Cult Member Taken from Compund

Banned from the Super Bowl

NBC is refusing to air an ad to during Sunday's Super Bowl that portrays President Obama as an unborn child. The video has gotten more than 700,000 hits on YouTube in just 10 days. A Chicago-based Catholic organization called Fidelis submitted it to NBC. Here's the video.

Obama's Religious Affairs Director

Joshua DuBois is expected to be named as the man to revamp the White House office that handles faith-based initiatives. DuBois handled religious outreach for the Obama campaign – and is a 26-year-old Pentecostal pastor. The office is being renamed the Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Besides dealing with money for religious and community groups, but the office will look for new ways to involve those groups in dealing with pressing social problems.

South Carolina Abortion Debate

WHNS-TV in Greenville has the latest on the abortion debate in the legislature.

Ted Haggard on Oprah's Show

Former megachurch pastor Ted Haggard appeared on Oprah's show. A documentary about Haggard will be shown tonight on HBO.

10 Least Religious States

Is religion an important part of your life?
(percentage who responded “yes”)

Vermont 42
New Hampshire 46
Maine 48
Massachusetts 48
Alaska 51
Washington 52
Oregon 53
Rhode Island 53
Nevada 54
Connecticut 55

Source: Gallup

Holocaust Remarks Led to Divide

Israel's highest religious authority has canceled a March meeting scheduled with Catholic leaders and cut ties with the Vatican. The chief rabbinate is upset that Pope Benedict XVI decided to reinstate a bishop who has denied the Holocaust.

Bishop Richard Williamson was excommunicated two decades ago and was recently reinstated. But Williamson told a TV interviewer last week that the evidence "is hugely against six million Jews being (killed in the Holocaust)… and not one of them by gassing in a gas chamber." The Vatican has distanced itself from the remarks.

This does not affect contacts between the Vatican and the state of Israel – which has a separate relationship with the Roman Catholic church from the chief rabbinate's office.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Member Dies

Onetime Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell is dead. He passed away at his Florida home, apparently from a heart attack. Powell played in the contemporary Christian music band called Vision in the mid-80’s and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He took part in Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion tours in recent years.

There are now only two members of the band still alive who survived the 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of three members and the road manager. Two other members passed away in recent years of other causes.

Top 10 Most Religious States

Is religion an important part of your life?
(percentage who responded “yes”)

Mississippi 85
Alabama 82
South Carolina 80
Tennessee 79
Louisiana 78
Arkansas 78
Georgia 76
North Carolina 76
Oklahoma 75
Kentucky (tie) 74
Texas (tie) 74
Source: Gallup

Threat to Blow up Holiest Christian Site?

Benjamin Netanyahu says if Israel gave up control of Jerusalem, al-Qaeda would target the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – considered by many to be Christianity's holiest site. Netanyahu leads the Likud party and is expected to win February’s general election in Israel. He says if terrorists are able to destroy the Holy Sepulchre, where it is believed Jesus was buried, it would trigger a major religious clash in the Middle East.

Financial Woes for Schuller Church

Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral is having financial trouble. The southern California megachurch is selling a four-story office building on its campus for $34 million. And the church recently sold a 170-acre plot of land to the city of San Juan Capistrano for $10 million.

Book Awards

Here are the 2009 Christianity Today Book Awards.

Cult Compound

KOB-TV in Albuquerque explains why deputies visited a cult compound in Northeastern New Mexico.

Ed Young on The Colbert Report

Ed Young, pastor of the Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, a guest on The Colbert Report. See it here.

Actors Who've Played Jesus

The Philadelphia Weekly has a story about six actors who’ll only ever be known for playing Jesus.

The Aquarian Gospel

Hollywood is set to film a $20 million movie called The Aquarian Gospel. It speculates about what happened in Jesus’ life between the ages of 13 and 30. Drew Heriot will direct and plans to portray Jesus as a wandering mystic inspired by eastern religions who travels across India, living in Buddhist monasteries. The role of Jesus will be played by several actors and some parts will be created by computer animated actors for the 2010 release.

Lawsuit Over MySpace Lesbian Post

An appeals court has thrown out a lawsuit against California Lutheran High School in Wildomar, California. The court decided that the school is private business and upheld a ruling against two students who had filed suit. They were expelled over an alleged lesbian relationship which was exposed on MySpace by another student in 2005. The school is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Car on Church Roof

The BBC has some unusual video of a car that landed on a church roof. See the story here.

The Amazing Race

The oldest contestant on the upcoming season of The Amazing Race has connections to the Evangelical community. The CBS show tapped 68-year-old Mel White. He’s a one-time speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham turned gay-rights activist. He’s teamed with his son, Mike White who wrote the screen play for School of Rock and Nacho Libre.

The show will feature 11 teams. Over the 12 episodes, they will travel more than 40,000 miles in 22 days to nine countries, including Switzerland, India and Russia. Challenges will range from a bungee jumping to the cold of Siberia and the heat of India. The show premiers February 15th at 8pm, Eastern. More Info

New Haggard Accuser

Former megachurch pastor Ted Haggard's newest accuser speaks with KRDO in Colorado Springs.

Sex Ed at Church

A Greenville, South Carolina church is starting an sex education class. WHNS-TV reports.

Haggard Apologizes

Ted Haggard is apologizing for his relationship with a church member while pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Current pastor Brady Boyd told the congregation that the church paid the young man off with insurance money. Even though the man says they had a sexual relationship, Haggard says there was no physical contact between them. Haggard resigned from New Life in 2006 after revelations of gay sex with a male prostitute. This week, HBO will show a documentary on what happened called The Trials of Ted Haggard. It was put together by the daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Purpose Driven Connection

There was The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church. Now, there’s The Purpose Driven Magazine. Only it’s called the Purpose Driven Connection. A one-year subscription will run you $29.99. Single copies are about $10. You’ll find the new it on newsstands, Christian bookstores and at national retailers like Wal-Mart. Of course, the author of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, graces the cover. The publication is a product of Reader’s Digest.

Moment of Silence Outlawed

WTHI-TV in Terre Haute has a story on Inidiana's "moment of silence".

What's Hot in Church Design

What’s “in” and what’s “out” for church design according to Pete Ed Garrett of Studio Red Architects.

“in”
hidden sound and lighting systems
technology on a par with a large concert hall
redesigning existing buildings
green friendly touches
Coffee bars, book stores
video games and food courts

“out”
traditional religious architecture
ornate iconography
cathedral-type churches
steeples and stained glass

Church Gives Shoes

WISH-TV in Indianapolis has the story of a Church giving shoes for kids.

Obama & the Christian Right

CNN speaks with the head of the Family Research Council about how Christian conservatives view Obama, particularly on the issue of abortion.

Scam at Rick Warren's Church

Two members of Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church face criminal fraud charges along with four others in an alleged $52-million investment scam. They recruited sales people to push the scheme from one of the megachurches addiction recovery program. They even gave prospective investors copies of Warren’s bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life. They raised funds for Carolina Development came through promising big payouts from luxury developments that would be built next to celebrity-designed golf courses. What’s left of the company is being sold and given to settle IRS bills. Investors will get back less than 20 cents on the dollar.

Robinson's Prayer

When HBO rebroadcasts the concert that took place at the Lincoln Memorial, kicking off the presidential inauguration festivities, Gene Robinson's 4-minute prayer will be shown.

The Episcopal priest’s invocation was not a part of the live broadcast nor the HBO repeats because Robinson spoke just before coverage began. The Presidential Inauguration Committee is taking the blame for the omission.

Robinson has been a controversial figure ever since he became the denominations first openly gay Bishop. He was critical of Rick Warren's selection to give the invocation at the swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the US Capitol. But after Robinson was picked to give the concert prayer, he issued a statement in support of Warren’s participation.

Fired Over Pregnancy

A former school guidance counselor is suing Christ the King Church in Omaha, Nebraska for firing her. The church let 42-year-old Tracy McGinnis go last year after she disclosed her out of wedlock pregnancy. The suit claims the dismissal was discrimination.

Jerusalem Syndrome

Police in Jerusalem have a unit set up to deal with what psychologists call Jerusalem Syndrome. About 35 tourists are admitted each year to the hospital for suddenly thinking they are characters out of the Bible or prophets, once they begin walking around the Biblical city. Some of those are diagnosed with the Syndrome. The typical patient is making their first trip to the Holy Land, is middle-aged, has strong religious beliefs, comes from a small town and is part of a religious tour group, according to a doctor at local health facility. Patients usually don’t remember what happened during their break with reality.

Tom Hanks: Mormons UnAmerican

A few days ago, actor Tom Hanks said:

"The truth is a lot of Mormons gave a lot of money to the church to make
Proprosition 8 happen (the California initiative banning gay marriage). There
are a lot of people who feel that is un-American, and I am one of them."

He now tells People Magazine:

"Last week, I labeled members of the Mormon church who supported California's
Proposition 8 as "un-American." I believe Proposition 8 is counter to the
promise of our Constitution; it is codified discrimination. But everyone has a
right to vote their conscience -- nothing could be more American. To say members
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to
Proposition 8 are "un-American" creates more division when the time calls for
respectful disagreement. No one should use "un- American" lightly or in haste. I
did. I should not have."

Mother of David Koresh Murdered

The mother of cult leader David Koresh is dead. Police in Chandler, Texas (near Tyler) say Bonnie Clark Haldeman was stabbed to death by her sister who is now in custody. Beverly Clark is being held without bond.

Koresh founded the Branch Davidians. He became nationally known after refusing to comply with federal agents in 1993 when they attempted to arrest him for stockpiling weapons at his Waco compound. The standoff went on for weeks and ended when the complex caught fire, killing nearly 80 people, including Koresh.

Haggard's Church Responds to New Allegations

KRDO-TV is set to air new sexual accusations against former mega-pastor Ted Haggard and the church he founded in Colorado Springs. The current pastor of New Life Churc h, Brady Body, told the congregation this morning:

"A wound has been reopened. While scandal and tragedy has been part of our past, it will not be our future... We gave (the new accuser) the counseling and help he needed in his life."

Boyd went on to say the church settled a lawsuit with the man in 2007 for more than six figures. Here's KRDO's report before Body made the annoucement.

One Year Ago.. ESPN Anchor Suspended

An ESPN anchor was suspended one year ago for a speech that included obscenities aimed at Notre Dame, the icon painted behind the school's football goal posts dubbed Touchdown Jesus - and Jesus himself. Dana Jacobson was booed off the stage in Atlantic City during a roast of two radio personalities who host Mike & Mike in the Morning. One of them attended the University of Notre Dame and she went to the University of Michigan. Jacobson, who co-hosts the show ESPN First Take apologized and called her comments "foolish and insensitive".

More Accusations Against Haggard

The Ted Haggard sex scandal just won’t go away for New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The former pastor of the mega-church says a male volunteer has approached church officials with an "overwhelming pool of evidence" (according to quotes from the current pastor in the Rocky Mountain Times) that he held a long sexual relationship with Haggard. The church has reached a financial settlement with the accuser.

Haggard isn’t commenting on the new accusations. Meanwhile, HBO is airing a documentary about him starting Thursday, the same day Haggard is scheduled to make an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live. He's already taped an interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The documentary is called The Trials of Ted Haggard.

After a male prostitute came forward with evidence, Haggard admitted "sexual immorality" in 2006 and resigned from New Life (he founded the church in 1984) and as president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

One Year Ago.. Satanism & Coke

A year ago, Coca-Cola was being accused of blasphemy in Russia. Prosecutors the city of Nizhny Novgorod were looking into complaints from hundreds of people that the American company used images of Orthodox churches and crosses in its ads, some of which were even put upside down - which they consider a sign of Satanism. Coca-Cola says the marketing plan only promoted Russia's cultural heritage and in no way insults or is meant to demean Orthodox Christian beliefs. To avoid any further controversy, Coca-Cola decided to remove the ads.

Addicted to Pornography

The pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in New Tampa, Florida resigned a year ago after going public with his addiction to online pornography. At the time that Brian James was pastor, attendance had reached about 1400. Under the direction of Steve Ezra, the church is doing just as well. fter a leave of absence from the ministry for counseling, James has returned to the pulpit to preach part-time of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Lakeland.

Layoffs at Crystal Cathedral

Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral in southern California has fired its executive pastor and director of the children’s ministries. The layoffs come on the heels of the removal of the son of the church's founder from the weekly Hour of Power. The younger Schuller resigned as the Cathedral's senior pastor back in November. Church administrators blame financial problems for the recent departures.

Baptists Hit by Ponsi Schemes

Prosecutors say the Ponsi scheme of accused swindler Bernard Madoff has touched Oklahoma Baptists. The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma suffered $1.4 million in losses, including $600,000 from Oklahoma Baptist University. Madoff may have duped investors out of as much as $50 billion.

Ten Commandments Judge May Run

The Ten Commandments judge may run for governor. Roy Moore made a bid for the post in 2006. But he lost the Republican primary to incumbent Bill Riley. Rules prevent Riley from running again in 2010 for a third term. Another former governor supported Riley. But Fob James will probably be backing his son, this time around. Tim James is already campaigning.

Moore got his nickname after putting a a two-ton Ten Commandments monument in the rotunda of the state judicial building when he served as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. He refused a judge’s order to remove it, so the State Court of the Judiciary kicked him out of office in 2003.

Moore runs the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery.

School Asks Forgiveness for Win

A Dallas girl's basketball team is trying to forfeit a win. The Christian school says it was a mistake to run up the score in a 100-0 victory against another local team. WFAA-TV has more.

Obama Issues Abortion Order

President for Barack Obama has decided to reverse a Bush administration policy on abortion. Obama is issuing an executive order reversing the so-called Mexico City policy. It prohibits the US Agency for International Development from giving federal money to international family planning groups that promote abortion or make referrals about abortion services. President Ronald Reagan first created the ban during a Mexico City conference. Bill Clinton removed the ban and Bush put it back in place. Ironically, Obama's yesterday was the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. That was the Supreme Court decision that legalizing abortion in the US.

Moment of Silence Struck Down

Atheist and talk show host Rob Sherman has won a lawsuit designed to stop Illinois schools from observing a moment of silence. A federal judge in Chicago says an Illinois Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act is unconstitutional. The ACLU claims it is an attempt to get religion into public schools. Supporters say it doesn't force religion on anyone. It’s uncertain whether there will be an appeal.

March for Life

President Obama says he’ll continue supporting abortion rights. As tens of thousands gathered at the National Mall to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the US, Obama released a statement that said in part:

The high court’s decision “not only protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters.”

Obama was invited to address the annual March for Life rally but declined.

Showing the Super Bowl at Church

In a turnaround from a few years ago, the NFL is allowing churches to show the Super Bowl on big-screen televisions. Many churches cancelled their Super Bowl parties last year after the NFL threatened to sue them for copyright violations if screens larger than 55 inches were used. Several members of Congress then threatened to offer legislation to stop the NFL restrictions. In response, the league commissioner wrote in a letter to Congress last year that it will not object to live showings by religious organizations regardless of screen size. The league already makes an exception for sports bars. Advertising is a different concern. The NFL still intends on making sure no one uses the term "Super Bowl" in any ads or promotional announcements that are not sanctioned by the NFL.

Marking Roe v Wade

A different gathering is underway on the National Mall today. That’s where the inauguration of Barack Obama took place on Tuesday. But today, abortion opponents are gathering to mark the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. Here is the text of the decision.

Bible Study Lawsuit

WANE-TV has details on a lawsuit over a Bible studay at a school in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

A Second Time with No Bible

Barack Obama took the oath office a second time from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts - but this time with no Bible. The oath was administered again because Roberts fumbled the wording of the oath the first time on the steps of the Capitol. The change in wording caused Obama to pause during the ceremony

Roberts said, "I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully" when he should have said "I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States."

Obama is the third president to retake the oath because of concerns over the initial swearing-in. The other two re-takers were Chester Arthur and Calvin Coolidge.

Arthur took over after the assassination James Garfield. He took the oath the first time in a private ceremony but that was followed later by a public one at the Supreme Court.

Coolidge took the oath after Warren Harding died. His father, a justice of the peace, administered it at his home Vermont home. There were questions about whether Coolidge's father was authorized to administer the oath, so Coolidge took it a second time later in Washington.

NFL Celebrations

With the Super Bowl only days away, you may be wondering what kind of end-zone celebrations will be allowed. Some players like to say a prayer when they score. Here’s the NFL’s outgoing head of officials explaining (earlier this year) what’s allowed.

Resignations at Troubled University

The chairman of the board and Interim President Wayne Kraiss at Vanguard University in Southern, California have both resigned. The chief academic officer has taken over as acting president.

The Assemblies of God-associated school is facing both accreditation and financial problems:

• The Christian university is more than $40 million in debt.
• The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has threatened to remove its accreditation after a fall inspection.

Vanguard has some 2000 students.

Restaurant Wins Bible Study Case

It took seven years, but Serrano's Mexican Restaurants, based in Arizona, won a case involving an after-hours Bible study. Former manager Terra Naeve sued the chain with the help of the EEOC because it tried to stop her from holding the study with several workers. The company says its policy manual prohibits supervisors from socializing with subordinates outside of work Three years ago a jury sided with the business and now an appeals court has upheld that ruling. Serrano says it offered Naeve a transfer.

Supreme Court Rejects Exorcism Appeal

The Supreme Court has declined to hear the case of an exorcism gone wrong. Laura Schubert Pearson sued the Pleasant Glade Assembly of God in Colleyville, Texas after members held her down and made two attempts to exorcise demons from her. Pearson claims the 1996 event amounted to assault and false imprisonment, leading her to attempt suicide.

A divided Texas Supreme Court had tossed the case out, ruling that the church was protected by the First Amendment because the case involved religious conduct. Pearson then appealed to the US Supreme Court.

Since the suit was filed the congregation has merged with another Colleyville church.

Jakes Mixes up Sci-Fi Franchises

Dallas megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes says his teenage son straightened him out after Jakes made a mistake at a private church service attended by Barack Obama and his wife before the inauguration. Jakes associated May the force be with you with Star Trek instead of Star Wars. Jakes’ 14-year-old son later corrected his dad.

An Obama BBQ

A Tucson church held an Obama-Inspired BBQ for the Homeless. KGUN-TV reports.

A Catholic First

Joe Biden made history today by becoming the first Catholic to hold the office of vice president of the United States. Edmund Muskie would have become the first Catholic vice president if his running mate, Hubert Humphrey had beaten Nixon. Nixon had been defeated a few years earlier by the first, and only, Catholic president in history, John F. Kennedy.

George McGovern’s running mate was also Catholic. But Thomas Eagleton dropped out of the race after it became public knowledge that he had been hospitalized for mental health problems. Another Catholic took his place, Sargent Shriver. But McGovern and Shriver lost to Nixon as well.

Geraldine Ferraro ran along side Walter Mondale a few years later. While she was the first woman to run on a major party national ticket, the pair was defeated by Ronald Reagan.

Finally, the last Catholic to appear on the national ticket was John Kerry. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2004.

A First for a President

Barack Obama became the first president to acknowledge non-believers in his inauguration speech. He said:

"...we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers."

Religion in Obama Speech

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

Inaugural Benediction

Joseph Lowery delivers the closing prayer at Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony.

Rick Warren's Inauguaral Prayer

"Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes form you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one’ and you are the compassionate and merciful one and you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 43rd time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the united states. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a a son of an African Immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans. United not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us.

When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. when we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations, all people will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesus, Jesus—who taught us to pray:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name. They kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

Rally Against Abortion

KXMB-TV in Bismarck North Dakota reports on a rally against abortion that brought together many church-goers.

The Real Story Of The Lincoln Bible

CBS has this video look at the Bible that will be used when Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts swears in Barack Obama as President today.

Singer Regains Hearing

Southern Gospel singer Bobbie Jean White got a special Christmas gift. The 79-year-old has struggled with significant hearing loss for more than a decade. Hearing aid didn’t seem to help. But in November she received a cochlear implant and it was turned on shortly before Christmas. White says the devise has put her back into dinner conversations and returned her to a nearly normal life.

Best known for songs like Beulah Land, White has recorded 21 albums. The Grand Ole Gospel Reunion has given her two Living Legend Awards.

Christian Musician Dies on Cruise Ship

The bass player for the Christian rock band Storyside: B has died. Ron McClelland was on the Carnival cruise ship Fascination when he collapsed while playing basketball. The trip was sponsored by a Florida Christian radio station and was just a few miles away from returning to port in Jacksonville. The ship’s doctor speculated that McClelland suffered from an enlarged heart.

Kennedy Church Taps Billy Graham's Grandson

The meagchurch founded by the late D. James Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale will soon have a Graham in the pulpit. Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church has tapped William Graham Tullian Tchividjian, grandson of Billy Graham to become the new senior pastor. He’s the son of Billy and Ruth Graham’s eldest daughter, Gigi. Tchividjian has been the senior pastor of another Florida congregation, New City Church in Margate. The two churches are located close together and plan to merge, though Tchividjian has not formally accepted the offer.

Protests at Rick Warren MLK Speech

Protesters interrupted Rick Warren’s speech today at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. Warren was part of the Martin Luther King Day celebration at the church that King pastored. Two members of the Revolutionary Communist Party tried to shout Warren down but members of security escorted them out as the packed house cheered. Warren quipped, "Can't we all just get along?" Warren asked. He’ll next head to Washington to deliver the invocation at tomorrow’s inauguration of president-elect Barak Obama. Others gathered outside the church to protest Warren's stand against gay marriage.

Obama May Move on Abortion

One of the first acts as President for Barack Obama may be to reverse a Bush administration policy on abortion. There are reports that Obama will issue an executive order reversing the so-called Mexico City policy. It prohibits the US Agency for International Development from giving federal money to international family planning groups that promote abortion or make referrals about abortion services. President Ronald Reagan first created the ban during a Mexico City conference. Bill Clinton removed the ban and Bush put it back in place. Ironically, Obama's second full day as president falls on the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. That was the Supreme Court decision that legalizing abortion in the US.

Terror Ties at Inaugural Prayer Service?

One of the people scheduled to speak at an inaugural prayer service taking place Wednesday in Washington has ties to a terrorist group, according to federal prosecutors. Ingrid Mattson leads the Islamic Society of North American and spoke at a prayer service at the Democratic National Convention this past year. But Associated Press is reporting that law enforcement officials in Dallas have filed court documents that tie the Islamic Society to the terrorist organization Hamas, though no charges have been filed. The Islamic Society of North American denies it has connections to Hamas and says it does not condone terrorism.

HBO Skips Gay Bishop's Prayer

HBO decided not to air the prayer of Gene Robinson yesterday prior to the pre-inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial. It’s not clear whether the move was designed to snub the first openly Episcopal gay bishop or just an oversight. Gay activists have begun sending complaints to the cable network. There are reports his microphone was not turned on when he started but see for yourself. Here's a video of Robinson's prayer. He prayed for God to "bless this nation with anger.. anger at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people."

Prop 8 Supporters File Lawsuit

Supporters of the measure that outlawed same-sex marriage in California have filed a lawsuit in California with the help of the Alliance Defense Fund. They want to make changes to the Political Reform Act of 1974. It requires state officials to disclose personal information including their names, addresses, and ccupations and if they gave more than $100. Gay activists have put up websites that include map showing the homes of donors, encouraging people to go after Prop 8 supporters. They’ve been harassed with threatening e-mail and boycotts of their businesses. A Mormon temple and a Catholic group have been sent white power through the mail. Los Angeles Film Festival director Richard Raddon has been forced to quite because the organization backed the measure. Meanwhile, California's Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of Prop 8.

Obama Family visits DC Chruch

Barack Obama and his family attended 19th Street Baptist Church this morning. It’s not known which church he will decide to attend regularly after he is swore into office. His office says the first family will likely visit a number of Washington churches.

Obama received a standing ovation from the congregation. He sat in the second row. The sermon titled For Such a Time as This included a message about God preparing people for challenges ahead. A prayer was offered after the sermon that concluded “yes we can.. in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.” Yes, We Can was an Obama campaign theme. Obama is not a member of any church at the moment. He resigned from the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago this past year following the Jeremiah Wright controversy.

The Vatican's Google Channel

The Vatican has found Google. Catholic leaders say Pope Benedict XVI will soon get his own Google channel in an effort to reach more young people. The Vatican TV and Radio Center is working with the search engine giant on the webcasting project. The channel will feature video of the pope's speeches and news about the pontiff.

Ohio Teacher Faces Dismissal

Faculty at Mount Vernon Middle School in Mount Vernon, Ohio testified yesterday in support of science teacher John Freshwater. The school board is holding a hearing to decide whether to fire the eighth-grade teacher. Members have already indicated they plan to dismiss him because he shared his Christian beliefs with his classes and taught them creationism. He's also accused of burning the image of a cross on a student’s arm during a demonstration of electrical current. A dozen other teachers testified that the student never complained but the boy’s parents are suing over the incident.

Abortion Clinic Fire

An investigation is underway into a fire at an Omaha, Nebraska abortion clinic - where most of the state's abortions take place. KMTV has more.

Hardcore Pastor Draws Complaints

An effort is underway to stop the appearance of Seattle megapastor Mark Driscoll at a conference in Chicago. The pastor of Mars Hill Church is scheduled to speak at the Gospel Coalition's Conference called Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth in April. But a memo is making the rounds that's critical of Driscoll for making a name for himself by offering graphic discussions of sexuality.

Cathy Mickels, former Washington state president of Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum is crusading to get Driscoll removed from the agenda, claiming the pastor is “dragging the Church through the gutter.” Mickels say Driscoll is “only known for his crudeness and careless handling of Scripture” and “credits foul-mouthed comedian Chris Rock with teaching him how to preach”.

Driscoll has already drawn criticism for advice on his blog related to anal sex and lother sexual topics where he includes a link (but not an endorcement) to ChristianNymphos.org which features articles for women on sexual issues like masturbation, creative sexual techniques and domination play. Some of his provocative sermon titles include Biblical Oral Sex and Pleasuring Your Spouse.

Driscoll has not responded to the memo on his site.

County Tries to Charge School Group

Child Evangelism Fellowship is suing an Atlanta-area County for discrimination. The Evangelical ministry says Cobb County has refused to let it hold meetings in classrooms after school – unless it pays for the right, even though other groups can use the rooms for free. CEF’s Good News clubs meet in elementary schools around the country.

Prayer Breakfast

Tony Evans will speak at Barack Obama’s inaugural prayer breakfast. The Evangelical pastor of Dallas’ Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas is heard daily on the Urban Alternative radio program. The breakfast takes place Monday morning in Washington.

Moen Buys Websites

Christian recording artist Don Moen has bought several websites: WorshipMusic.com, WorshipTeam.com, and PopularChristian.com. He already owns MediaShout.com and MediaComplete.com. The goal is providing churches and ministries cutting-edge media presentation technology. Moen is known for a best-selling series of worship albums.

Jakes on MSNBC

TD Jakes will host three specials for MSNBC. The Texas pastor lead a roundtable discussion of religious, Black and political issues. Some celebrity guests will make appearances as well. Jakes has a talk show set to debut on CBS next year.

Warren Quiet on Prayer

Rick Warren isn’t talking about his prayer. The megachurch pastor will give the premier prayer at the inauguration of Barack Obama. He’s been deluded with more than 100 requests for interviews about the prayer, since gay activists criticized his selection to offer the invocation. But Warren has decided not to grant any interviews before the inauguration, according to A. Larry Ross - who was also spokesman for Billy Graham.

Ross issued a statement saying Warren “will let his prayer speak for itself.”

The day before the inauguration, Warren will speak at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King was once the pastor.

Gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson will deliver the opening prayer at the events to take place at the Lincoln Memorial. About the selection of Robinson, Warren says:

“President-elect Obama has again demonstrated his genuine commitment to bringing all Americans of goodwill together in search of common ground. I applaud his desire to be the president of every citizen.”

This is Religious Freedom Day

Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship."

The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom.The goal is the promotion and protection of students' religious expression rights by informing educators, parents, and students about these liberties.

Obama Flip-flopped on Gay Marriage

Barack Obama has changed his view on same-sex marriage, according to the Windy City Times. The Chicago gay and lesbian publication says a 1996 questionnaire shows Obama supported for gay marriage. He was running for the Illinois Senate race at the time. During the presidential campaign, Obama said he opposed gay marriage but supported civil unions. Here is the questionaire.

Atheist Challenge Rejected

A Washington, DC judge has turned down a request to stop Obama's swearing-in ceremony from containing references to God. Atheist Michael Newdow had claimed it was a violation of church and state separation. But the judge said the religious references were similar to the prayers offered in state legislators that the Supreme Court has permitted.

The president-elect traditionally says "so help me God" in the oath and there is an invocation and benediction. This year, Rick Warren will deliver the invocation and Joseph Lowery will give the benediction.

Jesus a Muslim?

Broward County, Florida has accepted $60,000 worth of ads from the Council on American-Islamic Relations. But the Americans Against Hate say the advertisements, posted on 50 buses, are offensive because they suggest Abraham, Moses and Jesus were Muslim.

Black letters on a white backdrop read:

ISLAM: The Way of Life of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.

The County has rejected calls to take the ads down, so the Jewish led Americans Against Hate is planning to protest outside Broward's County Hall tomorrow at noon.

Angelo and Veronica

Christian singers Angelo and Veronica will perform a concert Saturday at Constitution Hall in Washington. The Dove Award-winning duo are part of President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural celebration.

The pair has sung backups for Michael Bolton, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant among others. They’ve toured with Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, and others. More info.

Campus Crusade & Gay-Lesbian Partnership

Campus Crusade at the University of Central Florida is planning to work with a campus gay-lesbian group on an HIV/AIDS outreach. The initiative has been dubbed Good News, Good Deeds.

This won't be the first time the group has partnered with organizations outside the Evangelical fold. Last year, Michigan State’s Campus Crusade worked with several groups to create a game show like the Price-is-Right to put the spotlight on the international sex slave trade.

Campus Crusade Facts:

• Founded by the late Bill Bright in 1951
• Based in Orlando, Florida
• Membership: 55,000 students at about 1100 campuses
• Active in 191 countries

My Beliefs Not a Church's

The number of people who would agree with the statement:

“I am personally more likely to develop my own set of religious beliefs than to accept a comprehensive set of beliefs taught by a particular church.”

• All US Adults – 71%
  
• Born again Christians - 61%
  
  Under the age of 25 - 82%
  

Source: Barna Research

New ORU President

Mark Rutland may become the next Oral Roberts University president. The school’s Presidential Search Committee is recommending him for the post. Right now, Rutland is president of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. He’ll visit the campus before the end of the month and then the Trustees will vote on whether to ask him to take the position. Radio listeners know him from his 30-minute daily radio program, Herald of Joy. The Texas native attended Emory University and earned his doctorate from the California Graduate School of Theology. More on Rutland.

Meanwhile, the school laid off 53 people this week in a belt tightening move. More on the layoffs.

Teachers Gets Happy Surprise

A Nashville preschool teacher got a surprise at her door this week. Someone had put a bag on Jerri Hewlett’s porch. Inside was a Bible and her credit card bill which she used to pay for her college teaching certificate. The bill had gone to the wrong address. And the woman who got it decided to pay it off. Nearly $2500. Hewlett teaches at Nashville’s First Baptist Church.

Who Would Jesus Smack Down?

The New York Times takes a look at a megapastor who's upsetting liberals with his "hellfire theology" and conservatives who've dubbed him the "cussing pastor".

Christianity No Longer on Autopilot

The number of people who would agree with the statement:

"Christianity is no longer the faith that Americans automatically accept as their personal faith."

• Evangelical Christians -64%
  
• Hispanics -60%
  
• All US Adults – 50%

Source: Barna Research

Protests Against Rick Warren

Atlanta’s gay community is planning a protest against Rick Warren on Monday. He’s one of the speakers at Ebenezer Baptist Church during the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service. Warren’s opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage helped California outlaw same-sex marriage.

ORU Layoffs

Oral Roberts University is laying off dozens of employees today. The Tulsa school had already announced it would cut about 10% of its workers – about 100.

Former president Richard Roberts stepped down in 2007 after accusations he used school funds for personal use. Roberts denied the allegations. ORU has agreed to pay his annual salary through the end of his contract - for a total of $447,200. With help from an Oklahoma businessman, the school has reduced its debt from $50 million down to just over $15 million.

Bibles Flying off Shelves

The publisher of the English Standard Version Study Bible has run out of copies. Crossway Books started offering the ESV this fall and is rushing another order to print. The next batch should be available February 26th.

Moral Guidance

The number of people who would agree with the statement, "My religious faith was becoming even more important to them than it used to be as a source of objective and reliable moral guidance?"

Born again Christians - 91%
African Americans - 84%
Conservatives - 84%
All US Adults - 74%
Political moderates - 70%
People who consider themselves to be Christian but are not born again - 67%
Political liberals - 65%
Americans who do not affiliate with Christianity - 39%

Source: Barna Research

Denominational Loyalty

Regular Churchgoers

• 70% would be at least somewhat open to switching denominations
• 51% do express preference for one denomination, but would also consider others
• 44% report having one preferred denomination, but they would also consider others
• 30% say they would only consider attending one denomination
• 11% percent have a small number of denominations they would consider with no particular favorite among them
• 9% say the denomination does not factor into their decision of what church to attend
• 6% do not have any particular denomination they prefer, but they do have certain ones they would not consider
  
  Catholics
• 60% would only consider attending a Roman Catholic church
• 40% would at least be open to another denomination
• 29% have a preferred denomination but would consider others
• 11% do not show a specific preference for attending a Catholic parish
  
  Protestants
• 67% have a preferred denomination though they will consider others
• 60% are exclusively loyal to one denomination
• 33% do not have any preference for one specific denomination
• 16% will only consider attending their current denomination
  
  Non-denominational churchgoers
• 32% prefer a non-denominational congregation
• 29% say they will only consider a non-denominational church
• 16% have a small selection of denominations they would consider (including non-denominational) with no specific preference
• 15% don’t have a specific preference but do have some denominations they would avoid
• 9% don’t pay attention to denomination when selecting a church
  Source: Ellison Research

Jakes Film Breaks into Top 10

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken raked in $5.6 million in just 724 theaters across the nation this past weekend. That puts it at number nine overall in its debut. The pro-marriage movie was marketed like Tyler Perry’s films and distributed by Sony. About 70% of the audience was female and 69% were over the age of 30, according to Sony’s exit polling.

Jakes is the senior pastor of 30,000-member The Potters House in Dallas.

In comparison, another church film, Fireproof, debuted at $6.8 million last September and eventually brought in $33 million.

Meanwhile, CBS is holding Jakes’ new TV talk show until this fall. The media company blames the current economic climate for the move. It’s one of many syndicated shows in the works that will have to wait to see its debut. The show was originally planned to start this Spring.

Obama Invites Gay Bishop

Barack Obama is asking the first openly gay man to be ordained a bishop in the Episcopal Church to give the opening invocation on Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial to start inauguration week. The ordination of Gene Robinson has split the Episcopal Church.

The decision comes on the heels of Obama's invitation to Evangelical pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation on Inauguration Day. That brought criticism from the gay community over Warren's view of homosexuality. Robinson said the choice of Warren was "a slap in the face".

Alamo Hearing

A hearing is scheduled in Litttle Rock, Arkansas today for 20 children taken from the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries compound by child welfare workers. The cult leader is facing federal charges relating to sex with minors.

Boston's First Deaf Priest

The Archdiocese of Boston will soon have its first deaf priest. Shawn Carey will be ordained for Boston on May 23 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Carey grew up in Westfield but was unable to take part in regular religious education classes at his home parish because they were not able to accommodate him. His family eventually found a Protestant tutor to help Carey prepare for his first communion. He planned to become a lawyer and studied political science and business at Providence College. It was only after graduation he decided to become a priest.