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Dear friends in Christ,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and e-notes about my Mother's open-heart surgery. The good news is that the surgeon did not need to replace the mitral valve but rather could repair it. I was blessed to pray with my mother and other family members just before they wheeled her into the operating room. She is now very drowsy from the medication, but seems to be progressing, and they have moved her from ICU to a regular ward. My mother is expected to be in the Royal Columbian Hospital for 9 days or so. Please keep on praying.
Blessings, Ed+
1a) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/ http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/dec/04121303.html Monday December 13, 2004 Canadian Anglican Bishop Upset that Courts Won't Force Religions to Allow Gay 'Marriage'
VANCOUVER, December 13, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The controversial Canadian Anglican Bishop who bears partial responsibility for the ruckus in the Anglican Communion worldwide for his blessing of homosexual unions within his New Westminster diocese, has said he is worried about the Supreme Court opinion on homosexual 'marriage'. Bishop Michael Ingham is concerned about the section of the Court decision which specifies that religious officials in Canada cannot be forced by the state to perform homosexual 'marriages'.
Bishop Ingham told the media: "It means that if you're a non-believer, you can't discriminate against gay and lesbians, but if you're a believer you can. So if you want to discriminate against gays and lesbian people, join a religious organization."
Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition told LifeSiteNews.com that Bishop Ingham's remarks were indicative of the New Age morality being imposed in Canada. "God-given morality and nature itself tells us that sexual relations are intended between a man and a woman in a loving, committed and monogamous union. However, the New Age morality which is being imposed in Canada has turned normal morality on its head. Good is called evil and evil good. Bishop Ingham's comments appear to be those of a bishop of this New Age morality," said Hughes. Jhw
Anglicans search for consensus on gay issue Joe Woodard, Calgary Herald December 12, 2004
It's been a trying six months for the new Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. Andrew Hutchison was elected last June as the 12th primate of the 114-year-old Anglican Church of Canada. And, strange as it might have seemed 30 years ago, his church is now being split by the issue of normalizing homosexuality.
"Personally, I can't take on board the notion of same-gender marriage; marriage is a long and noble tradition, and I don't want that destroyed," said Hutchison, here in mid-November for the Anglican Diocese of Calgary synod.
"But at the same time, if two people want their relationship blessed, I don't have a problem with that. This isn't same-sex marriage; that's not on the radar screen. All we're talking about is just blessing same-sex relationships(...)
The issue of the normalization of homosexuality is global. At the 1998 decennial Lambeth Conference of the world Anglican Communion, a majority of Western bishops joined with the bishops of the Global South (Asia, Africa and Latin America) in declaring (526-70) homosexual practices "incompatible with scripture."
Yet in 2002, New Westminster, B.C., Bishop Michael Ingham decided to bless same-sex relations(...)"People who have high energy about this issue see it as an issue unlike any other, but I can't see it that way," said Hutchison, 66, married for 44 years, the father of one son and proud grandfather of one granddaughter.
"When New Westminster began blessing same-sex marriages, people worried about opening the floodgates, like there'd be this rush of gay couples. But in two years, there have only been seven couples blessed in New Westminster -- seven," he said(...)
The primates of Singapore and Rwanda have already ordained two American "missionary bishops," to serve dissident conservative ECUSA parishes. And last year, four New Westminster parishes unilaterally withdrew from Ingham's diocese. Four more, including its wealthiest and most populous parishes in the diocese, threaten to pull out unless they receive Alternative Episcopal Oversight -- meaning they are placed under a more traditional bishop(...)
At the Saskatoon House of Bishop's meeting, New Westminster's Ingham said his diocese "does regret the consequences of our actions" -- the distress caused -- "but not the actions themselves." He apparently made no commitment to cease the practice(...)
"The way forward is to agree to disagree," said the bearded, bespectacled Hutchison gently(...)
When asked whether there haven't been second thoughts even in the West about the destructiveness of the Sexual Revolution, Hutchison said, "Global South tends to think in terms of community rights, collective rights, over individual rights. But here in the West, it works the other way around; we put individual rights before community rights."
When pressed further on the fallout of the Sexual Revolution, Hutchison added, "I'm not sure it's about sexuality at all. Sexuality is a convenient vehicle for all sorts of issues, like colonialism. The root problem is people being left out of the conversation -- 'we weren't consulted,' is what we hear. So the prescription is to include people in the conversation."(...)
Between 1990 and 2000, the parish rolls of the Anglican Church of Canada nationwide declined from 813,000 to 651,000, a drop of 20 per cent; with this drop in numbers has come an aging of the laity. jwoodard@theherald.canwest.com
2a) http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=news_home&articleID=1792965 Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004 Tories say they'll protect traditional definition of marriage OTTAWA (CP) - The federal Conservatives are girding for a same-sex battle with Paul Martin's Liberals, saying they will move to protect the traditional definition of marriage(...)
2b) http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1795 Posted by dvirtue on 2004/12/14 7:57:00 Canada Supreme Court Gives Its Blessing to Homosexual 'Marriage' - Legislative Fight Next (...)Protection for Religious Freedom in Homosexual 'Marriage' Legislation "Very Weak"
OTTAWA, December 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Canadian Supreme Court opinion giving the proposed Liberal legislation on same-sex 'marriage' the green light has "very weak" protection for freedom of religion, according to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. Reacting to the Supreme Court decision today, Harper noted that the Court has made assurances for freedom of religion beyond what is covered in the legislation.
The draft legislation states only that "Nothing in this Act affects the freedom of officials of religious groups to refuse to perform marriages that are not in accordance with their religious beliefs." However, many questions regarding religious freedom and the proposed legislation remain unanswered. Even the Supreme Court opinion widened, albeit slightly, the draft legislation's religious freedom protection(...)
Beyond protection for church ministers, and church buildings, however, questions remain about the fate and lack of protection for civil officials whose faiths or consciences prevent them from solemnizing such "marriages". Marriage commissioners in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have already been ordered to perform such 'marriages' or lose their jobs(...)
2c) http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Ottawa/Greg_Weston/2004/12/14/781335.html COLUMNIST Tue, December 14, 2004 Thinking the unthinkable in the House Few supporters dare to contemplate it, but there's a remote possibility same-sex marriage legislation may fail to pass By Greg Weston -- Sun Ottawa Bureau
(...)Already many Grits and other MPs inclined to support the same-sex legislation are coming under fire from key constituencies, including Muslim and Sikh communities that have traditionally backed the Liberals.
(Anyone doubting the power of special interests on a political mission is referred to the 1988 federal election when anti-abortionists successfully aborted the careers of some of the best and brightest in Brian Mulroney's government.)
Some public opinion analysts also speculate that the closer the government gets to actually entrenching gay marriage in law, the more average Canadians may have second thoughts(...)
2d) http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2004/12/14/781621-sun.html Tue, December 14, 2004 Province may quit marriage business JERRY WARD, LEGISLATURE BUREAU The Alberta government may skirt controversial same-sex unions by retreating from issuing marriage licences altogether, leaving Ottawa and churches to go it alone. Premier Ralph Klein said that's one of the legal options to be weighed today by his Tory cabinet ministers, who formally meet for the first time since last month's election(...)
"What I'm hearing from Albertans is that they're opposed to same-sex unions, at least those who have phoned in and sent faxes," Klein said.
"I think that reflects, generally, the attitude of Albertans toward same-sex unions. The majority of people in this province dictate how laws and policies are made."
The premier said about "one-in-10" letters sent to his legislature office support gay marriages. "They're few and far between."
Klein said he also plans to personally write to Prime Minister Paul Martin suggesting his Liberal government allow a free vote on the proposed legislation after it is introduced in the House of Commons early next month. "Let the members of Parliament vote according to their conscience on this matter," Klein said.
2e) http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2004/12/14/781682-sun.html Tue, December 14, 2004 Flip-flop on gay marriage MINISTERS LINING UP BEHIND PM By KATHLEEN HARRIS, OTTAWA BUREAU CABINET MINISTERS at risk of losing their jobs and perks are becoming born-again same-sex marriage supporters. Prime Minister Paul Martin has publicly ordered all cabinet ministers to vote in favour of gay marriage, even though seven voted to uphold the traditional definition in past.
Labour and Housing Minister Joe Fontana, who favoured preserving marriage as "the union of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others" last fall is among the cabinet's converted(...)
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Secretary of State Joe Maguire, Human Resources Minister Joe Volpe and Veterans Affairs Minister Albina Guarnieri have also seen the light and changed their minds.
But Minister of State Joe Comuzzi hinted he may put his beliefs before his cabinet post(...)
Tim Dooling of Canadians Against Same-Sex Marriage, which staged massive protests last summer, slammed cabinet ministers for abandoning their personal principles on a fundamental issue.
"It would seem their morals only hold out as long as they're not offered something that put them in a more prominent position," he said.
PMO spokesman Marc Roy wouldn't comment on whether cabinet ministers face expulsion if they're a no-show or vote against the government in the Commons. Talk of possible discipline is "speculation," he said(...)
2f) http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041214.wharper1214/BNStory/National/ Globe and Mail Newspaper UPDATED AT 6:04 PM EST Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004 Federal Minister threatens to quit over gay marriage bill By ALLISON DUNFIELD
The Conservative Party and the Liberals are preparing for a showdown in the New Year over same-sex marriage.
Both sides are gearing up for a battle on the upcoming Liberal legislation to legalize such unions, and at least one Liberal cabinet minister, Natural Resources Minister John Efford, says he may have to resign over the issue because he disagrees with same-sex marriage and does not want to vote for the bill. All cabinet ministers have been told they must vote with the government on the legislation(...)
But federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler disagreed that the legislation is anything but fair to all parties.
"Not only does it not diminish marriage, it enhances it and it does not affect the religious institution or beliefs."
He said the legislation would not force people to perform same-sex marriages against their beliefs.
On the issue of religious freedom, Mr. Harper said that while the Supreme Court's ruling last week said churches cannot be forced to perform same-sex marriages, he still does not believe the government's bill would provide specific protections for religious freedoms.
For example, he said, the right of a religious institution that may practice "different" marriage ceremonies to maintain their charitable status should be "explicitly protected in federal law."
Mr. Cotler disagreed that the Liberal bill would be a denial of people's freedom of religion.
2g) http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/News/2004/12/13/780067.html Mon, December 13, 2004 Minister to quit? Grit MP claims By SUN MEDIA Ottawa -- At least one of Paul Martin's cabinet ministers is prepared to quit if forced to toe the party line and vote in favour of same-sex marriage, a veteran Liberal MP said yesterday. London Grit Pat O'Brien did not identify the minister, but at least seven of those now in the thirty-nine-member cabinet voted against changing the traditional definition of marriage in a vote in the Commons in September(...)
2h) http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041214.wxsamesex14/BNStory/National/ BREAKING NEWS NATIONAL POSTED AT 5:04 AM EST Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004 Rift deepens between Klein, federal Tories By BRIAN LAGHI, From Tuesday's Globe and Mail The frayed relationship between Ralph Klein and the federal Conservatives became more threadbare yesterday when the party's deputy leader chided the Alberta Premier for turning up the heat on the matter of same-sex marriage.
Deputy Conservative leader Peter MacKay characterized Mr. Klein as being "anything but helpful" when he called last week for a national referendum on the issue(...)Mr. MacKay said a referendum on the same-sex marriage issue would be akin to the majority deciding on rights for the minority.
"Issues like this, that involve minority rights, are seldom best dealt with by way of referendum or use of the notwithstanding clause, I would add."(...)
Meanwhile, Mr. Klein is encouraging people to write letters of protest to Prime Minister Paul Martin and members of Parliament.
"We will be writing to all Liberal and Conservative members. I'll be writing to the Prime Minister," he said(...)
2i) CTV is taking a "YES" or "NO" vote by telephone for Same-Sex Marriage. They have given two separate numbers for "Yes" and "No" votes. I urge you to take part in this voting RIGHT AWAY. All that you have to do is to dial the number assigned for "NO vote: 416-870-4400. When you dial the number you will hear the response: "Your 'NO' vote has been recorded. Try to spread this message without delay. Thanks
3a) http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=c7668383-f892-403e-a8bd-7a02f5ea9cfc Civic officials won't be forced to perform gay marriages Dan Dugas, Canadian Press, December 14, 2004
OTTAWA (CP) - Civic officials cannot be forced to perform gay marriages if doing so offends their religious beliefs, says federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler.
Cotler noted Tuesday that the recent landmark Supreme Court opinion on same-sex marriage recognizes that equality rights should not infringe on religious rights.
He didn't explain how the government will ensure homosexuals can get married if officials, such as justices of the peace, refuse to co-operate. But he said Ottawa will work with the provinces to sort things out.
"Even if it is civic officials and not religious officials, we can bring about the kind of mutually respectable and tolerant accommodation . . . where we can protect both equality rights and freedom of religion."(...)
(Premier Ralph) Klein noted the high court only referred to clergy as having the option of refusing to perform gay marriage for reasons of conscience.
"Our officials were concerned that it did not include marriage commissioners, judges, or those citizens who are appointed from time to time to perform marriages on a daily licence basis."(...)
(Cotler) called on Harper to be clear: "Are you prepared to invoke the notwithstanding clause in order to override the opinions of the courts and the Charter or are you going to respect the opinions of the courts and the Charter and the equality rights provision in the Charter?"
"Why don't you face the country and tell them exactly what you are prepared to do?"(...)
3b) Subject: RE: Please act now to protect the freedom of conscience Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 15:37:54 -0800 From: Office of the Premier PREM:EX <OfficeofthePremier@gems9.gov.bc.ca> To: 'Ed Hird+' <ed_hird@telus.net>
Thank you for your email expressing concern about the action taken by the BC Vital Statistics Agency to require legislatively appointed marriage commissioners to perform same-sex marriages.
While we recognize that there are different views regarding same-sex marriage, the BC Court of Appeal has deemed it unconstitutional to refuse same-sex partners the right to marry. The province has a legal obligation to ensure that employees and appointees do not discriminate against any person in the delivery of services deemed legal under the laws of the Province.
Marriage Commissioners are legislative appointees appointed to officiate civil marriage ceremonies and are not asked to change their religious practices as a result of their appointment; they are, however, required to fulfill the requirements of the laws of the province as interpreted by the courts.
The Vital Statistics Agency is required to advise marriage commissioners of their legal responsibilities and provide them with an opportunity to resign should they not be able to fulfill those responsibilities. To allow a marriage commissioner to refuse to marry persons who have been legally issued a marriage licence, could result in the province being the subject of Human Rights complaints and legal action.
I appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns with me.
Sincerely,
Gordon Campbell Premier
3c) From: Ed Hird+ [mailto:ed_hird@telus.net] Sent: January 22, 2004 4:06 PM (11 months ago) To: premier@gov.bc.ca Subject: Please act now to protect the freedom of conscience
Dear Premier Campbell and BC Liberal MLAs,
I ask you as a fellow BC citizen to act now to protect the rights and jobs of those BC marriage commissioners who cannot in conscience perform same-sex marriages. We are counting on you to make a difference. Failure to respond to this clear injustice would not be missed by many concerned BC voters.
Sincerely, Ed Hird
3d) http://www.canada.com/vancouver/news/story.asp?id=1FFCBFF4-660B-4A73-A76C-40A6FD07D713 Edict on gay weddings: do them or quit B.C. commissioners will have to resign if unwilling to marry same-sex couples Elaine O'Connor, The Province Wednesday, January 21, 2004 (11 months ago)
All B.C. marriage commissioners who are not willing to marry same-sex couples are being told they must resign by the end of March.
Marriage commissioners received a letter yesterday from the B.C. Vital Statistics Agency advising them that any "who feel that they cannot solemnize same-sex marriages" are required to "resign their appointments" effective March 31.
The letter from Vital Statistics, dated Jan. 14, asked commissioners to give notice by Feb. 27 so the agency could hire new staff, but made no mention of what would happen if they refused to step down.
Opponents of same-sex marriage blasted the agency, saying the right of same-sex couples to marry has yet to be made law.
"It looks like the province has decided to jump the gun and actively promote same-sex marriage as a matter of government operational policy," said Conservative MP Paul Forseth (New Westminster-Coquitlam-Burnaby(...)
3e) 08/27/2003 (16 months ago) Dear Premier Campbell and BC Liberal MLAs,
You as the BC Government have the ability to make a difference in preserving marriage if you choose to do so. I doubt that you will want to be linked in BCer's minds as kowtowing to the Federal liberals. We will (hopefully) gratefully remember your actions in preserving marriage when the next BC election rolls around.
Sincerely, Ed Hird
3f) http://www.realwomenca.com/ Canadians Deceived on Same-sex Marriage Issue By C. Gwendolyn Landolt National Vice President, REAL Women of Canada Never have Canadians been more manipulated and deceived than on the issue of same-sex marriage. Although the issue could permanently alter this nation, ordinary Canadians have, to date, not had any input on the question. Instead, they have been led to believe that they must accept its inevitability because the courts have spoken. Not true. The fact is, that same-sex marriage has been contrived and pushed by only a very few individuals in Canada, both judicial and political, together with homosexual activists(...) Canadian courts are the most powerful and political in the western world(...) But appointed judges have no special understanding of the issue. The reality is that judges are merely lawyers with political connections who are unaccountable in any way for their decisions(...)
4) http://www.charismanow.com/a.php?ArticleID=10288 December 14, 2004 edition Persecution Watch: China One of the country's most prominent house-church leaders was recently arrested for his religious activities. According to The Voice of the Martyrs (VOTM), pastor Zhang Rongliang, 53, was detained on Dec. 1 in Xuzhai village in Zhengzhou, located in Henan Province. He has not been heard from since(...)At least three house churches in the Fangcheng area were also raided after Rongliang's arrest, including the house of Xiao Min's parents. Min has been sought by authorities because of her prolific writing of Chinese worship songs known as the "Canaan Hymns."(...)
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