It seems at times that all the news that comes across my desk points to the degrading of our faith, culture and Western society. Although there are several articles of that genre that I need to flag, there is one piece of miraculous news here in the Atlanta area. The other day a deranged young man with a previous felony conviction stormed a local area elementary school with an AK-47 and nearly 500 rounds of ammunition. When this happened, nearly everyone’s heart skipped beats, and prayers for the children’s safety commenced. Although shots were fired, the unstable young man didn’t physically harm any children, teachers or police, and he did surrender to police peacefully, in large measure because of heroic negotiation by the school bookkeeper. How the young man, who has a felony conviction and a history of mental issues, acquired the firearm is still being investigated by the police. For now, there is an entire city breathing a sigh of relief and giving thanks to God for a merciful outcome.
In Egypt, unfortunately violence continues. Some blame the army for over-reaction, but for those with a clear memory, the Muslim Brotherhood has a long history of violent acts including being implicated in the assassination of then Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Although Mohammed Morsi was elected democratically, his tenure was moving rapidly to deliver on a religiously controlled state, and the violence against Christians and their property was continuing unabated. It is not uncommon for organizations that intend to operate in a totalitarian manner to acquire their position initially by a democratic process and then restructure the government to accomplish their intended ends. Militant Islam is the chief danger that Egypt faces, and the majority of its citizens really don’t want an Iranian-style government. Islam is inherently political, and wherever it exists in any significant strength, it attempts to move toward an Islamic state.
This is a time for all of us to pray for the freedom-loving people of Egypt, and especially for our Christian brothers and sisters, their spiritual leaders and communities, that they will be preserved safely and that their place in Egypt will be secure and continuous. Why our United States government doesn’t understand the grave danger that militant Islam poses not only to Egypt but to our country as well is baffling. It’s like a chicken inviting a fox to lunch, thinking the main course will be a salad.
Meanwhile, Muslims are planning a “Million Muslim March” in Washington, DC to coincide with September 11, our twelfth anniversary of the Islamist terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Although a sane person would see the inherent danger of a million people (if that many show up) who blame America for the acts of violence committed against us, undoubtedly both the press and politicians will see potential voters and viewers and pander shamelessly to their assertions. May God have mercy on us. [Note: the Muslim group planning the march changed the name of the event to “Million American March against Fear” after receiving criticism of the event. According to Fox News, the new name did not generate much traction.]
Changing subjects, in Oregon, one of the least “churched” areas of the United States, there is a Portland-area bakery which caters to special events such asweddings and is owned by a couple who have spiritual values and beliefs. Aaron and Melissa Klein believe that marriage is properly between a man and a woman, and you would think that their first amendment rights would guarantee them the right to not only believe but practice their religious tenets. Apparently not in Oregon. A lesbian couple has filed a written complaint against their company, “Sweet Cakes by Melissa,” after the bakery declined on the basis of their Christian faith to provide services for a lesbian “wedding.” As a result, a department of the Oregon government called the Bureau of Labor and Industries is planning on investigating whether the rights of gays and lesbians have been violated under a 2007 state law dealing with employment, housing and public accommodations. The Oregonian, probably the principal newspaper of the state, reports Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian remarking, “The goal is never to shut down a business. The goal is to rehabilitate.” Did you get that, to rehabilitate. Does that sound like coercion and brainwashing? Will state re-education camps be next? What needs to happen is for Commissioner Avakian to be re-educated on the United States Constitution, Amendment One, and perhaps he should find a less challenging job where he won’t need to speak on behalf of any instrument of state government.
Meanwhile sometime presidential hopeful and current governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie has jumped into the homosexual fray, putting himself at odds with his Roman Catholic Church and many members of his own party. Christie hassigned into New Jersey law Assembly Bill 3371, which forbids licensed professional counselors to engage in any therapy which is geared toward helping a person under 18 years of age to change their sexual orientation. More specifically it is to prohibit anyone from helping a young person who is trying to be rid of unwanted same sex attraction and homosexual behavior. Christie has bought into the gay propaganda that they are born that way, and that trying to reorient someone would be inherently damaging. No scientific proof has ever been found to support the idea that people are born gay or lesbian or that a gene determines that. Although the gay community would quickly embrace any scientific proof were it to ever be found, the lack of it is conveniently brushed aside. Now, an under-age New Jersey resident who wants help with unwanted same sex attraction will have to go out of state for help.
It looks as if faithful Anglicans have our work cut out for us on many levels. If you are in Portland you might want to visit a particular Christian bakery and buy a donut and a cup of coffee from them as a sign of support.
Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus,
The Rt. Rev. David C. Anderson, Sr.
President and CEO, American Anglican Council
