policy Archives

When Political Correctness Endangers Children

The children were beaten, raped and trafficked.

Conservative estimates put the number of underage victims at about 1,400.

A recently-released report published by an independent auditor describes what happened in Rotherham, England – and it is a difficult read.

It is hard to describe the appalling nature of the abuse that child victims suffered. They were raped by multiple perpetrators, trafficked to other towns and cities in the north of England, abducted, beaten, and intimidated. There were examples of children who had been doused in petrol and threatened with being set alight, threatened with guns, made to witness brutally violent rapes and threatened they would be next if they told anyone.

Topics: Current Events Tags: kids, news, policy September 19, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Guest Post: Is This Christian College Being Bullied?

Standing up for religious freedom and God’s design for human sexuality these days comes at a price, as one Christian college president recently learned.

Meet D. Michael Lindsay, President of Gordon College, a Christian liberal arts institution located in Wenham, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1889 as a missionary training school.

President Lindsay, a scholar in his own right as well as a Pulitzer-nominated author, stirred up an unexpected tempest for his school by signing on to a July 1 open letter to President Obama, along with other religious leaders from various churches, organizations and social relief agencies.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy July 23, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Update on the Supreme Court Rulings

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on June 30th, which upheld the protection of religious liberties. At issue was one facet of the Affordable Care Act which would have forced many business owners to violate their religious principles by requiring them to fund possible abortion-causing drugs in their company health plans.

As the dust settles from this case, moms and dads all over the country who are busy at work and at home are wondering, “What difference does all this make to me?

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, news, policy, pro-life, religious liberty July 11, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Counting the Heavy Cost of American Independence

The following is excerpted from a previous July 4th reflection:

When it comes to America’s sovereignty, freedom has never been free. Dating back to the Revolutionary War right up until our ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 1.3 million Americans have died in combat. It’s important to remember that each of these deaths is not an isolated incident; no man is an island. When a soldier falls, life within a family unit is irrevocably and permanently changed.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, policy, pro-life, religious liberty July 4, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

BREAKING: Supreme Court Upholds Religious Freedom

This is a great day for religious freedom.

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties cases is a much-anticipated and wonderful affirmation as the court process proceeds. It shows that religious freedom continues to be the lifeblood of a country founded on the inalienable rights afforded to us by our Creator.

We rejoice with the Green and Hahn families who are now free to continue serving the public, their loyal employees, and their God without having to compromise their faith.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, policy, pro-life, religious liberty June 30, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Guest Post: Who are Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties?

Last week I introduced a series by Bruce Hausknecht, Focus’ judicial analyst, on two cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. These cases can potentially have far-reaching implication on the state of religious liberties in our country, which is why it’s important that Christians understand what’s going on – and what’s at stake.

The first part answered the question, “How did we get here?” In this second part, Bruce answers, “Who are Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties?”

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Hobby Lobby

The Green family – David Green, Barbara Green, Steve Green, Mart Green and Darsee Lett – are committed evangelicals, and the founders and owners of the Hobby Lobby chain of craft stores, as well as Mardel, a chain of Christian bookstores.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, policy, religious liberty June 24, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Guest Post: What You Need to Know About Religious Liberties Cases Before SCOTUS

Two cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court are of special interest to many people of faith because they deal with the issue of religious liberties. I’ve previously asked you to pray for these cases because of their far-reaching implications and because the families behind the companies are committed Christians who need our support.

Cases like these tend to be complicated, drawn-out and tough to follow, which is why I’m glad to have Focus’ judicial analyst, Bruce Hausknecht, guest blog.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy, pro-life, religious liberty June 19, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Human Cloning Advancements Pose Serious Questions for Life Advocates

I consider myself blessed to live at a time where we benefit from so many advances in medical science. In terms of physical health, we’re all much better off today than we were or would have been just a few decades ago.

But what happens when the latest and greatest in medical science comes at the expense of another human life? How would you feel knowing that a human life was created only to be destroyed for your benefit?

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, policy, pro-life, technology May 29, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Abortion: Empowerment or a Consolation Prize?

Since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states in 1973, about 51 million babies have been lost to abortion. It’s a staggering number that also represents millions of women who chose to end their pregnancies.

We would do well to give serious consideration to those factors that contribute to a mother’s decision to choose abortion for her child.

Proponents of abortion argue the bottom line boils down to a right, a choice – what’s “best” for her and her family.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, policy, pro-life May 2, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Hear What Happened in Denver Last Night?

It’s not every day that you find a high-ranking Catholic prelate standing with a bullhorn on the steps of a state capital building, leading the public in prayer for the defense and protection of pre-born life.

But that’s exactly what happened earlier this week as Denver’s Archbishop Samuel Aquila rallied the faithful and denounced Senate Bill 175.

The bill would have enshrined abortion in law and prohibited any incremental pro-life laws from being passed in the state of Colorado.

Topics: Current Events Tags: kids, news, parenting, policy, pro-life April 17, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura