1.9.07

An Update on the Marriage Battle in Massachusetts...

In last week's alert, I shared the great news that the Massachusetts Legislature finally voted to allow the process to move forward to place a marriage amendment on the November 2008 ballot. As many of you are aware, ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit in federal court on December 13th, holding members of the commonwealth's Legislature personally liable for refusing to exercise their constitutional duty to vote on the amendment.

After the vote last Tuesday, same-sex "marriage" advocates filed a motion to "re-consider" the vote, hoping their action would lead to a "re-vote" that would nullify the Legislature's previous action. The motion to "re-consider" passed, and the Legislature voted again. And not only did the Legislature once again vote to allow the amendment process to move forward, but one more legislator chose to vote for marriage!

For the time being, we have withdrawn the lawsuit as the lawmakers have now performed their constitutional duty. However, the Legislature must vote again in the 2007 session before the amendment can be formally placed on the November 2008 ballot, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Special congratulations go to all of our allies in Massachusetts, including the Massachusetts Family Institute, VoteOnMarriage, and the Family Research Council, for all their hard work to help make this vote possible. Please pray that the Legislature will continue to do the right thing and allow the will of the people to be heard in Massachusetts!

Learn more by reading the ADF press release...


Christmas Is Over, But the ACLU Attack Continues...

In 2005, the ACLU and its ally, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, told the nation's media "there's no war on Christmas."

But the ACLU and its allies, like a child smelling freshly baked cookies, couldn't contain themselves. They returned this year with their search and destroy mission to wipe out anything that even sniffs of publicly celebrating Christ's birth.

In Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, (see ADF Weekly News Alert, 12/12/06) the ACLU filed an anti-Christmas law suit, complaining that a Lakeview Elementary School Christmas program included a student nativity play and the singing of two Christmas carols. In addition, they went after the school for allowing a "Praying Parents" newsletter that promoted the National Day of Prayer, as well as allowing a "See You at the Pole" event at the school.

The "Praying Parents" newsletter clearly states: "Praying Parents is not affiliated with any organization, nor do we promote a political agenda. We're just a group of parents who want to make an investment in our children's school through prayer."

Nevertheless, the ACLU decided to sue anyway! And of course, using their typical tactics of "fear, intimidation, and disinformation," they are demanding compensatory damages and attorney fees, their usual method of trying to terrorize school officials into obedience.

ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum has now filed a motion to intervene on behalf of the parents.

We will keep you posted on this case, as well as other attacks on our First Liberty – religious freedom – in the weeks ahead.

Learn more by reading the ADF press release...


Please pray for ADF Ally and Friend Dr. Albert Mohler...

Please be in prayer for ADF ally and friend, Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Mohler has been hospitalized since December 27th and was moved to intensive care last Friday after developing pulmonary emboli in both lungs following abdominal surgery.

There is encouraging news. The attending physicians are pleased with his progress. Dr. Mohler was removed from intensive care and is now in a private room.

Please continue to pray for Dr. Mohler's total recovery, as well as peace, comfort, and strength during this time.

An Update on ADF co-founder Dr. D. James Kennedy...

Last week, I requested prayer for ADF co-founder Dr. D. James Kennedy who suffered cardiac arrest on December 28th. Your prayers are being answered.

On Wednesday, January 3 he underwent a procedure to implant a pacemaker/defibrillator and continues to make progress. He has now been moved to a private room.

Dr. Kennedy and his family are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement! Please continue to intercede on his behalf for a complete recovery and for his return to his normal ministry duties.

Prayer Requests | Visit the ADF prayer page
"Without Christ, we can do nothing." - John 15:5

1. Please pray for wisdom and for victory in the many legal battles ahead
   
2. Please pray that ADF can continue to increase its capacity to take on the ACLU and its allies.