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From Christianity.ca Webnews from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
"Be not afraid," declared the angel to the shepherds on the first Christmas night. And when you face detractors who call you names because you are a Christian, *Be Not Afraid*, writes the author of the article by the same name (see below). Too many of us, he says, have a deep-seated fear that we will be persecuted verbally if we speak up for God and for good http://www.christianity.ca/news/social-issues/2005/11.000.html. And in today's society, dominated by rampant secular ideology, we likely will. So how do we respond when we hear stories like the one about the man who wants to see Christianity eradicated from public life (see below, *"If Jesus Returns, Kill Him Again," Says NDP-Supporting Atheist Campaigner*)? Nothing short of supernatural mediation http://lists.christianity.ca/t/3563929/1432297/108362/0/ will do. We have to pray for those who persecute us, because inside every Saul there may be a Paul.
Advent used to be a season of joyful anticipation. Now it is mildly fraught with apprehension. My dentist says he "assessed" me to see if it might be safe to wish me Merry Christmas. But there could be a *Price to Pay for Abolishing Christmas*, says Ted Byfield (see below). Retailers, he says, may find out that gift giving devoid of the Christmas message that gave it meaning might lose its appeal.
We even find that the *Christmas Bashing Extends to Narnia* (see below). The film grossed $67 million on its first weekend, but the /Globe and Mail/ is complaining that the movie has "unavoidably Christian images."
But there is a brighter side. See the article *The Other Side of the Wardrobe*. Father de Souza delights in the movie, and says the heroic scale of the Narnia Chronicles is a reminder that the basic Christian message is just that - heroic.
And may I highlight one more? This one's a real treat, and it speaks volumes! Don't miss it: *My Date of a Lifetime* (see below).
This week, let's walk close to God (see below, *Calling on the Name of the Lord*), and let's take courage to speak the truth in love.
Blessings in Christ,
Daina Doucet
Online Editor
Write us at: feedback@christianity.ca
French MP Faces 6 Months Jail And $30,000 Fine
French MP Faces 6 Months Jail and $30,000 Fine over "Hate Speech"
against Homosexuals - By John-Henry Westen
OTTAWA (LifeSiteNews.com)
- A law banning "hate speech" against homosexuals enacted in France
last year has proved its criticisms valid by being pressed against a sitting
MP for comments which cannot be considered hateful in any true sense. Christian
Vanneste, a member of the UMP representing the Lille region faces up to six
months' imprisonment and a $30,000 fine after being taken to court by three
homosexual activist groups - SOS Homophobie, Act Up-Paris and Sneg. The Telegraph
reports that the public prosecutor at the trial in Lille said Vanneste was guilty
as charged but made no recommendation on how he should be punished. Judgment
on the case will be given on Jan 24.
While the Telegraph reports that Vanneste offended homosexuals "by saying
they represent a 'threat to humanity'. Vanneste actually referred to homosexual
behaviour as dangerous rather than homosexual persons. Vanneste's offensive
comments were originally made in parliament during the debate on the hate speech
law which Vanneste opposed, and more recently repeated to newspapers. In Parliament
he said that the idea of making "homophobia"illegal was a "contradiction
in terms... This will bolster the notion that homosexual behaviour has the same
value as any other kind of behaviour, when, in fact, it is obvious that it is
a threat to the survival of humanity."
Criminalizing speech against homosexual acts would see persons stating the faith
positions of major religions imprisoned. Comments against homosexual acts are
common from Christians who believe, as a matter of faith, that such acts are
gravely immoral. Homosexual acts are portrayed in Scripture as a "grave
depravity" and an "abomination." Also, the Catechism of the Catholic
Church says that that such acts are "intrinsically disordered and contrary
to the natural law," adding that "they can never be approved."
Similar hate speech laws were passed in *Canada *this year, and while there have been *no prosecutions under the law thus far*, human rights tribunals have heaped heavy fines on Canadian Christians for speaking out against homosexuality.
LifeSiteNews.com
- December 15, 2005
55 Per Cent Of Canadians Favour A Commons Free Vote On The Marriage Issue
Same-sex vote backed - A poll finds 55 per cent of Canadians favour a Commons free vote on the marriage issue. - By KATE DUBINSKI, FREE PRESS REPORTER
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/National/2005/12/16/1355597-sun.html
The smoldering same-sex marriage issue was decided in a Commons vote in June, but a Leger/Sun Media poll shows the majority of Canadians consider the issue far from dead.
More than half the 2,013 adults surveyed in the poll - 55 per cent - said they favour a free vote on the divisive issue, as Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has promised.
The issue is especially critical in Southwestern Ontario, often cited as the province's bible belt, where seven out of 10 MPs voted in June against changing the traditional definition of marriage to include same-sex unions.
Three area Liberals, three Tories and Independent Pat O'Brien voted against the controversial legislation.
Leger Marketing chief executive Jean-Marc Leger said the poll shows voters aren't ready to put the issue to rest.
"This debate has not ended," he said.
Considered a mistake by many pundits, Harper promised in the early days of the Christmas election campaign that a Tory government would re-open the divisive debate and allow all MPs to vote freely on the issue.
Conservative MP Jason Kenney said yesterday the new poll proves his leader is in step with Canadians.
"This reflects how the Conservative Party is more in touch with mainstream Canadian thinking and the Liberals are captive to insider political correctness rather than reflecting mainstream majority opinion," Kenney said.
O'Brien, a longtime Liberal who is not running in this election, quit his party to sit as an independent because of his opposition to the Liberal legislation.
O'Brien is now travelling Canada with an organization called Vote Marriage Canada in a campaign to get the issue put to a free vote in the Commons.
"We support in a non-partisan way candidates that stand for the traditional definition of marriage (and) a vote to revisit it," O'Brien said from Edmonton, where he's meeting with supporters.
The highest courts in most provinces have upheld gay marriage, but Prime Minister Paul Martin allowed what the Liberals considered a free vote on the issue in June.
The final vote was 158 to 133 in favour of the legislation, with 32 Liberal MPs joining the Conservatives against it.
But O'Brien insists the vote was never truly free, as Martin had promised, because his cabinet ministers had to toe the party line and weren't allowed to vote their conscience.
It was "one of the most undemocratic moments in (Canadian) history," said O'Brien, noting MPs deserve another vote no matter what polls say.
"I don't care if it's five or 10 per cent of people who support revisiting this issue... People are very understanding that the vote was unfair and undemocratic and the decision was bad for Canada," he said.
In the Leger/Sun Media poll, respondents were asked, "In your opinion, should Parliament have a free vote on gay marriage or not?"
Support for a free vote was strongest among those intending to vote either for the Bloc Quebecois (66 per cent) or the Conservatives (61 per cent). But even a slight majority of Liberal backers (54 per cent) and almost half those intending to vote NDP (46 per cent) also supported a free vote.
Still, some London-area politicians insist gay marriage is a done deal and not a major concern for voters.
"I've heard about it from one person and that's it," said Paul Steckle, a four-term Liberal from rural Huron-Bruce, who's running again.
"I didn't like the decision, either, but reality is reality, and I support my constituents," said Steckle, who voted no on the issue in June.
But Tory Bev Shipley, running in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, another sprawling rural seat, said the free vote comes up repeatedly at voters' doors.
"Our position is that we support a free vote and people are upset about what happened with the last vote," he said, adding other issues such as government accountability come up more often.
A majority of Canadians supports the Liberal plan to cut income tax over the Conservative pledge to shave two points off the GST, but they're split over which offers the best child-care option, the Leger / Sun Media poll suggests.
TAX CUTS: Given a choice between the duelling platforms on tax cuts, 53 per cent of respondents choose Prime Minister Paul Martin's pledge to cut personal income tax and 38 per cent Tory Leader Stephen Harper's promise to cut the goods and services tax to five per cent from seven per cent. The polling shows a distinct split between Conservative and Liberal supporters who tend to side with their respective leaders, said Leger Marketing's chief executive, Jean-Marc Leger.
CHILD CARE: The Leger/Sun Media poll suggests a voter split over the rival Tory and Liberal election vows meant to help families with young children. While 47 per cent say they prefer the Liberal promise to boost funding to an existing day-care program, 41 per cent choose the Tory option that would see young families receive $1,200 a year for each child under age six to spend as they see fit. Support in Ontario for the Liberal option is 51 per cent and for the Tory alternative 35 per cent, the survey indicates.
BANNING HANDGUNS:
- A majority of Canadian voters think Prime Minister Paul Martin is shooting
blanks with his plan to fight violent crime by promising a ban on handguns,
the Leger / Sun Media poll suggests.
- Almost 60 per cent of the 2,013 adults surveyed nationwide said they do not believe such a ban would have the desired effect.
- Respondents in Alberta and the Prairies are the most critical of the plan, where as many as 77 per cent dismissed it as ineffective. In Ontario, the ratio is 57 per cent.
ABOUT THE POLL: Leger Marketing polled 2,013 voting-age adults nationwide for
Sun Media between Dec. 9 and 13, asking about voting preferences in the federal
election and other issues. Results of the survey are considered accurate to
within 2.2 percentage points (plus or minus), 19 times out of 20.
© Children Of Medjugorje 2005
Permission is given to spread the text of these reports under two conditions:
1) No words are changed,
2) "Children of Medjugorje" is cited along with our website
http://www.childrenofmedjugorje.com
or email address mailto:cobrien@childrenofmedjugorje.com
President: Christine O'Brien
Vice-President: Sister Emmanuel
Advisory Board:
Cardinal Jaime Sin +
Cardinal Bernardino Echeverria, O.F.M.+
Archbishop Frane Franic
Archbishop D. Peter Chung
Bishop Nicholas D'Antonio, O.F.M.
Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, O.M.I.
Bishop Donald Montrose
Bishop William Ellis
Fr. Daniel Ange
Ralph Martin
December 15, 2005 - Dear Children of Medjugorje, Praised Be Jesus and Mary!
1 - Caroline is an accountant and lives in Belgium. Last month, she came to Medjugorje to give thanks to Our Lady, with her mother and a little boy. Will her testimony be able to save children from the massacre knowingly organized by some doctors?
"I found myself pregnant at the age of 29. My family doctor had gone to a conference and could not see me, so I was directed, at 3 weeks of pregnancy, to another doctor, whom I did not know. After he performed an ultrasound, this doctor told me: 'The "fruit" is not good, it is an extra-uterine pregnancy and you must go tomorrow to the hospital for an emergency uterine scraping!' When I entered the hospital, I was not convinced that this procedure was necessary. I had a few relics of Padre Pio with me. I took them in my hands and while I was praying to him, a voice was telling me that this decision was not right and that I should ask for a second opinion. I was already wearing the hospital gown in order to enter the operating room but the voice would not stop! So I said to the medical assistant that I did not agree with the scraping operation, that it was not right for them to perform it on me and that I wanted to see my attending physician and have another ultrasound. My attending physician was in the middle of an operation and was not happy about my interruption. However, I was determined not to have the procedure. Eventually she was free and came to see me. She performed another ultrasound. I was still holding Padre Pio's relics in my hands and clenched them in my fists as I felt he was my friend, my anchor in the middle of this unfriendly hospital. The new ultrasound showed that the "fruit" was good, healthy and safe! My baby was not outside the uterus as the previous doctor had told me. He was actually inside the uterus! But the attending physician informed me that I did not have enough hormones to be able to keep the child. She added that she could not do the scraping because it would be an abortion, (in Belgium abortion is illegal). Therefore, I was able to escape both the operation and the abortion and I returned home. I took no hormone treatment and eight months later Jeff was born a perfectly healthy little boy!
"Like his father, Jeff was born on October 1st. He is now 4 years old. His father neither acknowledged him nor saw him so that he would not have to pay child support. But the Lord allowed Jeff to be born prematurely, on his father's birthday, so that he can never forget him. He is his mother's, grandmother's and grandfather's joy".
As for Caroline's mother, she admits that upon learning about the pregnancy, like Caroline who was completely devastated, she and her husband both cried. But now, as Jeff's grandmother, she says: "At first, it was a real cross that fell upon us, but the cross became a joy for the family! We never had a boy before and my husband took Jeff like his son. Jeff even carries his name. They are very close friends. His grandfather in the role of his father is just what we needed! God put the little one in our lives and the little one united our lives. His presence among us is very healing for our relationship. It is such a joy!"
Indeed, Jeff's grandmother was radiating while speaking. And I could see it for myself: little Jeff is a darling child. While Caroline and her mother were telling me the story, Jeff was jumping around and happy with every little thing. One day he will learn that he is a survivor and that many other children do not have the privilege of remaining on earth! For today too many doctors take God's place and decide between life and death, often willingly misleading the mother by pretending that the condition of the child is much worse than the reality. I am in a position to say this without hesitation because similar cases are becoming much more frequent. In the case of a negative diagnosis, if you are pressured to have an abortion, ask for another examination in a different hospital or clinic! Even if the child has a problem, it is a child! It is your child! For protection and to escape death, he has only you!
2 - On July 25, 2005, the Gospa invited us to do Novenas. I suggest we make this novena together in this special time preceding and following Christmas. It will be a balm on the heart of Little Jesus in the manger as well as to Mary his Mother and dear St Joseph! Let us offer this Novena to Baby Jesus for the sake of all of the children in the world: those who are prevented from being born and who are agonizing in their mother's womb; those who are abandoned or do not receive love; those who suffer from diseases, cold, lack of care; those who starve; the orphans and children of divorce; those children who are sexually abused; those who are victims of evil passions and whose innocence is sacrificed on the altar of our world's vices. In short, for children whose silent cries pierce the Heart of Jesus! "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me". (Mt: 18-5)
What kind of Novena? Well, since it is about children, we are going to adjust... you know how children are! They like to have stories read to them, but they much prefer to have a new one made up spontaneously especially for them. When it is flowing from the heart this communication delights them. Little Jesus has many beautiful prayers, mostly to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Yet it is nice to express to Him our own prayers, coming from the bottom of our hearts! After we have prayed our spontaneous prayer on each day of this Novena we will contemplate Jesus, totally surrendered to his Father, and we will unite ourselves with His Filial Spirit, praying with Him this beautiful Hymn of love (composed by Blessed Charles de Foucault, beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 18).
"Father, I abandon myself to You,
do with me as you please.
Whatever you do of me, I thank you.
I am ready to everything. I accept everything,
As long as your will be done in me and in all creatures,
I desire nothing else, my God.
I commit my soul into your hands,
I give it to you, my God, with all the love of my heart,
Because I love you,
And it is a need of love for me to give myself,
To commit myself into your hands, without reserve,
With infinite trust, for you are my Father."
(Bl. Charles de Foucauld)
The novena starts on the very day you receive this text and ends 9 days later. In this way we are creating a chain of prayer extending over many days, since this report will travel for some time and will land in unexpected hands! Baby Jesus is calling us all! He is cold in his little manger and he is yearning for our presence and help. He is asking for adoration, love, visits! Isn't it wonderful to help Baby Jesus save his little fellow human brothers and sisters! Thank you!
A few extracts from St. Faustina's Diary will help us enter the intimacy of Baby Jesus. Mystics are good at revealing what the Lord feels for each one of us!
- + Holy hour. "During this hour, I tried to meditate on the Lord's passion. But my soul was filled with joy and suddenly I saw the Child Jesus. But His majesty penetrated to such an extent that I said, 'Jesus, You are so little, and yet I know that You are my Creator and Lord'. And Jesus answered me, ' I am, and I keep company with you as a child to teach you humility and simplicity." (§184)
- + Thursday. "When I started the Holy Hour, I wanted to immerse myself in the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives. Then I heard a voice in my soul, 'Meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation'. And suddenly the Infant Jesus appeared before me, radiant with beauty. He told me how God is pleased with simplicity in a soul. 'Although my greatness is beyond understanding, I commune only with those who are little. I demand of you a childlike spirit.'(§332)
- "Then I saw Our Lady with the Infant Jesus and Saint Joseph who was standing behind them. The most Holy Mother said to me, "Take my most precious treasure", and she handed me the Infant Jesus." (§608)
- "When I took the Infant Jesus in my arms, the Mother of God and Saint Joseph disappeared and I was left alone with the Infant Jesus. I said to Him, 'I know that You are my Lord and Creator even though you are so tiny'. Jesus stretched His little arms out to me and looked at me with a smile. My spirit was filled with incomparable joy. Then suddenly Jesus disappeared and it was time for Holy Communion. I went with the other sisters to the Holy Table, my soul deeply moved. After Holy Communion, I heard these words in my soul, 'I am in your heart, I whom you had in your arms' "... (§609)
- "O eternal Light, who come on this earth, enlighten my spirit and strengthen my will that I may not give up in times of great affliction! May your light dissipate all the shadows of doubt, may your omnipotence act through me. I trust in You, O uncreated Light! You, O Infant Jesus are a model for me in accomplishing the will of Your Father, You who said, "behold, I come to do Your will". Grant that I also may do God's will faithfully in all things. O Divine Child, grant me this grace!" (§830)
- "Today during Holy Mass, I saw the Infant Jesus near my kneeler. He appeared to be about one year old, and he asked me to take Him in my arms. When I did take Him in my arms, He cuddled up close to my bosom and said, 'It is good for Me to be close to your heart'. Although You are so little, I know that You are God. Why do you take the appearance of such a little baby to commune with me? 'Because I want to teach you spiritual childhood. I want you to be very little, because when you are little, I carry you close to my heart, just as you are holding Me now close to your heart right now'. And with that, I was again alone, but no one can conceive the emotions of my soul, I was so fully plunged in God, like a sponge thrown into the sea..." (§1481)
3 - On December 9, visionary Ivan was in Medjugorje for a visit and that evening we were blessed to welcome Our Lady at the Blue Cross with the prayer group. For the Mother of God Christmas is "the Day of Joy". That evening she reminded us of her expectations for each of our families. "May joy prevail in them by way of prayer! Rivers of joy are available!" It would be so sad to miss them. We need them so much! Let's not be afraid of the paganism around us! We have a treasure, namely Jesus, who wants to be born deeper and deeper in our hearts this Christmas. What happiness to share a little bit of the Holy Family's joy in Bethlehem! "Dear children, I wish that this Christmas be happier than all the other Christmases! May your families be as happy as we were happy in the stable, when my Son was born!" (Gospa, 9 days before Christmas 1992, during the war).
In order to express our warm welcome to Baby Jesus, each one may live his / her Holy Communion with the Eucharistic Body of Jesus in a special way, for as Mother Teresa of Calcutta said:
"The mystery of the Eucharist gives us the joy of having Christmas every day! When we go before the Blessed Sacrament, we go to Bethlehem, a name that means 'the house of the bread'. Jesus chose to be born in Bethlehem in order to be able to stay with us forever as the Living Bread descended from Heaven."
4 - On December 2, visionary Mirjana received her monthly apparition at Cenacolo Community. After the apparition, she shared this message from Our Lady with those present:
"Dear Children, in this holy Time, allow the love and the grace of my Son to descend upon you. Only pure and merciful hearts, filled with prayer, may feel the love of my Son. Pray for those who do not have the grace of feeling the love of my Son. My children, help me! Thank you." Dearest Gospa, we want to remain with you and Joseph in the stable. We want to be like shepherds for Jesus, in awe! - Sister Emmanuel +
PS. Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Alessandro d'Errico as new Apostolic Nuncio in Bosnia-Hercegovina. He was previously the Apostolic Nuncio in Pakistan.
PPS: Please visit Ann Marie Collins's Adoration website at: http://www.watchonehour.com/
(see report of October 15, 2005). What an example for the whole world!
Life Saving Cord Blood Bill Legislation Will Be Signed Into Law
What a beautiful gift for pro-life workers at this beautiful and Holy time of year. It would be great if our parliamentarians would be able to pass such legislation, and if our senate had as much support here in Canada. - HHW.
Congress Passes Smith's Life Saving Cord Blood Bill Legislation Will be Signed into Law by President Bush
To: National Desk
Contact: Brad Dayspring, Communications Director, Rep. Chris Smith http://www.house.gov/chrissmith/ (NJ-4), 202-225-3765
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 /Christian Wire Service
http://www.christianwireservice.com/ - The House of Representatives today voted to pass HR 2520 - the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act - written by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). The non-controversial legislation had earlier passed the House of Representatives in May by a vote of 431-1 and was slightly altered before passage by the Senate late night. The bill will now be signed into law by President Bush.
Umbilical cords are a rich, non-controversial source of stem cells. Currently hospitals throw millions of them away each year because the infrastructure required to properly collect and store them is not available. When signed into law by President Bush, the bill will increase the number of cord blood units and cord blood stem cells available for treating patients and expanding research will greatly increase.
Smith's bill provides a total of $265 million for life-saving stem cell therapeutic therapy, cord blood and bone marrow treatment. The legislation authorizes $79 million dollars for the collection of cord blood stem cells with the goal of reaching a total inventory of 150,000 units, making matched stem cells available to treat more than 90 percent of patients, with a particular focus on providing genetic diversity. It also reauthorizes the national bone marrow transplant system at $186 million over the next 5 years and combines both systems - cord blood and bone marrow - under a new program to provide an easy, single access point for information for doctors and patients.
The national program would promote stem cell research by requiring participating cord blood banks to donate units that are not suitable for transplant to researchers who are working on new applications for cord blood stem cells. In addition, for the first time, a nationwide stem cell transplantation system would be established.
Thousands have been successfully treated with cord blood stem cells for more than 67 diseases including Leukemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. The infusion of federal funds will make this medical miracle available to thousands more and will ensure that research continues so that this source of stem cells can treat many other debilitating diseases.
Rep. Smith issued the following statement after Congress passed his bill:
"We will now be able to turn medical waste - umbilical cords and placentas - into medical miracles for huge numbers of very sick and terminally ill patients, who suffer from such maladies as leukemia and sickle cell anemia.
"Cord blood stem cells are already treating patients and now, for the first time ever, my bill will establish a nationwide stem cell transplantation system once it becomes law.
"My bill also reauthorizes the national bone marrow transplant system and combines both systems under a new program to provide an easy, single access point for information for doctors and patients, and for the purpose of collecting and analyzing outcomes data.
"It occurred to me while driving to work this afternoon that it is especially fitting, that during these days of holiness and religious significance, that Congress sends to the President a bill designed to effectuate cures from some of the most devastating diseases and cancers on earth.
"Not only has God in His infinite wisdom and goodness created the placenta and umbilical cord to nurture and protect the precious life of an unborn child, but now we know that another gift awaits us immediately after birth, something very special is left behind - cord blood that is rich with stem cells.
"Indeed, one of the best kept secrets in America today is that umbilical cord blood stem cells and adult stem cells are curing people of a myriad of terrible conditions and diseases."
The preceding was forwarded to you by the Christian Communication Network. You can always find the latest press releases at www.ChristianWireService.com
Christian Communication Network
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Washington DC 20006
202.546.0054
www.ChristianWireService.com
Lifeissues.net NEWSLETTER #254 - December 18, 2005
This issue has an interesting article about the aids activist wanting to legalize bawdy houses in Canada and more on stem cells. - HHW
Greetings from LifeIssues.net (www.lifeissues.net)
Just got back from Thailand last Wednesday. The temperature a beautiful 32.C when I departed and an icy 2.C when I step out of the plane at Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan.
The 3-week study/research project regard HIV/AIDS was more than I had expected. Frs. Sanpetch and Giovanni, both Camillian Priests, and Mrs. Usanee Nanasilp, Secretary of Catholic Commission for Heathcare, were very instrumental in setting up a schedule and making sure that I experience first hand the situation in Thailand, Asia and the World.
I returned with an awareness that "HIV and AIDS" is a global problem and that we must strive to raise a global awareness by focussing on the issues that continue to fuel the proliferation of this virus. AIDS is one of the worst epidemics mankind has ever faced. The virus infects 14,000 people each day, leaving millions of people suffering. This has a devestating effect on the world's most vulnerable risk groups:
1. ORPHANS - More than 14 million children have been orphaned because of AIDS.
2. WOMEN - Entering 2002, 7 million young women from ages 15-24 had contracted HIV worldwide.
3. THAILAND - There are 50 new cases reported daily. It has the highest rate of faithful women who have been infected by their partners.
For those interested, I will be writing on different aspects of HIV and AIDS for my www.LifeIssues.net website starting next year. You may view articles in the AIDS Library, which can be accessed from the main page.
2005 has been a long year with much human suffering here in Asia. December is a month to rejoice about the birth of Our Saviour and to celebrate the coming of 2006. Allow the New Year to bring a new awareness to the plight of those living with HIV/AIDS and ask for enlightenment to overcome the burden of ignorance.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us here at LifeIssues.net.
God Bless,
Fr. Jerry Novotny, OMI
"We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but here are many more dying for a little love." - Mother Teresa
Lifeissues.net NEWSLETTER #254 - December 18, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. A key stem-cell finding was faked, Korean co-author claims
2. To clone or not to clone
3. It's 'Choice on Earth' time again
4. Australia: One in four pregnancies terminated
5. Israelis turn to timer device to facilitate passive euthanasia
6. Prostitution is Not a Profession
7. Philippines: Life, Family and Liberty Under Attack
8. Canadian AIDS Activists Want Bawdy Houses Legalized
9. Dioceses Asked to Help AIDS Sufferers
10. A request from Sri Lanka
11. Filipina cancer mother sacrificed life for unborn baby
12. Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies to Cure Disease is "Pure Folly",
Says MIT Prof
"NEW" ARTICLES POSTED RECENTLY at http://www.lifeissues.net
- Steven Mosher: http://www.lifeissues.net/writer.php?ID=mos
- Frank Pavone: http://www.lifeissues.net/writer.php?ID=pav
- Dianne N. Irving: http://www.lifeissues.net/writer.php?ID=irv
- Antonio P. Pueyo: http://www.lifeissues.net/writer.php?ID=pue
- Ron Rolheiser: http://www.lifeissues.net/writer.php?ID=ron
- Frank Enderle: http://www.lifeissues.net/writer.php?ID=end
(Website: Choose the Child) http://www.choosethechild.org/. CHOOSE
DEFEND LIFE: The anti-euthanasia Nightingale Alliance, including pro-life luminaries
such as Dr. William Toffler and Mary Jane Owen, has a new web site (http://www.nightingalealliance.org).
PURE LOVE CLUB: Emphasizing chastity and purity, this new site by Jason and
Crystalina Evert is outstanding (http://www.pureloveclub.com).
Item #1. A Key Stem-Cell Finding Was Faked, Korean Co-Author Claims
Hwang Woo Suk, who stunned the world by announcing breakthroughs in stem cell and cloning research, faked one of his two landmark papers, one of the scientists' South Korean co-authors said Thursday in an interview broadcast on television.
Hwang and his aides, who had vehemently defended the paper published in the journal Science in June, were not immediately available for comment on the statement by Roh Sung Il - that one of the year's most sensational scientific findings was falsified. Roh made similar comments to the Hankyoreh newspaper of South Korea, the daily said Thursday.
In an article first posted on its Web site Thursday evening, Hankyoreh quoted Roh, one of Hwang's 24 co-authors for the June paper, as saying that there were no authentically created stem cells presented for the Science paper.
In a separate interview with MBC television, Roh said Hwang appeared to have created stem-cell lines that were later destroyed because of a virus infection.
Hwang took stem-cell lines from Roh's laboratory that had nothing to do with Hwang's research, and presented them for the Science paper, Roh said.
Read entire article at International Herald Tribune: http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/12/15/news/clone.php
Item #2. To Clone Or Not To Clone
James Sherley, during a recent interview, said, "Despite the confusion that some like to create on the question of 'are embryos human beings?' and 'when does a human life begin?' both scientists and physicians know very well that human embryos are alive and human. A human life begins when a diploid complement of human DNA is initiated to begin human development. Therefore, a life can be initiated by the fusion of sperm and egg or by the introduction of a diploid nucleus into an enucleated egg (i.e., 'cloning'). Given that embryos are human beings, they have a right to self and a right to life. Exploiting their parts (i.e., cells) or killing them for research is moral trespass that society should not allow. Even if the research might, and let's be clear, might benefit others, this trespass is not justified."
Source: MercatorNet, 12/6/05: http://www.mercatornet.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=193&Itemid=0&pop=1&page=0
Item #3. It's 'Choice On Earth' Time Again
Planned Parenthood's "Choice on Earth" Christmas cards are back for a fourth year, once again drawing criticism from pro-life groups, which call the alteration of familiar biblical text sacrilegious.
"One would think the highly paid Planned Parenthood leadership would have received the message last year when they faced strong censure for selling these profane cards," said Douglas R. Scott, president of Life Decisions International.
"They are either slow learners or just plain anti-Christian," he declared.
The card is featured prominently on Planned Parenthood's website with the message, "Send the Gift of Choice!"
"Tis the season to share with family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones the messages of 'Choice on Earth' or 'Peace Hope Justice,'" reads the abortion provider's promotional statement.
With an online donation, Planned Parenthood will "send one of our five Choice on Earth e-cards to your loved ones, to let them know you have made a very special gift in their honor."
The website says the "tax-deductible holiday gift will help Planned Parenthood fight to ensure that women's health and rights are championed across the country - from your local pharmacy to the U.S. Supreme Court."
The cards come in two styles: blank or with the message, "Warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday."
Scott declared: "Everybody knows that the abortion-committing monster that is Planned Parenthood has so much money, much of which comes from American taxpayers, that it does not need to resort to such disrespectful deeds."
View full text at WorldNetDaily.com: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47893
Item #4. Australia: One In Four Pregnancies Terminated
THE first national abortion figures show more than 84,000 pregnancies are terminated each year, or one in four pregnancies.
The 2003 figure shows the rate of abortion is less than the controversial figure of 100,000 used by anti-abortion Health Minister Tony Abbott.
And young women aged 20-24 have more than one abortion for every two live births, according to the figures provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The report analysed the data from public and private hospitals and some private clinics.
Late-term abortions, performed after 20 weeks, were uncommon, the report found, with only 325 recorded. Almost 95 per cent were performed within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.
Women in their early 20s were most likely to have an abortion, with 32 in every 1000 between the age of 20-24 having an abortion compared with six in every 1000 in the 40-44 age group.
View full article at theaustralian.news.com.au:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0%2C5744%2C17562237%25255E2702%2C00.html
Item #5. Israelis Turn To Timer Device To Facilitate Passive Euthanasia
In Israel, a government bill setting forth a procedure for passive euthanasia facilitates the placement of a timer on a patient's ventilator. "A response delayed by a timer attached to a patient's ventilator will solve the Israeli government's wish to introduce passive euthanasia for terminally ill people and to allow them to die with dignity," states a medical journal article.
COMMENT: The phrase "passive euthanasia" is an ambiguous term designed to make the imposed death of a loved one seem acceptable.
Source: British Medical Journal, 12/10/05: http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/331/7529/1357-a
Item #6. Prostitution Is Not A Profession
Prostitution is often referred to as the "world's oldest profession." This phrase implies that people, women especially, willingly choose to be prostitutes. People usually choose professions to further their ambitions or use their aptitudes and gifts. Prostitution is not a profession; it is the exploitation of a human being.
Why is this important and how does it relate to trafficking? Those wishing to legalize prostitution and thereby normalize it use the term "forced prostitution," as opposed to "voluntary prostitution." Some people believe that legalizing prostitution will end sex trafficking.
Abolitionists fighting to end sex trafficking see all prostitution as violent, exploitative and harmful to women, children and men. The distinction between forced and voluntary is a false one; it is all destructive and dehumanizing. Yes, some people willingly enter into prostitution; they are in the minority. According to research done by Melissa Farley, Ph.D., of Prostitution Research and Education, 88 percent of people working as prostitutes said they wanted to leave prostitution.
The hazards of the job and the toll it takes on mental health are some of the reasons for wanting to escape. Professor Donna M. Hughes at the University of Rhode Island listed the following statistics about violence perpetrated against women and girls by their pimps and "johns," and the consequences:
View full article and consequences at CWA: http://www.cwfa.org/articles/9691/BLI/family/index.htm
Item #7. Philippines: Life, Family And Liberty Under Attack
How Can This Happen in a Free Society? - Philippines Legislature Attempting to Impose Two Children-Only Policy in World's Most Catholic Country. "This Philippine version of "coercive sterilization" is really just 'China-light.' This is not a policy growing from Filipino values, it is social engineering from the outside being imposed on the Philippine people." - Eileen Macapanas Cosby
Dec. 15: Christian Wire Service - The world's most Catholic country is on the verge of becoming a limited society - held captive by governmental restrictions (and impositions) regarding healthcare, education and acts of conscience.
On Monday, a bill was introduced in the Philippine legislature which, if passed, will impose a two-child limit on families. Urgent: A final vote is anticipated soon after the New Year.
Eileen Macapanas Cosby, Executive Director of the Filipino Family Fund, is outraged. "This is social engineering at its worst. The nearly 3 million Filipino Americans with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in the Philippines have a stake in this radical legislation. If passed, it would have dreadful consequences on the country, including imprisoning our family and friends for their beliefs. The legislation is coercive, violates religious liberty, and is completely contrary to Filipino values."
Couched in clever language, HB 3773 is called "The Responsible Parenting and Population Control Act of 2005". Elements of the bill include preference in education for two child families, free access to abortifacients, mandatory sex education for children as young as 10 years old and imprisonment penalties for health care providers who refuse to perform or provide sterilization services.
The effects of this legislation will be devastating to the cultural and religious traditions of the country. The Philippine population is 87% Catholic and 5% Muslim. Dr. Brian Scharneccia, President of the International Solidarity and Human Rights Institute, ISHRI, shares Mrs. Cosby's concern. "H.B. 3773 does not reflect the indigenous cultural and religious values of the Catholic and Muslim population of the Philippines. Rather, it promotes the special interests of developed nations to maintain the Philippines. This is a direct attack on genuine human rights and the solidarity that must be maintained amongst civilized nations."
The Filipino Family Fund (www.FilipinoFamilyFund.org) is mobilizing a grass-roots effort of pro-life leaders in the U.S. and the Philippines to build opposition to the social engineering bill. The Fund is sponsoring an on-line petition drive, leadership development programs, youth educational programs and democracy initiatives in the Philippines from contributions made by Americans who care.
Contact: Eileen Macapanas Cosby, 703.314.3020, emc@filipinofamilyfund.org,
Filipino Family Fund; Lisa Wheeler, 404-519-1987, lwheeler@maximusmg.com, Maximus Media Group
Item #8. Canadian Aids Activists Want Bawdy Houses Legalized
(LifeSiteNews.com) - An HIV/AIDS awareness group is pressuring the federal government to legalize prostitution.
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network spokesman Glenn Betteridge maintained that keeping prostitution illegal forces women into so-called unsafe sex. Prostitution "needs to be treated as work, so that sex workers can be protected under workplace legislation just like all other workers in Canada," said Betteridge, as reported by the Globe and Mail. The group released a report Tuesday in support of legalized prostitution.
The group's report, among other things, claimed that "... HIV transmission is about unprotected sex, not prostitution, and that prostitution does not inherently carry a risk of HIV infection." Remarkably, the group also claimed there is no relation between women who hire themselves out for sex and HIV transmission: "... it is not possible to establish a causal relationship between prostitution and HIV/AIDS," the report states.
A medical expert on HIV, Dr. Norman Hearst of the University of California, warned at an AIDS conference last year that condom use is no guarantee of safety from HIV/AIDS. "Over time it's the question of when, not if," he said. On condom efficacy, "the most recent met-analysis came up with 80%, but even if it is 90%, over time it's the question of when, not if," Hearst explained. Aside from AIDS, condoms are also known to provide even less protection from a variety of other sexually transmitted diseases.
Until parliament was dissolved last month, a Liberal-dominated government committee looking into prostitution recommended that the Canadian government legalize solicitation so that prostitutes may legally offer sex for money. The committee, formed to deliberate the merits of NDP MP Libby Davies' private members' bill, supported by the Liberals, made its way across Canada to solicit Canadian opinion on the matter.
Canadian politicians who took part in the committee on solicitation in the sex industry wanted the government to legalize solicitation. "It should be legalized and regulated for the sake of people who are working in the industry," said Liberal MP Keith Martin who sat on the committee.
In October, the mayor of Amsterdam for the first time admitted that the Dutch experiment to curb abuse by legalizing prostitution has failed miserably. "Almost five years after the lifting of the brothel ban, we have to acknowledge that the aims of the law have not been reached," said Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen, as quoted by NCR. "Lately we've received more and more signals that abuse still continues."
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Canadian MPs Considering Legal Prostitution Propose Visit to European Brothels
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/mar/05033004.html
Germany Forcing Unemployed Women into Legalized Prostitution http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jan/05013106.html
Germany Rethinks Legalized Prostitution http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/may/05051301.html
Canada Preparing to Legalize Prostitution http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/feb/05022509.html
Experts on Prostitution Warn Canada on Danger of Legalization http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/mar/05031003.html
Read the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network report http://www.aidslaw.ca/Maincontent/issues/sexwork.htm
Item #9. Dioceses Asked To Help Aids Sufferers
The Good Samaritan Foundation, part of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, is asking all dioceses to increase aid for those ill with AIDS.
The foundation, instituted by Pope John Paul II in September 2004 and confirmed by Benedict XVI, aims to help out financially the sick who are most in need, particularly victims of HIV/AIDS, the president of the pontifical council, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, recently recalled.
The cardinal said the foundation has already "sent to the local Churches in America, Asia, Africa and Europe important financial help to buy medicines."
Vatican Radio presented a report Wednesday on the first year of activity of the foundation. The group has distributed some $200,000 in aid.
Cardinal Lozano Barragan told the papal radio station of a new initiative to fund raise, and during Christmas, to create awareness in the Church communities of the objectives of the Good Samaritan Foundation. The slogan of the campaign is "5 Euros and Light a Christmas Star."
"Five euros can be converted into an antiviral pill," the cardinal explained. "This antiviral pill corresponds to the Christmas star."
More information is available via: goodsamaritan@hlthwork.va.
More than a quarter of the HIV/AIDS treatment centers in the world are Catholic.
Source: Zenit.org, Dec. 15, 2005
Item #10. A Request From Sri Lanka
For more information go to the LifeIssues.net Message Board: http://www.lifeissues.net/msg_headlines.php
Item #11. Filipina Cancer Mother Sacrificed Life For Unborn Baby
A British-based Filipina mother who found out she had cancer after becoming pregnant sacrificed her life for her unborn baby by refusing an abortion and chemotherapy, a British newspaper said Friday.
Devout Catholic Bernadette Mimura - known as Milai - shunned the potentially life-saving treatment because doctors told her it would kill the child, regional daily the Northern Echo reported.
The 37-year-old, who lived near Stockton-on-Tees, northeast England, with her British partner, Adam Taylor, survived long enough to see the birth of their son, Nathan. But soon after seeing him baptized, she was transferred to a hospice and died about a week later.
"Being a Catholic, for her abortion was out of the question," Taylor told the newspaper. "It was a tough decision but the decision was we could not give up on Nathan." The youngster - now four-months-old - was premature but was born fit and healthy. The baby, whose mother was given a mild form of chemotherapy to suppress her breast cancer, had to be induced after she developed complications.
Priest Alan Sheridan, who performed the baptism, told Britain's domestic Press Association news agency: "Bernadette said the most important thing was the birth of her baby and she would not do anything to harm him.
"Having an abortion was never a consideration. I know she talked it over with Adam and because she was a Catholic, there was no way she would have done it. She had to judge which life was more important and she just prayed there would be a cure for cancer."
Sheridan is spearheading an appeal to raise 3,700 pounds (5,492 euros, 6,490 dollars) to repatriate Mimura's body to the Philippines for burial. Money left over will help her other three children from a first marriage. The priest said he hoped the Manila government would help with a grant to fly the three youngsters to Britain for the ceremony.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer - Dec 10, 2005
Item #12. Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies To Cure Disease Is "Pure Folly", Says MIT Prof
(LifeSiteNews.com) - A Massachusetts Institute of Technology associate professor has revealed in an interview that many scientists are afraid to criticize embryonic stem-cell research out of fear of reprisals.
"Many scientists who do not support human embryo research are afraid to speak out because of possible reprisals from powerful scientists who can affect grant success, publication acceptances, tenure promotion, and employment," said Dr. James Sherley, an associate professor of biological engineering at MIT, in an exclusive interview with the web magazine, MercatorNet.
A researcher and proponent of adult stem cells, Professor Sherley said placing hope in embryonic stem cell research for disease cure is "pure folly." "Embryonic stem cells cannot be used directly [because] they form tumours when transplanted into mature tissues," he explained.
"It is pure scientific folly to place such emphasis on embryonic stem cells research to the exclusion of support for adult stem cell research. No matter what the hurdles are for success with adult stem cell-based therapy development, embryonic stem cell research faces the same hurdles and more."
Beyond this enormous hurdle, Sherley says, is "The most profound drawback, which has not been adequately disclosed... that [embryonic cells] cannot be used directly to treat mature tissues and organs."
He explains, "The tissues and organs of the body undergo constant cell turnover. Cells are born by cell division, they turn into functional cells (i.e., 'differentiate'), they function, they get old, they die, and finally they are lost or removed from their tissue or organ. So, to treat mature tissues and organs by giving mature cells produced from embryonic stem cells is not enough. The cells that normally sustain cell turnover are adult stem cells that reside in every tissue and organ which has this cell turnover process, and that is nearly all tissues. This means that, in order to use embryonic stem cells for diseases in mature tissues, they must be turned into adult stem cells."
Professor Sherley also explained that an embryo, from its first moment of having "diploid DNA" is a human being and therefore must be protected. "Despite the confusion that some like to create on the questions of 'are embryos human beings?' and 'when does a human life begin?', both scientists and physicians know very well that human embryos are alive and human," he emphasized. "A human life begins when a diploid complement of human DNA is initiated to begin human development. Therefore, a life can be initiated by the fusion of sperm and egg or by the introduction of a diploid nucleus into an enucleated egg (i.e., 'cloning')."
"Given that embryos are human beings, they have a right to self and a right to life," he added. "Exploiting their parts (i.e., cells) or killing them for research is moral trespass that society should not allow. Even if the research might, and let's be clear, might benefit others, this trespass is not justified."
See the full interview at: http://www.mercatornet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=193
ACTION:
1. Pray that all may have the courage to be God's presence in society and support
those who have been deemed "unworthy of life".
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3. All past issues of LifeIssues.net Newsletter available online. Click here:
http://lifeissues.net/newsletters/mojo.cgi?flavor=archive&list=lifenews&start=0.
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Action Alert - December 15, 2006
Elections are the time to pull out all the stops and fight the fight. January 23 is the time to win. Do not delay - the time to get involved is now.
Do you want a Canada that has legalized prostitution, decriminalized marijuana, legalized "euthanasia", and low age of sexual consent, loopholes in the child pornography law, and government corruption? You can fight now or fight later. But legislation advanced in parliament is a lot harder to fight.
Stop these things now. Elect a government who refuses to introduce such destructive laws. See a few party positions on issues: http://familyaction.org/PDFs/2006-Voters-Guide.pdf
On January 23, VOTERS (will you be one?) will set the direction for our "national identity". Will we be a country that allows immoral and destructive law and policy? Or will the world see us a democracy that upholds values of family, decency, truth, and freedom. Will we have a democracy after the next election?
Here is what Canadians can do to help elect pro-marriage / pro-family Members of Parliament.
1) All Candidates Meetings
Attend one, or...
Arrange for your church, community association - or even yourself - to host an all candidate "Family Forum" meeting. Publicize the event in every way you can. Invite ALL candidates to attend. Hold a question period and ask hard questions. Ensure you have an excellent moderator. Find out who the candidates seeking office really are. Are the people of character, not just words?
Leave approximately 30-45 minutes to take questions from the audience in writing (provide small cards). Pass the questions to the moderator in the order they are received, until the time allotted is up. Ensure you have lots of people in the audience that will ask good questions.
An all-candidates forum is an excellent way to provide information to voters. It gives them the opportunity to be exposed to each candidate in person. Attendees will likely share this information with others who did not attend the forum. Overall, it is an excellent way to motivate and remind people to vote.
Churches may host all-candidate forums and that does not violate Revenue Canada law. All candidates must be invited to the same meeting, and all given time to address the people. Following is a direct quote from Revenue Canada's website:
Section 14.2.4 "... a charity must ensure that in such circumstances, they invite all the candidates in an election to speak at the same time. Furthermore, the charity must give the candidates an equal amount of time to speak on their general platform." http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/policy/cps/cps-022-e.html#P147_14872
2) Volunteer to Help a Good Candidate
There are many excellent small "c" conservative candidates running for office in this election who will defend life, marriage, children, financial accountability, and democratic freedoms.
Volunteer to help. Every candidate needs more hands, more feet and more voices. Find out which local candidate will represent your views in government. Call their office and get your name on their list of volunteers.
3) Telephone Chains
THE LAST 3 - 5 DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION ARE CRUCIAL. Many citizens make their voting decision in these last 3 days. During this crucial time period, call everyone you know and ask them if they are going to vote. Let them know who you support and why. Ask them to call 10 or 20 people they know with the same question. PEER PRESSURE at its best - could win this election.
4) Publicly Express Your Informed Opinion
Write a letter to the editor about which party leader or which local candidate you support and why. Call in to radio and TV talk shows when they are discussing election issues. Use common-sense language that the average voter will understand. Stick to the main issues; make your point based on common sense, logic and fact, and be polite. Remember that some media personnel love to try and paint small "c" conservatives as wing-nut extremists. They may say things to try to get an angry reaction out of you. Don't take the bait. Be reasonable, calm, and courteous.
5) Stay Informed
Visit www.familyaction.org and watch for election update information. See the style of Voter Guide CFAC did this election - a PARTY COMPARISON brochure. This can be downloaded from our website: http://www.familyaction.org. Most importantly, find out who YOUR local candidates really are and what they stand for. In fact, consider doing a local voter guide questionnaire.
When the POLLS open - BE THERE! Fix this country at the polls.
More links below provide very good information (not endorsed by CFAC):
No Dice list - http://www.nodice.ca/elections/canada/ridings.php
Election Canada - http://www.elections.ca/home.asp?textonly=false
CBC Canada Votes - http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes/
Citizen Impact - http://www.citizenimpact.ca/politicians_parties/federal_web_sites.html
CTV Calgary - http://www.ctv.ca/mini/election2006/static/issues/index.html
CTV Voter Tool Kit - http://www.ctv.ca/mini/election2006/static/voter_toolkit/links.html
Form for people not in their riding voting day:
http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=ins&document=index&dir=snow&lang=e&textonly=false
Poll locations - http://www.elections.ca/scripts/pss/FindED.aspx?L=e
PRI Weekly Briefing - 16 December 2005 - Vol. 7 / No. 49
This article points to the interference of nations in the internal affairs of other nations. It is so perverse that it would appear that there is a global strategy to reduce the world population. It is certainly happening in Canada, where it seems we cannot find enough professionals that we must go outside the country to find them, especially in the medical field, we are essentially robbing some third world countries of their life lines in the medical field. - HHW
Getting the U.S. Out of Abortion - By Joseph A. D'Agostino
In another gift just in time for Christmas, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has imposed sanctions on two groups in Peru that used American tax money to promote the legalization of the morning-after pill (MAP) in that country. Each will have to return part of its grant as a punishment for violating USAID policy. In response to information and a complaint from PRI's Latin American Director Carlos Polo, USAID decided to penalize the groups. Peru's constitution protects life from conception on, and a Peruvian court has declared that MAP, as an abortion-inducing drug, cannot be sold there.
USAID grantees have been promoting abortion, including MAP, in many countries for a long time now. The federal government's Mexico City policy prohibits the use of federal money for the promotion of any changes in abortion laws overseas, but this provision of law is often circumvented. In any case, USAID follows FDA policy, which classifies MAP as "emergency contraception" rather than as an abortifacient, even though many of MAP's medical promoters acknowledge that it sometimes causes an abortion rather than prevents conception.
However, USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health Kent Hill wrote in a December 13 letter to Polo that it is USAID policy to remain neutral on what he calls "emergency contraceptive pills" (ECPs) in Peru because "this issue has proven particularly controversial" in that country. As Carlos Polo says, "The point is not what the U.S. government thinks about ECPs but Peruvians' laws and thinking." The two grantees from which USAID is seeking a so-far-unspecified amount of money are the Peruvian ombudsman's office, called Defensoria del Pueblo, and a major Peruvian feminist group, Mañuela Ramos, which has received tens of millions of dollars in USAID funding.
The precedent set here is a big one. "We are the first organization to tell USAID about these activities with documented evidence and a strategy," Polo said. "During the last 20 years, I saw many complaints about USAID but no results. To the contrary, USAID officials saw pro-life groups as enemies denouncing USAID without much evidence."
Mañuela Ramos produces a television program called "Women's Bar" that Hill found violated USAID policy by promoting MAP. "We have been fighting against Mañuela Ramos and Defensoria for the last three years," Polo noted. "There have been a lot of 'Women's Bar' programs about MAP. The video we showed this time to USAID began with a phrase of the feminist moderator, 'I am tired of talking about this.'"
Polo hopes that this action by USAID will lead to more "respect for laws and customs of local people." Needless to say, pro-life people in Latin America and elsewhere do not receive a good impression of the United States when American government money is used to promote abortifacients in their countries.
The unfortunate reality is that in Peru, USAID was at the creation when it came to population control. "USAID funded the beginning of 'family planning,' now 'reproductive health,' programs as companies gave samples to promote their products," Polo explained. "They said it was international cooperation, but we now see clearly it was a business. Because now we Peruvians have to pay for the programs and contraceptives. And we will have to pay the consequences - aging people, scarcity of young people and workers, problems with women's health, etc."
Pro-life groups in other countries should monitor the activities of U.S.-funded feminist and environmentalist organizations. If these groups promote the morning-after pill or other forms of abortion, they should document the activity and submit the evidence along with a complaint to USAID. We'd be happy to help. In the meantime, we thank USAID for taking this action and hope other grantees will take serious notice. If you use U.S. funds to promote abortion or changes in local laws protecting life, you may have to give the money back.
Joseph A. D'Agostino is Vice President for Communications at the Population Research Institute.
PRI
P.O. Box 1559
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USA
Phone: (540) 622-5240 Fax: (540) 622-2728
Email: jad@pop.org
Media Contact: Joseph A. D'Agostino
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The pro-life Population Research Institute is dedicated to ending human rights
abuses committed in the name of "family planning," and to ending counter-productive
social and economic paradigms premised on the myth of "overpopulation."
USAID Seeks Reimbursement From Promoters Of Morning-After Pill
Is This the Beginning of Significant Reform?
To: National Desk
Contact: Joseph D'Agostino, Population Research Institute http://www.pop.org/, 540-622-5240 x 204, jad@pop.org
FRONT ROYAL, Va., Dec. 16 /Christian Wire Service http://www.christianwireservice.com/ - In response to a complaint from PRI's Latin American Director Carlos Polo, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has imposed sanctions on two groups in Peru that used American tax money to promote the legalization of the morning-after pill (MAP) in that country. Each will have to return part of their grant as a punishment for violating USAID policy.
"We are pleased to see the strong response of USAID headquarters in response to our complaint," said PRI President Steve Mosher. "Too often in the past, USAID grantees have interfered in political and legal debates in Third World countries over abortion and related matters in violation of U.S. policy with no consequences. This decision sends a strong message to grantees to get out of the business of promoting abortion, including the morning-after pill, or risk losing all or part of your funding."
The federal government's Mexico City policy prohibits the use of federal money for the promotion of any changes in abortion laws overseas. Unfortunately, USAID follows FDA policy, which classifies MAP as "emergency contraception" rather than as an abortifacient, even though MAP's medical promoters acknowledge that it sometimes causes an abortion rather than prevents conception. However, USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health Kent Hill wrote in a December 13 letter to Polo that it is USAID policy to remain neutral on what he calls "emergency contraceptive pills" (ECPs) in Peru because "this issue has proven particularly controversial" in that country.
"The point is not what the U.S. government thinks about ECPs but Peruvians' laws and thinking," said Polo. The two grantees from which USAID is seeking a so-far-unspecified amount of money are the Peruvian ombudsman's office, Defensoria del Pueblo, and a major Peruvian feminist group, Mañuela Ramos, which has received tens of millions of dollars in USAID funding.
"Pro-life groups in other countries should monitor the activities of U.S.-funded feminist and environmentalist groups. If these groups promote the morning-after pill or other forms of abortion, they should document the activity and submit the evidence along with a complaint to USAID," said Joseph A. D'Agostino, PRI's Vice President for Communications. "We thank USAID for taking these steps in Peru."
To schedule an interview or for more information, please call or e-mail Joseph D'Agostino at 540-622-5240 ext. 204 or jad@pop.org.
/Population Research Institute, 1190 Progress Dr.-Suite 2D, P.O. Box 1559, Front Royal, Va. 22630 USA/
The preceding was forwarded to you by the Christian Communication Network. You can always find the latest press releases at: http://www.christianwireservice.com/
Harper Won't Use Opt-Out Clause On Same-Sex - Friday, December 16, 2005
Globe And Mail - Harper Won't Use Opt-Out Clause On Same-Sex - By Brian Laghi, Daniel Leblanc and Bill Curry.
OTTAWA AND VANCOUVER - Conservative Leader Stephen Harper moved last night to inoculate himself from attack on the issue of same-sex marriage, revealing in the first federal election debate that he would not use the constitution's override clause to block the right of gays to get married.
Mr. Harper made the unexpected pledge during the French-language debate in Vancouver, while Liberal Leader Paul Martin and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe had focused on the sponsorship scandal, integrity and national unity.
On a question about gay rights, the Conservative Leader said that, while he would put the issue of gay marriage to the House of Commons for a vote, he would not try to get around any future court decisions by using the constitutional notwithstanding clause.
"No, I will never use the notwithstanding clause on this issue," Mr. Harper said. The pledge appears to take the sting out of Liberal attacks on Mr. Harper, although a surprised Mr. Martin attempted to press on with his charge nonetheless.
"If he is not ready to use the notwithstanding clause, he should say it clearly, and the people who support him will be aware of his position," Mr. Martin said.
Mr. Harper made his pledge after he was asked how he would react if he found out that one of his two children were gay.
"It's the job of a parent to always love our children. I love my children and will love them for all their life," Mr. Harper said.
In the debate, which took place in a Vancouver performing-arts theatre, Mr. Martin tried to win over crucial federalist Quebec votes by raising the spectre of another referendum. Mr. Duceppe kept the spotlight firmly focused on Liberal scandal as party leaders crossed sabres in the first of four debates leading up to the Jan. 23 election.
The French-language encounter was remarkable for a format that avoided interruption and direct confrontation. Also notable during the debate was a pledge by Mr. Martin to implement all of the recommendations Mr. Justice John Gomery makes in his second report on the sponsorship scandal, which is due in February. Mr. Duceppe, however, said the commission does not have the authority to sanction the Liberals and voters must do it.
"Judge Gomery concluded that the Liberal Party dishonored itself, that laws were violated, that a kickback system was established," Mr. Duceppe said.
"On Jan. 23, it will be up to you to vote and sanction the Liberals for the sponsorship scandal."
While Mr. Martin pledged to put into place Judge Gomery's proposals sight unseen, he also urged Canadians to move beyond the scandal.
At one point, Mr. Martin tried to take advantage of this week's contretemps with U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who criticized the Liberals for trying to bring the White House into the election campaign.
In his closing, Mr. Martin, holding up a fist, listed as one of his accomplishments "standing up in the face of the Americans when they taxed us unjustly on softwood lumber." Mr. Martin also played heavily on national unity - insisting that Mr. Duceppe's goal was another Quebec referendum.
"You want to divide Quebec families, but it's not going to happen," he said.
He added that Mr. Harper wanted to turn the country backward in a way that does not match Quebeckers' views, charging he is against Quebec's daycare system and the Kyoto accord on greenhouse-gas emissions, and for the U.S. missile-defence system and for sending troops to Iraq. (Mr. Harper's Conservatives do not support sending soldiers to Iraq and have only suggested a debate on whether to join the missile defence project.) NDP Leader Jack Layton attempted to hammer home the message that his party was the reason that some good things were accomplished by the previous Parliament.
"Because we had a minority government, we were able to get some results," he said.
Under the new format, the leaders answered videotaped questions from voters. The debate, however, lacked the fiery exchanges of past encounters, although the four still managed to turn questions into opportunities to criticize each other.
At stake in Quebec are as many as half of the Liberals' 21 seats in the province. Although the race appears to be between the Bloc and the Liberals, Mr. Harper stole some attention with his promise on gay marriage.
But Mr. Harper made a gaffe when he referred to French as Canada's "second" language.
After the debate, Mr. Harper noted that the Supreme Court never explicitly ruled the traditional definition of marriage unconstitutional, and although many legal scholars disagree, he argued that if Parliament reinstated it, it would have to be respected.
"Clearly, the Supreme Court has said that Parliament has the right to make the decision, and I think that is a point Mr. Martin keeps jumping over," Mr. Harper said.
Mr. Martin called the Conservative Leader disingenuous. "You cannot challenge a Charter right without using the notwithstanding clause," the Liberal Leader said. "There is no other way."
Leaders gave the new format mixed reviews.
Mr. Duceppe said that he was happy with the way it was managed, but missed the old set-up. "I have said I always like having interaction," he told reporters.
Mr. Layton said he found it enjoyable and respectful, if too short to allow him to attack Mr. Martin.
"I was only able to challenge about 10 broken promises. I had a list of about 100."
© Copyright 2005 Bell Globemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Individuals From Congregations In The Sackville-Eastern Shore Riding Sought
If you know anyone in the Sackville Eastern Shore riding, please pass this information along to them. It has been a number of years since we have had a traditional family friendly and prolife candidate in our riding and now is the time to get out the vote and support Paul Francis. Put party allegiances aside and vote for a person who values life, marriage and family. This is the moment we have hoped and prayed for, and now is the time to respond. We hope you have a joyous and Holy Christmas and that the Birth of the Infant Jesus will be a gentle reminder of the precious value of each human life. - Herm Wills
Dear Friends,
I trust and pray all is well with you. I am looking for individuals in congregations
that have people in the Sackville-Eastern Shore Riding.
As you probably have already heard I am running as the Conservative candidate
in this riding. I am looking for grassroots organizers who will call people
in their congregation on my behalf. They will inform them of whom I am and that
I am running. They will then ask for their support. Some may be willing to volunteer
in some capacity or to have a sign on their lawn.
You would then pass the names of potential supporters on to our data people
who would use that to call them on voting day to remind them to vote or you
could take that task on yourself.
Another idea would be to host a get out to vote party at your Church on January
23rd providing childcare to those who need it.
If you are interested in taking this on or know of someone who might please
get back to me.
Thanks for your help.
Paul
Canada In Population Crisis - Seniors To Outnumber Children In A Decade
Despite frightening future scenario, report does not mention need to assist families and encourage having children - By LifeSiteNews.com Staff
OTTAWA, December 15, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Canada's population is ageing fast and senior citizens will outnumber children in about a decade, according to new population projections released today by the official government statistical organization.
In all growth scenarios considered for the study, Statistics Canada reports that seniors aged 65 and over would become more numerous than children aged less than 15 around the year 2015. A situation the report describes as "an unprecedented situation in Canada."
By 2031, the number of people aged 65 and over would range between 8.9 million and 9.4 million, depending on the scenario selected, while the number of children would range between 4.8 million and 6.6 million.
While Canada's population is currently younger than the populations of most of the G8 countries, it is expected to age more rapidly in the coming years. This has been a direct result of the pronounced baby boom following the Second World War and the rapid decline in fertility that followed with the legalization and promotion of contraception and abortion and on-going, relentless implementation of Canadian government anti-family policies.
SHRINKING WORKFORCE AND BALLOONING OLD-AGE POPULATION
The findings of the research present a nightmare scenario for Canadian old age security and health care as the workforce shrinks and the percentage of retired Canadians balloons.
The projections show that population ageing, which has already begun, would accelerate in 2011 when the first baby-boom cohort (born in 1946) reaches the age of 65. This rapid ageing is projected to last until 2031, when seniors would account for between 23% and 25% of the total population.
In every projection scenario, the median age of Canada's population would continue to rise. The current median age of the population is 39, that is, half the population is older and half younger. By 2031, it would reach between 43 and 46. In 2056, it would be between 45 and 50.
In addition, the proportion of older seniors, people aged 80 years and over, would increase sharply in every projection scenario. By 2056, an estimated 1 out of 10 Canadians would be 80 years or over, compared with around 1 in 30 in 2005.
IMMIGRATION ALONE "CANNOT REVERSE"
The report stresses, "immigration alone cannot reverse this ageing trend."
However, the prospect of encouraging Canadians to have more children and assisting families is typically nowhere mentioned in the report.
In every projection scenario, the proportion of the working-age population, that is the population aged 15 to 64, would decline steadily in the 2010s and 2020s. Currently, the working-age population represents 70% of the total population. By the beginning of the 2030s, it would decline to 62%, then level off at about 60%.
WORKING CANADIANS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY MUCH MORE IN TAXES
Also, in every projection scenario, the demographic dependency ratio would increase rapidly until 2031. This ratio indicates the number of children aged less than 15 years and the number of seniors 65 and over for every 100 working-age people.
In 2005, for every 100 working-age people, there were 44 children and seniors. According to the low-growth scenario, it would start decreasing in 2017.
15 YEARS TILL DEATHS OUTNUMBER BIRTHS
In all the scenarios considered, natural increase would eventually become negative, that is, there would be more deaths than births. This would occur in 2020 under the low-growth scenario, in 2030 under the medium-growth scenario, and in 2046 under the high-growth scenario. As a result, international net migration would become the country's only source of population growth.
Immigration levels contribute heavily to the projected population growth at the national level, as the fertility rate is assumed to remain below the replacement level in all scenarios, a situation observed since the 1970s.
Joseph Califano Condemns "South Park" - December 12, 2005
On December 8, Catholic League president Bill Donohue issued a news release describing the script of a "South Park" episode that defiled the Virgin Mary: it showed a statue of her "bleeding out her ass." Later in the show it had a cartoon character of Pope Benedict XVI conclude that the bleeding was coming from her vagina.
This episode, "Bloody Mary," was aired on the eve of the Immaculate Conception, and on the holy day itself; the station is Comedy Central. Because of its vile nature, Donohue asked Joseph A. Califano, Jr. to intervene (the distinguished public servant and practicing Catholic sits on the board of directors of Viacom, the parent company of Comedy Central). He asked Califano to seek an apology and a pledge to permanently retire this episode; failing that, he requested Califano to issue his own statement of condemnation.
Donohue's request reached Califano on December 9, and that evening Califano released the following statement:
"Today I viewed the *South Park* segment about the Blessed Mother. I found it an appalling and disgusting portrayal of the Virgin Mary. It is particularly troubling to me as a Roman Catholic that the segment has run on the eve and day of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day for Roman Catholics.
"I have talked to Tom Freston, the president and chief executive of the New Viacom, and asked him to review this show and determine whether any action should be taken. That decision is his."
Bill Donohue commented today on Califano's statement:
"Joe Califano did not let us down. His unequivocal condemnation of this incredible assault on Catholic sensibilities is very much appreciated. We await Mr. Freston's response."
Kiera M. McCaffrey
Director of Communications
The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
450 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10123
212-371-3191
212-371-3394 (fax)
Universal Childcare, Maternal Labour Supply and Family Well-Being - Dec. 2, 2005
It seems strange that we need more daycare for less children in the population.
- HHW
From: Institute For Canadian Values, mailto:Institute.for.Canadian.Values
To: newsletters@canadianvalues.ca
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 4:11 PM
Subject: Institute for Canadian Values: Universal Childcare, Maternal Labour
Supply and Family Well-Being
Author: Research Findings - Date: Dec 02, 2005
Abstract
The growing labour force participation of women with small children in both the U.S. and Canada has led to calls for increased public financing for childcare. The optimality of public financing depends on a host of factors, such as the "crowd-out" of existing childcare arrangements, the impact on female labour supply, and the effects on child well-being. The introduction of universal, highly-subsidized childcare in Quebec in the late 1990s provides an opportunity to address these issues. We carefully analyze the impacts of Quebec's "$5 per day childcare" program on childcare utilization, labor supply, and child (and parent) outcomes in two parent families. We find strong evidence of a shift into new childcare use, although approximately one third of the newly reported use appears to come from women who previously worked and had informal arrangements. The labor supply impact is highly significant, and our measured elasticity of 0.236 is slightly smaller than previous credible estimates. Finally, we uncover striking evidence that children are worse off in a variety of behavioral and health dimensions, ranging from aggression to motor-social skills to illness. Our analysis also suggests that the new childcare program led to more hostile, less consistent parenting, worse parental health, and lower-quality parental relationships.
Authors: Michael Baker (University of Toronto), Jonathan Gruber (MIT) and Kevin Milligan (University of British Columbia)
To download the full document click here:
http://www.canadianvalues.ca/pdf/Universal_Childcare_Maternal_Labour_Supply_and_Family_Well-Being.pdf
Women's Suicide Rate Linked To Abortion
A 13-year analysis of the entire female population of Finland has found that the suicide rate among women, who had undergone an abortion in the year prior to being surveyed, was six times higher than for those who had given birth.
Conversely, as a Christian Wire Service news release http://www.earnedmedia.org/elliot1130.htm noted, the risk of death among women - whether by suicide, accidental injury or homicide - "was lowest among women who gave birth within the prior year." In fact, their death rate was less than half that of women who had not been pregnant during that previous 12 months.
The study, published in the /European Journal of Public Health http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/15/5/459/, appears to corroborate an earlier eight-year study done in California. It found that women who had undergone an abortion had a 154 per cent higher risk of death from suicide and an 82 per cent higher risk of death from accidental injuries than women who had given birth.
Other studies have also linked abortion to higher rates of substance abuse,
anxiety, sleep disorders, suicidal thoughts, psychiatric illness, relationship
problems, and risk-taking behaviour. All of these have the potential to increase
a women's risk of death by suicide or accident.
United Mothers, Fathers & Friends Newsletter - December 10, 2005
Please forward this newsletter along to others
1) Marriage - Alive and Kicking
2) Election 2006
3) Candidates Speak Out
4) Pat O'Brien and Grant Hill - A Golden Coalition
5) Our Election Campaign
6) Alberta Constitutional Amendment Update
"The issue's not dead and it won't be dead unless you buy into the spin that it's over. There are millions of Canadians who still care about this issue. Check the polls." - MP Pat O'Brien
1) Alive and Kicking
What do flogging a dead horse and defending marriage have in common? Nothing. Nada. Rien. Zip!
For too long Parliament and the Government of Canada have undermined and, now, "redefined" marriage. It is time for Parliament and the Government of Canada to support and to promote marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman, the foundation of families and Canadian society.
2) Election 2006
Congratulations to our 57,000 supporters from coast to coast!
You have made marriage an election issue. The letters and phone calls that you and thousands of others sent to politicians during the last parliament successfully got a message across to many politicians: this issue is not going away! Canadians are committed, over the long term, to the societal necessity of promoting marriage, family, free speech, and religious freedoms.
3) Candidates speak out
On the first day of the election, Stephen Harper took a stand in speaking out for marriage. He surprised many by stating that if his party was elected it would introduce a resolution regarding the definition of marriage. He was simply stating the policy declaration that was carried at the Conservative convention last spring. (See Policy Declaration #63 Family & Marriage http://www.conservative.ca/media/20050319-POLICY%20DECLARATION.pdf)
While many candidates are choosing to shy away from the marriage issue, many are sticking their necks out on this fundamental issue. We need to get behind those candidates who are proclaiming the importance of marriage and family.
4) Pat O'Brien & Grant Hill - A Golden Coalition
Adding their voices in support of marriage, former Liberal MP Pat O'Brien and retired Conservative MP Grant Hill, announced on November 22 that they have started "Vote Marriage, Canada!" a group that will spend the coming election campaign taking on candidates who support same-sex marriage.
Their goal is to elect a parliament which will restore the traditional definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others".
"Enshrine Marriage Canada (EMC) - indeed, all supporters of traditional marriage - congratulate Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Hill on this courageous effort to defend marriage" said EMC's Bill Gairdner. "Electing pro-traditional marriage Parliamentarians is a critical step in the effort to reverse the damaging effects of bill C-38 and in the effort to enshrine the traditional definition of marriage in the Constitution of Canada."
5) Our Election Campaign
In the coming election, 13 MPs who did not vote in support traditional marriage will not be seeking re-election. That's the good news! Unfortunately, however, 13 MPs who voted in support of traditional marriage will also not be running again. We need to replace these 26 politicians, and many more, with pro-family MPs.
To ensure that more pro-marriage and pro-family candidates are elected in the next election, UMFF is working diligently with a coalition of individuals and like minded organizations in identifying and taking action in approximately 50 key swing ridings where a pro-family candidate has a good chance of winning.
6) Alberta Constitutional Amendment Update
Statements made in the fall Alberta Assembly by MLA Paul Hinman on the marriage issue are also giving hope and inspiration to traditional marriage supporters across the country. Speaking to the Assembly, Mr. Hinman, recently elected leader of the Alliance Party, asked the Government of Alberta to live up to the promise it made to Albertans to defend traditional marriage in Alberta. Hinman asked if the Government would allow a province wide referendum, asking Albertans if they are in favour of protecting traditional marriage through an amendment to the Constitution of Canada.
Like British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Alberta has referendum legislation which requires a motion for a constitutional amendment to be approved by the people through the referendum process.
This spring, it is hoped that a resolution for a constitutional amendment, subject to a referendum, will be introduced and that the referendum will be held shortly thereafter to allow Albertans to ratify it. From the prairies we will press forward to six other provinces and finally Ottawa.
Merry Christmas! May the peace and love of "the baby born in Bethlehem" be in your heart this season and throughout the coming year.
Michele Dow,
United Mothers, Fathers and Friends
Women's Rights Not at the Expense of Human Rights - December 15, 2005
Forwarded On Behalf Of The Defend Marriage Coalition - Herm Wills
REAL Women of Canada - "Women's Rights Not at the Expense of Human Rights"
NGO in SPECIAL consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Dear Friends:
Further to yesterday's Alert with the attached pamphlet setting out the position of the three major parties on several key issues, I am now sending you the pamphlet with the desktop publishing error corrected (see Bookmark "Returning Stability To Canada - Defend Marriage" below for documents).
Please distribute this pamphlet as far and wide as possible. As I stated yesterday, this pamphlet is non-partisan and can be distributed in the churches as well as anywhere else you wish.
All best wishes for a wonderful Christmas.
God Bless you all.
Returning Stability To Canada - Defend Marriage
PDF Document / MS Word Document
Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
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