Bible Donation Rejected

Advocates is consulting with a Massachusetts student who gifted a Bible to the school’s library book donation program only to have campus officials reject it. Through the program, students who donate a book to the library on their birthday are recognized at the school assembly. The child decided to donate a pictorial version of the Bible as his gift.

After consulting with us, the child’s parents are meeting with school officials in hopes to settle the dispute out of court. One of their resources for the discussion isBible slider an Advocates case from last year in which officials with the Temecula Valley School District reversed an earlier decision preventing second-grader Victoria Nelson from donating a Bible at her school. The Nelson family contacted us saying that the district and school had not only rejected the Bible, but also their daughter.

In that case, Advocates intervened by writing a nine-page letter to the district explaining that the Establishment Clause “mandates governmental neutrality” not only among different religions, but also “between religion and non-religion.” The demand letter pointed out that rejecting the Bible donation was tantamount to sending a message of disapproval toward religion.”

Not only did the principal apologize to Victoria, but she was also allowed to share her donation at a school assembly. You can read more about the Nelson case here.

Whether it’s incidental or deliberate, public schools across the country are increasingly quashing the rights of students to practice their First Amendment rights of free speech and freedom of religion. As demonstrated by these cases, Advocates for Faith & Freedom is committed to protecting these unalienable rights, no matter where in the United States the infractions occur.

Bible Donation Rejected

Advocates is consulting with a Massachusetts student who gifted a Bible to the school’s library book donation program only to have campus officials reject it. Through the program, students who donate a book to the library on their birthday are recognized at the school assembly. The child decided to donate a pictorial version of the Bible as his gift.

After consulting with us, the child’s parents are meeting with school officials in hopes to settle the dispute out of court. One of their resources for the disBlue Biblecussion is an Advocates case from last year in which officials with the Temecula Valley School District reversed an earlier decision preventing second-grader Victoria Nelson from donating a Bible at her school. The Nelson family contacted us saying that the district and school had not only rejected the Bible, but also their daughter.

In that case, Advocates intervened by writing a nine-page letter to the district explaining that the Establishment Clause “mandates governmental neutrality” not only among different religions, but also “between religion and non-religion.” The demand letter pointed out that rejecting the Bible donation was tantamount to sending a message of disapproval toward religion.

Not only did the principal apologize to Victoria, but she was also allowed to share her donation at a school assembly. You can read more about the Nelson case here.

Whether it’s incidental or deliberate, public schools across the country are increasingly quashing the rights of students to practice their First Amendment rights of free speech and freedom of religion. As demonstrated by these cases, Advocates for Faith & Freedom is committed to protecting these unalienable rights, all across the United States.

Help support Advocates by donating any amount today!

How Can YOU Help Christians In Iraq? Here Are Four Ways

Dear Friend,

Christians are currently facing genocide in Iraq while many of their American brothers and sisters are silent. The militant Sunni Islamist organization ISIS has taken over complete portions of Iraq and Syria, sending a clear message to the Christians who don’t escape the area. That is, convert or die. Christians who choose the latter are tortured, beheaded, hung and crucified. Thousands are fleeing the area to seek refuge in other villages. ISIS has taken over a city in Northern Iraq called Mosul, and for the first time since Christianity was brought to the area 2,000 years ago, the city is empty of Christians. Churches have been looted and destroyed and homes have been confiscated.In times like these, unity among Christians is vital. It’s time for Christians to stand together with their brothers and sisters in the Middle East. As Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA.) said, “A culture that fails to protect believers may eventually find that it lacks the self-belief to protect itself.”

We are all horrified as we read the news stories, and many people want to help but don’t know how. So what can you do?

Here are four ways you can help the Christians under attack by ISIS:

1. Pray, and Fast Jesus tells us that some demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting (Mathew 17:21 & Mark 9:29). Pray often for our Christian brothers and sisters. Pray especially for the children, who are not excluded from the torture and executions. Fasting is a great way to offer up our many worldly comforts to help expel the evils from Iraq and Syria.

2. Spread the Word Do not be silent. Spread the word. Keep your friends and family informed on what is going on. Stay active on social media. There is currently a movement flooding the internet commonly referred to as the #WeAreN movement. This started with people on Facebook and Twitter changing their profile pictures to the Arabic letter, “ ن ” which the ISIS painted on the homes and businesses owned by Christians in Mosul, Iraq. The letter is from the Arabic alphabet and stands for “Nasara,” or “Nazarene,” a word used to “demean” the Christians. This effort has backfired and the symbol has gone from a badge of shame to a symbol of Christian unity.

3. Support the Organizations Helping Christians Here are a few that are doing great work (in alphabetical order):
4. Sign the Petition Sign the petition encouraging the government to step in and save the Christians in Iraq. The efforts made by our government are not nearly enough. Visit the following site to sign the petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/do-everything-possible-free-american-reporter-steven-sotloff-isis-syria-and-save-his-life/YvKDwNKp We at Advocates for Faith & Freedom promise to continue speaking out against the Christian genocide.We ask that you join us in praying for those living in fear because they choose to follow Christ. We also would like to thank you for all your support, as we continue to protect religious freedoms only with the help of supporters just like you.

In His Service,

Robert Tyler General Counsel

 

Can You Help Us?

As many of you know, our annual fundraising gala, Justice 2014, is coming soon. Many of you have been very gracious and supportive to us in times of need. And now...

We need your help!

 

During the gala, Advocates will host a silent and a live auction. We are in need of donated items for us to sell at the auction.

Advocates depends heavily on our annual Justice Gala to raise much needed funds so we may continue to defend your First Amendment rights.

Many of you have connections, and many of you have been blessed this last year. We humbly ask that you please take a look at what you have to offer, and offer it for the success of our Gala


Click here for our "Auction Form"

You can also call us at (888) 588-6888

Here’s an Idea of What You Can Give:

Once in a Lifetime Opportunities • A connection with a sports team of any sort to create a unique package (e.g. ball boy for a day at a Lakers game) • Frequent flyer miles – these will help us put together some great travel experiences • Use of your condo/timeshare/cabin • A hot air balloon ride, pilot lessons, a ride in a jet, etc. • Yacht cruise • A trip to a major sports event (e.g. Master’s Golf Tournament, Superbowl) • A one-of-a-kind experience or adventure

Indulgent Packages • Spa Package • Shopping spree at a mall • Weekend get-aways, vacations

Gift Certificates and Tickets • Restaurants • Bookstores • Theater tickets • Movie theater tickets • Sporting event tickets • Concert backstage passes

Other Gifts • Artwork • Autographed sports memoribilia • Ipads • Snowboards or surfboards • Celebrities – autographed photo, etc. • High-end purses and jewelry • GoPro camera • Your business' services • Gifts for the families • New furniture • Home decor

Meriam Ibrahim & Christian Persecution in Sudan

          If you’ve been following the story of Meriam Ibrahim, you’ve witnessed a roller-coaster of events for the courageous young mother refusing to deny Christ. You can read her story here. Ibrahim was brought up as a

Photo: Haz Te Oir. License.

Christian, despite her father being Muslim. Her marriage to her American-South Sudanese husband led to her sentencing as she was charged with adultery and apostasy. South Sudan, whose population has a Christian majority, became independent from the Muslim majority Sudan in 2011.

          Meriam was released Tuesday after an appeals court, overwhelmed by international pressure, struck down her death sentence. There was a great sigh of relief throughout the world and it seemed justice had prevailed at last for Meriam. However she was arrested again at gun point as she tried to leave the country with her husband and their two children.

She was charged with forging documents after attempting to use the documents issued by the embassy of South Sudan to leave the country. Sudan declared the documents invalid because they consider her marriage to her Christian husband invalid. After the online world created a hurricane of outcry demanding her release, D.C. and London are said to be working to resolve the situation.

Sudan has a history of persecuting Christians. According to http://www.worldwatchlist.us/ Sudan is the eleventh worst country in terms of Christian persecution.

We’d like to know your thoughts…

  • Did you know about the situation in Sudan?
  • Did you know Sudan receives hundreds of MILLIONS of dollars in funding from the United States?
  • Is the US government active in using their international influence to fight persecution of Christians in the Middle East?

Share some knowledge with us and your fellow readers in the comment section!

How Can YOU Help? Click Here

Justice 2014 is Coming...How YOU can help!

Help make Justice 2014 our most successful gala yet!
 Advocates' Justice 2014 Gala
Advocates for Faith & Freedom is proud to present Justice 2014 ~ Understanding the Times. This year’s Justice Gala will take place September 27th, at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa. We’re working towards a more successful gala than ever before. This exciting event includes a three-course gourmet dinner, engaging speakers, and both live and silent auctions!

 

Here at Advocates we rely on God’s providence to carry us as we fight for your First Amendment rights. The Justice Gala is a major contributor in covering court fees and other litigation expenses to continue the important cases being fought in America’s courts to uphold your religious liberty. It’s a very special event, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

 

Visit our Justice Gala Event Page at http://www.faith-freedom.com/justice-2014/

 

Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Secure tickets to attend Justice 2014 Like we said, this is going to be an amazing event that you won’t want to miss. Purchase individual tickets for you, your spouse, family members, friends, neighbors, bible study groups, and work associates. Don’t forget to upgrade to Liberty Tickets to have access to the exclusive Liberty Reception before the dinner and receive an autographed book.

2. Purchase a table at Justice 2014 For the best value and the best experience at Justice 2014, be sure to purchase a table so you can enjoy the event with yourself and nine others. If you buy a table, you’ll pay for nine tickets and receive the tenth one free. Upgrade to a Liberty Table and you and each person at your table will have access to the exclusive Liberty Reception before the dinner and receive an autographed book.

3. Donate an auction item to Justice 2014 During the Justice Gala, Advocates will host a silent and a live auction! Do you have something special that you know someone out there would really enjoy? It may be services offered by your company, sports event tickets, frequent flyer miles, gift certificates, spa packages, weekend getaways, or any other one-of-a-kind experience or adventure. Please take a look at what you have to offer, and offer it for the success of our Gala!

4. Advertise at Justice 2014 Put your company’s name right in front of a coveted, conservative audience by purchasing an ad in our Justice 2014 program. Spaces are limited in this information packed program, and they will go fast!

5. Become a Justice 2014 Freedom Sponsor We can’t host the Justice Gala without sponsors. If you feel Lord has blessed you and wants for you to give back, then join in our efforts by becoming a Justice 2014 Freedom Sponsor. You will receive access to our Liberty Reception, advertising benefits, plus many more exclusive sponsor benefits.

6. Make a donation If you can’t make it to the Justice Gala, you can still be a part of our mission. Help us continue protecting religious freedom by donating $50, $100, or even $500 to Advocates today!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lori Sanada at 951-304-7583 or lsanada@faith-freedom.com.  All of us here at Advocates and our clients thank you very much for your support and donations to this important event.  Our ongoing legal efforts are not possible without YOU!In His Service,
Robert Tyler General Counsel & Ron Strand Liberty Legacy Title Sponsor

Sentenced to Death for Faith in Christ: A Call to Action

As many of you have heard, this past month a Sudanese judge sentenced a Christian woman by the name of Meriam Ibrahim to death. What crime did she commit? She believed in Jesus Christ as her true Lord and Savior. Meriam was raised a Christian by her mother, but her father was a Muslim. This was enough for a judge to rule her an apostate, a crime punishable by death in Sudan. She has also been charged with adultery because the judge has declared her marriage with her Christian husband invalid. Locked up and pregnant with her second child, Meriam had to give birth in the prison’s unsanitary health clinic. She shares her cell with her newborn as well as her 20-month-old son as she awaits 100 lashings followed by her execution. Opportunities to recant her faith have been given to her but Meriam refuses to turn her back on Christ. She is an inspiration to us all, and she now needs our help.

How can you help? Below we have provided a list of ways you can help Meriam Ibrahim.

  1. Pray, pray, and pray some more!
  2. Contact your Member of Congress and urge them to support H. Res. 601, which calls for the release of Meriam Ibrahim.
  3. Like her Facebook page to show your support.
  4. Sign the petition calling for release!
  5. Write or email the Sudanese authorities directly.

 

Minister of Justice Mohamed Bushara Dousa Ministry of Justice PO Box 302 Al Nil Avenue Khartoum Sudan moj@moj.gov.sd Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Ahmed Karti Ministry of Foreign Affairs PO Box: 302, Republic Street Khartoum Sudan Fax: + 249 183 772941 Minister of Interior Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamed     Ministry of Interior, PO Box 873 mut@isoc.sd

1 John 3:17 - But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 

Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Vote Your Values!

With elections just around the corner, we wanted to remind you how important it is to vote in accordance with your values. As Christians, we have a moral obligation to promote the common good through the exercise of our voting privileges. However, it isn’t easy to keep up with every issue and politician in the political sphere. So, here are a few resources to assist voters as they head into elections:

Learn where the candidates stand on issues and visit the AFA Voter Guide by clicking on the "Voter Guide" icon and enter the address where you are registered to vote to be presented with the specific candidates you will be voting for.

Christian Coalition publishes a number of special voter educational materials - from Congressional Scorecards, which demonstrate the voting records of members of Congress, to Christian Coalition's Election Voter Guides, which show where candidates stand on important pro-family issues.

The Heritage Action Scorecard measures votes, co-sponsorships, and other legislative activity.

For our California supporters, you may wish to view…

California Family Alliance (CFA) is a not-for-profit, political action organization that works in affiliation with California Family Council. CFA’s purpose is to advocate for pro-family, pro-life issues at the grassroots and legislative levels.

Information based on candidates’ views, records and positions from a Christian worldview for California Governor and State Offices; U.S. Congress, California State Senators and Assembly Members; County, City and Judicial races.

Remembering our Heroes this Memorial Day

Today, we remember all who fought courageously in battle and gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms and liberties we possess today.  Every time we experience the freedom to speak our minds, worship our God, and share our faith in our community, we remember the grace of God and the sacrifice that soldiers have made to keep our Nation a free one. We also recognize and pray for our veterans and those currently serving in the military.  We ask that God’s peace, hope, and protection be with them and their loved ones – today and always.

            Please join us in prayer and thanksgiving on this Memorial Day!

California Legislature Approves Gender-based Abortions

  Recently, the California Assembly Health Committee chose to reject a proposed bill that would have prohibited abortion based on a baby’s gender.

This should have been a no-brainer….of course we should not allow abortions based on gender selection.  However, California has failed to support that logic, and the Assembly voted right down party lines, 6-13 against the bill.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, who brought the bill to the legislature, said, “I know that the political stance is normally pro-choice and under a woman's right to choose but someplace there has to be a line where it's not okay. And I submit to you today that it is not okay to have an abortion just because it is a little girl...”

We are saddened by this decision, and we ask for your prayers for the unborn who cannot speak up for themselves.