Pastors, Be Careful What You Say in the Pulpit
by bigjolly | 04/28/2007
More after effects from the Republican Party’s collapse that allowed Democrats to take control of the US Congress last November. In the latest incarnation of new “hate crime” legislation, homosexuals are going to be given protected status.
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) asked, “If a minister was giving a sermon, a Bible study or any kind of written or spoken message saying that homosexuality was a serious sin and a person in the congregation went out and committed a crime against a homosexual would the minister be charged with the crime of incitement?”
Chairman John Conyers and Congressional Democrats kept evading the issue, providing reasons why they could not accept the amendment until Rep. Lundgren demanded, “What is your answer? Would there be incitement charges against the pastor?”
At that point Democrat Congressman Artur Davis from Alabama candidly said, “Yes.”
That’s right folks. If the new “hate crimes” legislation is approved, it will be a crime to say that your Bible says homosexuality is a sin if someone within earshot hears you and at some point commits a crime against a homosexual. The Democrat majority in the US House Judiciary Committee voted down 25 amendments that Republicans put for to clarify the intention of the bill, including an exemption for religious beliefs.
A coalition of black pastors is lobbying against the bill.
“This bill will offer a status for gays, lesbians and transgender people under the equal protection status that can muzzle the black church,” said Bishop Harry R. Jackson Jr., pastor of Hope Christian Church in Lanham and founder of the High Impact Leader Coalition. “This law can be applied in the way that can keep the church from preaching the Gospel.”
Now I’m sure that some of you out there are saying no way, this could never happen. Take a look at what has happened in other countries that have passed similar legislation.
In Sweden, a pastor was arrested at his church after he began reading Bible verses about homosexuality.
In Britain, an Anglican bishop was placed under criminal investigation for suggesting that homosexuals can change their sexual orientation.
The Spanish government threatened to arrest a Roman Catholic bishop for violating the nation’s law when he spoke out against the legalization of same-sex “marriage.”
But don’t think it hasn’t already started here in America.
Already, there is great evidence that an erosion of religious liberty is taking place in America. In Philadelphia, a group of Christians faced the possibility of 47 years in prison after being arrested for protesting at a homosexual parade. They were charged with various crimes, including “ethnic intimidation.” The charges were eventually dismissed.
In Tennessee, two men were arrested for carrying large wooden crosses during a “Gay Day” Parade. The men were charged with “interfering with a special event.”
In Vermont, a family-owned inn is facing a state lawsuit after its Christian owners expressed a lack of interest in hosting a same-sex civil union ceremony.
While you are sitting outside today enjoying the weekend weather, think about what you can do to stop the progression of the liberal agenda in our country. The Republican Party blew their opportunity with their arrogance and mismanagement. It is now up to you.
lonestartimes.com |
