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July 31, 2008 - Massachusetts Pushes Same-Sex 'Marriage' on Nation
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill today to repeal a 1913 law that prohibited couples from marrying in the state if their unions were not legal in their home states. Before he signed the bill, however, lawmakers added an "emergency" clause to it to prevent intervention from family advocates.
Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, said lawmakers created an "insurance policy to circumvent any possibility of the citizens in Massachusetts doing a petition to suspend this law."
The Massachusetts Constitution allows voters to conduct a petition drive within 90 days of the passage of a law. If enough signatures are gathered, the issue can go to the voters. In this case, however, the Legislature thwarted that possibility by declaring an emergency.
Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action, called it a cheap political trick to once again prevent Massachusetts voters from weighing in on marriage.
"There was no 'emergency' here, other than the desire by homosexual activists to export gay 'marriage' across the nation as soon as possible," he said. "What these legislators did was an 'in-your-face' action designed to tell Massachusetts voters they are merely a hurdle to clear, not participants in the political process."
reprinted from www.citizenlink.com
July 30, 2008 - Battle over Marriage Sweeps the Nation
Massachusetts ready to export gay 'marriage'; California guts amendment wording.
Massachusetts is a step closer to exporting gay "marriage" to the entire country. And California activists are doing all they can to stop a marriage-protection amendment.
The Massachusetts House voted 118-35 Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law that prohibits couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their unions are not legal in their home states. The Senate has already passed the pro-gay measure, and Gov. Deval Patrick has indicated he will sign the bill.
Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, said it's part of a national initiative by gay activists and their political allies to advance homosexual "marriage."
"With the protective barrier removed, out-of-state, same-sex couples who 'marry' here will sue to seek recognition in their home states ... further eroding the people's right to define marriage," he said. This is "doing terrible harm to marriage laws across the country."
In California, gay activists are pulling out all the stops as the state prepares to vote on a marriage-protection amendment.
Originally, the ballot initiative's summary statement explained that the amendment simply defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Now, it also states that the amendment will "eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry."
Several groups, including the Alliance Defense Fund, filed an emergency lawsuit Tuesday to delete the negative and misleading additions from the ballot.
Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said the attempts by California and Massachusetts to impose same-sex "marriage" on the nation will result in legal chaos.
"Those 48 other states and their courts are forced to deal with fallout from exported same-sex 'marriages,' like divorce, alimony, child support, estates and other issues," he said. "They will be addressing issues they are not equipped to deal with, except in a traditional marriage context."
by Devon Williams, associate editor of www.citizenlink.com
July 24, 2008 - Press Release- ND Citizens Take Courage from SD's Anti-Abortion Breaking News Success
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - July 24, 2008
Media Interviews
NDFA Executive Director Tom Freier
TFreier@NDFA.Org
701-223-3575; 701-471-0477 cell
www.NDFA.Org
NORTH DAKOTA CITIZENS TAKE COURAGE FROM SOUTH DAKOTA'S ANTI-ABORTION BREAKING NEWS SUCCESS
North Dakota Family Alliance Supports the Ongoing Fight in South Dakota to Become the First State to Ban Abortions... Knowing that Key Family Legislation is Ahead for North Dakota's Family Climate, Too
(BISMARCK, ND) -- While the population growth of Islamic nationalities are soaring within America's borders, Caucasian population growth is slow in comparison; America is killing its unborn.
Tom Freier, executive director of the North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA), says, "It is said the most dangerous place for a child today is in the mother's womb. One out of three will not survive. There are 3,300 unborn babies who are terminated each day in America. The outrage and resolve to stop this daily massacre is a national fight that we in North Dakota are moving forward on. We are also monitoring South Dakota's battle, and rejoice with their incremental victory announced a few days ago. The court rulings on this national issue greatly affect what's to come for the future of America's population and its citizens."
The NDFA works to save each and every unborn life, but also understands the benefits of incremental change. The merits of legislation dealing with performing required ultrasounds, strengthening informed-consent language to reflect language similar to that which was recently upheld in South Dakota, and alternatives to abortion education can and will save one unborn life at a time, according to Freier. He adds, "NDFA looks forward to working with legislators and partners in offering and passing legislation during the upcoming session."
The NDFA supports a November 4th General Election ballot measure in South Dakota to stop abortion being used as birth control. The measure's primary purpose is to protect the lives of unborn children, and the interests and health of pregnant mothers. The initiated measure would prohibit abortions except in cases where the mother's life or health is at risk, and in cases of rape and incest. It would affect 98% of current abortions occurring for birth control purposes. The NDFA believes that life should be protected from conception until natural death, in every instance.
Meanwhile, the NDFA applauds the breaking news of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit's decision lifting the South Dakota ban on a mandatory script read to abortion patients, a script that has been tied up in court by the South Dakota Planned Parenthood since 2005. The script informs women seeking abortions that the procedure "will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique living human being."
This is just one of a few incremental steps already made toward outlawing abortion in South Dakota, according to the NDFA. In response to having to read such a statement, the only abortion facility in South Dakota closed its doors Monday. Whether temporary or permanent, it is a sign of what may come should additional abortionists not choose to show up, as was the case Monday.
We need to not only provide information from a moral and faith perspective, but from an economic perspective. Freier comments, "We are encouraged by all the hard-fought progress the pro-life groups in South Dakota are making. For public policy to be affected, the public needs to be armed with valid information to share with public policy makers, and we are seeing this pay off around the nation now."
Since July 1, South Dakota doctors are also required to ask a woman seeking an abortion if she wants to see a sonogram of the unborn baby...something that once seen, often changes the mind of the woman. Those same doctors are also required to say that "abortion increases the risk of clinical depression, suicide ideation and suicide." Over 700 abortions occur annually in South Dakota as compared to 1200 in North Dakota.
Why is the nation watching South Dakota's impact on the abortion crisis? Anti-abortion forces in South Dakota have been trying for years to halt the procedure and to build a winnable challenge to the Roe versus Wade 1973 decision legalizing abortion nationwide. Freier pleads, "We must pray for the legal minds and efforts surrounding this challenge...for the outcome WILL affect North Dakota's unborn." South Dakota's November 4th General Election referendum to consider broad limits on abortion will be the second time it's presented to the people since it failed the first time without the added language of the exceptions.
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North Dakota Family Alliance Mission: Strengthen families and protect family values and religious freedoms by influencing public opinion through equipping, informing, and educating policy leaders and concerned citizens on the issues that impact the family.
North Dakota Family Alliance Vision: Be a trusted voice impacting one's legacy by encouraging hearts, equipping minds, and empowering people.
North Dakota Family Alliance Summary: Established as a corporation in 1987, the North Dakota Family Alliance has a history of providing analysis, educational and informational resources, training seminars, and perspectives to influence public opinion. These are all designed to help educate, equip and empower every citizen in North Dakota, including those in positions of responsibility, influence and authority, with the information they need to have a positive, powerful impact in their community and in the entire state of North Dakota concerning issues affecting families.
North Dakota Family Alliance is an organized corporation, governed by a board of directors and is operating exclusively for religious, charitable and educational purposes, all as contemplated and permitted by sections 170 (c) (2) and 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
North Dakota Family Alliance Key Issues: Those with Serious Impact on the Family, Currently Including: Sanctity of Life, Sanctity of Marriage, Abstinence until Marriage, Parental Rights, Fatherhood, Faith, Education, Leadership, Opposition of Pornography and Gambling.
Copyright © 2008 North Dakota Family Alliance
July 18, 2008 - Dr. Dobson's Radio Program wins spot in National Radio Hall of Fame
'I want to thank all the friends across the nation who cast their votes for me. I love and appreciate them all.'
The Focus on the Family radio program has been elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame, joining such historic programs as Your Hit Parade, The Shadow, Little Orphan Annie and Orson Welles' famous Mercury Theater.
The following comments were given by Dr. James Dobson at a staff assembly this morning:
"I've made a living putting thoughts into words throughout my adult life, but it is difficult to express how I feel about this honor. I am especially pleased because the wonderful people at Focus on the Family deserve it. Our radio program has not been a solo effort. It has been a symphony performed by more than 10,000 people over the past 32 years. I am indebted to them all."
“Particularly, I want to thank the Broadcast Team, past and present. They get a big 'tip of the hat' for all their hard work and dedication. They have earned the accolades this honor recognizes. I also want to thank all the friends across the nation who cast their votes for me. I love and appreciate them all."
Focus on the Family President and CEO Jim Daly added: “To have Focus on the Family honored in this manner means we've made a difference in families all over the world. That Dr. Dobson’s listeners recognized the excellence and relevance of the content of the daily broadcast and voted to give him a much-deserved win shows Dr. Dobson’s influence is as strong as ever in the hearts of his fans, as well as in the culture.”
Dr. Dobson's broadcast was nominated in the “national active” category, alongside Bob Costas, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Howard Stern. To qualify, a broadcaster must have contributed to the radio industry on a national level for at least 10 years.
For the first time, voting was open to the public. The formal induction ceremony takes place in Chicago in November.
As printed in Focus on the Family's Citizen Link
July 14, 2008 - Internet Providers Join Effort to Purge Child Pornography
Five companies team with New York attorney general.
AT&T and AOL have joined the New York attorney general to eliminate access to Internet newsgroups where child pornography is posted. They also pledged to purge their servers of child porn Web sites.
Last month, Verizon, Sprint and Time Warner Cable announced they would block child porn.
Pat Truman, special counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, said he is happy to see the major Internet service providers (ISPs) finally get on board.
“They should have been blocking child pornography from the beginning," he said. "It is their responsibility. And now that some have decided to block child pornography sites, the pressure's on the others because no one wants to be known as the ISP that supports child pornography.”
Rich Schatz, president of the National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families, said the fight against child porn must be a team effort.
“It’s a three-legged stool," he said. "There’s a responsibility for government and for law enforcement, a responsibility for parents, grandparents, and there is a responsibility for industry.”
Article by Focus on the Family Action, www.citizenlink.org
July 7, 2008 - Additional ND sites needed for "The Truth Project"
The Truth Project is a great study focusing on presenting a biblical worldview addressing the important issues of the day impacting families. Live simulcasts will be available accross the country on September 27th. To see how your church can be a site, visit "The Truth Project" and/or the Simulcast Training Event websites.
July 2, 2008 - Press Release- NDFA Questions Obama’s Expansion of Faith-Based Initiative Program
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - July 2, 2008
Media Interviews
NDFA Executive Director Tom Freier
TFreier@NDFA.Org
701-223-3575; 701-471-0477 cell
www.NDFA.Org
NDFA QUESTIONS OBAMA'S EXPANSION OF FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE PROGRAM
Senator Obama says that if elected he'll overhaul President Bush's faith-based initiative and expand it. The North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA) supports the value of a faith- based initiative concept. The Obama plan seems to center on the reduction of the ministry component while placing greater emphasis on defining discriminatory practices.
NDFA has asked the Obama campaign to clarify the nature of the senator's proposal. In light of the senator's opposition to defending traditional marriage, it is important to understand what his definition of faith is as it relates to the faith-based program.
In a letter to the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual) Democratic Club in San Francisco, he scorned man-woman marriage, saying, "...I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution [to protect marriage], and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of any other states."
How does Obama's labeling of heterosexual marriage as being "divisive and discriminatory" fit into his faith-based proposal? Doesn't this mean that faith-based organizations that support marriage will be disqualified from federal funding or even involvement under an Obama presidency?
The senator's strong stance of being pro-abortion raises similar concerns. His supportive policy position on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which tramples on the religious and moral convictions of employers, including non-profits and certain church ministries questions the consistency of his initiative. Specifically, if successful, the ENDA legislation would curtail the ability of pastors to share scripturally based messages relating to moral issues including life and marriage.
"The people of North Dakota deserve some clarification on this proposal. The stark contrast of Senator Obama's past history and stances relating to life, marriage, and other moral issues seem to be inconsistent with his proposal. Political, election year rhetoric- telling the public what they want to hear- is one thing but sincerely believing in such an initiative requires proof" states Tom Freier, Executive Director of the North Dakota Family Alliance. "With the senator being in Fargo on Thursday, this would be a great opportunity for him to address this issue."
North Dakota Family Alliance Mission: Strengthen families and protect family values and religious freedoms by influencing public opinion through equipping, informing, and educating policy leaders and concerned citizens on the issues that impact the family.
North Dakota Family Alliance Vision: Be a trusted voice impacting one's legacy by encouraging hearts, equipping minds, and empowering people.
North Dakota Family Alliance Summary: Established as a corporation in 1987, the North Dakota Family Alliance has a history of providing analysis, educational and informational resources, training seminars, and perspectives to influence public opinion. These are all designed to help educate, equip and empower every citizen in North Dakota, including those in positions of responsibility, influence and authority, with the information they need to have a positive, powerful impact in their community and in the entire state of North Dakota concerning issues affecting families.
North Dakota Family Alliance is an organized corporation, governed by a board of directors and is operating exclusively for religious, charitable and educational purposes, all as contemplated and permitted by sections 170 (c) (2) and 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
North Dakota Family Alliance Key Issues: Those with Serious Impact on the Family, Currently Including: Sanctity of Life, Sanctity of Marriage, Abstinence until Marriage, Parental Rights, Fatherhood, Faith, Education, Leadership, Opposition of Pornography and Gambling.
Copyright © 2008 North Dakota Family Alliance
June 28, 2008 - Record of Results from 40 Days for Life National Campaigns
In the fall of 2007 and spring of 2008, two nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns mobilized people of faith and conscience in 139 cities across 43 states.
During these unified efforts, participants witnessed countless blessings from God:
* Over 150,000 have joined together in an historic display of unity to pray and fast for an end to abortion
* More than 35,000 people have taken to the streets, forming peaceful 40-day prayer vigils outside of Planned Parenthood centers and abortion facilities
* Reports from around the country document that more than 500 lives have been spared from abortion - and those are just the ones we know about
* Five abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry
* Two Planned Parenthood facilities abruptly stopped performing abortions and another abortion facility completely shut down following a local 40 Days for Life
* Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets
* More than 300 news stories have been featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows and TV programs from coast to coast
* Many people with past abortion experiences have stepped forward to begin post-abortion healing and recovery
After 35 years of legalized abortion in America, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of HOPE!
For the national campaign, visit www.40daysforlife.com.
For the North Dakota campaign, visit www.40daysforlifend.com.
June 26, 2008 - A baby's life was saved with help from 40 Days for Life volunteers
(From a 40 Days for Life volunteer...)
Praise be to Jesus Christ! A life was truly saved on Wednesday June 25th!
Thank you to everyone that prayed at home and also at the abortion site. After speaking with us at the abortion mill, the young girl agreed to go with me to First Choice clinic. She was so excited to learn that she was 8 weeks along, and showed me the picture of her baby in the ultrasound. She cried as she hugged me and thanked me for talking to her, and for everyone that was at the abortion mill today. We exchanged numbers and she promised to keep in touch, I gave her a gift certificate to Toys R Us that I had in my purse and she said that she was going to stop there on her way out of town. She said she drove all the way down from Bismarck today and had her mind made up that she was going to have an abortion.- What a change of heart! Thank you again for everyone's prayers.
To learn more about the National 40 Days for Life, visit www.40daysforlife.com
To volunteer for a peaceful presence outside the abortion facility, click here for an updated sidewalk schedule. To sign up for a time slot, please contact the Pregnancy Help Center at phc@polarcomm.com or 701-284-6601
June 18, 2008 - NDFA supports SD initiative to stop abortion used as birth control
The following is a press release given to ND newspapers and KNDR, Bismarck's Christian radio station.
ND Family Alliance Supports SD Initiative
The North Dakota Family Alliance supports a November ballot measure in South Dakota to stop abortion being used as birth control. The measure’s primary purpose is to protect the lives of unborn children, and the interests and health of pregnant mothers. The initiated measure would prohibit abortions except in cases where the mother’s life or health is at risk, and in cases of rape and incest.
While if successful, this measure would not protect each and every unborn child, it would affect 98% of current abortions which are occurring for birth control purposes. The North Dakota Family Alliance believes that life should be protected from conception until natural death, in every instance. Even though this measure does not protect each and every unborn, it does address all instances where abortion is used as birth control.
“The outcome of this measure in South Dakota is of great importance to us here in North Dakota, and all across the nation. It will have a tremendous effect on all states as they prepare their upcoming legislative agenda,” states Tom Freier, executive director with the North Dakota Family Alliance.
To learn more, informational meetings will be held in Bismarck and Dickinson on June 25th and 26th. For further information regarding these meetings, view the "Vote Yes for Life" flyer or call NDFA at 701-223-3575.
June 15, 2008 - Crary, Goettle, and Kerian join NDFA board
Great News!! We are pleased to welcome three new members to the board of directors. If you know these individuals, please take the time to congratulate them, and thank them for their service. Below see the recent press release...
The North Dakota Family Alliance is proud to welcome three new members to its board of directors. Joining the NDFA board is: Chuck Crary of West Fargo, James Kerian of Grafton, and Shane Goettle of Mandan.
Chuck Crary, a native of Devils Lake, has been a long-time resident of West Fargo. In 1979, he and a cousin started the Crary Company, which was sold in 1999. Chuck served as the president of its board until December of 2007, when he assumed the chairman of the board position. In 2008 he purchased J5 Oil & Transport, which he manages today.
Chuck and his wife Bethann have two daughters. Chuck shares, “family is so important, and the ability to impact the cultural legacy we leave is a primary reason for my involvement in the NDFA at the board level.”
Shane Goettle currently serves in the governor’s cabinet as the commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Goettle, a native of Donnybrook, received a degree in agriculture economics as well as a degree in law.
Shane, his wife Brenda, and their 5 children reside in Mandan. The Goettles have a deep appreciation for family, as well as the issues important to the family. Goettle stated “public policy has a profound impact on families and children, and in turn, on the fiber and vibrancy of our communities and state.”
James Kerian and his wife Eleri are the grateful parents of two little girls. They are members of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Parish in Grafton, ND, where James is part-owner of Kerian Machines Inc. From 2001 to 2005 James attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
James stated "The North Dakota Family Alliance is the best way to preserve the cultural values of this state, the values which make it the type of place my wife and I want to raise our family. North Dakotans value the right to life for the unborn, the right to stable families for our children, and the rights of parents to raise their children according to their values. As a member of the board I hope to assist the NDFA in promoting and defending those values."
The North Dakota Family Alliance is a statewide, Christian based, non-profit organization seeking to strengthen families, as well as protecting our family values and religious freedoms. It does so by influencing public policy on issues important to the family.
“We are so pleased to bring on three such respected individuals with a love for the family and a passion to make a difference,” said Enoch Thorsgard, longtime board member from Northwood. In addition to Thorsgard, others serving on the board include: Steve Cates of Bismarck, and Suzanne Bowman of Jamestown.
June 15, 2008 - Freier teams up with Team Challenge & gives sermon
From Tom Freier, the Executive Director of the ND Family Alliance:
This past Father’s Day Sunday, I had the awesome privilege of teaming up with Teen Challenge to do the morning worship service at Calvary UMC in Fargo.
Some 35 young men and women from Teen Challenge shared their message in word and song. They shared their heart rendering testimonies in regard to battling drugs and alcohol, and the devastating effect it had on their lives. They witnessed as to how their coming to know Jesus gives them the daily strength to take on this difficult challenge of overcoming the hold that drugs and alcohol has on their lives.
They praised God as they sang wonderful songs of hope and encouragement. What a wonderful ministry Teen Challenge is. What a difference it is making in the lives of those young men and women.
Following their witnessing and in the absence of our pastor, I had the privilege to share the sermon of the morning. The message centered on the parable of ‘The Rich Young Ruler’, with the main emphasis being the love in Jesus’ eyes as He gazed upon this rich young ruler & was calling to him ‘Come, follow me’. It’s the same look of love that Jesus casts upon each of us every day, and was especially demonstrated to those young men and women from Teen Challenge.
What a great morning!!!
June 12, 2008 - NDFA's new summer intern- Matthew Bartel
Matthew Bartel, a summer intern with North Dakota Family Alliance, is a Grand Forks native who completed his Freshman year at the University of North Dakota last semester. He is majoring in Political Science, and enjoys frisbee golf, rainy days, and root beer (but not necessarily all at once!) He’ll be with NDFA through the end of July.
June 11, 2008 - Prominent Evangelical Names Four Modern Horsemen of the Apocalypse
By Lillian Kwon
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, Jun. 11 2008 08:44 AM ET
INDIANAPOLIS – Many people say evangelicals are stuck on one issue – whether it’s abortion or same-sex “marriage” –when speaking out to defend moral values. But to those defending, it’s not just a single issue.
Dr. Richard Land, president of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, speaks during the 16-million member denomination's annual gathering in Indianapolis on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. “Marriage is a single issue?” Dr. Richard Land, president of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, posed to thousands of Southern Baptists Tuesday. “It’s the building block of society.”
Land believes there are four “modern horsemen of the apocalypse” that are “riding forth to wreak havoc and destruction in our society” – the denial of the sanctity of human life, the rise of hardcore Internet pornography, the radical homosexual agenda and its attempt to undermine marriage and radical Islamic jihadism.
“Make no mistake about it. Radical Islamic jihadism has declared war on America and American civilization and Christianity,” Land emphatically said.
When former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft approached Land and two other prominent evangelical leaders about six years ago, asking what they believe is the most crucial issue facing Americans at the time, Land said Internet pornography has begun to destroy the lives of more men and women than abortion. While abortion would have been his answer if he was asked even a few years earlier, the growth of what he has labeled “the most grotesque perversions of human sexuality” on the Internet has overtaken that issue, he said.
With pornography readily available on the Internet and on wireless devices, Americans including many in the church have fallen victim to the activity. Many Christian groups call it a moral crisis, and reports indicate that as much as 50 percent of men in the pews and the pulpit view pornography, some of whom are addicted.
Still, Land believes abortion and the radical homosexual agenda – both of which evangelicals are widely known to oppose – are greatly devastating society.
“We’re not going to exchange the [abortion] agenda,” Land said Tuesday at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting while affirming that they will continue to be concerned about the sanctity of life.
What is a person is not just a single issue, Land stressed. “Every human being deserves protection from conception.”
And what is a male and female is not a single issue, he added. Quoting Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, Land said, “If the family goes, everything goes,” as he referred to the radical homosexual agenda.
While evangelicals face four major battles, Land called the Southern Baptists to first take a look at themselves. The rise of the born-again and evangelical Christian population has been staggering over the past few decades, Land pointed out. Yet the impact that evangelicals have had on society has been very little.
“We experienced growth of evangelicalism and yet our culture is worse off in almost every way except race and sexual discrimination,” he said. Rather than being the salt and the light for the world, he said they have been “salted and lit” by the culture.
Calling evangelicals to fall on their knees in repentance, Land said the only answer to these problems is a revival – a revival that begins with them.
June 9, 2008 - Parents are being misled- comprehensive sex-ed is now exposed!
Parents are deliberately being misled about the content of their child's comprehensive sex-education. Learn the truth. Your child's health and future are at stake.
Click here to expose the truth.
June 4, 2008 - Gay 'marriages' will be allowed, CA Supreme Court refuses stay
The CA Supreme Court has refused to stay its May 15 decision; legal same-sex marriages will begin June 17.
People from all over the country sent pleas to stop the marriages and allow the people of CA to vote on the issue in November. An initiative to ban gay marriage has been approved for the November ballot. Other states will carry a burden as they decide if they'll recognize the 'marriages.'
June 2, 2008 - More than a slippery slope- NDFA view
Below find two articles reporting the signing of SB 200 in Colorado. Proposed and passed, supposedly to address anti-bias or discrimination, this legislation opens restrooms and locker rooms on a gender-free basis. While this legislation seems unbelievable, it was passed by the Colorado legislature and signed by the governor. How can this be? A great portion of the answer can be attributed to Tim Gill. Gill, a multi-millionaire, has taken it upon himself to influence legislative elections in many states, including his home state of Colorado.
A normal political strategy is to pass a rather innocuous, innocent looking piece of legislation which will not hurt anyone. When in effect the purpose, from the beginning, was to drastically change public policy. Proponents see this as getting the ‘foot in the door’, while opponents label this strategy as getting on the ‘slippery slope’. These stories from Colorado, along with the recent California Supreme Court decision to over rule the will of the people on marriage; have gone far beyond the slippery slope. There is an open disdain for the will of the people, and an elitist attitude of mocking traditional moral values.
To counter these open attacks on the family, our involvement and action is necessary.
June 2, 2008 - Coming soon... "gender-free" restrooms
Just ask the residents of Colorado, where locals are bracing themselves for an "anti-bias" law that is actually changing where people use the restroom. Over the protests of thousands of families, Gov. Bill Ritter (D) signed SB 200 into law. The legislation blurs the sexual lines by making all public accommodations, including locker rooms and restrooms, "gender-free." In other words, anyone--regardless of their biological identity--will be welcome in the men's or ladies' room, including cross-dressers, men who self-identify as women, women who self-identify as men, and people who haven't made up their minds. To make matters worse, Colorado defines "public accommodations" as everything from malls, restaurants, and schools to small and even home businesses. The other side says this is about discrimination. But the chance of offending a few people hardly justifies putting everyone else at risk, which is exactly what SB 200 does. For every transvestite who takes advantage of this law, there are a dozen sexual predators who will see this as a chance to put women and children into a vulnerable situation. Focus on the Family launched a statewide awareness campaign, but in the end, even Colorado's largest Christian ministry couldn't compete with Ritter's desire to pay off liberal financier Tim Gill, who sank serious dollars into the governor's election campaign in 2006.
June 2, 2008 - Transgendered added to non-discrimination law
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has signed a bill that has shocked many of the state's residents.
The bill adds transgendered people to the list included in the state's non-discrimination law. That means businesses will be required to hire transgendered people, even if they are owned and operated by Christians who oppose the lifestyle on moral grounds.
One of our state legislators demanded and got an amendment that would exempt from the definition of public accommodation a church, a synagogue, a mosque, or any other facility that is primarily used for religious purposes.
It is not certain ministries other than churches would be left untouched. The bill creates an opportunity for sexual predators to visit the restroom of their choice to find a victim.
What this bill now does do is allow men to go into women's restrooms and locker rooms and vice versa because we are told that we cannot discriminate against someone with a transgender status.
Colorado lawmakers also slapped voters in the face with a provision that prohibits a public referendum or petition drive to overturn the law. The only choice Colorado voters have now is to send people to the legislature.
June 2, 2008 - 9 State Attorneys General Ask California Court to Delay Same-Sex 'Marriage'
by Jennifer Mesko, managing editor of Focus on the Family Action, www.citizenlink.com
Twenty-two states could be vulnerable to judicial activism in California.
Attorneys general from nine states have filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the California Supreme Court asking the court to delay its May 15 decision to legalize same-sex "marriage."
Attorneys general from Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah have asked the court to avoid the chaos and let the people vote. New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte signed on, then backed out today.
“Redefining marriage will affect the entire nation, not just California,” said Ron Prentice, chairman of ProtectMarriage.com, which is placing a marriage amendment on the November ballot in California. “Issuing licenses to same-sex couples will cause nationwide legal chaos, and the attorneys general of these states recognize that fact.”
Twenty-seven states have amended their constitutions to protect traditional marriage; the remaining 22 states could be vulnerable to California's influence.
Prentice said the court should respect the voice of California voters.
“Those individuals demanding that they be allowed to ‘marry’ before the people have a chance to vote are demonstrating disrespect for the voters and for the democratic process,” Prentice said. “It is our hope that the justices will grant the request for a stay, so that the voters can have the opportunity to express their will with regard to affirming marriage. We’re confident that Californians will protect marriage as the union between one man and one woman.”
Note: After this story was published, Texas and Pennsylvania submitted their own brief to the California Supreme Court.
Original publication paid for by ProtectMarriage.com committee P.O. Box 20012 Riverside, California 92516-0012 with major funding provided by Focus on the Family, 8605 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
May 27, 2008 - Good News: Most Californians Support Traditional Marriage
The majority of Californians disagree with the state Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex “marriage,” according to a Los Angeles Times/KTLA poll. Fifty-four percent support a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman that will appear on the November ballot.
Thanks to the court's May 15 ruling, same-sex couples can "marry" in California as early as June 14. The Alliance Defense Fund filed a petition with the California Supreme Court on Thursday, asking it to delay its ruling until after Californians have voted on the marriage amendment.
When voters get a chance to define marriage, they overwhelmingly support one-man, one-woman unions. Twenty-seven states have amended their constitutions to protect traditional marriage.
“Americans have voted to define marriage as between one man and one woman because they recognize marriage does not just affect one couple — it affects all of society,” said Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America.
Reprinted from Focus on the Family Action, www.citizenlink.org
May 23, 2008 - Attack on Marriage - NDFA viewpoint
As California’s Supreme Court has ruled in favor of same sex ‘Marriage,' it has validated our mistrust in these activist justices. Not only have these justices undermined and endangered the basic building block of society, they have mockingly gone against the will of the people of California. The ruling struck down Proposition 22, a voter-approved statute protecting marriage as between one man and one woman.
On the other coast, a federal circuit court in Virginia struck down that state's ban on partial-birth abortion, despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court last year upheld the federal ban on this gruesome procedure.
The will of the people is being scoffed at. In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger managed to insult the intelligence of voters on both sides of the issue by saying, "When the people vote, the people are not legal experts, constitutional experts, or any of that. I think that's why we have the courts. People may vote with good intentions, but then the court says, 'This is not constitutional.' Wow!! The voting public in our democracy is ignorant and incapable of voicing their wishes via a public vote? Is that what the framers of the constitution intended? Is that what the 10th Amendment guarantees as a right?
All of this only further strengthens the necessity of a federal marriage amendment to protect marriage as being between one man and one woman. Americans have traditionally recognized this definition as being the most beneficial arrangement for the creation of stable family structures and for the upbringing of children. It is the only way to protect marriage from activist judges like the ones in California.
The ruling in California has given even greater awareness of this issue, and especially as related to the upcoming presidential race. Sen. McCain has voiced his support for traditional marriage but stops short of endorsing the federal constitutional amendment. He supports legal contracts protecting the same sex couples, and recently defended such a position during an Ellen DeGeneres interview. McCain may well consider an old adage, “when you are in the middle of the road, you get run over by the traffic going in both directions.”
Both Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton claim to oppose same-sex marriage but support benefits for same-sex couples, and have not supported a federal marriage amendment. They have wholeheartedly supported the homosexual agenda.
Taking all of this into consideration, we must work to make a federal marriage amendment a reality, and successfully influence all those seeking public office in that regard. Future generations are counting on us.
"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history
to wait for the train of the future to run over him."
— President Dwight D. Eisenhower
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
— President Abraham Lincoln
May 22, 2008 - Federal Marriage Amendment Reintroduced
by Jennifer Mesko, managing editor of Focus on the Family Action, www.citizenlink.org
It is the only way to protect marriage from activist judges like the ones in California.
U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., was expected to introduce a constitutional amendment today to protect marriage from redefinition by state and federal judges.
The Marriage Protection Amendment is being offered in response to the recent 4-3 decision by the California Supreme Court to redefine marriage to include unions between homosexuals. The amendment, which has failed twice in the House and twice in the Senate, states: "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman."
“Americans have traditionally recognized this definition as being the most beneficial arrangement for the creation of stable family structures and for the upbringing of children," Broun said. "Americans have repeatedly shown their preference for the traditional definition of one-man, one-woman marriage by passing state and federal laws or by amending state constitutions to preserve the traditional definition.
“There simply is no basis for the suggestion that homosexual ‘marriage’ is a right protected by the United States Constitution.”
The amendment has received widespread support from Republicans. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the likely GOP presidential nominee, was one of just five Republican senators to oppose the amendment in 2004.
Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said President Bush is calling for a marriage amendment following the California decision.
"It is clear today that the only sure way to guarantee the sanctity of the institution of marriage is to amend the Constitution," she said.
TAKE ACTION
Please ask your U.S. representative to co-sponsor the Marriage Protection Amendment.
Also, ask Sen. John McCain to support American families by backing the Marriage Protection Amendment.
May 15, 2008 - California Rules in Favor of Same-Sex ‘Marriage’; Dr. Dobson Outraged
by Devon Williams, associate editor of Focus on the Family Action- www.citizenlink.com 
'The justices have undermined and endangered the basic building block of society.'
The California Supreme Court ruled today that a law defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman is “unconstitutional,” allowing same-sex couples to marry within the next 30 days. The ruling struck down Proposition 22, a voter-approved statute protecting traditional marriage.
Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, is outraged by the court’s blatant disregard for marriage and the voters of California.
“The will of the people has now arrogantly been declared null and void,” he said. “In so doing, the justices have undermined and endangered the basic building block of society, which has been honored and preserved in every nation on earth through most of human history.”
Glen Lavy, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, said the only way to permanently protect marriage in California is to amend the state constitution. A law, like Prop. 22, does not carry the same legal weight as a constitutional amendment.
“The court’s decision clearly demonstrates that marriage is not ultimately safe from tampering by activists and others in government until the voters have amended the constitution,” he said.
ProtectMarriage.com, a coalition of local, state and national groups, is working to place a constitutional marriage amendment on the California ballot in November. The group submitted 1.1 million signatures, which are currently under review for validation. Ron Prentice, who is working with the coalition, is optimistic the initiative will qualify for the ballot.
“In November, the people will have an opportunity to overrule the Court’s decision by passing a constitutional amendment,” Prentice said, “and California’s voters must respond in strength and number.”
Matt Barber, policy director of cultural issues for Concerned Women for America, hopes the court’s decision will serve as a wakeup call to Californians and fellow Americans across the country.
“Marriage is, and has always been, between a man and a woman. We know that it's in the best interest of children to be raised with a mother and a father,” he said. “This decision will help fuel a California marriage amendment and re-ignite debate over a federal amendment which would protect marriage as between one man and one woman.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Help defend marriage in California, and the rest of the nation.
ProtectMarrriage.com, a Project of California Renewal, 2150 River Plaza Drive #150, Sacramento, CA 95833. Major funding by National Organization for Marriage California Committee, Fieldstead & Co., and Focus on the Family.
May 14, 2008 - Dr. Dobson's Broadcast Nominated to Radio Hall of Fame
by Devon Williams, associate editor of Focus on the Family Action- www.citizenlink.com
For the first time, the public can vote on the nominees.
Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, has been helping families worldwide over the radio airwaves for more than 30 years. Now, his daily radio broadcast has received a nomination for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. For the first time, the public is invited to vote.
Every year, the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee, which includes radio executives, academicians, trade journalists and members of the National Association of Broadcasters, chooses nominees based on recommendations from the public.
John Fuller, co-host of the Focus broadcast, said he is pleased Dr. Dobson is being honored.
“It certainly is a rare occasion for the industry to pay attention to the work of Dr. Dobson,” he said, “and to recognize the excellence with which he’s gone about his broadcasting effort and the millions of people that have been reached worldwide throughout the 31-plus years of broadcast ministry.”
The committee nominated Dr. Dobson in the “national active” category, alongside Bob Costas, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and the notorious Howard Stern. To qualify, a broadcaster must have contributed to the radio industry on a national level for at least 10 years.
Rob Kirkpatrick, executive director of broadcast programming and operations at Focus on the Family, said Dr. Dobson didn’t anticipate the overwhelming and immediate success of the broadcast.
Soon after his program went on the air in 1977, Dr. Dobson received an influx of mail from people across the country asking him for help and advice.
“One of the things that surprised him was how effective that interaction was going to be,” Kirkpatrick told Family News in Focus. “Helping people understand that we here at Focus on the Family are committed to helping them find God’s will for their lives, how to be a good husband, a good wife, good parent — really that’s what it’s all about.”
Dr. Dobson’s internationally syndicated radio program is heard daily on more than 3,000 radio stations across North America. It also airs in 27 languages in more than 160 countries.
TAKE ACTION
Vote Dr. Dobson into the National Radio Hall of Fame. The national online vote, which requires online registration, continues through July 15. Inductees will be announced shortly afterward. You do not have to vote in every category.
May 5, 2008 - Letter to Editor: Pornography- A Social Tsunami
PORNOGRAPHY- A SOCIAL TSUNAMI
Pornography. What is it? What is the definition of pornography? Some describe it as legal poison, the new marriage wrecker, or the next social tsunami. It has the characteristics of these and more. Illegal internet child pornography has become a multi-billion dollar business, and fuels the desires of sexual predators and pedophiles, nationwide. What has changed over the course of the last 50 years? Why does the Playboy magazine in the plain brown envelope tucked away under the sofa seem rather tame by today’s standards?
First of all, with advent of technology and the internet, the medium has changed. Over the course of a 4 year period, the number of porn sites on the internet increased from 70,000 to 4,200,000, with over 400 million pages of pornography to view. This accounts for 12% of all sites. Why? What is the motivation? We can’t help but believe that this is the work of the evil one. And the enticement is financial gain, the money.
Worldwide pornography is a $97 billion industry, that is greater revenue than Major League Baseball, the NFL, and the NBA combined, or revenues generated by CBS, NBC, and ABC combined.United States exceeds $13 billion, which is 4 times North Dakota’s annual state government budget.
So what is wrong with 40 million Americans viewing a legal product on the internet, daily? Isn’t it harmless, only responding to curiosity and attempts to gain knowledge? After all no one is forcing anyone to view it or become involved.
So how is it that 40 million Americans viewed pornography on the internet? Most were not. The tools of the pornographers are limited only by their imagination and the technology at their disposal.
Is pornography addictive? Once the user becomes trapped, the progression begins; addiction, desensitization, escalation, and finally acting out their fantasies. They come to believe sex, love, and intimacy are equal, children should have sex, laws should not govern their wild desires, and women are nothing more than sport.
Pornography affects men by changing their view of women, implanting the desire for unobtainable perfection and satisfaction, and aggression. It leads to isolation, lies, denial, and a secret life of shame. And because of the impact visual images have on the brain, they can be affected long after seeking to escape this terrible scourge.
So how should we define pornography? Of those who become addicted, one in four will lose their job as a result of a pornography related incident.
Is it the new marriage wrecker? Perhaps the most pervasive effect of pornography has to do with desensitizing and dehumanizing the intimate relationship necessary for a healthy marriage, and replacing it with mistrust and deception.
Is it a social tsunami? No one is immune or safe. The average age of a child’s initial exposure to pornography is 8 years old. It is not just on the internet, its in the movie theaters, motel room X rated rental offerings, in printed material, on I Pods, and television.
So what are we to do? It must start in our home with our family, and then in a meaningful way be addressed in our churches and schools.
And, oh by the way, a dictionary definition of pornography is: sexually explicit pictures, writings, or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal. How God must grieve as He sees this beautiful gift of intimacy He has created, used by the evil one to morally attack the family and destroy the culture.
Tom Freier is the Executive Director of the North Dakota Family Alliance.
May 5, 2008 - National Day of Prayer Remarks
Kathy Rodin, ND State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer (NDoP), reports 22 sites across ND observing NDoP. As she receives reports, she’ll pass them on to be displayed on the NDFA website. Below, see remarks and prayer offered at the Fargo event by Tom Freier, the NDFA Executive Director.
National Day of Prayer Remarks
Tom Freier, NDFA
May 1, 2008
The power of prayer
To put into perspective what we are about to do here, let us acknowledge the awesome and infinite power of you, our God, the Creator of this earth, the universe, and beyond.
As we enter into this time of prayer for the family, let us do so in the spirit of Paul as he proclaimed “I am not ashamed of the Gospel”. And Peter, in 1st Peter 2:6 “ You will not be put to shame for standing up for Him”
Let us offer these prayers, today and through out the year, privately and publicly, and let us not be ashamed to offer our prayers in our Lord’s name.
Praying for the Family
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (New King James Version)
6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Life
As we revere the Sanctity of Life, and consider the miracle of life, and the joy it brings to all—we can only imagine the joy it brings to you, our Creator as You create each unique person—giving each little unborn boy or girl-their own special DNA---never has there been or will there ever be another like each of Your creations.
And just as You must be so full of joy as You create, so must You be so grieved as these unborn boys and girls are terminated, as they have been some 45 million time in our country and 35,000 + times in this state alone.
Let us pray that You, our God, will empower us to carry out Your will- that somehow our nation will return to honoring Your will and the dignity and protection of all Your creations.
Let us pray for the unborn.
Marriage
As Jesus is The Chief Cornerstone of our lives, the family is the cornerstone of society, and marriage is the sustaining foundation for our families, and has been for 5000 years
The institution of marriage is under attack today. It is belittled and ridiculed as a useless standard no longer necessary. Lifestyles outside of or in lieu of marriage are accepted, condoned, and even glamorized.
As we review past history, NO civilized society has ever survived the moral decay associated with the open and blatant destruction of the institution of marriage.
Let us pray for marriage: Let us pray that we would----
- Remember Your plan for marriage as found in Genesis
- Repentance - For those practicing alternative lifestyles outside of marriage, that they would seek the Your counsel, and repent
- Compassion - That all would show compassion and love of Jesus
- Restoration - That the institution of marriage be restored to a place of honor, to be revered and aspired to by all.
Let us pray for the institution of marriage.
Children and young people
As parents are the cornerstone of our families, our children are the future.
We are well aware of the challenges and temptations facing our young people today: drugs, pornography, sex, alcohol, excessive media, games, television, etc………….
Peer pressure, media pressure, societal pressure are immense.
Let us pray for children and young people
- to Remember that You love each and every one, unconditionally
- to practice abstinence until marriage, in preparation for a successful marriage
- to resist the demonizing scourge of pornography, and to understand the lifelong consequences.
- to Restore the hearts of children and parents to each other, and be unified in their love of you, our Lord.
As we pray for the family, let us pray for REVIVAL, knowing that the Lord is our strength, our shield, and IF we trust You, we as a people will be HELPED. If we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, REVIVAL WILL OCCUR & HELP WILL COME.
Amen.
May 5, 2008 - Focus on the Family Association Progress
As the campaign continues, we are happy to report we have received $60,000 in cash donations and pledges, toward the $100,000 goal. Thanks to all who have partnered financially, and if you have not, please consider doing so. You may send a check directly to NORTH DAKOTA FAMILY ALLIANCE, 311 EAST THAYER, # 127, BISMARCK, ND 58501. If you have questions, please contact us by phone or email. And please continue to pray for the success of this endeavor.
April 6, 2008 - Freier addresses concert group, article sent to Linton paper
Tom Freier, Executive Director with the North Dakota Family Alliance, addressed a group gathering at the Linton United Methodist Church on Sunday evening. The group was entertained by the Victory Singers, a gospel group from First UMC in Bismarck.
Freier began the evening by showing photos of his grandchildren, which he shared are an underlying reason he feels so strongly about cause of the Family Alliance. As Tom showed an ultrasound image of his 5 week old newest addition, Tom says “I’m sure she is a little girl, she has a heartbeat of 145 beats per minute. If you or I had just encountered our Creator some 5 weeks previous, I imagine our heart would be racing, too.”
Freier shared a brief summary of the North Dakota Family Alliance being a statewide, Christian, non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen families, protect our family values and religious freedoms. NDFA does so by influencing public policy on the federal, state, and local levels. The long term vision reflects an interest in being a trusted voice to impact our generational legacy.
To give a clear view of his Christian foundation and why it has been a guiding influence, Tom shared a number of scriptural references, Joshua 4, Deuteronomy 6, and Psalm 78. All passages share a message of passing on to our children, how great our God is and what He has done for us, and also the instructions He shares for our daily lives.
Freier went on to reference today’s cultural issues of life, marriage, abstinence, and others affecting society. He cited the common thread of disavowing our sovereign God’s instruction and authority. Freier referenced the view of some in the current culture by sharing, “And when these issues become part of a public discussion, the completely false adage of ‘separation of church and state’ is invoked; we are called upon to be tolerant, basically rebuking any ‘absolute truth.’ Some would have us believe that this country was not born referencing our inalienable rights from our Creator, that the framers of the constitution were guaranteeing freedom from religion not freedom of religion, and expected all public servants to leave their values, principles, standards, and beliefs and faith at the door before entering the capitol or courthouse. Most do not agree with that view, but a vocal minority has spoken very loudly………..the sound sometimes seems deafening.”
Freier conceded the difficulty of standing up and speaking out on these controversial issues, given that in most cases those involved are neighbors, close friends, and family. Tom said “I know we do not condemn any who are involved in these issues, but at the same time we cannot approve or condone the practice. But even with that attitude, it remains uncomfortable and difficult to stand up and speak out.” Even in that context, he references the injustice of not speaking up, and the lack of compassion to those involved by our silence.
Paraphrasing Edmund Burke, he stated “all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Freier appealed to those in attendance, “and the mission field is right here—all around you, here in Emmons County, here in North Dakota—and all across this land. It is asking for your support and involvement.”
Tom spoke to influencing our generational legacy by stating “We will not be ‘put to shame’ by standing up for what is right. We will not be ‘put to shame’ for seeking to impact our legacy.” He asked the group to stand up and speak out to impact the future culture by leaving a legacy of hope.
Freier concluded his remarks by sharing the driving force behind his personal conviction and passion for the cause. He shares, “recently, I was asked what fires me up, gives me the passion, or gets me out of bed in the morning to fight the battle. It is definitely the cause, the hope of impacting the world and culture my grandchildren will inherit. But is more—it’s about the ultrasound image of that new life. Its about the miracle of life, it’s about the preciousness of each and every life. It’s about how God gave His creation, shown on that ultrasound, an entirely unique DNA and personality. How much joy that must bring to Him!! But then how He must grieve as His creations are terminated, the institution of marriage desecrated, His social order ridiculed. Does He not expect us to stand up for Him, His Word, and His plan for the family?”
March 12, 2008 - Call for Action - All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
As the political season is fully upon us, state conventions are near, and the elections are 'in sight', let me encourage you to be active and involved.
Our overall mission here at the NDFA- strengthening families and protecting our family values and religious freedoms- needs to be represented. The specific issues important to the family need your attention and support. If you happen to be a delegate to one of the state conventions, please stand up and speak out. The issues of life, marriage, abstinence, parental rights, and others-need for you to exercise your civic and moral duty. Your voice needs to be heard.
We will not be put to shame for standing up for what is right. Even though there are those who would have us believe that to be tolerant we must rebuke any "absolute truth" by cowering to relativism. They question that this country was founded referencing our "inalienable rights from our Creator", and somehow inferring that the framers of the constitution were guaranteeing freedom from religion instead of freedom of religion. And contrary to our democratic foundation, they would expect, upon election, all public servants would leave their values, principles, standards, beliefs, and faith-at the door before entering the state capitol, city commission meeting room, or county courthouse.
While these voices represent a vocal minority, the sound seems deafening at times. And the reason their voices seem so loud is because ours are absent. Paraphrasing Edmund Burke, all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
Please, no matter what your capacity, make your voice heard. If attending the state political conventions, stand up and speak out. Attend your local city government meetings, contact your elected officials, or, if comfortable, share your views via a letter to the newspaper editor. Remember, if your voice is not heard, by default others will be the only voices heard. Let our voices be heard.
Remember- we will not be put to shame for standing up for what is right.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"…And he who believes
on Him will by no means
be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:6 NKJV
February 8, 2008 - Benefits for Consideration
Please consider helping these families in North Dakota.
Click here for more infomation.
January 14, 2008 - Glen Schmidt Family Gospel Concert Benefit
Great entertainment. Wonderful event.
About 150 happy folks attended a Sunday evening benefit concert at First Evangelical Free Church in Bismarck. The Glen Schmidt Family entertained the crowd, sharing their ministry in word and music. The family of nine provided a perfect view of a family performing together, and sharing a message of hope and love.
Tom Freier, executive director, with the North Dakota Family Alliance, shared a message focusing on 'Impacting Our Legacy'. Freier shared the scriptural foundation of the NDFA, the mission, the issues, and its vision. The NDFA vision is to be a trusted voice impacting our legacy.
Freier shared the view that each generation leaves a cultural legacy, and posed the question, "What will our generational legacy be"? He challenged the group to 'stand up and speak out', and to actively become a part of the NDFA team.
It was a wonderful event, and the NDFA is planning similar events in other parts of the state. If you would be interested in hosting such an event, please contact us here at the NDFA at admin@ndfa.org.
January 1, 2008 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
Here is wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!! Let our prayer be that God would Bless you as He guides and directs you along your life's journey.
Let us also pray that God will be with the NDFA as we embark on a new year by seeking His will to realize our vision and accomplish our mission.
Even though the 2009 legislative session may seem far away, the NDFA must begin preparation by researching the issues important to us, and working with partners and legislators to review possible legislative initiatives. In preparation, the NDFA will strive to educate and inform by providing educational seminars and special events focusing on the issues. We will also make every attempt to gather input from all of you.
As a Christian based organization, we are seeking to greatly enhance our relationship with the faithful members of the 1300 churches in North Dakota, with whom we share a strong bond to address the issues important to the family. Our goal for 2008 is to establish NDFA/church liaisons in many churches across the state.
As we assess how we may better serve you and all residents of North Dakota, the NDFA board has approved two initiatives. One is to pursue affiliation with Focus on the Family. Successful affiliation will result in many benefits, including access to a tremendous amount of expertise and research capability. Second, the board is actively considering bringing on additional board members to provide greater statewide representation.
As we continue to place great deal of emphasis on communicating our message, we will plan events, programs, and educational seminars throughout the state. We will work with churches and partnering organizations to share our message across the state. As we communicate our message, share our vision and mission, we are confident our constituent roles will increase.
To enhance our constituent services, we will upgrade our office systems and processes. To become more efficient, we will look to move the office operations to the Fargo area.
To realize our vision to be that trusted voice impacting our legacy, we will put in place a sustainable fundraising plan to insure the NDFA will be able to carry out its mission for many years to come.
This is a brief general summary of what we hope to accomplish in 2008. These goals cannot become reality with the efforts of board members and staff alone. In order for these goals to be achieved, the mission to be accomplished, and the vision to be realized, we need your help, involvement and support.
Thank you for your committed support, and May God Bless you in this New Year.
Tom, Board, and Staff...
December 22, 2007 - MERRY CHRISTMAS
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us think of the greatest commandment-to love the Lord our God, and our neighbors as ourselves.
As we think about the baby who was born some 2000 years ago, we can't help but marvel at God's miraculous plan. God himself came to walk amongst His people, to teach, to heal, to save, and eventually to die for our sins. What a Savior! What a Lord! What a King! And it all started so humbly 2000 years ago.
But the story does not end there, Jesus instructs us to love one another. Aside from the presents and festivities, let us truly show our love to one another. Let us share the kind of love that Jesus has for us, for He died on a cross for all, and loves all. During this Christmas season, let us be imitators of our Lord, and let the love of Jesus radiate all around.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
And the government will be upon His shoulder,
And His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Prince of Peace.
December 14, 2007 - Does America Know Roe? Take the free Roe IQ test.
At what stage of pregnancy can a woman have an abortion under Roe v. Wade? Does Roe allow late-term abortions? What percentage of abortions are performed because of rape or incest?
Click here for more information.
December 11, 2007 - Celebrating Christmas In Our Schools
Recently the NDFA has been asked about how our first amendment constitutional rights affect our celebrating Christmas in a school setting. I will pass along two website links which provide a great deal of information, with the corresponding case law documentation. In this case the 1st Amendment does protect our freedom of religion, and we should feel comfortable to celebrate Christmas.
Click here for more information.
December 6, 2007 - Reprogrammed Skin Cells Strut Their Stuff
Skin cells reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells--a breakthrough first reported in human cells 2 weeks ago--are already showing promise as a therapeutic agent.
Click here for more information.
November 29, 2007 - The Truth Project
Do you believe that what you believe is really real?
Click here for more information.
November 24, 2007 - CWA -
In a world without God, where people exist simply as highly evolved animals without souls, where do we find order, morals, conscience and law?
Click here for more information.
November 16, 2007 - Friday Five: Dawn Eden
In the casual-sex culture, abstinence is a message that desperately needs to be heard.
Click here for more information.
November 15, 2007 - Family Week - NDFA opinion
Our families are a treasure to be thankful for!
Click here for more information.
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