thestream--2020-07-08--Colorado AG Serves Cease and Desist Order to Andrew Wommack Event

Despite taking every single COVID-related precaution recommended by local officials , Andrew Wommack Ministries received a cease and desist order from the office of Colorado ’ s Attorney General … right in the middle of their annual , week-long Summer Family Bible Conference .
The final day , July 4th , included a musical tribute to America called In God We Trust , featuring “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” and the Gettysburg Address .
The local sheriff ’ s department provided a color guard .
Prior to the event , Wommack and his executive team met with local public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan that would ensure a safe environment and practices for the staff , guests and community at large .
The approved plan included : • mandatory temperature checks and health questionnaires for staff and volunteers , and • specialized staff and volunteer training on PPEs and proper disinfecting procedures .
The event was held at Charis Bible College in Woodland Park , CO. At the time , Colorado was at Level 2 of its public health orders .
According to the state ’ s own social distancing calculator , the 250,000 sq ft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 1,215 people .
But the ministry capped attendance to less than 1,000 .
The auditorium , where the adults of the event gathered was restricted to 25 % of the room ’ s capacity , with plenty of space left between families .
So why did the AG send the cease and desist order , threatening to shut down the event ?
Andrew Wommack sat down yesterday with Stream contributor and LIFE Today Live host Randy Robison to explain why .
And why he defied the order .
Wommack tells of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any gathering recently imposed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis .
That number is regardless of compliance to all other orders and facility capacities .
Wommack ’ s decision to proceed with the event in defiance of the governor ’ s mandate did not come lightly .
“ If it was only a First Amendment issue , if that was all we were fighting for , ” he said , “ I ’ d be willing to go to the mat , I ’ d be willing to go to jail.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand up to the growing threat of a godless state government if it weren ’ t for the reality of the virus .
He wants to ensure that his actions do not cause harm to his staff and community .
“ I ’ m concerned about the virus and protecting people , but we took every precaution , more precautions certainly than what they ’ ve had at these protests .
And yet they haven ’ t restricted them at all.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Issues of Our Day .
Protests throughout the state of Colorado have drawn thousands daily .
Not only have they have not been limited , they ’ ve been publicly encouraged by the governor .
Wommack feels it is pure discrimination against the church to allow unrestricted and unhindered groups to protest , even as they pose a threat to public health .
Yet Wommack ’ s ministry was targeted despite their ‘ exemplary efforts ” to ensure people ’ s health and safety .
Liberty Counsel is representing Andrew Wommack Ministries against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent a letter to the AG ’ s office calling out the discrimination .
Liberty Counsel Founder Mat Staver stated , “ Religious gatherings have a Constitutional right to exist , and the Colorado attorney general has clearly discriminated against Andrew Wommack Ministries while encouraging mass protests of people that are not taking health precautions .
There is neither a pandemic pause button to the Constitution nor an exception for religious gatherings.
” A quick image search shows the vast number of people who have turned out for the protests .
Liberty Counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point home .
Toward the end of May , Wommack and more than 700 other ministers in Colorado sent a letter to state officials saying their voluntary compliance with the shutdown was coming to an end .
After three months of churches being declared non-essential , it was time to push back .
On May 31st , Pentecost Sunday , they returned to holding in-person services at the churches .
With precautions and limitations , of course .
To date , none of them have received any trouble from the state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is .
On the evening of July 1st , the night before the AG order was signed , Wommack led a panel discussion for the Truth and Liberty Coalition with William Federer , General Jerry Boykin , Tony Perkins , E. W. Jackson , and Janet Boynes .
In this “ powerful ” session of the conference , they walked through all the key issues at stake in the upcoming election .
They analyzed the platforms of both major political parties and discussed biblical stances on each .
The discussion was live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 views and high praise in the comments .
You can watch the entire discussion here : The timing of the order and the double standard of the state government raises a question : Is Colorado trying to suppress a virus or the political speech of the faithful ?
John Melton is the Acting Editor-in-Chief of The Stream .
He has worked for LIFE Outreach International , The Stream ’ s parent organization , for more than 15 years .
He has a background in theology , philosophy , and music .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in non-profit administration , marketing and event planning .

Despite taking every single COVID-related precaution recommended by local officials, Andrew Wommack Ministries received a cease and desist order from the office of Colorado’s Attorney General … right in the middle of their annual, week-long Summer Family Bible Conference. The final day, July 4th, included a musical tribute to America called In God We Trust, featuring “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Gettysburg Address. The local sheriff’s department provided a color guard.
Prior to the event, Wommack and his executive team met with local public health and law enforcement officials to create a plan that would ensure a safe environment and practices for the staff, guests and community at large. The approved plan included:
significantly reduced attendance
staggered guest arrival times
single direction traffic flow
copious signage promoting healthy practices
mandatory temperature checks and health questionnaires for staff and volunteers, and
specialized staff and volunteer training on PPEs and proper disinfecting procedures.
The event was held at Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, CO. At the time, Colorado was at Level 2 of its public health orders. According to the state’s own social distancing calculator, the 250,000 sq ft facility should have been able to accommodate up to 1,215 people. But the ministry capped attendance to less than 1,000. The auditorium, where the adults of the event gathered was restricted to 25% of the room’s capacity, with plenty of space left between families.
Cease and Desist
So why did the AG send the cease and desist order, threatening to shut down the event? Andrew Wommack sat down yesterday with Stream contributor and LIFE Today Live host Randy Robison to explain why. And why he defied the order.

Wommack tells of the arbitrary maximum of 175 people for any gathering recently imposed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis. That number is regardless of compliance to all other orders and facility capacities.
Discrimination
Wommack’s decision to proceed with the event in defiance of the governor’s mandate did not come lightly. “If it was only a First Amendment issue, if that was all we were fighting for,” he said, “I’d be willing to go to the mat, I’d be willing to go to jail.” He said it would have been an easy decision to stand up to the growing threat of a godless state government if it weren’t for the reality of the virus. He wants to ensure that his actions do not cause harm to his staff and community. “I’m concerned about the virus and protecting people, but we took every precaution, more precautions certainly than what they’ve had at these protests. And yet they haven’t restricted them at all.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“I believe it is not only our constitutional right but our duty to stop this extreme overreach of government that allows people to riot and pillage but not assemble to worship the Lord.” – Andrew Wommack
Protests throughout the state of Colorado have drawn thousands daily. Not only have they have not been limited, they’ve been publicly encouraged by the governor. Wommack feels it is pure discrimination against the church to allow unrestricted and unhindered groups to protest, even as they pose a threat to public health. Yet Wommack’s ministry was targeted despite their ‘exemplary efforts” to ensure people’s health and safety.
Liberty Counsel is representing Andrew Wommack Ministries against the State of Colorado. They have sent a letter to the AG’s office calling out the discrimination. Liberty Counsel Founder Mat Staver stated, “Religious gatherings have a Constitutional right to exist, and the Colorado attorney general has clearly discriminated against Andrew Wommack Ministries while encouraging mass protests of people that are not taking health precautions. There is neither a pandemic pause button to the Constitution nor an exception for religious gatherings.”
A quick image search shows the vast number of people who have turned out for the protests. Liberty Counsel’s letter includes several to drive the point home.
Curious Timing
Toward the end of May, Wommack and more than 700 other ministers in Colorado sent a letter to state officials saying their voluntary compliance with the shutdown was coming to an end. After three months of churches being declared non-essential, it was time to push back. On May 31st, Pentecost Sunday, they returned to holding in-person services at the churches. With precautions and limitations, of course. To date, none of them have received any trouble from the state. Until the Summer Family Bible Conference, that is.
On the evening of July 1st, the night before the AG order was signed, Wommack led a panel discussion for the Truth and Liberty Coalition with William Federer, General Jerry Boykin, Tony Perkins, E. W. Jackson, and Janet Boynes. In this “powerful” session of the conference, they walked through all the key issues at stake in the upcoming election. They analyzed the platforms of both major political parties and discussed biblical stances on each. The discussion was live streamed and so far has had over 20,000 views and high praise in the comments. You can watch the entire discussion here:
The timing of the order and the double standard of the state government raises a question: Is Colorado trying to suppress a virus or the political speech of the faithful?
John Melton is the Acting Editor-in-Chief of The Stream. He has worked for LIFE Outreach International, The Stream’s parent organization, for more than 15 years. He has a background in theology, philosophy, and music. Most of his professional career has been spent in non-profit administration, marketing and event planning.


thestream--2020-07-08--SCOTUS Tosses Employment Discrimination Suits From Ex-Catholic School Teachers

The United States Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to throw out employment discrimination lawsuits from former Catholic school teachers .
SCOTUS ruled 7-2 that the former teachers ’ employment discrimination suits are barred by “ ministerial exception.
” Justice Samuel Alito delivered the opinion of the Court .
In his opinion , Alito said that under the “ ministerial exception , ” courts must “ stay out of employment disputes involving those holding certain important positions with churches and other religious institutions.
” “ It is instructive to consider why a church ’ s independence on matters ‘ of faith and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , supervise , and if necessary , remove a minister without interference by secular authorities , ” Alito wrote .
“ Without that power , a wayward minister ’ s preaching , teaching , and counseling could contradict the church ’ s tenets and lead the congregation away from the faith .
The ministerial exception was recognized to preserve a church ’ s independent authority in such matters.
” The case involved two elementary school teachers at different Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles .
Agnes Morrissey-Berru taught at Our Lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at St. James School .
Both Morrissey-Berru and Biel were employed under agreements that as Catholic school teachers at their specific schools , they would “ set out the schools ’ mission to develop and promote a Catholic School faith community.
” “ Each was also required to comply with her school ’ s faculty handbook , which set out similar expectations , ” the courts ’ ruling stated .
“ Each taught religion in the classroom , worshipped with her students , prayed with her students , and had her performance measured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their schools after their employment was terminated.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Morrissey-Berru said that her school had discriminated against her based on age , while Biel said that her school discharged her after she requested a leave of absence to get breast cancer treatment .
“ We applaud the Supreme Court for recognizing that the Constitution bars the government from interfering in the independent employment decisions of religious organizations , ” First Liberty Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
First Liberty had filed an amicus brief in support of Our Lady of Guadalupe School urging SCOTUS to preserve the school ’ s First Amendment rights .
“ There should no longer be any doubt that religious schools and institutions have the right to freely choose who will preach their religious message , teach their religious doctrine , and lead our future generations according to their religious tradition , ” he added .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The United States Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to throw out employment discrimination lawsuits from former Catholic school teachers.
SCOTUS ruled 7-2 that the former teachers’ employment discrimination suits are barred by “ministerial exception.” Justice Samuel Alito delivered the opinion of the Court.
In his opinion, Alito said that under the “ministerial exception,” courts must “stay out of employment disputes involving those holding certain important positions with churches and other religious institutions.”
“It is instructive to consider why a church’s independence on matters ‘of faith and doctrine’ requires the authority to select, supervise, and if necessary, remove a minister without interference by secular authorities,” Alito wrote.
“Without that power, a wayward minister’s preaching, teaching, and counseling could contradict the church’s tenets and lead the congregation away from the faith. The ministerial exception was recognized to preserve a church’s independent authority in such matters.”
The case involved two elementary school teachers at different Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Agnes Morrissey-Berru taught at Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Kristen Biel taught at St. James School.
#SCOTUS rules 7-2 that employment discrimination suits by teachers fired by Catholic elementary schools are barred by “ministerial exception” — SCOTUSblog (@SCOTUSblog) July 8, 2020
Both Morrissey-Berru and Biel were employed under agreements that as Catholic school teachers at their specific schools, they would “set out the schools’ mission to develop and promote a Catholic School faith community.”
“Each was also required to comply with her school’s faculty handbook, which set out similar expectations,” the courts’ ruling stated. “Each taught religion in the classroom, worshipped with her students, prayed with her students, and had her performance measured on religious bases. Both teachers sued their schools after their employment was terminated.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Morrissey-Berru said that her school had discriminated against her based on age, while Biel said that her school discharged her after she requested a leave of absence to get breast cancer treatment.
“We applaud the Supreme Court for recognizing that the Constitution bars the government from interfering in the independent employment decisions of religious organizations,” First Liberty Institute President and CEO Kelly Shackelford said in a statement.
First Liberty had filed an amicus brief in support of Our Lady of Guadalupe School urging SCOTUS to preserve the school’s First Amendment rights.
“There should no longer be any doubt that religious schools and institutions have the right to freely choose who will preach their religious message, teach their religious doctrine, and lead our future generations according to their religious tradition,” he added.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-08--Why It Won’t Stop With Statues

Why It Won’t Stop With Statues

Last weekend I watched a short video of a mob in Baltimore tearing down a statue of Christopher Columbus .
It reminded me of the scenes of human sacrifice in Mel Gibson ’ s amazing film Apocalypto .
Yes .
I know it was only a statue .
But will it stop with statues ?
The mob in Baltimore was cheering and screaming , and as the statue crashed down they were leaping about and shaking with paroxysms of crazed exuberance .
They rushed to the fallen plaster statue and grabbed parts of it and ran away with them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trophy .
In Gibson ’ s film the mob howls not for the destruction of a statue , but the heart and the head of a real human victim .
When the head rolls down the steps of the Mayan pyramid , the crowd dances with delight .
History teaches us that iconoclasm ( the destruction of images ) is often followed by genocide .
In England in the 16th century they began by stripping the Catholic churches of statues .
They ended by hunting down Catholics , throwing them into jail and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
In the 18th century during the French Revolution they began by destroying the images of the monarchy and the Catholic religion and ended by worshiping Madame Guillotine .
First statues fell , then heads rolled .
In 1930s Germany they started by burning synagogues and ended by burning Jews .
In Iraq , ISIS blew up statues then they started cutting off heads .
What is the bloodthirsty madness that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in senseless violence ?
Its roots are in resentment and rage .
The German philosopher Max Scheler described it in his little book Ressentiment and I have outlined the dynamics of this rage in my book Immortal Combat .
The inner seethings of this rage are frightening to contemplate .
First it should be understood that often the resentment is rooted in a real injustice .
There is a genuine cause for the resentment to take root .
However , if the resentment does not switch to reconciliation and a search for forgiveness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for revenge .
The one harboring resentment soon finds others who share his suppressed fury .
The mob forms and they seek a victim .
The French thinker Rene Girard has analyzed the dynamic of mob violence .
He recognizes that the mob murder is always public .
Members of the mob need to see the “ justice ” being done .
Secondly , the violence must be perpetrated by the mob , not by an individual .
This group action not only creates unity within the mob , but no one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all are guilty , all are exonerated .
Third , there will be blood .
Almost always bloodshed is involved in the murder .
It is as if a blood sacrifice is demanded by some dark god infesting the human heart .
Finally , and most importantly , after the murder is accomplished the crowd experiences a collective surge of euphoria .
They feel they have done something wonderful and good , and are filled with an almost supernatural excitement .
This dynamic is evident in ancient human sacrifices , the religious persecutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mob violence of all kinds in every place at certain times down through history .
Why is it so pervasive and why does it rarely stop with statues ?
The answer is in the strange euphoria the mob experiences once the violence is completed .
It ’ s like a drug , and like all drugs it makes you feel amazingly terrific .
It makes you feel all powerful .
It makes you feel high .
However , like any artificial stimulant , the effect wears off , and when it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When the discontent , misery and fear return you go back for another hit on the drug , only this time you need a bigger dose to get the same high .
This is why mob violence rarely ends with the breaking of images , nor will giving in to the mob stop the violence .
Appeasing the mob will not stop the mayhem any more than giving free drugs to an addict will stop his addiction .
It will not cure his addiction .
It will make it worse .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than go into decline and fade away .
Resentment is understandable , but the way of revenge always ends in a bitter cycle of irrational rage and destructive violence .
Remember the old saying , “ If it is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth , soon the whole world with be blind and toothless.
” The only answer to resentment and revenge is for all people of faith and goodwill to actively pursue the policies of reconciliation and forgiveness , and the sooner we start down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — for even now it may be too late .
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in Greenville , South Carolina .
His book Immortal Combat : Confronting the Heart of Darkness considers the causes and the cure for the current social unrest in America .

Last weekend I watched a short video of a mob in Baltimore tearing down a statue of Christopher Columbus. It reminded me of the scenes of human sacrifice in Mel Gibson’s amazing film Apocalypto.
Yes. I know it was only a statue. But will it stop with statues?
The mob in Baltimore was cheering and screaming, and as the statue crashed down they were leaping about and shaking with paroxysms of crazed exuberance. They rushed to the fallen plaster statue and grabbed parts of it and ran away with them. One man brandished the head as a trophy.
In Gibson’s film the mob howls not for the destruction of a statue, but the heart and the head of a real human victim. When the head rolls down the steps of the Mayan pyramid, the crowd dances with delight.
Addiction to Rage
History teaches us that iconoclasm (the destruction of images) is often followed by genocide. In England in the 16th century they began by stripping the Catholic churches of statues. They ended by hunting down Catholics, throwing them into jail and finally executing them in the public square.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In the 18th century during the French Revolution they began by destroying the images of the monarchy and the Catholic religion and ended by worshiping Madame Guillotine. First statues fell, then heads rolled.
In 1930s Germany they started by burning synagogues and ended by burning Jews. In Iraq, ISIS blew up statues then they started cutting off heads.
First statues fell, then heads rolled.
What is the bloodthirsty madness that sweeps through the human race and erupts in senseless violence? Its roots are in resentment and rage. The German philosopher Max Scheler described it in his little book Ressentiment and I have outlined the dynamics of this rage in my book Immortal Combat. The inner seethings of this rage are frightening to contemplate.
First it should be understood that often the resentment is rooted in a real injustice. There is a genuine cause for the resentment to take root. However, if the resentment does not switch to reconciliation and a search for forgiveness, it graduates instead into a lust for revenge. The one harboring resentment soon finds others who share his suppressed fury. The mob forms and they seek a victim.
Addiction to Blood
The French thinker Rene Girard has analyzed the dynamic of mob violence. He recognizes that the mob murder is always public. Members of the mob need to see the “justice” being done. Secondly, the violence must be perpetrated by the mob, not by an individual. This group action not only creates unity within the mob, but no one person is guilty of the violence. Because all are guilty, all are exonerated. Third, there will be blood. Almost always bloodshed is involved in the murder. It is as if a blood sacrifice is demanded by some dark god infesting the human heart. Finally, and most importantly, after the murder is accomplished the crowd experiences a collective surge of euphoria. They feel they have done something wonderful and good, and are filled with an almost supernatural excitement.
The mob forms and they seek a victim.
This dynamic is evident in ancient human sacrifices, the religious persecutions, witch hunts, lynchings of blacks and mob violence of all kinds in every place at certain times down through history. Why is it so pervasive and why does it rarely stop with statues?
Strange Euphoria
The answer is in the strange euphoria the mob experiences once the violence is completed. It’s like a drug, and like all drugs it makes you feel amazingly terrific. It makes you feel all powerful. It makes you feel high. However, like any artificial stimulant, the effect wears off, and when it does you have to go back for more. When the discontent, misery and fear return you go back for another hit on the drug, only this time you need a bigger dose to get the same high.
Appeasing the mob will not stop the mayhem
any more than giving free drugs to an addict will stop his addiction.
This is why mob violence rarely ends with the breaking of images, nor will giving in to the mob stop the violence. Appeasing the mob will not stop the mayhem any more than giving free drugs to an addict will stop his addiction. It will not cure his addiction. It will make it worse. This is why violence is likely to escalate rather than go into decline and fade away.
Revenge or Reconciliation?
Resentment is understandable, but the way of revenge always ends in a bitter cycle of irrational rage and destructive violence. Remember the old saying, “If it is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, soon the whole world with be blind and toothless.”
The only answer to resentment and revenge is for all people of faith and goodwill to actively pursue the policies of reconciliation and forgiveness, and the sooner we start down that difficult and painful road the better — for even now it may be too late.
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in Greenville, South Carolina. His book Immortal Combat: Confronting the Heart of Darkness considers the causes and the cure for the current social unrest in America.


thestream--2020-07-08--SCOTUS Rules in Favor of Catholic Nuns, Upholds Conscience Exemptions for Birth Control Mandate

The United States Supreme Court ruled to uphold conscience exemptions from former President Barack Obama ’ s birth control mandate in a victory for the Little Sisters of the Poor .
SCOTUS ruled 7-2 that the Catholic nuns are exempt from Obama ’ s contraceptive mandate .
“ For over 150 years , the Little Sisters have engaged in faithful service and sacrifice , motivated by a religious calling to surrender all for the sake of their brother , ” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his opinion .
“ But for the past seven years , they — like many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the litigation and rulemakings leading up to today ’ s decision — have had to fight for the ability to continue in their noble work without violating their sincerely held religious beliefs.
” “ After two decisions from this Court and multiple failed regulatory attempts , the Federal Government has arrived at a solution that exempts the Little Sisters from the source of their complicity-based concerns — the administratively imposed contraceptive mandate.
” He continued : “ We hold today that the Departments had the statutory authority to craft that exemption , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We further hold that the rules promulgating these exemptions are free from procedural defects .
Therefore , we reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals and remand the cases for further proceedings consistent with this opinion .
”

The United States Supreme Court ruled to uphold conscience exemptions from former President Barack Obama’s birth control mandate in a victory for the Little Sisters of the Poor.
SCOTUS ruled 7-2 that the Catholic nuns are exempt from Obama’s contraceptive mandate.
“For over 150 years, the Little Sisters have engaged in faithful service and sacrifice, motivated by a religious calling to surrender all for the sake of their brother,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his opinion.
“But for the past seven years, they — like many other religious objectors who have participated in the litigation and rulemakings leading up to today’s decision — have had to fight for the ability to continue in their noble work without violating their sincerely held religious beliefs.”
#BREAKING: Victory for the Little Sisters of the Poor! #SCOTUS ruled 7-2 that the Little Sisters are exempt from the contraceptive mandate and can continue serving the elderly poor without violating their conscience. #LetThemServe https://t.co/LXi4tAcapz pic.twitter.com/ymn903qr8G — BECKET (@BECKETlaw) July 8, 2020
“After two decisions from this Court and multiple failed regulatory attempts, the Federal Government has arrived at a solution that exempts the Little Sisters from the source of their complicity-based concerns — the administratively imposed contraceptive mandate.”
He continued: “We hold today that the Departments had the statutory authority to craft that exemption, as well as the contemporaneously issued moral exemption. We further hold that the rules promulgating these exemptions are free from procedural defects. Therefore, we reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals and remand the cases for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-08--Kanye West Says White Supremacists Doing ‘Devil’s Work’ Brought Planned Parenthoods in Cities

White supremacists placed Planned Parenthood clinics inside cities to “ do the Devil ’ s work , ” according to rapper and recently-declared presidential candidate Kanye West .
West , who announced his presidential bid July 4 , spoke out regarding his political beliefs in an interview with Forbes where he discussed his disillusionment with President Donald Trump , his political beliefs , and his hopes for a West presidency .
“ Planned Parenthoods have been placed inside cities by white supremacists to do the Devil ’ s work , ” he said .
West ’ s comments may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who had a history of pro-eugenics comments and spoke of targeting black communities with birth control through “ The Negro Project.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ I am pro-life because I ’ m following the word of the Bible , ” he told the publication .
“ God just gave me the clarity and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added regarding his presidential run .
“ You know I was out there , ended up in the hospital , people were calling me crazy .
I ’ m not crazy .
Between all of the influences and the positions that we can be put in as musicians — you go on tour , you put out all these albums , and you look up and you don ’ t have any money in your account.
” He continued : “ It can drive you crazy , through all of that I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
Now it ’ s time .
And we ’ re not going crazy , we ’ re going Yeezy , it ’ s a whole ‘ notha level now .
N-O-T-H-A.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

White supremacists placed Planned Parenthood clinics inside cities to “do the Devil’s work,” according to rapper and recently-declared presidential candidate Kanye West.
West, who announced his presidential bid July 4, spoke out regarding his political beliefs in an interview with Forbes where he discussed his disillusionment with President Donald Trump, his political beliefs, and his hopes for a West presidency.
“Planned Parenthoods have been placed inside cities by white supremacists to do the Devil’s work,” he said.
West’s comments may be a reference Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger, who had a history of pro-eugenics comments and spoke of targeting black communities with birth control through “The Negro Project.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“I am pro-life because I’m following the word of the Bible,” he told the publication.
“God just gave me the clarity and said it’s time,” he added regarding his presidential run. “You know I was out there, ended up in the hospital, people were calling me crazy. I’m not crazy. Between all of the influences and the positions that we can be put in as musicians — you go on tour, you put out all these albums, and you look up and you don’t have any money in your account.”
He continued: “It can drive you crazy, through all of that I was looking crazy because it wasn’t the time. Now it’s time. And we’re not going crazy, we’re going Yeezy, it’s a whole ‘notha level now. N-O-T-H-A.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-08--The Supreme Court Needs a Hermeneutics Lesson

I bet you can pass a test the U.S. Supreme Court just failed .
Let ’ s see if I ’ m correct .
If you read the sentence “ He drives like a maniac ” in 2 Kings 9:20 , how would you determine what was meant by that phrase ?
You have two options .
The first is to consider your own cultural context and likely conclude it ’ s a reference to someone driving recklessly with a car .
The second option is to study what the author of 2 Kings intended to communicate in his cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option , you are correct .
Words have meaning .
Discovering the meaning of a word — whether it ’ s in the Bible , a cell phone text , or the Constitution — is called hermeneutics , a fancy term for the process of interpreting words and discovering their meaning .
There are three possible sources of meaning for any written document : the author , the text or the reader .
Although to many it seems obvious to determine the meaning of words by discovering the author ’ s intent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century rise of postmodernism , the idea that truth and meaning are relative to every individual , the focus has shifted away from the author .
Meaning can now come from the text or — worse — is created by the reader .
When you abandon the author ’ s intent , the rigid meaning of a text becomes malleable .
Written words that meant one thing when they were written can mean something else later .
A reader can insert new meaning into words that the author never intended .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s recent ruling on Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act .
Historically , the legislation prohibited employment discrimination based on sex .
For example , a woman couldn ’ t be denied a job or fired simply because she was female .
That ’ s fair .
The recent court ruling , however , expanded the meaning of the word “ sex ” to include sexual orientation and gender identity .
The problem is that the authors of Title VII — writing in 1964 — didn ’ t have that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation .
Justice Neil Gorsuch , who wrote the majority opinion , acknowledged that those who drafted the 1964 Civil Rights Act had biological categories in mind for “ sex.
” “ But , ” he added , “ the limits of the drafters ’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law ’ s demands.
” In other words , the word “ sex ” can be invested with new meaning other than the authors ’ original intent .
That ’ s breaking a cardinal rule of interpretation , one that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2018 Supreme Court opinion , Gorsuch warned about redefining words that make up a law .
He wrote , If Words Can Change , What ’ s the Point of Writing Laws Down ?
What ’ s the point of writing laws down in words , Gorsuch asks , if the meaning of those words can change ?
His answer : There is no point .
If we ignore what an author meant when he penned a law , then that law can change as often as someone redefines the words of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absurd as someone reading , “ He drives like a maniac , ” and redefining the biblical phrase to refer to someone ’ s ability to drive a car .
It can ’ t mean that because cars didn ’ t exist when the author wrote 2 Kings .
It was never in his mind .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
In this recent ruling , sex is redefined to include not only the biological categories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual orientation and gender identity .
But sex can ’ t mean that because those concepts didn ’ t exist when the authors of the 1964 Civil Rights Act drafted this legislation .
They were never in their mind .
Don ’ t misunderstand .
I ’ m not addressing the policy question of whether sexual orientation or gender identity should be a factor in employment .
That ’ s a separate ( although related ) question .
The point I ’ m raising is about the method by which the court ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dissenting opinion , Why did the Supreme Court rule to invest the word “ sex ” with a meaning foreign to the authors of Title VII ?
Their proper role is to interpret existing law , not create new law .
By redefining sex in Title VII , the Supreme Court in effect enacted new legislation , a prerogative of Congress and not the judicial branch .
If a new law is needed , follow the Constitution ’ s directive by passing a new bill by majority vote in the House and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Instead , the court circumvented the legislative process through interpretive gymnastics .
The words of a law should be interpreted by what they meant at the time they were written .
In this case , that requires discovering what the drafters ( authors ) of the 1964 Civil Rights Act meant when they referred to sex .
Gorsuch knows this basic principle of hermeneutics .
For whatever reason , he failed to follow his own advice and shifted the meaning of sex with the “ latest judicial whim.
” Originally published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission .

I bet you can pass a test the U.S. Supreme Court just failed. Let’s see if I’m correct. If you read the sentence “He drives like a maniac” in 2 Kings 9:20, how would you determine what was meant by that phrase? You have two options. The first is to consider your own cultural context and likely conclude it’s a reference to someone driving recklessly with a car. The second option is to study what the author of 2 Kings intended to communicate in his cultural context. If you guessed the second option, you are correct.
Words have meaning. Discovering the meaning of a word — whether it’s in the Bible, a cell phone text, or the Constitution — is called hermeneutics, a fancy term for the process of interpreting words and discovering their meaning.
There are three possible sources of meaning for any written document: the author, the text or the reader. Although to many it seems obvious to determine the meaning of words by discovering the author’s intent, not everyone agrees. With the 20th century rise of postmodernism, the idea that truth and meaning are relative to every individual, the focus has shifted away from the author. Meaning can now come from the text or — worse — is created by the reader.
When you abandon the author’s intent, the rigid meaning of a text becomes malleable. Written words that meant one thing when they were written can mean something else later. A reader can insert new meaning into words that the author never intended.
Redefining ‘Sex’
That’s what happened with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Historically, the legislation prohibited employment discrimination based on sex. For example, a woman couldn’t be denied a job or fired simply because she was female. That’s fair. The recent court ruling, however, expanded the meaning of the word “sex” to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The problem is that the authors of Title VII — writing in 1964 — didn’t have that meaning in mind when they authored the legislation.
What’s the point of writing laws down in words, Gorsuch has asked, if the meaning of those words can change? His answer: There is no point.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion, acknowledged that those who drafted the 1964 Civil Rights Act had biological categories in mind for “sex.” “But,” he added, “the limits of the drafters’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law’s demands.” In other words, the word “sex” can be invested with new meaning other than the authors’ original intent. That’s breaking a cardinal rule of interpretation, one that he has upheld in the past.
In a 2018 Supreme Court opinion, Gorsuch warned about redefining words that make up a law. He wrote,
Written laws are meant to be understood and lived by. If a fog of uncertainty surrounded them, if their meaning could shift with the latest judicial whim, the point of reducing them to writing would be lost. That is why it’s a “fundamental canon of statutory construction” that words generally should be “interpreted as taking their ordinary, contemporary, common meaning … at the time Congress enacted the statute.” [Emphasis added.]
If Words Can Change, What’s the Point of Writing Laws Down?
What’s the point of writing laws down in words, Gorsuch asks, if the meaning of those words can change? His answer: There is no point. If we ignore what an author meant when he penned a law, then that law can change as often as someone redefines the words of that law.
That would be as absurd as someone reading, “He drives like a maniac,” and redefining the biblical phrase to refer to someone’s ability to drive a car. It can’t mean that because cars didn’t exist when the author wrote 2 Kings. It was never in his mind.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In this recent ruling, sex is redefined to include not only the biological categories of male and female, but also sexual orientation and gender identity. But sex can’t mean that because those concepts didn’t exist when the authors of the 1964 Civil Rights Act drafted this legislation. They were never in their mind.
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not addressing the policy question of whether sexual orientation or gender identity should be a factor in employment. That’s a separate (although related) question. The point I’m raising is about the method by which the court ruled. As Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the dissenting opinion,
Many will applaud today’s decision because they agree on policy grounds with the Court’s updating of Title VII. But the question in these cases is not whether discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity should be outlawed. The question is whether Congress did that in 1964. It indisputably did not. [Emphasis in original.]
Circumventing the Legislative
Why did the Supreme Court rule to invest the word “sex” with a meaning foreign to the authors of Title VII? Their proper role is to interpret existing law, not create new law.
By redefining sex in Title VII, the Supreme Court in effect enacted new legislation, a prerogative of Congress and not the judicial branch. If a new law is needed, follow the Constitution’s directive by passing a new bill by majority vote in the House and Senate and get the President to sign it. Instead, the court circumvented the legislative process through interpretive gymnastics.
The words of a law should be interpreted by what they meant at the time they were written. In this case, that requires discovering what the drafters (authors) of the 1964 Civil Rights Act meant when they referred to sex. Gorsuch knows this basic principle of hermeneutics. For whatever reason, he failed to follow his own advice and shifted the meaning of sex with the “latest judicial whim.”
Originally published at Stand to Reason. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-07-08--These 18 Corporations Gave Money to Radical Black Lives Matter Group

Some of America ’ s largest corporations have pledged or donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the main Black Lives Matter organization , founded by “ trained Marxists , ” that calls for replacing the nuclear family with a “ village.
” Prominent brands giving money include Amazon , Microsoft , Nabisco , Gatorade , Airbnb , and the Atlantic and Warner record labels .
Black Lives Matter as a movement or sentiment is not necessarily tied to the radical organization , called the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation , but it has become the greatest beneficiary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that the website for the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation notes that replacing the nuclear family structure and promoting the LGBT political agenda are central to its mission .
A co-founder also has said that she and other “ trained Marxists ” formed the network foundation .
The BLM Global Network Foundation began in 2016 with the fiscal sponsorship of Thousand Currents , a liberal nonprofit group .
Susan Rosenberg , convicted and imprisoned in 1984 for domestic terrorism , is vice chairwoman of Thousand Currents ’ board of directors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
At least 18 companies have donated or pledged to donate money to the BLM Global Network Foundation , according to a list compiled by the Washington-based Capital Research Center , which monitors nonprofits and charities .
Another seven companies have not been clear which Black Lives Matter entity they chose for contributions .
Thousand Currents has said that all donations filtered through it , corporate and otherwise , “ are received as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BLM.
” The Daily Signal contacted spokespersons for all the companies mentioned in this report several times over the course of a week , seeking comment about their financial support for the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation .
The Daily Signal asked whether the companies supported that organization ’ s stated beliefs and goals , which extend well beyond advocating racial equality and opposing police brutality .
> > > Related : A Deeper Look at Black Lives Matter and Its Impact Several companies state merely that they are giving to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which organization .
The BLM Global Network Foundation likely is the recipient , given its prominence , but that isn ’ t always clear in an announcement .
It also is possible that , similar to the tech giant Cisco , other companies gave to the Black Lives Matter cause through donations to traditional civil rights groups such as the NAACP and the Urban League .
A growing roster of corporations has issued press releases , memos , and tweets vowing financial support for “ Black Lives Matter , ” linking directly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation .
Here are 18 of them , plus some examples of ambiguous giving .
DoorDash , which delivers prepared food , gave $ 500,000 to the organization .
In an email to The Daily Signal , DoorDash spokesperson Liz Jarvis-Shean wrote : “ Deckers as a company is standing together in solidarity to fight for equality , ” Deckers Brands said in an email to The Daily Signal .
“ To show immediate support , we are donating a total of $ 500,000 to the following organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven organizations , including “ Black Lives Matter Foundation , ” which it said “ builds power to bring justice , healing , and freedom to Black people across the globe.
” Although a smaller organization called the Black Lives Matter Foundation exists , as does another called Movement for Black Lives , a blog post from the Deckers brand Ugg links to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation .
That post uses language similar to the email from Deckers to The Daily Signal .
Amazon linked to the BLM Global Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , identifying it as among 12 groups that would get a total of $ 10 million from the online retail giant .
Amazon announced : Gatorade , the sports drink maker , identified the BLM Global Network Foundation as being among groups benefiting from a $ 500,000 donation .
Microsoft announced June 5 that it would donate $ 250,000 to the “ Black Lives Matter Foundation , ” but linked to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation .
Microsoft also named five other civil rights organizations with whom it would “ deepen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apiece .
Glossier , a skin care and makeup company , said in a May 30 press release that it would divide $ 500,000 among five organizations , including “ Black Lives Matter , ” and linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation ’ s website .
23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki announced June 2 that the company and its employees would donate to “ Black Lives Matter ” and linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation .
Airbnb announced on Twitter that it was splitting a $ 500,000 donation between the NAACP and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the organization ’ s Twitter handle .
Two of Unilever ’ s personal hygiene brands , Axe and Degree , pledged a total of $ 350,000 to the BLM Global Network Foundation .
Bungie didn ’ t provide a dollar amount , but said it would make “ financial contributions ” to six organizations and linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation .
Ritz , a cracker brand from Nabisco , announced June 4 that it and sister brands were donating $ 500,000 to the NAACP and to the BLM Global Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston announced June 3 that the company was giving $ 500,000 to the BLM Global Network Foundation , tagging the group on Twitter .
Fitbit , the maker of health and fitness trackers , tagged the BLM Global Network Foundation as a recipient of donations , but didn ’ t say how much .
Individual employees of Devolver Digital donated $ 65,000 to the BLM Global Network Foundation as of June 2 through the company ’ s ActBlue online giving account .
Skillshare CEO Matt Cooper , in an online message June 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the following organizations ” and referred to the “ official # BlackLivesMatter Global Network , ” which it said “ builds power to bring justice , freedom , and space for imagination and innovation to Black people.
” Skillshare was among the few businesses to specifically name the network foundation .
Square Enix , a game developer , announced that it was giving $ 250,000 to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter , linking to the BLM Global Network Foundation .
In one tweet , That Game Co. announced plans to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NAACP and Black Lives Matter .
In a follow-up , the company linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation .
Tinder , the online dating network , announced that it was donating and provided a link to the BLM Global Network Foundation .
The California-based tech firm Cisco identifies @ Blklivesmatter , the Twitter handle for the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation , as among recipients of $ 5 million in donations .
But a Cisco spokesperson says the company isn ’ t contributing to that main group .
Cisco ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an email : Contacted again by The Daily Signal with reference to that tweet , Blum said the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation was not among recipients of Cisco ’ s donations .
The tech company Intel , in a May 31 memo from CEO Bob Swan , announced that the business would donate “ $ 1 million in support of efforts to address social injustice and anti-racism across various nonprofits and community organizations.
” “ I also encourage employees to consider donating to organizations focused on equity and social justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Center for Policing Equity and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund , all of which are eligible for Intel ’ s Donation Matching Program , ” Swan said .
However , the Intel CEO ’ s memo didn ’ t provide a link to a Black Lives Matter group .
Nor did it specify which foundation — the larger and more prominent BLM Global Network Foundation or the smaller Black Lives Matter Foundation .
The Daily Signal sought clarification from Intel , but it did not respond before publication of this report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a company that didn ’ t specify which organization , but said it was donating $ 100,000 to Black Lives Matter .
Atlantic Records announced that it “ will be contributing to Black Lives Matter and other organizations that are doing crucial work to combat injustice.
” But the legendary record company didn ’ t specify whether it was donating to the BLM Global Network Foundation and didn ’ t respond to multiple inquiries .
Similarly , Warner Records announced that it would contribute “ to Black Lives Matter and other organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial injustice.
” Discord , a communications company , announced that it is donating to the “ Black Lives Matter movement.
” It did not respond to inquiries from The Daily Signal about the specific organization .
Pusheen , the company behind the cartoon cat of the same name , called on fans and followers to join it in donating to Black Lives Matter among other organizations , but didn ’ t specify which BLM entity .
Ubisoft also said that it was contributing $ 100,000 to both the NAACP and Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affiliate .
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “ The Right Side of History ” podcast .
Lucas is also the author of “ Tainted by Suspicion : The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections.
” Send an email to Fred .

Some of America’s largest corporations have pledged or donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the main Black Lives Matter organization, founded by “trained Marxists,” that calls for replacing the nuclear family with a “village.”
Prominent brands giving money include Amazon, Microsoft, Nabisco, Gatorade, Airbnb, and the Atlantic and Warner record labels.
Black Lives Matter as a movement or sentiment is not necessarily tied to the radical organization, called the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, but it has become the greatest beneficiary of corporate largesse.
The Daily Signal previously reported that the website for the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation notes that replacing the nuclear family structure and promoting the LGBT political agenda are central to its mission. A co-founder also has said that she and other “trained Marxists” formed the network foundation.
The BLM Global Network Foundation began in 2016 with the fiscal sponsorship of Thousand Currents, a liberal nonprofit group. Susan Rosenberg, convicted and imprisoned in 1984 for domestic terrorism, is vice chairwoman of Thousand Currents’ board of directors, The Daily Signal also reported.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
At least 18 companies have donated or pledged to donate money to the BLM Global Network Foundation, according to a list compiled by the Washington-based Capital Research Center, which monitors nonprofits and charities. Another seven companies have not been clear which Black Lives Matter entity they chose for contributions.
Thousand Currents has said that all donations filtered through it, corporate and otherwise, “are received as restricted donations to support the activities of BLM.”
The Daily Signal contacted spokespersons for all the companies mentioned in this report several times over the course of a week, seeking comment about their financial support for the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.
The Daily Signal asked whether the companies supported that organization’s stated beliefs and goals, which extend well beyond advocating racial equality and opposing police brutality.
>>> Related: A Deeper Look at Black Lives Matter and Its Impact
Several companies state merely that they are giving to “Black Lives Matter,” without specifying which organization. The BLM Global Network Foundation likely is the recipient, given its prominence, but that isn’t always clear in an announcement.
It also is possible that, similar to the tech giant Cisco, other companies gave to the Black Lives Matter cause through donations to traditional civil rights groups such as the NAACP and the Urban League.
A growing roster of corporations has issued press releases, memos, and tweets vowing financial support for “Black Lives Matter,” linking directly to or using the Twitter handle of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. Here are 18 of them, plus some examples of ambiguous giving.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash, which delivers prepared food, gave $500,000 to the organization. In an email to The Daily Signal, DoorDash spokesperson Liz Jarvis-Shean wrote:
In partnership with our Black@DoorDash Employee Resource Group (ERG), DoorDash pledged a total of $1 million in donations, with $500,000 going to Black Lives Matter via the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and $500,000 to create a fund to be directed by the Black@DoorDash ERG towards state and local organizations. Our goal with these donations and the other actions we announced is to stand with our employees and community members to fight injustice, inequality and discrimination and to support organizations that are working to root out structural and systemic racism and providing local community development, mentorship, education and entrepreneurship programs to support Black communities across the country.
2. Deckers
“Deckers as a company is standing together in solidarity to fight for equality,” Deckers Brands said in an email to The Daily Signal.
“To show immediate support, we are donating a total of $500,000 to the following organizations,” the company said, listing seven organizations, including “Black Lives Matter Foundation,” which it said “builds power to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe.”
Although a smaller organization called the Black Lives Matter Foundation exists, as does another called Movement for Black Lives, a blog post from the Deckers brand Ugg links to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. That post uses language similar to the email from Deckers to The Daily Signal.
3. Amazon
Amazon linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation in a press release June 9, identifying it as among 12 groups that would get a total of $10 million from the online retail giant. Amazon announced:
As part of that effort, Amazon will donate a total of $10 million to organizations that are working to bring about social justice and improve the lives of Black and African Americans. Recipients—selected with the help of Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN)—include groups focused on combating systemic racism through the legal system as well as those dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities for Black communities.
4. Gatorade
Gatorade, the sports drink maker, identified the BLM Global Network Foundation as being among groups benefiting from a $500,000 donation.
We’re committed to creating a more equitable society through influence, education and support. Today, as a first step, we are committing $500,000 across the following organizations @Blklivesmatter @NAACP_LDF @yourrightscamp @ACLU #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/uECzWrvUMt — Gatorade (@Gatorade) June 3, 2020
5. Microsoft
Microsoft announced June 5 that it would donate $250,000 to the “Black Lives Matter Foundation,” but linked to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.
Microsoft also named five other civil rights organizations with whom it would “deepen our engagement” by donating $250,000 apiece.
6. Glossier
Glossier, a skin care and makeup company, said in a May 30 press release that it would divide $500,000 among five organizations, including “Black Lives Matter,” and linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation’s website.
7. 23andMe
23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki announced June 2 that the company and its employees would donate to “Black Lives Matter” and linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
8. Airbnb
Airbnb announced on Twitter that it was splitting a $500,000 donation between the NAACP and the “@Blklivesmatter Foundation,” using the organization’s Twitter handle.
We stand with #BlackLivesMatter. We are donating a total of $500,000 to the @NAACP and the @Blklivesmatter Foundation in support of their fight for equality and justice, and we'll be matching employee donations to both groups. Because a world where we all belong takes all of us. pic.twitter.com/lIfsLgvq2H — Airbnb (@Airbnb) June 1, 2020
9. Unilever
Two of Unilever’s personal hygiene brands, Axe and Degree, pledged a total of $350,000 to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
Black rights are human rights. We stand with those fighting for justice. We recognize our responsibility and need to do better. Today, AXE will donate $250K to the @Blklivesmatter movement. The issues of systemic racism must come to an end.#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/y01z2LLcY1 — AXE (@AXE) June 2, 2020
We will not stay silent on the issue of systemic racism. We stand with the Black community and recognize the importance of taking action to drive change. As a first step towards this, Degree is pledging $100K to @Blklivesmatter #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/YHP5nfzJTK — Degree (@Degree) June 1, 2020
10. Bungie
Bungie didn’t provide a dollar amount, but said it would make “financial contributions” to six organizations and linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
11. Nabisco
Ritz, a cracker brand from Nabisco, announced June 4 that it and sister brands were donating $500,000 to the NAACP and to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
We've come together as sister brands to support @NAACP and @blklivesmatter with a $500,000 donation as an important step in our commitment to helping impact change. pic.twitter.com/VLB87auphS — RITZ Crackers (@Ritzcrackers) June 5, 2020
12. Dropbox
Dropbox founder and CEO Drew Houston announced June 3 that the company was giving $500,000 to the BLM Global Network Foundation, tagging the group on Twitter.
Systemic racism and police brutality in this country must end. I’m personally donating $500,000 to @Blklivesmatter to fight racial injustice. I’ll also match every @Dropbox employee’s donation on top of the company’s match. pic.twitter.com/9pTSu7Q0Ej — Drew Houston (@drewhouston) June 3, 2020
13. Fitbit
Fitbit, the maker of health and fitness trackers, tagged the BLM Global Network Foundation as a recipient of donations, but didn’t say how much.
To everyone fighting for justice, to everyone hurting, to our employees and especially to the Black community: We stand with you. Fitbit is joining the fight against racism and police brutality by making donations to @Blklivesmatter and @APTPaction — fitbit (@fitbit) June 3, 2020
14. Devolver Digital
Individual employees of Devolver Digital donated $65,000 to the BLM Global Network Foundation as of June 2 through the company’s ActBlue online giving account.
The individual employees of Devolver Digital and the company itself have donated $65,000 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement through the link below. We urge industry peers and partners to donate as they are able.#BlackLivesMatterhttps://t.co/6mbe9Z1xrv — Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) June 2, 2020
15. Skillshare
Skillshare CEO Matt Cooper, in an online message June 1, said the company was “donating to the following organizations” and referred to the “official #BlackLivesMatter Global Network,” which it said “builds power to bring justice, freedom, and space for imagination and innovation to Black people.” Skillshare was among the few businesses to specifically name the network foundation.
16. Square Enix
Square Enix, a game developer, announced that it was giving $250,000 to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter, linking to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
(2/2) For those who will join in a commitment to listen, learn & take actionable steps, we're using our platform to provide helpful resources #BlackOutTuesday https://t.co/UH1ajF5FfMhttps://t.co/LVHT8Qp6tbhttps://t.co/bYBOOC8FxIhttps://t.co/ng4fSBUgi9https://t.co/DJuRNxBDl8 — Square Enix (@SquareEnix) June 2, 2020
17. That Game Co.
In one tweet, That Game Co. announced plans to give a total of $20,000 to both the NAACP and Black Lives Matter. In a follow-up, the company linked to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
Please visit https://t.co/ZNJZapHPKb to learn more on how to help. — thatgamecompany (@thatgamecompany) June 2, 2020
18. Tinder
Tinder, the online dating network, announced that it was donating and provided a link to the BLM Global Network Foundation.
Ambiguous Giving
The California-based tech firm Cisco identifies @Blklivesmatter, the Twitter handle for the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, as among recipients of $5 million in donations.
But a Cisco spokesperson says the company isn’t contributing to that main group.
At Cisco, we stand in solidarity with those taking action to eradicate systemic racism and inequality. Cisco CEO @chuckrobbins announced a $5M donation to @eji_org, @NAACP_LDF, @ColorofChange, @Blklivesmatter and our Fighting Racism and Discrimination Fund. #BlackLivesMatter — Cisco (@Cisco) June 1, 2020
Cisco’s Robyn Blum told The Daily Signal in an email:
With our recently announced $5M donation, we are pleased to be able to pledge funds to these organizations: • Equal Justice Initiative–a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. • The NAACP Legal Defense Fund–a premier civil rights law organization fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, & public education. • Color Of Change–America’s largest online racial justice organization.
Contacted again by The Daily Signal with reference to that tweet, Blum said the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation was not among recipients of Cisco’s donations.
The tech company Intel, in a May 31 memo from CEO Bob Swan, announced that the business would donate “$1 million in support of efforts to address social injustice and anti-racism across various nonprofits and community organizations.”
“I also encourage employees to consider donating to organizations focused on equity and social justice, including the Black Lives Matter Foundation, the Center for Policing Equity and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, all of which are eligible for Intel’s Donation Matching Program,” Swan said.
However, the Intel CEO’s memo didn’t provide a link to a Black Lives Matter group. Nor did it specify which foundation — the larger and more prominent BLM Global Network Foundation or the smaller Black Lives Matter Foundation.
The Daily Signal sought clarification from Intel, but it did not respond before publication of this report.
The Pokemon Co. is another example of a company that didn’t specify which organization, but said it was donating $100,000 to Black Lives Matter.
Atlantic Records announced that it “will be contributing to Black Lives Matter and other organizations that are doing crucial work to combat injustice.” But the legendary record company didn’t specify whether it was donating to the BLM Global Network Foundation and didn’t respond to multiple inquiries.
Similarly, Warner Records announced that it would contribute “to Black Lives Matter and other organizations that are doing crucial work to combat racial injustice.”
Discord, a communications company, announced that it is donating to the “Black Lives Matter movement.” It did not respond to inquiries from The Daily Signal about the specific organization.
Pusheen, the company behind the cartoon cat of the same name, called on fans and followers to join it in donating to Black Lives Matter among other organizations, but didn’t specify which BLM entity.
Black lives matter. pic.twitter.com/AQo8NRP6FH — Pusheen the cat (@Pusheen) June 5, 2020
Ubisoft also said that it was contributing $100,000 to both the NAACP and Black Lives Matter, without specifying which organization or affiliate.
We stand in solidarity with Black team members, players, and the Black community. We are making a $100,000 contribution to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter and encourage those who are able to, to donate. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/KpHZCF6VWx — Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) June 2, 2020
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “The Right Side of History” podcast. Lucas is also the author of “Tainted by Suspicion: The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections.” Send an email to Fred.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-07-09--Supreme Court Separates Church and State to Protect Religious Freedom

The Supreme Court strengthened the separation of church and state Wednesday and , for once , that ’ s a good thing .
The “ separation ” most people think of was created by the Supreme Court by interpreting the First Amendment ’ s ban on an “ establishment of religion ” far too broadly .
That has fueled a campaign to keep religion , and even religious people , out of government or public life .
The separation recognized in Wednesday ’ s 7-2 decision works the other way , however , keeping government out of decisions by religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This comes from a properly balanced interpretation of the First Amendment , which also protects the free exercise of religion .
The high court ’ s decision combined two cases in which Catholic schools in California each fired a fifth-grade teacher , who then sued under a federal employment discrimination law .
In Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru , the teacher said age was the real reason for her firing , while in St. James School v. Biel , the teacher claimed it was disability .
The issue in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as schools and churches , may make certain personnel decisions without government interference .
Federal courts have recognized that the First Amendment creates what is often called a “ ministerial exception ” to employment discrimination laws regarding certain positions .
In the 2012 case Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. EEOC , the Supreme Court said that this ministerial exception protects the “ important … interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs , teach their faith , and carry out their mission.
” In Hosanna-Tabor , the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and why it is important , but split several ways on how to define and apply it in future cases .
Should courts focus narrowly on an employee ’ s job title or specific credentials , look more broadly at an employee ’ s actual functions or duties , or rely on the religious employer ’ s conclusion ?
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit took a very narrow approach in these cases , refusing to recognize the ministerial exception .
Even though the teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appeals court said , she had a “ secular ” job title , no formal religious credentials , and did not “ hold herself out to the public as a religious leader or minister.
” The court also said that the teacher ’ s situation at St. James School was not exactly parallel to the one in Hosanna-Tabor .
In an opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito , the Supreme Court said Wednesday that the 9th Circuit “ misunderstood our decision ” in Hosanna-Tabor .
Rather than following a “ rigid formula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider “ all relevant circumstances ” and be guided by “ the fundamental purpose of the [ ministerial ] exception.
” Educating the Young in the Faith To make its point , the Supreme Court looked at religious education in the Catholic , Protestant , Jewish , and Islamic contexts , as well as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Seventh-day Adventists .
Each of these religious communities draws a close connection between “ their central purpose and educating the young in the faith.
” “ What matters most , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an employee does … .
[ E ] ducating young people in their faith , inculcating its teachings , and training them to live their faith are responsibilities that lie at the very core of the mission of a private religion school.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Justice Clarence Thomas , joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch , agreed with the majority but wrote a separate opinion that echoed his position in Hosanna-Tabor .
Rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of religious schools , even with the guidance the court was providing , Thomas preferred simply to “ defer to religious organizations ’ good-faith claims that a certain employee ’ s position is ‘ ministerial.
’ ” Justice Sonia Sotomayor , joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , dissented and also took the position she did in Hosanna-Tabor .
Sotomayor would restrict the First Amendment ’ s protection only to situations in which a religious institution fires a “ leader ” with formal theological training for “ religious reasons.
” This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It reaffirms the key principle that the First Amendment provides real protection for decisions by religious institutions about how to further their religious mission .
Building on Hosanna-Tabor , the decision provides better guidance about how courts should understand and apply this aspect of religious freedom .
And , unlike in Hosanna-Tabor , this time seven justices put their stamp of approval on the entire decision .
Thomas Jipping is deputy director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies and senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Supreme Court strengthened the separation of church and state Wednesday and, for once, that’s a good thing.
The “separation” most people think of was created by the Supreme Court by interpreting the First Amendment’s ban on an “establishment of religion” far too broadly. That has fueled a campaign to keep religion, and even religious people, out of government or public life.
The separation recognized in Wednesday’s 7-2 decision works the other way, however, keeping government out of decisions by religious institutions about who may teach their faith. This comes from a properly balanced interpretation of the First Amendment, which also protects the free exercise of religion.
The high court’s decision combined two cases in which Catholic schools in California each fired a fifth-grade teacher, who then sued under a federal employment discrimination law. In Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru, the teacher said age was the real reason for her firing, while in St. James School v. Biel, the teacher claimed it was disability.
The issue in these cases was whether religious institutions, such as schools and churches, may make certain personnel decisions without government interference. Federal courts have recognized that the First Amendment creates what is often called a “ministerial exception” to employment discrimination laws regarding certain positions.
2012 Hosanna-Tabor Case Lead the Way
In the 2012 case Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. EEOC, the Supreme Court said that this ministerial exception protects the “important … interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith, and carry out their mission.”
In Hosanna-Tabor, the court was unanimous that the ministerial exception exists and why it is important, but split several ways on how to define and apply it in future cases. Should courts focus narrowly on an employee’s job title or specific credentials, look more broadly at an employee’s actual functions or duties, or rely on the religious employer’s conclusion?
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit took a very narrow approach in these cases, refusing to recognize the ministerial exception.
Even though the teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe had “significant religious responsibilities,” the appeals court said, she had a “secular” job title, no formal religious credentials, and did not “hold herself out to the public as a religious leader or minister.” The court also said that the teacher’s situation at St. James School was not exactly parallel to the one in Hosanna-Tabor.
In an opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, the Supreme Court said Wednesday that the 9th Circuit “misunderstood our decision” in Hosanna-Tabor. Rather than following a “rigid formula,” Alito wrote, courts should consider “all relevant circumstances” and be guided by “the fundamental purpose of the [ministerial] exception.”
Educating the Young in the Faith
To make its point, the Supreme Court looked at religious education in the Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Islamic contexts, as well as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Seventh-day Adventists. Each of these religious communities draws a close connection between “their central purpose and educating the young in the faith.”
“What matters most,” Alito wrote, “is what an employee does … . [E]ducating young people in their faith, inculcating its teachings, and training them to live their faith are responsibilities that lie at the very core of the mission of a private religion school.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch, agreed with the majority but wrote a separate opinion that echoed his position in Hosanna-Tabor. Rather than scrutinize the internal management and academic practices of religious schools, even with the guidance the court was providing, Thomas preferred simply to “defer to religious organizations’ good-faith claims that a certain employee’s position is ‘ministerial.’”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, dissented and also took the position she did in Hosanna-Tabor. Sotomayor would restrict the First Amendment’s protection only to situations in which a religious institution fires a “leader” with formal theological training for “religious reasons.”
This is a significant decision by the Supreme Court. It reaffirms the key principle that the First Amendment provides real protection for decisions by religious institutions about how to further their religious mission.
Building on Hosanna-Tabor, the decision provides better guidance about how courts should understand and apply this aspect of religious freedom. And, unlike in Hosanna-Tabor, this time seven justices put their stamp of approval on the entire decision.
Thomas Jipping is deputy director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies and senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @TomJipping.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-07-09--Military Photo of the Day: Testing for COVID-19 is a Day at the Beach.  Dewey Beach, That Is.

A combat medic with the Delaware Army National Guard wears personal protective equipment at a walk-up testing site for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach , Delaware , on June 29 , 2020 .
Thank @ @ @ @ @ the National Guard for helping keep us healthy and safe .
Please Support The Stream @ @ @ @ @ Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .

A combat medic with the Delaware Army National Guard wears personal protective equipment at a walk-up testing site for COVID-19 on the grounds of The Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach, Delaware, on June 29, 2020.
Thank you to the heroes of the National Guard for helping keep us healthy and safe.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-07-09--19 Points of Racial Unity that Lead to Solutions

Many people claim they want to “ come together ” to solve America ’ s racial problems .
Many claim they want “ unity.
” And those are vital goals .
But to be helpful , unity must be grounded in truth .
Where do we find truth and unity ?
Here are 19 of the most important things from God ’ s Word that unify us all : • We are all created in God ’ s image : “ God created man in His own image , in the image of God He created him ; male and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:26 ) • We are all of the same race : “ God made from one blood every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth.
” ( Acts 17:26 ) • We all have objective legal guilt before the true Creator : “ There is none righteous , not even one.
” ( Romans 3:10 ) • We all have evil thoughts : “ There is none who understands.
” ( Romans 3:11 ) • We all have evil and anti-God motives : “ There is none who seeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • We all have an evil will : “ All have turned aside , together they have become useless ; there is none who does good , not even one.
” ( Romans 3:12 ) • We all say evil things : “ Their throat is an open grave , with their tongues they keep deceiving ; the poison of asps in under their lips ; whose mouth is full of bitterness and cursing.
” ( Romans 3:13 , 14 ) • We all treat others in evil , destructive ways : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , destruction and misery are in their paths , and the path of peace they have not known.
” ( Romans 3:15-17 ) • We are all by nature alienated from God by our own choice : “ There is no fear of God before their eyes.
” ( Romans 3:18 ) • We are all accountable to God for these sins and face judgment : “ so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.
” ( Romans 3:19 ) • We are all guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ” ( Romans 3:23 ) • We are all loved by God : “ For God so loved the world , that He gave His one and only Son ” ( John 3:16 ) • We must all be pardoned through faith in Christ ’ s sacrificial death : “ being justified [ pardoned and pronounced righteous ] as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus ; whom God displayed publicly as an atoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ( Romans 3:24 , 25 ) • All who accept Christ ’ s pardon are one spiritual body : “ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body , whether Jews , or Greeks [ Gentiles of all ethnicities ] , whether slaves or free , and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
” ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 ) • All who are in the risen Christ are empowered to live by the Spirit that unifies us : “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kindness , goodness , faithfulness , gentleness , self-control.
” ( Galatians 5:22-24 ) • All are called to renounce the works of the sin nature , actions that would eliminate racial hatred , among many other sins .
All are called to put off : “ immorality , impurity , sensuality , idolatry , sorcery , enmities , strife , jealously , outbursts of anger , disputes , dissensions , factions , envying , drunkenness , carousing .
.
.
Let us not become boastful , challenging one another , envying one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) • All are to reject treating members of classes either with favoritism or disdain : “ do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism .
.
.
if you show partiality , you are committing sin.
” ( James 2:1 , 9 ) • Members of all ethnicities who are cleansed by Christ will dwell with Him in Heaven forever : “ I looked , and behold , a great multitude which no one could count , from every nation and all tribes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the throne and before the Lamb [ i.e.
, Christ ] .
” ( Revelation 7:9 ) • All who reject Christ will be exiled away from God in a place of true justice : “ they were judged , every one of them , according to their deeds .
.
.
This is the second death , the lake of fire .
And if anyone ’ s name was not found written in the book of life , he was thrown in the lake of fire.
” ( Revelation 20:14-15 ) Ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : People joined in sin and death , and pardoned sinners joined together forever in Christ .
John Newton was a former slave trader and admitted murderer of a black child — and author of the hymn Amazing Grace .
He said , “ I am a great sinner , and Christ is a great Savior.
” The problem is sin .
Countless sins are running rampant across the globe .
They are rushing through the streets of our nation .
They are flowing through the spiritual veins of every individual soul , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No person , of any ethnicity , is guiltless .
Yet Americans are tearing our country apart picking at each other ’ s sins and perceived sins .
We ’ re reading the lines from a diabolical script written to abolish our system of government , destabilize our social order and marginalize biblical Christianity .
Those with power agendas are dividing and conquering .
Too many Christians are falling for it .
There are some Christians who downplay the church ’ s problems with race .
They should not ; the reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to an extent still do .
Yet now there are “ woke ” Christians who say ethnically white individuals should have no voice .
They claim all whites are at best “ passively racist ” because they are part of the white “ system.
” Whites , they say , need to be quiet .
To sit down , or even kneel .
To listen to lectures and testimonies about racism until they feel sufficiently guilt-stricken and sign on to dubious political “ solutions.
” What Will Help ?
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The most basic personal solution is to love your neighbor , of any skin pigmentation , as yourself .
And we should practice individual repentance and reconciliation for specific , personal , individual sins , as prescribed by the Bible .
Beyond that ?
There are many tools available : • Meditate on the 19 biblical truths listed above — they are humbling yet hopeful .
• Don ’ t roll back religious liberty , but allow Christian values to pervade the culture .
• Model natural , unforced , non-token relationships between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them .
• Forge alliances between churches that are predominantly one ethnicity or another .
• Welfare reform to combat the cycle of poverty , dependency and family breakdown .
• Addressing lack of fathers ( in all ethnicities ) .
Less than 25 percent of black children are raised in intact families , compared to more than 75 percent in the early 1960s .
Most social scientists agree this feeds many problems and leads to social friction .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day .
• Businesses can weed out employment inequities without eradicating merit .
• Implement school choice to give education freedom to minorities .
Polls show minorities want this reform , but both progressive unions and “ conservative ” suburban school boards often stand in the way .
• Give merit pay to teachers , especially in disadvantaged communities , as Dallas has done with promising results .
• Stop aborting babies , a disproportionate number of whom are people of color , and foster a culture of respect for all life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement to candidly discuss how police can handle the high rates of crime by blacks without degrading members of the general African-American community — the vast majority of whom are law-abiding citizens — in routine patrolling .
Camden , New Jersey , is an example .
• Follow up on the Trump administration ’ s recent bipartisan “ First Step Act ” for criminal justice reform , which was a landmark law that helped African-Americans .
• Keep advancing the administration ’ s Opportunity Zones ; Opportunity Scholarships ; and tax reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work against the cycle of poverty .
Those are all doable , and will help a lot .
And this list is only partial .
Ignoring the issue .
Defunding the police .
Villainizing all law enforcement .
Voting for Socialists .
Eliminating free enterprise .
Destroying law and order .
Screaming at police and motorists .
Blocking roads .
Tearing down the nuclear family .
More welfare dependency .
Reparations .
Unbiblical forms of repentance .
Pandering and tokenism .
And perpetuating mentalities of victimhood or false guilt based on skin color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebellion against God .
We ’ re united in our desperate need of His grace , mercy and forgiveness .
So let ’ s be humble .
Let ’ s focus .
Let ’ s not think unwisely , but biblically .
Let ’ s not play into malevolent secular agendas from any direction .
Then , and only then , can those of good will join in unity to address what injustices we can before our brief lives end or Christ returns .
Christopher Corbett is a writer working with policy organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president at a national religious liberty legal organization , and helped facilitate a racial reconciliation process at a Bible college/seminary .
He holds a political science degree from the University of Chicago .

Many people claim they want to “come together” to solve America’s racial problems. Many claim they want “unity.” And those are vital goals. But to be helpful, unity must be grounded in truth. Where do we find truth and unity? Here are 19 of the most important things from God’s Word that unify us all:
19 Points of Racial Unity from God’s Word
We are all created in God’s image: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:26) We are all of the same race: “God made from one blood every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth.” (Acts 17:26) We all have objective legal guilt before the true Creator: “There is none righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) We all have evil thoughts: “There is none who understands.” (Romans 3:11) We all have evil and anti-God motives: “There is none who seeks after God.” (Romans 3:11) We all have an evil will: “All have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:12) We all say evil things: “Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving; the poison of asps in under their lips; whose mouth is full of bitterness and cursing.” (Romans 3:13, 14) We all treat others in evil, destructive ways: “Their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known.” (Romans 3:15-17) We are all by nature alienated from God by our own choice: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18) We are all accountable to God for these sins and face judgment: “so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.” (Romans 3:19) We are all guilty of sin against God and others: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) We are all loved by God: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16) We must all be pardoned through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death: “being justified [pardoned and pronounced righteous] as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as an atoning sacrifice in His blood, through faith.” (Romans 3:24, 25) All who accept Christ’s pardon are one spiritual body: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews, or Greeks [Gentiles of all ethnicities], whether slaves or free, and were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) All who are in the risen Christ are empowered to live by the Spirit that unifies us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-24) All are called to renounce the works of the sin nature, actions that would eliminate racial hatred, among many other sins. All are called to put off: “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealously, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing . . . Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:19-21, 26) All are to reject treating members of classes either with favoritism or disdain: “do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism . . . if you show partiality, you are committing sin.” (James 2:1, 9) Members of all ethnicities who are cleansed by Christ will dwell with Him in Heaven forever: “I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and people and tongues, standing around the throne and before the Lamb [i.e., Christ].” (Revelation 7:9) All who reject Christ will be exiled away from God in a place of true justice: “they were judged, every one of them, according to their deeds . . . This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown in the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14-15)
Ultimately, there will be only two groups: People joined in sin and death, and pardoned sinners joined together forever in Christ. John Newton was a former slave trader and admitted murderer of a black child — and author of the hymn Amazing Grace. He said, “I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.”
Is Anyone Guiltless?
The problem is sin. Countless sins are running rampant across the globe. They are rushing through the streets of our nation. They are flowing through the spiritual veins of every individual soul, including yours and mine. Countless sins. No person, of any ethnicity, is guiltless.
Yet Americans are tearing our country apart picking at each other’s sins and perceived sins. We’re reading the lines from a diabolical script written to abolish our system of government, destabilize our social order and marginalize biblical Christianity. Those with power agendas are dividing and conquering. Too many Christians are falling for it.
No person, of any ethnicity, is guiltless.
There are some Christians who downplay the church’s problems with race. They should not; the reality is that those problems have existed, and to an extent still do.
Yet now there are “woke” Christians who say ethnically white individuals should have no voice. They claim all whites are at best “passively racist” because they are part of the white “system.” Whites, they say, need to be quiet. To sit down, or even kneel. To listen to lectures and testimonies about racism until they feel sufficiently guilt-stricken and sign on to dubious political “solutions.”
What Will Help?
There is no Utopian cure. No magic pill. The most basic personal solution is to love your neighbor, of any skin pigmentation, as yourself. And we should practice individual repentance and reconciliation for specific, personal, individual sins, as prescribed by the Bible. Beyond that? There are many tools available:
Meditate on the 19 biblical truths listed above — they are humbling yet hopeful.
Don’t roll back religious liberty, but allow Christian values to pervade the culture.
Model natural, unforced, non-token relationships between ethnicities — both in churches and outside of them.
Forge alliances between churches that are predominantly one ethnicity or another.
Mutual dialogue without recriminations or condemnation.
Common sense police reform in screening, hiring, training and accountability.
Welfare reform to combat the cycle of poverty, dependency and family breakdown.
Addressing lack of fathers (in all ethnicities). Less than 25 percent of black children are raised in intact families, compared to more than 75 percent in the early 1960s. Most social scientists agree this feeds many problems and leads to social friction.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Businesses can weed out employment inequities without eradicating merit.
Implement school choice to give education freedom to minorities. Polls show minorities want this reform, but both progressive unions and “conservative” suburban school boards often stand in the way.
Give merit pay to teachers, especially in disadvantaged communities, as Dallas has done with promising results.
Stop aborting babies, a disproportionate number of whom are people of color, and foster a culture of respect for all life.
Bring together local African-American leaders and law enforcement to candidly discuss how police can handle the high rates of crime by blacks without degrading members of the general African-American community — the vast majority of whom are law-abiding citizens — in routine patrolling. Camden, New Jersey, is an example.
Follow up on the Trump administration’s recent bipartisan “First Step Act” for criminal justice reform, which was a landmark law that helped African-Americans.
Keep advancing the administration’s Opportunity Zones; Opportunity Scholarships; and tax reforms that have benefited minorities in employment and work against the cycle of poverty.
Those are all doable, and will help a lot. And this list is only partial.
What Won’t Help?
Ignoring the issue. Defunding the police. Villainizing all law enforcement. Voting for Socialists. Eliminating free enterprise. Destroying law and order. Screaming at police and motorists. Blocking roads. Tearing down the nuclear family. More welfare dependency. Reparations. Unbiblical forms of repentance. Pandering and tokenism. And perpetuating mentalities of victimhood or false guilt based on skin color.
We’re united in our rebellion against God. We’re united in our desperate need of His grace, mercy and forgiveness. So let’s be humble. Let’s focus. Let’s not think unwisely, but biblically. Let’s not play into malevolent secular agendas from any direction. Then, and only then, can those of good will join in unity to address what injustices we can before our brief lives end or Christ returns.
Christopher Corbett is a writer working with policy organizations and ministries. He was a vice president at a national religious liberty legal organization, and helped facilitate a racial reconciliation process at a Bible college/seminary. He holds a political science degree from the University of Chicago.