by Finnish authorities herself on her tweet that criticized the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, which is different from the conservative mission diocese, for participating in a “pride” event celebrating homosexuality.
In an interview with Rod Dreher, she told of being “interrogated for almost four hours concerning this tweet.”
“The police asked me if I agree to remove the tweet within two weeks. I answered no. I was asked about the contents of the Letter to the Romans and what I meant by saying that practicing homosexuality is a sin and a shame. I answered that all of us are sinners, but the sinfulness of practicing homosexuality is nowadays denied,” she said.
Räsänen also explained, “The law does not prohibit this, and it is legal to speak and preach about what the Bible teaches. Freedom of religion is strongly guaranteed both in our Constitution and in the International Human Rights Treaties.”
At the same time, talking about certain issues, for instance, the sinfulness of homosexual acts, is considered to be politically incorrect and frowned upon.
Asked about the future of Christianity in Finland, Räsänen said, “In my opinion, it is specifically Christianity that is being attacked and will be attacked even more aggressively in the future. We are clearly living in a time when the core of the Christianity is being questioned.”
However, she expressed hope that police investigations and a climate of political correctness “won’t lead to self-censorship among Christians.”
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-05--Texas GOP blocks pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans from convention and controversy erupts

February 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Tensions are boiling over in Texas over the state Republican Party denying the pro-LGBT organization Log Cabin Republicans ( LCR ) a booth at its annual convention , highlighting tensions between the party ’ s traditional conservatism and its more liberal/libertarian factions .
The State Republican Executive Committee voted over the weekend to table a motion to vote on giving LCR ’ s Houston chapter a booth this year , the Houston Chronicle reported , continuing a trend of snubbing LCR that has persisted for over 20 years .
“ There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today after having already had that discussion yesterday , the committee decided not to rehash the lessons that frankly the party ’ s been considering for a long time , ” state GOP chairman James Dickey said .
“ The discussions I had with members yesterday was how proud I am of how different a heartfelt debate looked like in our party compared to how I am convinced a similar debate on a similar topic would look from the other party.
” “ Obviously , we are very disappointed with the decision made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston president Marco Roberts said in response to the vote .
“ There were a few courageous members of the SREC who stood with us , even under enormous pressure to refrain from doing so .
We owe them our highest respect and deepest gratitude .
Many have told us that it is upon us to make the case for ourselves .
We agree , and we intend to do that , for us , and for our great party.
” Debate was reportedly heated during Saturday ’ s meeting , with LCR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Republicans could not afford to shun any potential voters , and opponents contending that LCR ’ s dissent from certain tenets of the party platform disqualified it from participation .
The Austin Statesman ’ s Jonathan Tilove noted that the Texas GOP ’ s official platform “ affirm ( s ) God ’ s biblical design for marriage and sexual behavior between one biological man and one biological woman ” and “ oppose ( s ) homosexual marriage , regardless of state of origin.
” LCR counters by arguing that participation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform ’ s list of 10 principles , which does not mention homosexuality .
Republican state Sen. Bob Hall defended excluding LCR on the grounds that “ they don ’ t have the basic belief in the God of the Bible that we are founded on , ” and that the group was on the wrong side of “ this abominable sex education that goes on in our schools where they ’ re trying to push unnatural sex as natural.
” A review of the Log Cabin Republicans of Houston ’ s website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A speech by Roberts condemns the prospect of forcing a female student “ to undress in the presence of someone she grew up knowing as a boy all her life up until high school , ” while elsewhere the group touts its efforts to eliminate the GOP platform ’ s language that “ homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental truths that have been ordained by God in the Bible.
” The group also opposes bills protecting conscience rights and banning transgender restrooms in government facilities , claiming it supports aspects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ specific language is unacceptable .
Nationally , Log Cabin Republicans says its purpose is to “ to make the Republican Party more inclusive , particularly on LGBT issues , ” which conservatives generally take to mean diluting and eventually eliminating the GOP ’ s traditional conservative stances on marriage , homosexuality , and transgender ideology .

A debate stemming from dissent from the party platform on traditional values led to the group being excluded.
February 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Tensions are boiling over in Texas over the state Republican Party denying the pro-LGBT organization Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) a booth at its annual convention, highlighting tensions between the party’s traditional conservatism and its more liberal/libertarian factions.
The State Republican Executive Committee voted over the weekend to table a motion to vote on giving LCR’s Houston chapter a booth this year, the Houston Chronicle reported, continuing a trend of snubbing LCR that has persisted for over 20 years.
“There was a decent discussion yesterday and clearly, today after having already had that discussion yesterday, the committee decided not to rehash the lessons that frankly the party’s been considering for a long time,” state GOP chairman James Dickey said. “The discussions I had with members yesterday was how proud I am of how different a heartfelt debate looked like in our party compared to how I am convinced a similar debate on a similar topic would look from the other party.”
“Obviously, we are very disappointed with the decision made by our elected representatives,” LCR Houston president Marco Roberts said in response to the vote. “There were a few courageous members of the SREC who stood with us, even under enormous pressure to refrain from doing so. We owe them our highest respect and deepest gratitude. Many have told us that it is upon us to make the case for ourselves. We agree, and we intend to do that, for us, and for our great party.”
Debate was reportedly heated during Saturday’s meeting, with LCR supporters invoking “equality” and arguing that Republicans could not afford to shun any potential voters, and opponents contending that LCR’s dissent from certain tenets of the party platform disqualified it from participation.
The Austin Statesman’s Jonathan Tilove noted that the Texas GOP’s official platform “affirm(s) God’s biblical design for marriage and sexual behavior between one biological man and one biological woman” and “oppose(s) homosexual marriage, regardless of state of origin.” LCR counters by arguing that participation in the convention requires only acceptance of the platform’s list of 10 principles, which does not mention homosexuality.
Republican state Sen. Bob Hall defended excluding LCR on the grounds that “they don’t have the basic belief in the God of the Bible that we are founded on,” and that the group was on the wrong side of “this abominable sex education that goes on in our schools where they’re trying to push unnatural sex as natural.”
A review of the Log Cabin Republicans of Houston’s website indicates a mixed record on LGBT issues. A speech by Roberts condemns the prospect of forcing a female student “to undress in the presence of someone she grew up knowing as a boy all her life up until high school,” while elsewhere the group touts its efforts to eliminate the GOP platform’s language that “homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental truths that have been ordained by God in the Bible.”
The group also opposes bills protecting conscience rights and banning transgender restrooms in government facilities, claiming it supports aspects of their underlying intent while concluding the bills’ specific language is unacceptable.
Nationally, Log Cabin Republicans says its purpose is to “to make the Republican Party more inclusive, particularly on LGBT issues,” which conservatives generally take to mean diluting and eventually eliminating the GOP’s traditional conservative stances on marriage, homosexuality, and transgender ideology.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-05--Trump’s widely praised State of the Union speech scorned by liberals

WASHINGTON , D.C. , February 5 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – President Donald Trump ’ s annual State of the Union address won rave reviews from right-of-center observers for its tone and content , while left-wing reactions tended to center on one of the guests the president recognized , as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s unusual action afterward .
Trump touched on a wide range of topics during the speech , from calling on Congress to ban late-term abortions to reiterating the administration ’ s commitment to conservative judges and religious liberty .
But the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of those guests was military wife Amy Williams and her two daughters , whom the president shocked and delighted by announcing the return of her husband , Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams , from deployment during the speech : The other , more controversial moment came when the president recognized talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh , who announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer .
Trump caught the veteran pundit in a rare moment of genuine surprise when he announced and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and anti-Trump observers heaped scorn on the move ( with more than a few confusing the Medal of Freedom , a civilian award for all manner of charitable ventures and cultural contributions , with the Medal of Honor , which is for gallantry in military service ) : Conservatives reacted much more warmly to Limbaugh ’ s moment , and to the address more generally : Lastly , much has been made of Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripping a copy of the speech in half just after the president concluded : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private meeting with fellow Democrats , declaring that Trump “ shredded the truth , so I shredded his speech.
” Republicans condemned the act as petty , while Jody Jones , a SOTU guest whose brother was murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2018 , said it “ felt like she ripped our hearts out .
”

The President's address impressed conservatives and moderates, but the Left took issue with honoring Rush Limbaugh.
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 5, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – President Donald Trump’s annual State of the Union address won rave reviews from right-of-center observers for its tone and content, while left-wing reactions tended to center on one of the guests the president recognized, as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s unusual action afterward.
Trump touched on a wide range of topics during the speech, from calling on Congress to ban late-term abortions to reiterating the administration’s commitment to conservative judges and religious liberty. But the most memorable moments involved the guests in attendance.
One of those guests was military wife Amy Williams and her two daughters, whom the president shocked and delighted by announcing the return of her husband, Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams, from deployment during the speech:
The moment @realDonaldTrump surprised a military family with a very special homecoming. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/3vTWzhheuM — The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) February 5, 2020
The other, more controversial moment came when the president recognized talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh, who announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Trump caught the veteran pundit in a rare moment of genuine surprise when he announced and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the spot:
Last night, Rush Limbaugh was at the State of the Union. He received our country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.#SOTU2020 pic.twitter.com/YYCEBV0KZZ — Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) February 5, 2020
Democrat, left-wing, and anti-Trump observers heaped scorn on the move (with more than a few confusing the Medal of Freedom, a civilian award for all manner of charitable ventures and cultural contributions, with the Medal of Honor, which is for gallantry in military service):
Rush Limbaugh's most infamous act was calling a young grad student a slut for testifying in favor of contraceptive coverage. A terrible diagnosis does not erase a lifetime of racism, homophobia and misogyny. A sick man deserves healthcare; a bigot does not a medal of honor. #SOTU — ilyse hogue (@ilyseh) February 5, 2020
When Rush Limbaugh receives your Medal of Freedom, you’re officially a sh*thole country.#VoteBlue — John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) February 5, 2020
Rush is nearly deaf. His implant doesn’t hold up well in crowds. He likely didn’t hear 90% of what was said and was trying to be gracious while not understanding it all. Not to mention how overwhelming the moment was in its own right. Also, he’s obviously sick. So… piss off. https://t.co/kXDJQFdgkl — Jeremy Boreing (@JeremyDBoreing) February 5, 2020
Conservatives reacted much more warmly to Limbaugh’s moment, and to the address more generally:
Democrats had their showcase last night and President Trump had his tonight — Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) February 5, 2020
This SOTU was great. Let's be real: Trump is great at SOTUs. If this were full time Trump, he'd win 55 percent of the vote. Which is why he should do this all the time instead of rage-tweeting about his opponents' height. — Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) February 5, 2020
Trump, a man who frequently annoys me despite my appreciation for his governance and accomplishments, a man who they just embarrassed themselves trying to impeach, just delivered a grand slam #SOTU, one of the best I've ever heard. His 2020 victory is going to be great. — Steve Skojec (@SteveSkojec) February 5, 2020
I am not generally a Trump fan, but haters should probably just admit this was a pretty great speech that most people would like and agree with… and Dems looked super petty. #SOTU — Robby Soave (@robbysoave) February 5, 2020
Lastly, much has been made of Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripping a copy of the speech in half just after the president concluded:
Nancy Pelosi rips up President Trump's speech… this is all they have… Tantrums. pic.twitter.com/gi3JP8lVWp — Carpe Donktum�� (@CarpeDonktum) February 5, 2020
Pelosi reportedly defended the move Wednesday during a private meeting with fellow Democrats, declaring that Trump “shredded the truth, so I shredded his speech.” Republicans condemned the act as petty, while Jody Jones, a SOTU guest whose brother was murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2018, said it “felt like she ripped our hearts out.”
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-06--US govt foots $700,000 bill to blanket poor African country with condoms

February 6 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The U.S. government has thrown its financial support behind the “ National Condom Strategy ” of Eswatini in Africa with a $ 700,000 grant .
Formerly known as Swaziland , the small kingdom in the southern part of Africa had launched a “ National Condom Strategy ” in 2017 in order to combat HIV/AIDS and prevent “ unintended pregnancies.
” The Jan. 30 USAID grant announcement explained that currently “ 90 percent of public sector condoms are procured with funding provided by the ( U.S. government ) through its President ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) program , and the remainder by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation ( AHF ) .
” Through that funding , condoms are distributed “ to health facilities , and some civil society partners , which distribute them to target populations.
” More condoms are given “ to retail outlets , non-governmental organizations ( NGOs ) and other partners.
” As the grant announcement continues , the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) “ intends to consolidate its support for condom promotion resources to coordinate and target promotion of condom use.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government intends to shift its support of the Eswatini ’ s “ National Condom Strategy ” toward “ a more sustainable , equitable , and market-based approach that will improve access to male and female condoms and lubricants.
” The goal is “ to improve coordination , increase commodity security , increase demand and access , and improve correct and consistent utilization of condoms , with a particular focus on youth and males.
” In Eswatini , a small absolute monarchy surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique , 69 percent of the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The life expectancy is only 58 years .
An enormous part of the population has contracted HIV/AIDS .
First reported in the country in 1968 , HIV/AIDS has since spread widely .
According to data provided by USAID , the percentage of adults ages 15 to 49 living with HIV/AIDS in 2018 is more than 27 percent .
More than 60 percent of those are women .
In its 46-page “ National Condom Strategy , ” the Eswatini government claims that “ condom use is an important biomedical intervention for HIV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transmitted Infections ( STIs ) prevention.
” Even though , according to USAID , homosexual relations are illegal in the country , the “ National Condom Strategy ” mentions homosexuals among the parts of society that need to be targeted by the government program : “ Key populations such as men who have sex with men , sex workers , their clients , and their partners have the highest incidence of HIV.
” Judicial Watch has pointed out that the U.S. government , in its support for the “ National Condom Strategy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stating that King Mswati “ leads an openly posh lifestyle and has 15 wives , according to an African news report that lists all their names.
” Judicial Watch continued , “ He is also a renowned violator of human rights who has been blasted by various international groups over the years .
Just last month , Eswatini ’ s National Commissioner of Police announced that social media critics of the king will be hunted down and arrested .
Around the same time , human rights advocates were arrested for denouncing King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” LifeSiteNews has reported in the past that condoms can not guarantee prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS .
Rene Bullecer , a doctor who has treated many victims of the disease , said at a conference in 2015 , “ The reality is that condoms can not guarantee protection from HIV/AIDS , despite what their promoters say .
There is no such thing as ‘ safe sex , ’ especially when one engages in behavior that is known to spread the disease .
If condoms really are the solution , how is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the rise — especially among active homosexuals ?
” Bullecer explained that while Thailand focused on providing condoms when HIV/AIDS started spreading aggressively , the Philippines , which are a predominantly Catholic country , looked toward abstinence and fidelity in marriage as the solution .
Thailand ’ s AIDS epidemic only worsened and the Philippines has seen one of the lowest AIDS rates in the world .
On a trip to Africa in 2009 , Pope Benedict XVI said in an interview that HIV/AIDS “ is a tragedy that can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be overcome through the distribution of condoms , which even aggravates the problems.
” Edward C. Green , then director of the AIDS Prevention Research Project at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies , said at the time that evidence confirms that Benedict was correct in his assessment that condom distribution exacerbates the problem of AIDS .
`` The pope is correct , or put it a better way , the best evidence we have supports the pope ’ s comments , '' Green said .
`` There is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association shown by our best studies , including the U.S.-funded ‘ Demographic Health Surveys , ’ between greater availability and use of condoms and higher ( not lower ) HIV-infection rates .
This may be due in part to a phenomenon known as risk compensation , meaning that when one uses a risk-reduction ‘ technology ’ such as condoms , one often loses the benefit ( reduction in risk ) by ‘ compensating ’ or taking greater chances than one would take without the risk-reduction technology . ''
Pope Benedict XVI later explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was published in 2011 , that the problem goes deeper than a mere “ medical and pharmaceutical response.
” While necessary , the problem , according to Benedict , is first and foremost an ethical problem .
The former Pope stated , “ The change of behavior that it requires – for example , sexual abstinence , rejection of sexual promiscuity , fidelity within marriage – ultimately involves the question of integral development , which demands a global approach and a global response from the Church .
For if it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AIDS must be based on a sex education that is itself grounded in an anthropology anchored in the natural law and enlightened by the word of God and the Church ’ s teaching .
”

Ninety percent of condoms in Eswatini are procured with funding from the U.S. government.
February 6, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The U.S. government has thrown its financial support behind the “National Condom Strategy” of Eswatini in Africa with a $700,000 grant.
Formerly known as Swaziland, the small kingdom in the southern part of Africa had launched a “National Condom Strategy” in 2017 in order to combat HIV/AIDS and prevent “unintended pregnancies.” The Jan. 30 USAID grant announcement explained that currently “90 percent of public sector condoms are procured with funding provided by the (U.S. government) through its President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program, and the remainder by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).”
Through that funding, condoms are distributed “to health facilities, and some civil society partners, which distribute them to target populations.” More condoms are given “to retail outlets, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other partners.”
As the grant announcement continues, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) “intends to consolidate its support for condom promotion resources to coordinate and target promotion of condom use.”
In the future, the U.S. government intends to shift its support of the Eswatini’s “National Condom Strategy” toward “a more sustainable, equitable, and market-based approach that will improve access to male and female condoms and lubricants.”
The goal is “to improve coordination, increase commodity security, increase demand and access, and improve correct and consistent utilization of condoms, with a particular focus on youth and males.”
In Eswatini, a small absolute monarchy surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique, 69 percent of the population lived below the poverty line in 2006. The life expectancy is only 58 years.
An enormous part of the population has contracted HIV/AIDS. First reported in the country in 1986, HIV/AIDS has since spread widely. According to data provided by USAID, the percentage of adults ages 15 to 49 living with HIV/AIDS in 2018 is more than 27 percent. More than 60 percent of those are women.
In its 46-page “National Condom Strategy,” the Eswatini government claims that “condom use is an important biomedical intervention for HIV, Family Planning (FP) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) prevention.”
Even though, according to USAID, homosexual relations are illegal in the country, the “National Condom Strategy” mentions homosexuals among the parts of society that need to be targeted by the government program: “Key populations such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, their clients, and their partners have the highest incidence of HIV.”
Judicial Watch has pointed out that the U.S. government, in its support for the “National Condom Strategy,” is also supporting a corrupt government, stating that King Mswati “leads an openly posh lifestyle and has 15 wives, according to an African news report that lists all their names.”
Judicial Watch continued, “He is also a renowned violator of human rights who has been blasted by various international groups over the years. Just last month, Eswatini’s National Commissioner of Police announced that social media critics of the king will be hunted down and arrested. Around the same time, human rights advocates were arrested for denouncing King Mswati’s oppressive, dictator-like policies.”
LifeSiteNews has reported in the past that condoms cannot guarantee prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS. Rene Bullecer, a doctor who has treated many victims of the disease, said at a conference in 2015, “The reality is that condoms cannot guarantee protection from HIV/AIDS, despite what their promoters say. There is no such thing as ‘safe sex,’ especially when one engages in behavior that is known to spread the disease. If condoms really are the solution, how is it that HIV cases worldwide are still on the rise — especially among active homosexuals?”
Bullecer explained that while Thailand focused on providing condoms when HIV/AIDS started spreading aggressively, the Philippines, which are a predominantly Catholic country, looked toward abstinence and fidelity in marriage as the solution. Thailand’s AIDS epidemic only worsened and the Philippines has seen one of the lowest AIDS rates in the world.
On a trip to Africa in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI said in an interview that HIV/AIDS “is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems.”
Edward C. Green, then director of the AIDS Prevention Research Project at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, said at the time that evidence confirms that Benedict was correct in his assessment that condom distribution exacerbates the problem of AIDS.
“The pope is correct, or put it a better way, the best evidence we have supports the pope’s comments,” Green said.
“There is,” Green added, “a consistent association shown by our best studies, including the U.S.-funded ‘Demographic Health Surveys,’ between greater availability and use of condoms and higher (not lower) HIV-infection rates. This may be due in part to a phenomenon known as risk compensation, meaning that when one uses a risk-reduction ‘technology’ such as condoms, one often loses the benefit (reduction in risk) by ‘compensating’ or taking greater chances than one would take without the risk-reduction technology.”
Pope Benedict XVI later explained in his post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus, which was published in 2011, that the problem goes deeper than a mere “medical and pharmaceutical response.” While necessary, the problem, according to Benedict, is first and foremost an ethical problem.
The former Pope stated, “The change of behavior that it requires – for example, sexual abstinence, rejection of sexual promiscuity, fidelity within marriage – ultimately involves the question of integral development, which demands a global approach and a global response from the Church. For if it is to be effective, the prevention of AIDS must be based on a sex education that is itself grounded in an anthropology anchored in the natural law and enlightened by the word of God and the Church’s teaching.”
Feb. 7, correction: An earlier version of this report stated HIV/AIDS was first reported in Swaziland, now Eswatini, in 1968, whereas it was 1986. LifeSiteNews regrets this error.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-06--Missionary Franklin Graham blackballed from multi-city UK tour for views on homosexuality

NEWCASTLE , England , February 6 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — American Protestant evangelist Franklin Graham has now been dropped from every venue originally booked to host his U.K. tour on account of his Bible-based teachings on sexuality .
Utilita Arena in Newcastle was the seventh hall to cancel the Christian missionary ’ s “ Message of Hope ” tour .
The decision , announced yesterday , followed a campaign against Graham ’ s Newcastle visit by LGBT lobbyists and Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes .
When the arena dropped the booking , Forbes expressed his satisfaction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world-famous evangelist Billy Graham , of teaching hate .
“ Pastor Graham peddles controversial , repulsive views about LGBT people which are in direct conflict with the values we hold dear in Newcastle , ” said the Labor politician .
“ The vast number of individuals , organizations , and communities that supported my call for the show to be scrapped shows that Newcastle is a city that will not accept hate speech in any form , ” he continued .
“ This is reflected in many other towns and cities across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cancel these shows.
” The City Council chief thanked Utilita Arena and its owners , ASM Global , for “ making the correct decision.
” “ Newcastle is a safe city and a place where people are accepted and welcomed for who they are , ” Forbes added .
He also said people in Newcastle can now “ come together and look forward to hosting U.K .
Pride here this summer.
” According to the Newcastle Chronicle , over 5,600 people signed a petition asking Utilita Arena to cancel Graham ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is coming to Britain to “ bring hateful speech.
” “ I am coming to share the Gospel , which is the Good News that God loves the people of the U.K. , and that Jesus Christ came to this earth to save us from our sins , ” he stated on January 27 .
Graham originally planned to appear in eight British cities this year : Glasgow , Newcastle , Sheffield , Milton Keynes , Liverpool , Cardiff , Birmingham , and London .
Apparently , there had not yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
LGBT activists , including elected representatives in local ( municipal ) governments , have succeeded in getting the Christian barred from all his planned British venues .
Not everyone in Britain is onboard with Graham ’ s deplatforming .
Last week , the Glasgow City Council joined a successful LGBT campaign to get Graham ’ s one Scottish venue to drop him .
Later this month , they will discover that this was not universally popular among Scots .
“ We ’ re going to have a little demonstration outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leader of the Scottish Family Party , told LifeSiteNews .
“ This is an attack on freedom of religion.
” At the same time , Lucas is delighted to have the anti-Christian bias of elected officials so blatantly expressed because “ it ’ s bringing it home to many people.
” Lucas also believes that virtue-signaling city councillors have no idea that people think differently from how they do .
“ They live in such a bubble , ” he said The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association U.K. has reported “ torrents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted some of the messages .
A religious organization in Scotland called the Glasgow cancellation “ regrettable and alarming.
” “ Covenant Fellowship Scotland , which represents hundreds of Church of Scotland ministers , elders , and members across the country , believes the decision of the Scottish Event Campus ( SEC ) and its majority shareholder , Glasgow City Council , not to host the American evangelist Franklin Graham at the Hydro , to be deeply regrettable and alarming , and calls on all parties to reverse the decision in the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom of speech and expression , ” it said .
Newcastle native Dr. Alan Fimister , professor of theology at St. John Vianney Seminary in Colorado , expressed his opinion of his city ’ s Graham-haters in scriptural terms .
“ Sicut non probaverunt Deum habere in notitia , tradidit illos Deus in reprobum sensum , ut faciant ea quae non conveniunt , ” Fimister told LifeSiteNews .
“ As they liked not to have God in their knowledge , God delivered them up to a reprobate sense , to do those things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:28 ) .
The Billy Graham Foundation , which is organizing Franklin Graham ’ s tour , says the missionary will still be appearing in Britain on the planned dates , but the foundation is still looking for replacement venues .
To respectfully express your views , please contact :

The American Protestant evangelist has now been dropped from every venue originally booked to host his U.K. tour on account of his Bible-based teachings on sexuality.
NEWCASTLE, England, February 6, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — American Protestant evangelist Franklin Graham has now been dropped from every venue originally booked to host his U.K. tour on account of his Bible-based teachings on sexuality.
Utilita Arena in Newcastle was the seventh hall to cancel the Christian missionary’s “Message of Hope” tour. The decision, announced yesterday, followed a campaign against Graham’s Newcastle visit by LGBT lobbyists and Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes.
When the arena dropped the booking, Forbes expressed his satisfaction and accused Franklin Graham, the son of the world-famous evangelist Billy Graham, of teaching hate.
“Pastor Graham peddles controversial, repulsive views about LGBT people which are in direct conflict with the values we hold dear in Newcastle,” said the Labor politician.
“The vast number of individuals, organizations, and communities that supported my call for the show to be scrapped shows that Newcastle is a city that will not accept hate speech in any form,” he continued.
“This is reflected in many other towns and cities across the country who have also stepped forward to cancel these shows.”
The City Council chief thanked Utilita Arena and its owners, ASM Global, for “making the correct decision.”
“Newcastle is a safe city and a place where people are accepted and welcomed for who they are,” Forbes added.
He also said people in Newcastle can now “come together and look forward to hosting U.K. Pride here this summer.”
According to the Newcastle Chronicle, over 5,600 people signed a petition asking Utilita Arena to cancel Graham’s booking.
Franklin Graham has denied that he is coming to Britain to “bring hateful speech.”
“I am coming to share the Gospel, which is the Good News that God loves the people of the U.K., and that Jesus Christ came to this earth to save us from our sins,” he stated on January 27.
Graham originally planned to appear in eight British cities this year: Glasgow, Newcastle, Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, and London. Apparently, there had not yet been a venue booked for the London October date. LGBT activists, including elected representatives in local (municipal) governments, have succeeded in getting the Christian barred from all his planned British venues.
Not everyone in Britain is onboard with Graham’s deplatforming. Last week, the Glasgow City Council joined a successful LGBT campaign to get Graham’s one Scottish venue to drop him. Later this month, they will discover that this was not universally popular among Scots.
“We’re going to have a little demonstration outside the Glasgow City Chambers,” Richard Lucas, leader of the Scottish Family Party, told LifeSiteNews.
“This is an attack on freedom of religion.”
At the same time, Lucas is delighted to have the anti-Christian bias of elected officials so blatantly expressed because “it’s bringing it home to many people.”
Lucas also believes that virtue-signaling city councillors have no idea that people think differently from how they do.
“They live in such a bubble,” he said
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association U.K. has reported “torrents of support” for the reviled preacher and posted some of the messages.
A religious organization in Scotland called the Glasgow cancellation “regrettable and alarming.”
“Covenant Fellowship Scotland, which represents hundreds of Church of Scotland ministers, elders, and members across the country, believes the decision of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and its majority shareholder, Glasgow City Council, not to host the American evangelist Franklin Graham at the Hydro, to be deeply regrettable and alarming, and calls on all parties to reverse the decision in the name of religious tolerance and the right to freedom of speech and expression,” it said.
Newcastle native Dr. Alan Fimister, professor of theology at St. John Vianney Seminary in Colorado, expressed his opinion of his city’s Graham-haters in scriptural terms.
“Sicut non probaverunt Deum habere in notitia, tradidit illos Deus in reprobum sensum, ut faciant ea quae non conveniunt,” Fimister told LifeSiteNews.
“As they liked not to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them up to a reprobate sense, to do those things which are not convenient” (Romans 1:28).
The Billy Graham Foundation, which is organizing Franklin Graham’s tour, says the missionary will still be appearing in Britain on the planned dates, but the foundation is still looking for replacement venues.
To respectfully express your views, please contact:
Glasgow – The SSE Hydro:
[email protected]
Newcastle – Utilita Arena:
[email protected]
Sheffield – FlyDSA Arena:
[email protected]
Milton Keynes – Marshall Arena:
[email protected]
Liverpool – ACC Liverpool:
[email protected]
Cardiff – ICC Wales:
[email protected]
Birmingham – Arena Birmingham:
[email protected]
Share


lifesitenews--2020-02-06--Doctor who promotes ‘terminal sedation’ of sick patients to keynote LA Archdiocese end-of-life confe

Doctor who promotes ‘terminal sedation’ of sick patients to keynote LA Archdiocese end-of-life conference

LOS ANGELES , February 6 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A pro-Planned Parenthood doctor who promotes “ terminal sedation ” of sick patients will give a keynote address on Feb. 7 at a Catholic conference on end-of-life issues run by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles , where Jose Gomez is archbishop .
Gomez is also the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ( USCCB ) .
Ira Byock MD is scheduled to speak on Friday at the `` Caring for the Whole Person '' conference at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering , ” Byock defended the use of “ terminal sedation and voluntary refusal of food and fluids ” as a way of dealing with “ severe and unacceptable ” suffering .
Euthanasia opponents warn that “ terminal sedation ” is essentially euthanasia by another name .
Catholic thinker Roberto de Mattei has called “ deep sedation ” a “ masked form ” of euthanasia , where a doctor deliberately kills a patient .
Such sedation , he said , “ causes the death of the patient , either directly , through sedative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures.
” This kind of sedation , said de Mattei , “ is not a temporary therapy to alleviate pain , but a permanent condition , of no return , which is similar to that of an irreversible coma.
” “ Those who choose deep sedation perform an act with which they choose to snuff out irrevocably the light of reason and will , to immerse themselves in a deep and definitive sleep , which is difficult to distinguish from death , ” he continued .
“ However , if it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will it be licit to deliberately renounce the exercise of the soul ’ s faculties , which are an immense good received from God ?
” he added .
Dr. Byock is the founder and board member of the Institute for Human Caring , which is a part of the Providence healthcare organization , which manages a number of Catholic hospitals in California .
He has been involved in controversial organizations that advocate suicide and denial of food and water for patients with terminal illness .
He claims to be an opponent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He calls himself a “ registered Democrat and progressive ” who supports “ women 's rights , Planned Parenthood , gay marriage.
” The Caring for the Whole Person conference is billed by the archdiocese as an initiative by bishops and the Catholic healthcare systems in California to provide support and referrals to families facing the suffering , sickness or terminal illness of loved ones .
Clergy , “ ministers to the sick , ” and others are invited to attend .
Archbishop Gomez and Dr. Byock are among the three keynote speakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles went unanswered .
Ron Panzer , president of Hospice Patients Alliance ( HPA ) , told LifeSiteNews that he was shocked to see that Byock has been invited to speak at the conference .
“ As you know , Byock promotes terminal sedation to death in hospice , voluntary stopping of eating and drinking to commit suicide in hospice , and is a self-described secular humanist who supports enthusiastically Planned Parenthood , abortion , gay marriage and calls himself ‘ Pro-life ’ because he opposes legalized assisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that Dr. Byock is one of the most influential hospice and palliative care physicians in the country , having been involved in the hospice industry for over 40 years .
According to Panzer , Byock merged Choice in Dying ( the successor to the Euthanasia Society of America ) into Partnership for Caring .
All of these have been succeeded by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization .
HPA has pointed out that the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization ( which brings together hospice agencies ) is also a successor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coincidently , Byock is also scheduled to appear as keynote speaker at the annual conference of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in October .
Panzer told LifeSiteNews that Byock “ is the guy who took the wonderful , life-affirming pro-life mission of hospice and brought the euthanasia people directly into the hospice movement .
And he has personally tainted the industry .
In 1997 , he wrote the book Dying Well , which is euthanasia.
” In the book , Panzer said , Byock talked about terminally sedating patients .
Byock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he told the patient , ‘ if things get too bad , I can sedate you and you just die.
’ ” Panzer said that Byock talked about sedating people with morphine and ativan as they die of dehydration and respiratory failure .
“ This is stealth euthanasia , ” Panzer said , “ it is undeclared , it ’ s evil .
It ’ s the antithesis of the Christian , pro-life hospice mission that [ Dame ] Dr. Cicely Saunders created in the 1960s.
” Saunders strongly opposed euthanasia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , instead arguing for effective pain control .
Panzer said that the hospice movement has broken in two parts , represented respectively by “ secular humanist ” Byock and Saunders , a Christian .
Panzer warned against having Byock serve as a “ chief educator of the Catholic Church in this state-wide initiative to educate all the priests in California about palliative care and hospice.
” Panzer said that palliative care can only be authentic if it is “ life-affirming hospice care ” instead of the “ tainted hospice care ” that utilizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the command of medical professionals .
Terminal sedation is “ imposed death , but it is never declared medical killing , ” he said , adding , that it has “ tainted the entire healthcare system like a poison.
” Panzer also warned against the Palliative Care and Hospice Training Education Act ( HR 647 ) , which was passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting consideration by the Senate .
Both Democrats and Republicans co-sponsored the bill .
If passed , it would require the federal Department of Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hospice Education Centers ” that would “ improve the training of health professionals in palliative care and establish traineeships ” for those preparing for degrees in social work , or advanced degrees in nursing or physician-assistant studies in palliative care.
” Panzer fears that this would fund the “ secular , anti-life , tainted hospice care movement.
” Dr. Byock , he said , is one of the principal movers behind the bill .
Brian Johnston of the California ProLife Council told LifeSiteNews that his organization opposes “ ‘ terminal sedation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ This is the intentional , medical killing of a patient in one ’ s care , ” he said .
California ProLife Council has also joined numerous other pro-life organizations in opposing the Palliative Care and Hospice Training Education Act .
Julie Grimstad , president of the pro-life Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership Organization ( HALO ) , told LifeSiteNews that her organization also “ strenuously ” objects to Byock ’ s presence at the archdiocesan conference .
“ Dr .
Byock promotes voluntary starvation and dehydration , and terminal sedation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they or others involved have ‘ moral ’ objections to assisted suicide .
This is seriously contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church , ” Grimstad wrote .
Representatives from HALO and HPA will join others outside the Los Angeles cathedral on Friday to protest against the Caring for the Whole Person Conference .

LOS ANGELES, February 6, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A pro-Planned Parenthood doctor who promotes “terminal sedation” of sick patients will give a keynote address on Feb. 7 at a Catholic conference on end-of-life issues run by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, where Jose Gomez is archbishop.
Gomez is also the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Ira Byock MD is scheduled to speak on Friday at the “Caring for the Whole Person” conference at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. In a 2000 paper on “intractable terminal suffering,” Byock defended the use of “terminal sedation and voluntary refusal of food and fluids” as a way of dealing with “severe and unacceptable” suffering.
Euthanasia opponents warn that “terminal sedation” is essentially euthanasia by another name.
Catholic thinker Roberto de Mattei has called “deep sedation” a “masked form” of euthanasia, where a doctor deliberately kills a patient. Such sedation, he said, “causes the death of the patient, either directly, through sedative drugs or through the interruption of life-saving measures.” This kind of sedation, said de Mattei, “is not a temporary therapy to alleviate pain, but a permanent condition, of no return, which is similar to that of an irreversible coma.”
“Those who choose deep sedation perform an act with which they choose to snuff out irrevocably the light of reason and will, to immerse themselves in a deep and definitive sleep, which is difficult to distinguish from death,” he continued. “However, if it is not licit to take one’s life, will it be licit to deliberately renounce the exercise of the soul’s faculties, which are an immense good received from God?” he added.
Dr. Byock is the founder and board member of the Institute for Human Caring, which is a part of the Providence healthcare organization, which manages a number of Catholic hospitals in California. He has been involved in controversial organizations that advocate suicide and denial of food and water for patients with terminal illness. He claims to be an opponent of what he calls physician-assisted suicide. He calls himself a “registered Democrat and progressive” who supports “women's rights, Planned Parenthood, gay marriage.”
The Caring for the Whole Person conference is billed by the archdiocese as an initiative by bishops and the Catholic healthcare systems in California to provide support and referrals to families facing the suffering, sickness or terminal illness of loved ones. Clergy, “ministers to the sick,” and others are invited to attend. Archbishop Gomez and Dr. Byock are among the three keynote speakers at the event.
Emails from LifeSiteNews to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles went unanswered.
Ron Panzer, president of Hospice Patients Alliance (HPA), told LifeSiteNews that he was shocked to see that Byock has been invited to speak at the conference.
“As you know, Byock promotes terminal sedation to death in hospice, voluntary stopping of eating and drinking to commit suicide in hospice, and is a self-described secular humanist who supports enthusiastically Planned Parenthood, abortion, gay marriage and calls himself ‘Pro-life’ because he opposes legalized assisted suicide,” he said.
Panzer said that Dr. Byock is one of the most influential hospice and palliative care physicians in the country, having been involved in the hospice industry for over 40 years. According to Panzer, Byock merged Choice in Dying (the successor to the Euthanasia Society of America) into Partnership for Caring. All of these have been succeeded by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.
HPA has pointed out that the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (which brings together hospice agencies) is also a successor of the Euthanasia Society of America. Coincidently, Byock is also scheduled to appear as keynote speaker at the annual conference of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in October.
Panzer told LifeSiteNews that Byock “is the guy who took the wonderful, life-affirming pro-life mission of hospice and brought the euthanasia people directly into the hospice movement. And he has personally tainted the industry. In 1997, he wrote the book Dying Well, which is euthanasia.”
In the book, Panzer said, Byock talked about terminally sedating patients. Byock describes in his book a conversation, in which he told the patient, ‘if things get too bad, I can sedate you and you just die.’” Panzer said that Byock talked about sedating people with morphine and ativan as they die of dehydration and respiratory failure.
“This is stealth euthanasia,” Panzer said, “it is undeclared, it’s evil. It’s the antithesis of the Christian, pro-life hospice mission that [Dame] Dr. Cicely Saunders created in the 1960s.” Saunders strongly opposed euthanasia on the basis of her Christian faith, instead arguing for effective pain control. Panzer said that the hospice movement has broken in two parts, represented respectively by “secular humanist” Byock and Saunders, a Christian.
Panzer warned against having Byock serve as a “chief educator of the Catholic Church in this state-wide initiative to educate all the priests in California about palliative care and hospice.”
Panzer said that palliative care can only be authentic if it is “life-affirming hospice care” instead of the “tainted hospice care” that utilizes terminal sedation and dehydration of patients at the command of medical professionals. Terminal sedation is “imposed death, but it is never declared medical killing,” he said, adding, that it has “tainted the entire healthcare system like a poison.”
Panzer also warned against the Palliative Care and Hospice Training Education Act (HR 647), which was passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting consideration by the Senate. Both Democrats and Republicans co-sponsored the bill. If passed, it would require the federal Department of Health and Human Services to support “Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers” that would “improve the training of health professionals in palliative care and establish traineeships” for those preparing for degrees in social work, or advanced degrees in nursing or physician-assistant studies in palliative care.” Panzer fears that this would fund the “secular, anti-life, tainted hospice care movement.” Dr. Byock, he said, is one of the principal movers behind the bill.
Brian Johnston of the California ProLife Council told LifeSiteNews that his organization opposes “‘terminal sedation’ or the opiated dehydration of vulnerable patients.”
“This is the intentional, medical killing of a patient in one’s care,” he said.
California ProLife Council has also joined numerous other pro-life organizations in opposing the Palliative Care and Hospice Training Education Act.
Julie Grimstad, president of the pro-life Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership Organization (HALO), told LifeSiteNews that her organization also “strenuously” objects to Byock’s presence at the archdiocesan conference.
“Dr. Byock promotes voluntary starvation and dehydration, and terminal sedation, as alternative ways to kill patients when they or others involved have ‘moral’ objections to assisted suicide. This is seriously contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church,” Grimstad wrote.
Representatives from HALO and HPA will join others outside the Los Angeles cathedral on Friday to protest against the Caring for the Whole Person Conference.
Contact information:
Archbishop José Gomez
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
3424 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2241
Ph: (213) 637-7000
Online contact form here.
Share