FORBES: America’s New Government-Imposed Religion

Congressman Randy Forbes’ Op-Ed was recently highlighted in The Washington Times on why America needs to strengthen the separation between church and state. As Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Congressman Randy Forbes wrote about his concerns with the future of religious liberty in America. He builds a strong case by noting recent attacks against faith in the public square that are taking place all across the nation. What once seemed unfathomable, is now a reality. Take a moment to read this important article below.

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FORBES: America’s New Government-Imposed Religion

‘Wall of separation’ is blocking practice of faith

Catholic adoption agencies have been forced to close their doors in Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., because their religious beliefs about marriage were deemed unacceptable by their jurisdictions.

A graduate student in Michigan was expelled from a counseling program because her religious beliefs about marriage were deemed unacceptable by school officials.

Christian pharmacists in Illinois were told to find other professions because their religious beliefs regarding when life begins were deemed unacceptable by the state.

Private business owners are facing enormous fines because their beliefs about when life begins have been deemed unacceptable by the federal government.

Pastor Louie Giglio did not deliver the closing prayer at President Obama’s inauguration ceremony because his religious beliefs about marriage were deemed unacceptable by the administration.

In January, our nation celebrated Religious Freedom Day, commemorating the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, in which Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that no man shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion.”

Compared with others around the world, people of faith in America enjoy extraordinary freedoms. Our lives are not in danger. We do not face imprisonment or torture for holding unpopular convictions.

Yet when people of faith are restricted from fully participating in society — owning businesses, entering the medical profession or providing much-needed charitable services — an intolerable trade-off has occurred. The government has exceeded its boundary, and the figurative wall between church and state must be strengthened.

Our government is powerless without “the consent of the governed.” This uniquely American design, explicit in the founding document of the United States, was devised in part to ensure that unless an individual consents, the government may not force him to violate the sacred relationship between him and his God. This freedom of conscience was secured in the First Amendment, guaranteeing that Americans could exercise their faith without government interference.

What resulted was an unprecedented melting pot of thoughts, beliefs and ideas. The success of the American experiment was evidenced by the immigrants drawn to our shores in search of this shining beacon of tolerance, this refuge where individuals could freely live out their convictions without fear of government retribution.

Thomas Jefferson recognized the sacrosanct relationship between God and man when he penned a letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802, coining the “wall of separation between Church and State.” The Baptists had written to the newly elected president expressing concern that religious freedoms were being treated by the state of Connecticut “as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights.”

Jefferson‘s response fell wholly on the side of religious freedom: “I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.”

Two hundred years later, this important concept has been distorted into a tool used to sanitize school classrooms, war memorials and courtrooms of references to faith. Its misapplication has led the public to believe that Jefferson‘s intent was to confine religion to the four walls of the church. Context reveals, however, that Jefferson‘s wall actually was meant to constrain the government, ensuring religious freedoms are treated as “inalienable rights” rather than “favors granted.”

The tide has turned, and we have begun to see the emergence of a state-created orthodoxy. It deems support for traditional marriage unacceptable. It discredits those who believe that life begins at conception. It disfavors their faith — held for centuries by their predecessors — and creates a regulatory framework to prevent them from fully participating in the public square.

When the government says, “You can believe whatever you want, but you will be penalized if you exercise those beliefs,” we have entered dangerous territory. We cannot allow a religious litmus test to determine who may participate in American life. We must defend the Constitution not only in form, but also in effect. Read full article.

SHOCKING NEWS: Is Military Declaring War on Christians?

“Today, we face incredibly well-funded gangs of fundamentalist Christian monsters who terrorize their fellow Americans by forcing their weaponized and twisted version of Christianity upon their helpless subordinates in our nation’s armed forces…If these fundamentalist Christian monsters of human degradation, marginalization, humiliation and tyranny cannot broker or barter your acceptance of their putrid theology, then they crave for your universal silence in the face of their rapacious reign of theocratic terror. Indeed, they ceaselessly lust, ache, and pine for you to do absolutely nothing to thwart their oppression. Comply, my friends, and you, too, become as monstrously savage as are they.”

These blatantly offensive words were recently penned by Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), in a column he wrote for the Huffington Post. Change the author and change the religious group being referenced and the above statement would most assuredly be labeled as “hate speech.”

Weinstein is certainly entitled to an opinion–as erroneous and egregious as it might  be–but these are not just random thoughts; these are some of the very sentiments that may soon be considered for inclusion in U.S. military training manuals. Weinstein is not simply a citizen with an open disdain for people who adhere to Christian principles. He will be consulting with the Pentagon to develop new protocols on religious tolerance, including a policy for court-martialing military chaplains who share the Christian Gospel during spiritual counseling with American troops.

Ironically, it is Weinstein and other likeminded “bullies” who are among the most intolerant and closed off among us. Even with an increase in diversity over the past several decades, the DoD Defense Manpower Data Center reports that Judeo-Christian denominations still represent the largest overall percentage of military members at 68%, with 21% listed as atheist or no religious preference, and 11% as other/unknown/refused. The Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths all showed less than a 1% response rate.¹ To ignore and/or discount the faith values and religious beliefs for two thirds of the armed services, seems beyond insensitive–especially in light of the fact that these are the very men and women who literally put their lives on the line whenever they deploy into harm’s way.

Recently, Congressman Randy Forbes, Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Prayer Caucus,  sought answers (video) from Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, regarding a Pentagon email that warned Army officers to watch out for soldiers who stand by Judeo-Christian principles, equating them with the Ku Klux Klan and Neo-Nazis. Rep. Forbes told Fox News “It’s been a steady attack on faith and religious freedom that we’ve seen in our military like we’ve never seen before. We are getting a lot of calls from soldiers saying, ‘We’re afraid of going to church. We’re afraid to be seen praying. We are afraid that would hurt our careers, our promotions.’ This is unacceptable; we must protect the freedoms of those that are fighting to protect us!”

Pentagon Entertaining Policy That Could Prosecute Christians As Enemy Of The State (Read full article)

The statement, released to Fox News follows a Breitbart News report on Obama administration Pentagon appointees meeting with anti-Christian extremist Mikey Weinstein to develop court-martial procedures to punish Christians in the military who express or share their faith. 

(From our earlier report: Weinstein is the head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and says Christians–including chaplains–sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in the military are guilty of “treason,” and of committing an act of “spiritual rape” as serious a crime as “sexual assault.” He also asserted that Christians sharing their faith in the military are “enemies of the Constitution.”)

Being convicted in a court martial means that a soldier has committed a crime under federal military law. Punishment for a court martial can include imprisonment and being dishonorably discharged from the military. 

So President Barack Obama’s civilian appointees who lead the Pentagon are confirming that the military will make it a crime–possibly resulting in imprisonment–for those in uniform to share their faith. This would include chaplains–military officers who are ordained clergymen of their faith (mostly Christian pastors or priests, or Jewish rabbis)–whose duty since the founding of the U.S. military under George Washington is to teach their faith and minister to the spiritual needs of troops who come to them for counsel, instruction, or comfort.

This regulation would severely limit expressions of faith in the military, even on a one-to-one basis between close friends. It could also effectively abolish the position of chaplain in the military, as it would not allow chaplains (or any service members, for that matter), to say anything about their faith that others say led them to think they were being encouraged to make faith part of their life. It’s difficult to imagine how a member of the clergy could give spiritual counseling without saying anything that might be perceived in that fashion.

If the policy moves forward, Christian servicemen and women who speak of their faith could now be prosecuted as “enemies of the state.” This has the potential to destroy military recruiting and retainment across the services as Americans realize their religious beliefs will be suppressed by joining the military.

If these seem like isolated incidents please visit www.FaithReport.com and discover the severity of the crisis facing America’s Judeo-Christian foundation. There is a pervasive and systematic effort to put people of faith in a religious vice grip by first attempting to remove all vestiges of God from the public square and secondly, by making it unconstitutional to say a prayer in Jesus’ name.  For too long, the bullying tactics of these anti-God groups have been allowed to gain ground, sometimes unchallenged. It is time to say, “Enough!”

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we remain diligent and alert to opposing forces and ensure their efforts are fruitless. We must stand boldly for freedom and to hold all government entities accountable to their Constitutional responsibility of protecting religious rights. The alternative is to keep silent, and our silence is tantamount to consent. 

The armed services are at a loss to address and treat the alarming increases in combat-related trauma, PTSD cases and the growing epidemic of military suicide. Yet, the research literature overwhelmingly supports the notion that faith makes a critical difference in successful outcomes.^2,3,4 To deny our dedicated soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, the opportunity to integrate their religious values and received faith-based counseling and consultation, especially when our country is still at war, is grossly irresponsible.

This is our watch and we must take action. Eighteenth century statesman and philosopher, Edmund Burke, said it best, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Pray for our military–those who shed their blood to safeguard our freedoms. Contact your Senators, Congressional representatives, state legislators, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and leaders within the various military branches. Impact your sphere of influence so the voice of the majority can be heard over the shrill clang of the few who would deny your rights.

¹ Segal, D. R. & Segal, M A. (2004). America’s military population. Population Bulletin, 59(4), 1-42.

² Koenig, H. G. (2000). Religion, spirituality and medicine: Application to spiritual practice. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284, 1708.

³ Koenig, H. G.; McCullough, M. & Larson, D. (2001). Handbook of religion and health. New York: Oxford University Press.

⁴ Larson, D. B. & Larson, S. S. (2003). Spirituality’s potential relevance to physical and emotional health: A brief review of quantitative research. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31(1), 37-51.

The Power of One: For Such a Time As This

Is there a place for God in government anymore?  The City Council members of San Juan Capistrano, CA, certainly think so.  A recent vote to display the U.S. National motto, “In God We Trust” in their city hall was unanimous and after accepting a donation from local church-goers to cover the cost, two members were appointed to help determine where it should be displayed. Often, it only takes one person with the right passion, the right vision and to be purposed in the will, to see something through.

In today’s politically correct culture, it is acceptable to cry foul and cite misguided hyperbole about the separation of church and state, especially whenever elected officials open their meetings in prayer or display anything that contains the word, “God,” in it.  Though the outrage is almost instantaneous, thankfully in this case, the City Council of San Juan Capistrano was able to rise above the rhetoric and simply refer to the Resolution passed by Congress encouraging the public display of the national motto in government buildings and school classrooms.

The landslide Congressional vote (396-9) in favor of H.Resolution 13 has consistently trumped the various strategies of the anti-faith movement and provided momentous inspiration to leaders and citizens across the nation to incorporate God back into the public square. Thousands of government leaders have rejected pressure from atheists and other groups and continue to open their meetings in prayer, add our national motto to their state seals, prominently display the motto on government buildings, and require schools to show it in their classrooms.

A committed and proactive approach is the only effective strategy to defeat ongoing efforts where the judicial system is used to dismantle the tenets of faith that formed our great nation. This includes the threat of lawsuits to coerce city councils and school boards into capitulating and removing God and prayer from their official activities.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) recently announced they are challenging the placement of “In God We Trust” on our federal currency. There have also been several initiatives to remove the words, “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. The American Humanist Association recently asked a judge to declare these words unconstitutional and prohibit recitation of the Pledge in all Massachusetts schools.

The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation (CPCF) has launched the “In God We Trust – Put It Up!” Campaign in order to better equip and empower citizens to combat the increasing attacks to strip away every vestige of God from public life. After numerous requests from our members to create needed resources, we have launched an online store with displays, yard signs, decals, and other useful tools. With the support of Congressional Prayer Caucus members and state and local officials, citizens are excited and hopeful at the thought they can do something tangible to preserve God’s enduring place and our rich Judeo-Christian heritage.

Thousands of citizens have received “In God We Trust” decals to place on their cars and homes. Churches have mobilized members to place yard signs throughout their communities, while others are taking steps to contact locally elected leaders and school boards about displaying our motto–reminders of our freedom to trust in God. A supporter was motivated to stand in front of her favorite store to share about religious liberty and another wrote to the editor of her local paper resulting in a published article about the Campaign. Please share your stories with us! We would love to hear how you are impacting your own sphere of influence.

Jacquie Sullivan has seen hundreds of council chambers at City Halls respond to her efforts. In February 2002, she led the Bakersfield City Council in their historic “Yes Vote” to prominently display the national motto. Today, ten years later, there are well over 300 “Yes Vote” cities aligned with her organization, In God We Trust America, Inc.

It is our responsibility to earnestly seek God’s wisdom and direction–to take initiative in every arena and through every opportunity that presents itself. Do you see yourself with the Power of One? Is God calling you to step forward for such a time as this? Imagine the impact we could have if we each did our part? Please take time to consider how you can help protect America’s legacy of faith for generations to come! Your prayers, your continued support and your faithfulness, all make a difference in turning the tide.

U.S. Army Training Manual: Catholics = al-Qaeda?

Dear Summer,

There is overwhelming evidence that the culture is becoming increasingly hostile to Christianity and Jesus. This is our time to shine by becoming increasingly sensitive to the challenges facing America, the Church, and culture; and becoming the solution through prayer and righteous action. Scripture gives very clear guidance as to the how to bring about real national revival; humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways and return to God’s standards. It is our responsibility to first make sure our hearts are right before God so we can be the change the nation and world needs.

Although the information we share is sometimes disappointing, we must keep focused on the hope that comes from knowing the Truth. America has faced tremendous difficulties in the past, however recovered with God’s miraculous intervention. We must be alert, be aware, and remain hopeful that God has not forgotten America. Keep praying and believing!

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Military training materials: Catholics, evangelicals are religious ‘extremists’

WASHINGTON – The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty together with the Archdiocese for the Military Services recently uncovered a U.S. Army Reserve Equal Opportunity training brief that expressly identified “Evangelical Christianity” and “Catholicism” as examples of “religious extremism” like al-Qaida, Hamas, and the Klu Klux Klan.

“Men and women of faith who have served the Army faithfully for centuries shouldn’t be likened to those who have regularly threatened the peace and security of the United States,” said Col. (Ret.) Ron Crews, executive director of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty. “It is dishonorable for any U.S. military entity to allow this type of wrongheaded characterization. It also appears that some military entities are using definitions of ‘hate’ and ‘extreme’ from the lists of anti-Christian political organizations. That violates the apolitical stance appropriate for the military.”

According to an investigation and reply from the Army Chief of Chaplains office, the training in question appears to have been an isolated incident not condoned by the Department of the Army. The Chaplain Alliance and the Archdiocese explained that the Army can and should take steps to prevent such incidents in the future. Read full article.

Another Victory for the Power of Prayer in America

As everyone found their places, anticipating this long-planned event, sunshine, lively chatter among colleagues and broad smiles, permeated the capitol rotunda in Des Moines, the seat of the Iowa General Assembly and the Office of the Governor.

Passersby, captivated at the growing attendance and the active participation of so many      state lawmakers, were understandably curious about the purpose of such an extensive gathering. The explanation caught some by surprise, but most were pleased to learn that their elected leaders, local churches, Christian organizations, prayer groups and ordinary citizens, had all come together to make a bold statement of faith and publicly declare an ongoing need to trust in God.

Recognizing the gravity of this event in the eyes of the people, in an unprecedented decision, the Iowa House leadership graciously cleared the legislative calendar for one hour so anyone who desired could participate in the ceremony. Rep. Joel Fry, Co-chair of the Iowa Legislative Prayer Caucus, commented, “As we started, there was concern that the events of the day for the House and Senate would cause issue for legislative members to participate in the program or attend the event. In a very unprecedented decision, House leadership made a decision to recess during our debate so that the Iowa Legislative Prayer Caucus event could be held in its entirety.”

Rep. Fry went on to say, “God was in every facet of the bipartisan event. Perhaps one of the most important pieces was the fact that dozens of legislators and citizens have been meeting every Tuesday at noon for prayer weeks prior to the launch event. With so many hours of prayer already poured into our State Capitol and the event itself, God was very present and very faithful to answer our prayers.”

Governor Terry Branstad drafted a Proclamation which was read by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds during the ceremony. Other speakers shared from their hearts and with great passion, reiterating Iowa’s rich spiritual heritage and the importance of prayer in American culture. The co-chairs of the Iowa Legislative Prayer Caucus, Rep. Joel Fry, Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Phyllis Thede, were joined by Senate Minority Leader Bill Dix, House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer, and Rep. Dwayne Alons, dozens of members of the General Assembly and hundreds of praying citizens.

Rep. Fry reflected on the event, “I am standing in amazement of God and all He did that day. We witnessed 41 members of the Iowa legislature, as well as the Lt. Governor, sign the “Call To Prayer” Proclamation. There are many others who were not able to attend the event and indicated they would sign at a later time. Nearly 200 public citizens attended and signed the Proclamation with their elected officials. Most importantly, God was exalted in the Iowa State Capitol! We now look forward to all the Iowa Legislative Prayer Caucus will do to protect Iowan’s religious freedoms, our motto of ‘In God We Trust’ and our Judeo-Christian heritage.”

During the ceremony, Rep. Fry further encouraged citizens to look up, pointing to the visual imagery suggested by the top of the rotunda. A simple act of humility symbolized the need to look to the One who is the source of true freedom. Onlookers gazed upon a renowned quotation from Abraham Lincoln‘s Gettysburg Address that encircled the House and Senate Chambers just one floor above their seats, “This nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” How encouraging to see a public structure among numerous government buildings, boldly display these inspirational words that acknowledge man’s need for God, freedom, and the importance of embracing civic responsibility.

There was a strong sense of resolve in and through the people of Iowa to honor the Lord and advocate for the religious liberty our Founding Fathers championed in the Constitution. With soberness of spirit, legislators and citizens alike took their places in line to sign the “Call to Prayer Proclamation” (see attached).  The pages are now filled with the names of men, women, and children who are committed to defending God and the right to publicly express their faith in Him. This excerpt from the Proclamation describes the gravity of their pledge,

“With clear vision and the recent Congressional re-affirmation of ‘In God We Trust’ as our national motto, it becomes more evident how important prayer is to this country and to Iowans. As such, we acknowledge the Preamble of the State Constitution, which clearly advocates a faith-based commitment by stating:

‘We the people of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of those blessings, do ordain and establish a free and independent government, by the name of the State of Iowa.’ As a State with a legacy that desires to humbly lead where able–symbolic of our diverse culture, agricultural productivity, strong family traditions, and recognition for holding the first presidential caucus every four years–Iowa continues to celebrate a steadfast regard for independence, the free expression of faith, and a strong Christian ethic.

We, the undersigned, who believe in prayer and the Judeo-Christian principles that remind us our rights come from almighty God, unite in this Proclamation. Accordingly, this day we respectfully and humbly issue a ‘Call to Prayer’ for the State of Iowa and invite Iowans everywhere to pray that God will continue to bless this country, our noble State and the freedom for which they stand.”

The hundreds of leaders and citizens who filled the room clearly understood that freedom is not revoked or diminished merely because one is elected to public office. In many respects, the moral and solemn responsibility placed upon the shoulders of any public servant should be an inspiration for those who believe in the power of prayer–to use that God-given forum to seek His face for humility in governance, wisdom in decision-making, courage in times of testing, and providence for favor and blessing.

The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation is honored to be connected with such exemplary leaders and citizens in Iowa. Please keep them and all associated with the American Prayer Caucus Network in your prayers. These kinds of strategic initiatives are extremely effective and help us to reach the mark.

Thank you for sharing this special moment with us!

Religious Liberty On The Chopping Block

With religious liberty issues continuing to rise to the surface of our national dialogue, the Health & Human Services (HHS) Mandate has remained a top priority for the Congressional Prayer Caucus, as well as the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation. This Mandate represents a major blow for religious freedom and our core First Amendment rights. The Founding Fathers sacrificed their livelihoods to establish a Republic where the government’s primary role was to protect the rights of its citizens, not disregard and undermine them for force people into situations that violated their conscious. The HHS Mandate is just one more example of how our freedoms are being systematically eroded.

The firestorm of opposition generated by thousands of concerned voices and dozens of lawsuits, has forced the current Administration to weigh in. Although the response has not been favorable for those holding to their convictions, we must not retreat or yield on such a vital principle that reflects our Judeo-Christian values. This ill-conceived and politically-charged attempt to redefine our First Amendment freedoms cannot not be overlooked. The Mandate debases the Constitution and it is our collective responsibility to hold our elected leaders accountable.

Many of you may already be familiar with the ongoing courtroom battle taking place with Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., a Christian-owned and operated corporation. The faith-based organization is challenging the Obamacare mandate that requires employers to provide contraceptive care and abortion-inducing drugs to their employees. Hobby Lobby considers these requirements a direct violation of their religious values as a matter of moral conscious. On February 19^th, 11 United States Senators and Congressmen filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10^th Circuit supporting Hobby Lobby.

Congressman and Prayer Caucus Founder, Randy Forbes, notes, “Like you, I believe the HHS mandate violates religious freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. On February 1, 2013, in response to the newly-proposed changes to the HHS mandate, I issued a statement explaining that the Administration continues to fail to recognize that a core intent of the First Amendment was to provide protections to individuals, including private business owners who wish to operate in accordance with their faith.”

Although there has been some discussion about exemptions for religious organizations, such exemptions only apply to a very narrow group of people and organizations. Congressman Forbes further comments, “The mandate offered a very limited ‘religious employer exemption’ that essentially exempted only churches. As a result, the mandate would force many religious hospitals, charities, and universities to decide between providing health care plans that cover services that directly violate their religious beliefs, or not providing health insurance to employees or students at all. After HHS issued the mandate, the Department received over 200,000 public comments on the issue; however, in January of 2012 HHS announced that it would not reverse the mandate or expand the exemption to protect religious freedom.”

Please understand, your voice matters! In the 112th Congress, Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus were proud sponsors of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179), which would amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act–the President’s health care law– to protect the conscience rights and religious beliefs of healthcare insurers, providers and purchasers. This legislation would ensure that the healthcare law does not discriminate against healthcare entities and providers who have legitimate and Constitutionally-protected objections.

In addition, earlier this month, Congressman Forbes joined 153 Members of Congress in sending a letter to HHS Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, asking that the mandate be suspended until they are certain all religious freedoms are appropriately addressed and protected.

James Madison, our nation’s fourth President and the “Father of the Constitution,” wrote the following, “The religion of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate.”¹ In a proposed amendment to the Constitution–offered in a speech to the House of Representatives–Madison further stated, “The civil rights of none, shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext infringed.”²

Pray and take action! H.R. 1179 has not been reintroduced in the 113th Congress. Let your Representative know you want this protection in place. Phone calls and letters really do make a significant difference, because politicians understand for every citizen who takes the time to respond, that individual represents thousands of other constituents who probably feel the same way.

Let’s not allow ourselves to become discouraged, grow weary in well doing or cease fighting for these important issues. The opposition is not giving up, and nor can we. The words of the Apostle Paul will help strengthen our resolve, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). We are thankful for your continued support, prayers and your willingness to soldier on for the cause of freedom.

¹Spalding, M. (2009). We still hold these truths: Rediscovering our principles, reclaiming our future. Wilmington, DE: Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

²Ibid.

Complete Letter From Congressman Forbes,

On August 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a mandate requiring that employee health plans cover contraceptives, sterilization, and drugs that can cause abortions, at no cost to the patient. HHS issued the list of mandated services, which included Plan B and Ella, both of which can destroy human embryos. The mandate offered a very limited “religious employer exemption” that essentially exempted only churches. As a result, the mandate would force many religious hospitals, charities, and universities to decide between providing health care plans that cover services that directly violate their religious beliefs, or not providing health insurance to employees or students at all. After HHS issued the mandate, the Department received over 200,000 public comments on the issue; however, in January of 2012 HHS announced that it would not reverse the mandate or expand the exemption to protect religious freedom. HHS instead announced that it would provide a year-long “safe harbor” period, temporarily delaying the mandate’s application to non-exempt objecting religious organizations and providing no real resolution for people who oppose the mandate because of deeply held religious beliefs.

After a firestorm of opposition, President Obama in February of 2012 issued the final rule, retaining the original narrow “religious employer exemption” that only exempted churches. At the same time, President Obama proposed an idea for an “accommodation” for non-exempt religious organizations, to prevent them from directly covering the services. He proposed forcing the insurance companies to cover the services instead. The President’s new arrangement was really more of an accounting gimmick, as it still ultimately required contraceptives, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs to be provided to all employees of nonexempt religious institutions at no cost. In March of 2012, the Administration announced a 90-day comment period for suggestions on ways to implement its proposed “accommodation.”

On February 1, 2013, HHS issued a proposed rule that would make two principal changes to the mandate. It would 1) slightly expand the original “religious employer exemption” to include select other religious organizations that fall directly under the umbrella of a house of worship; and would 2) provide the “accommodation” for religious institutions of higher education and certain non-exempt religious organizations that object to the mandate. Despite the changes, the exemption for religious employers is still narrow, and the newly proposed “accommodation” will provide no relief to private business owners.

Like you, I believe the HHS mandate violates religious freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. On February 1, 2013, in response to the newly-proposed changes to the HHS mandate, I issued a statement explaining that the Administration continues to fail to recognize that a core intent of the First Amendment was to provide protections to individuals, including private business owners who wish to operate in accordance with their faith.

In the 112th Congress, I was a proud cosponsor of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179), which would amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the President’s health care law, to protect the conscience rights and religious beliefs of healthcare insurers, providers and purchasers. The legislation would ensure that the healthcare law does not discriminate against healthcare entities and providers who have religious or conscience objections to providing certain items and services. The bill has not been reintroduced in the 113th Congress. In addition, on February 6, 2012 I joined 153 of my colleagues in sending a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius asking that the mandate be suspended until we can be certain that the constitutionally protected religious freedoms of Americans are protected.

I believe health insurance companies, hospitals and other health care providers have a right to choose not to perform services or provide items that are contrary to their religious beliefs. I remain committed to protecting religious freedom in our country, and will continue monitoring this issue very closely.

Yours truly,

J. RANDY FORBES
Member of Congress

JRF:EL

Separation of Church and State NOT God and Government

Many around the world know of our rich heritage and the ardent exceptionalism that has defined America across the pages of history. God has graciously allowed us to be a City on a Hill and a beacon of hope and freedom for millions. Since its founding, people from other nations have often sought to discover the secret to this country’s greatness. The poor, the destitute, and the disenfranchised, have all risked lives, families and homes, to flee tyrannical regimes where despotic rulers seek to enslave and oppress their citizens. Why? For the chance to live and work under a system of government that is subject to the people and where laws are instituted to protect the inalienable rights given by a Sovereign God.

Democracy in the United States has succeeded by in large, because the fabric of society has consistently possessed an underlying moral order and historically, that order has been informed by the fundamental principles described in the Bible. This was especially true in shaping popular social constructs during the country’s formative years. Honoring God, instituting Judeo-Christian precepts and encouraging morality as derived from God’s law, are some of the core ingredients that contributed to the rise of America. Without these principles in place, any government can inappropriately take on the role of playing God, thereby leaving all power to the state, which then defines the parameters of freedom, liberty, individual rights, and justice.

Laws are codified ethics or rules of conduct that distinguish between right and wrong. At the root of all law is the notion that the moral basis of right and wrong never changes, because rules do exist which are absolute. Where does this legal precedent originate, how does it draw authority and what does it require? The Constitution was written to incorporate three distinct branches of government where Congress and state legislatures formulate laws; the Executive Branch enforces the law; and the Supreme Court is charged with upholding the law. However, our Founders also clearly understood that these man-made institutions were ultimately subject to God and His law and no leader or citizen was to be exempt. The display of the Ten Commandments on the wall of a courtroom or other public building is not merely for the sake of aesthetics, but such a depiction overtly acknowledges the underlying policies deeply ingrained in the character of American common law.

In the Declaration of Independence, the people of the United States affirmed that our fundamental laws come from God. In drafting the Document, the Framers unanimously express this belief: “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with one another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitles them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”¹

Their goal was not to establish a state religion, but to form a nation founded on a set of absolute rules established by a gracious, loving and Sovereign Creator. They adopted certain rules that were essential to liberty when they affirmed the country’s right to be a nation among nations was based upon the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” Furthermore, they set into motion, America’s very first principles: that all human beings are “created equal;” that they are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights;” and that civil governments are instituted to secure those rights, including the unalienable right to the free exercise of religion.

Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell, reiterated this truth recently at a prayer breakfast on the opening day of the 2013 legislative session in Virginia, when he reminded citizens that, “Separation of church and state does NOT mean separation of God and government.” Read more evidence of this truth in our blog

Most of our early governing documents, including the Magna Carta, the Northwest Ordinance, and individual state’s Bill of Rights contained language that was rooted in biblical truth and clearly promoted religion and morality for the betterment of society. The following are a few examples:

• New England colonies have often been called “Bible Commonwealths” because they used Scripture in regulating all aspects of the lives of their citizens. The Library of Congress, under their “America as a Religious Refuge: The Seventeenth Century” exhibit, states:

“Many of the British North American colonies that eventually formed the United States of America were settled in the seventeenth century by men and women, who, in the face of European persecution, refused to compromise passionately held religious convictions and fled Europe. The New England colonies, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were conceived and established ‘as plantations of religion.’ Some settlers who arrived in these areas came for secular motives–”to catch fish” as one New Englander put it–but the great majority left Europe to worship God in the way they believed to be correct. They enthusiastically supported the efforts of their leaders to create ‘a city on a hill’ or a ‘holy experiment,’ whose success would prove that God’s plan for his churches could be successfully realized in the American wilderness. Even colonies like Virginia, which were planned as commercial ventures, were led by entrepreneurs who considered themselves ‘militant Protestants’ and who worked diligently to promote the prosperity of the church.”²

•  On July 4, 1776, Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to create the First Great Seal of the United States. Franklin proposed the biblical story of God parting the Red Sea. Jefferson suggested the “Children of Israel in the Wilderness, led by a Cloud by Day, and a Pillar of Fire by night.”³ Although neither of their drafts was incorporated into the final design, it does suggest these men sought to honor God and reveals the religious consensus among our nation’s founders.

• A month earlier, John Adams wrote to his cousin, Zabdiel Adams, a minister, about the important role that Judeo-Christian principles played in American government, saying, “[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.”⁴

• John Adams also said this about the United States Constitution, “[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions, unbridled by morality and religion…Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”⁵

• Patrick Henry, known for his war cry, “No King, but King Jesus,” served as a member of the House of Burgesses, a Member of the House of Delegates, and was the first and sixth Governor of Virginia. The Declaration of Rights of Virginia confirms that Christianity was fundamental to the nation’s leaders. Henry concludes by stating “It is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.”⁶

• The Northwest Ordinance, as passed by Congress on July 13, 1787 and re-ratified under the U.S. Constitution in 1789, provided instruction for the integration of new states and was the primary governing document in the territory northwest of the Ohio River. Article III affirms that early Americans understood Judeo-Christian principles were a primary source for this evolving government: “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”⁷

• Noah Webster, the Father of American Scholarship, was adamant that the youth must be introduced to the principles that would maintain a free country. In 1829, Webster wrote to James Madison, “The Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis or rather the source of all genuine freedom in government…I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable, in which the principles of that religion have not a controlling influence.”⁸

Clearly seen here is a convergence of understanding that without religion, specifically Judeo-Christian ethics, America could not and would not stand. The phrase, “separation of church and state” was included in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists as a means to console their concern with the government infringing upon their rights. It was a promise that government would not interfere with the right of American’s to practice their religion freely in the marketplace.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus describes the importance of having the right foundation, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

The same is true for this country. Many believe we were built upon the solid Rock of Biblical principles. However, the difference is not merely knowing and “hearing” what Christ has to say, but also in “acting” upon these truths. Time, inattention and willful disregard for the things of God, have eroded America’s foundation. We notice in this passage, the storm comes against both houses. There is no guarantee that merely calling ourselves a Christian nation will make us immune to the storms of life. This reality has been evident throughout our history with Civil and World Wars, natural disasters, economic collapse, acts of terror and an ongoing clash of values. However, surviving these storms is another matter.

In order to see true healing in America, we must continue to remind citizens of our deeply spiritual heritage and as the Israelites did in Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon, to restore the walls and repair the foundations (Ezra 4). It is our past, and it is the key to our future. This is the mission of the Prayer Caucus. We invite you to repair and restore with us, to help defend our most precious freedom.

¹ http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

² http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel01.html

³ http://www.greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/index.html

⁴ http://www.founding.com/founders_library/pageID.2144/default.asp

⁵ http://www.en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_Adams

⁶ http://www.patrickhenrycenter.com/Quotes.aspx

⁷ http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel04.html

⁸ http://www.providencefoundation.com/?page_id=1948