Green Backlash

The New York Times reports on an Evangelical backlash over environmentalism here.

Christmas Sign Must Go

A homeowner in northern Virginia is in trouble with his homeowners association for putting a sign in his yard that says, "Happy Birthday Jesus, Come Let Us Adore Him." The New Bristow Village management company told Donald Henderson that he had violated one of the development's covenants and ordered it taken down. Henderson says he won't comply and will use it again next year. The management company says the problem is not the sign's religious message and it was unfortunate that the letter arrived on Christmas Eve. Henderson points out that the association sponsors a Christmas decoration contest. This year's winner had a plastic sign reading 'North Pole.'

Carlson: Vick Should be Executed

Political analyst Tucker Carlson says Michael Vick should have been executed for his involvment with the mistreatment of dogs. The bow-tie wearing Fox News contributor was filling in for Sean Hannity when he told last night's audience:

"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances. But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a cruel, heartless way. Personally, I think he should've been executed for that."

The comment was prompted by a report that Carlson was responding to reports that President Obama praised the Eagles for giving Vick a second chance.

Here's the video:

Dallas pastor is Christmas Eve Theft Suspect

Pastor Drops Out

A megachurch pastor has withdrawn from Chicago's mayor's race. James Meeks is already a State Senator, but he said the city's black community needed to rally around a single candidate. Meek's withdrawal statement encouraged other black candidates to do the same. There are more than 10 candidates still in the race, including ex-White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.

Obama to Church

President Barack Obama made a rare trip to church this morning. He and the first family visited St. Michael's Chapel while on vacation in Hawaii. The Marine Corps base where the church is located is a favorite stop for Obama while he's in Hawaii. He goes to the gym and golfs there. The White House says the president doesn't often attend church while in Washington to avoid disrupting services.

Leaving the ELCA

North Dakota's Peace Lutheran Church is leaving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 87 Members of the church, located in Devil's Lake, voted to move to the more traditional North American Lutheran Church. The denomination has been losing members ever since it decided to allow people in same-gender relationships to serve in the clergy.