Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Philadelphia Priest and Lay Teacher Convicted on Most Counts in Child Sex Abuse Trial


January 30, 2013 3:39 PM


(Phila. PD photos)




Reporting Tony Hanson

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) –A Philadelphia jury today returned “guilty” verdicts on most counts against a former priest and a former lay teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Father Charles Engelhardt and lay teacher Bernard Shero were charged with sexually molesting the same boy in 1999 and 2000 (see related stories).

Earlier this afternoon, the jury told the judge that it was deadlocked on one of the charges but had reached a decision on all the others.

The judge, not willing to let the jury declare itself hung on that one remaining charge, sent the panel back to continue its deliberations.

But about an hour later, the jury announced that it was unable to reach a unanimous decisions on the one remaining charge against Engelhardt. The judge accepted their verdict on all the other charges and ordered both men, who had been free during the trial, taken into custody pending sentencing at a future date.



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US 'preppers' prepare for Armageddon


Society


Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:6PM


Chuck Izzo, a "prepper" sits in his basement where he stores emergency survival goods.


Driven by a fear of imminent societal collapse, terrorism and natural disasters, a new growing subculture of Americans have emerged who are preparing for Armageddon.

The group who refer to themselves informally as "preppers" have been growing in America over the past few years.

Preppers store food and supplies to survive and be self-reliant for a certain amount of time in case of environmental cataclysm.

Unlike survivalists of the 1990s, who were hoping to escape the dictates of what they perceived as an increasingly secular and oppressive government, preppers are worried about the end of a functioning US economy --a belief fueled by the fact that tens of millions of Americans are on food stamps and that many US children are living in poverty.

"A lot of Americans sense that a massive economic storm is coming and they want to be prepared for it," one prepper, Michael T. Snider says.

Another prepper, Tegeler, 57, says that in case of emergency, she could survive indefinitely in her home, and thinks that the time of emergency could come soon.

"I think this economy is about to fall apart," she said.

According to Cathy Gutierrez, an expert on end-times beliefs at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, such behaviors are not unnatural in a time of economic recession and a growing national debt.

PG/TE



Source

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Israel conducts airstrike on truck convoy in Syria, regional security forces say


Published January 30, 2013

Associated Press


BEIRUT – Israel conducted an airstrike inside Syria overnight near the border with Lebanon, hitting a convoy of trucks, U.S. and regional officials said Wednesday.

The regional officials said Israel had been planning in the days leading up to the airstrike to hit a shipment of weapons bound for the Islamist militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. They said the shipment included sophisticated, Russian-made SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles, which would be strategically "game-changing" in the hands of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has committed to Israel's destruction and has gone to war against the Jewish state in the past.

A U.S. official said the strike hit a convoy of trucks.

All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the strike.

The Israeli military declined to comment, and Syrian officials and state media were silent on the issue.

Top Israeli officials have recently expressed worries that if desperate, the regime of President Bashar Assad could pass chemical weapons to Hezbollah or other militant groups. U.S. officials say they are tracking Syria's chemical weapons and that they still appear to be solidly under regime control.

Among Israeli security officials' chief fears is that Hezbollah could get its hands on Syrian chemical arms and SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles. If that were to happen, it would change the balance of power in the region and greatly hinder Israel's ability to conduct air sorties in Lebanon.

Israel suspects that Damascus obtained a battery of SA-17s from Russia after an alleged Israeli airstrike in 2007 that destroyed an unfinished Syrian nuclear reactor.

Earlier this week, Israel moved a battery of its new "Iron Dome" rocket defense system to the northern city of Haifa, which was battered by Hezbollah rocket fire in the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The Israeli army called that move "routine."

The military in Lebanon, which shares borders with both Israel and Syria, said Wednesday that Israeli warplanes have sharply increased their activity over Lebanon in the past week, including at least 12 sorties in less than 24 hours in the country's south.

A senior Lebanese security official said there were no Israeli airstrikes inside Lebanese territory. Asked whether it could have been along the border on the Syrian side, he said that that could not be confirmed as it was out of his area of operations.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

A Lebanese army statement said the last of the sorties took place at 2 a.m. local time Wednesday. It said four warplanes which flew in over the southernmost coastal town of Naqoura hovered for several hours over villages in southern Lebanon before leaving Lebanese airspace.

It said similar flights by eight other warplanes were conducted Tuesday.

A Lebanese security official said the flights were part of "increased activity" in the past week but did not elaborate. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

The area of Lebanon where the flights took place borders southern Syria.

Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace are not uncommon and Lebanese authorities routinely lodge complaints at the U.N. against the flights.


Source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/30/israel-conducts-airstrike-on-syria-regional-security-forces-say/#ixzz2JU7LaQpi
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Steve Wohlberg - Israel delusion





ProphecyFoundation

Published on Apr 8, 2012


Newsweek Magazine, 1 Nov 1999 says: The predominant emphasis in Christian prophecy is on the return of the Jews to the Holy Land and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temp;. This is what Christian generally believes. They look at the Middle East and looking for this to happen. Is this what the Bible prophecies will happen at the end of time?

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Infant Baptism and 5-Point Calvinism are Limited



(Photo: Dan Delzell)

By Dan Delzell , Special to CP
January 24, 2013|7:55 am

Some spiritual practices and doctrinal positions held by Christians have definite limitations....and must be handled with care, lest people get the wrong idea about what it means to be spiritually reborn....and what it doesn't mean....and what the Bible means when it states that "God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

There are many mature Christians in the world today who believe that Scripture supports the questionable teachings of infant baptism and/or 5-Point Calvinism. I say "questionable" teachings because millions of their fellow believers (including mature believers) question these doctrines and find no support for them in Scripture.

Let's start with the historic practice of infant baptism. Why should parents who practice infant baptism be careful with this approach? Well....a big reason is because there are so many teenagers and adults who were baptized as infants....but are not spiritually reborn through faith in Christ. Some ministers and parents seem to assume that a baptized person is definitely a Christian. That is not always the case. Quite a few teenagers who were baptized as infants want little to do with Christ. Other teens appear outwardly moral, but not all of them are spiritually alive and connected to Christ through faith.

One should be cautious about allowing infant baptism to give you a false sense of security for your loved one. Christianity is much larger than that particular practice. It involves a relationship with Christ through faith. (see Romans 3:21-24) Also, there is good fruit in the life of a born again person. (see Matthew 7:16,17) Does your loved one in question have saving faith in Christ, and good fruit....or just baptism?

What if Martin Luther had continued to assume that just because he had been baptized as an infant, he was already a Christian? What if Luther never applied the Gospel message personally to his own soul....through faith....by trusting in what Jesus did for him on the cross? Look at all his teen and adult years where Martin Luther was spiritually dead....even after he had been baptized as an infant. Many teens and adults are in the same condition today.

So just be cautious if infant baptism is something your church practices. It doesn't guarantee that your child will grow up knowing the Lord....or will die one day knowing the Lord. Every person who desires to know Christ must repent and believe the good news, whether he was baptized as an infant or not. (see John 3:7) If he does repent and believe, he will then begin to follow Jesus. That's what Christians do.

There will be many people who were baptized as infants who do not make it into heaven. Were you aware of that fact? Even though they were baptized in the Presbyterian church....or Methodist....or Lutheran....or Catholic....or in some other denomination, their infant baptism did not result in securing eternal life for them. Why? Because they lived a life devoid of a relationship with Christ. Without repentance....and applying the Gospel to yourself through faith....there is no forgiveness, and no salvation.

If you assume that everyone who has been baptized is saved, you are as misguided as the person who assumes that everyone who has ever gone forward during an "altar call" is saved. Those spiritual practices have meaning, but "what counts is a new creation." (Galatians 5:16) "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." (2 Cor. 5:17) If he is not a new creation, then he is not saved....whether he has been baptized or not.

God has used many different people over the centuries who held varying perspectives on infant baptism. For example, untold thousands were brought to Christ during the 18th century through the ministries of these men who practiced infant baptism: John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards. Does that surprise you? Whatever your view on infant baptism, just try to appreciate how God chooses to work mightily through many of His children who don't share your view on that issue.

Infant baptism is not the only Christian practice which requires caution. One must also be careful with the system of theology known as "5-Point Calvinism." The proponents of this view are convinced the Bible supports all 5 points. Many believers beg to differ, at least on one or more of the points. If you are not familiar with the 5 points, it is an easy thing to research as you acquaint yourself with these ideas.

I have the love of Christ in my heart for 5-Point Calvinists....and I am inspired by their zeal for the Word and for genuine discipleship. I wish all Christians loved the Scriptures the way most 5-Point Calvinists do. I am simply expressing the concern many Christians have about certain aspects of their doctrine. Hopefully, some 5-Point Calvinists will be open to reconsidering "limited atonement" and "double predestination." I do not believe these particular doctrines are taught in Scripture....and therefore I do not believe these positions bring glory to the Lord.

Like millions of believers today, I find passages in Scripture that describe Jesus dying for His sheep. (see John 10:15) I find other passages which describe Jesus dying for everyone in the world. (see Hebrews 2:9) And I find still other passages stating Christ died for His sheep, AND for all people in the world. (see 1 John 2:2) But I do not find so much as one passage in God's inerrant Word which says Christ died ONLY for His sheep. This is why "limited atonement" is such a disturbing teaching....because it is not taught in the Bible....and because it claims that Jesus died only for the "elect" who will believe....but not for everyone else....and that everyone else is essentially "ineligible" for salvation from the moment they come into this world.

The doctrine of limited atonement robs Christ of some of His glory because it misrepresents what Christ accomplished on the cross. I understand that some faithful believers hold to the teaching of limited atonement (also known as "particular redemption")....and I am thankful that we will enjoy wonderful fellowship with one another in heaven. Here on earth, however, we would be remiss to pretend that the doctrine of limited atonement is not really all that significant, one way or the other. I believe it is vitally important, and that is has definite implications for evangelism....and prayer....and the purity of the Gospel itself.

I would like to offer 7 prayers which could be prayed by 5-Point Calvinists....and are in accord with their positions. I offer these prayers without an ounce of disrespect for these men of God and brothers in Christ who love the Lord. I do not question the sincerity and the commitment of those men who subscribe to these doctrines. (Aren't most 5-Pointers men?) I simply find myself being compelled, in love, to address these concerns.

If nothing else, perhaps some 5-Pointers will come to recognize that they don't necessarily have a lock on the doctrine of predestination....and that they have overstepped biblical revelation by insisting that God predestined multitudes of people to hell.

So what are these 7 prayers 5-Pointers could pray? Well....here they are....and if you are a 5-Pointer, please receive this in the spirit in which it is given....coming from a brother, who like you, loves the Lord and is passionate about true doctrine and reaching others for Christ.

1. "Lord, save my unbelieving uncle....if he is one of the elect."

2. "Lord, save my unbelieving neighbor....if she is one of the elect you died to save."

3. "Thank you Lord for dying on the cross for those people who belong to the elect."

4. "Help me Lord to be careful when I preach the Gospel that I do not give the impression that Christ died for everyone."

5. "Lord, lead my teenage daughter to have faith in You....if she is predestined to be one of your sheep."

6. "Thank you Lord for determining before a person is born whether You have predestined him to go to heaven....or predestined him to go to hell."

7. "Thank you Lord for making me your child and a 5-Point Calvinist, as compared to the other perspectives of my fellow believers."

It boils down to whether you believe the Bible teaches "single predestination," or "double predestination." One is biblical, and yet seems to be illogical. The other is unbiblical, and yet seems logical to some believers. The biblical doctrine of single predestination is not the only doctrine in the Bible which seems to defy logic. So also does the doctrine of the Trinity. Both doctrines are accepted by believers because the Holy Spirit gives us the discernment to believe them.

In the case of predestination, human logic teaches man that if God predestined believers to heaven….then likewise, He must have predestined the rest of humanity to hell. That is an abhorrent teaching, and it is found nowhere in Scripture. It is found only in the logic of man, including the logic of some Christians.

The doctrine of single predestination in the Bible has been placed there by the Holy Spirit to comfort God's children with the assurance of their salvation. It is addressed to believers....and not unbelievers. Not a word is said in Scripture to support the unholy doctrine of double predestination.

Everyone is commanded to repent. (see Acts 17:30) Anyone can come to Christ. "Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Rev. 22:17) Salvation is available to all because "Christ died for sins once for all." (1 Peter 3:18) The Scriptures make it clear that Christ is "the Savior all men, and especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10) How much clearer could it be?

What if those believers who mistakenly use their logic to come up with double predestination were to also use their logic with the doctrine of the Trinity? Scripture clearly teaches that there is only One God. Human logic does not do well when trying to "fit" Three Persons into One God….and yet, that is what the Bible reveals to us….and it is what the Holy Spirit gives Christians the discernment to believe….even though it appears illogical to say there are Three Persons in One God.

If those who embrace all 5 points of modern Calvinism were to "back off" on their logical deduction of double predestination….and just go with what Scripture says about single predestination….there might be little disagreement among Christians on this issue. As it is, these conflicting views certainly do not keep either "camp" from being spiritually united with one another in the body of Christ. As St. John told us, "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

Dr. Ron Rhodes is a "4-Point Calvinist." He writes, "If Christ died only for the elect, how can the offer of salvation be made to all persons without some sort of insincerity, artificiality, or dishonesty being involved?" He is right on target. So if you have bought into 5-Point Calvinism, the message here is...."buyer beware."

In contrast to the "5-Point" prayers, here are 7 prayers which Christians who believe in single predestination and unlimited atonement could sincerely pray:

1. "Lord, save my unbelieving uncle....and I have absolute confidence from your Word that Jesus died for him and wants him in heaven."

2. "Lord, save my unbelieving neighbor....and thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for her sins."

3. "Thank you Lord for giving your life for the sins of everyone in the world, just as your Word says."

4. "Help me Lord to be careful when I preach the Gospel that I make it clear that Christ died "once for all." (1 Peter 3:18)

5. "Lord, bring my teenage daughter to faith in You....because I know you love her and want her in heaven."

6. "Thank you Lord for determining before a person is born that he or she, like all people, is eligible for salvation through repentance and faith in Christ."

7. "Thank you Lord for making me your child and for teaching me the truth about single predestination and unlimited atonement, and thank you for my fellow Christians who have different views than my own on this issue."

One day, we who are in God's family will all be together in heaven. Perhaps the Lord will sit us down and fully explain these issues to us....or perhaps He won't need to do so. "Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Cor. 13:12)

In the meantime, we can thank the Lord for all that He is accomplishing in His kingdom through faithful Christians who hold different views from one another on baptism....and on predestination and limited atonement....and yet, are in complete agreement with one another that only the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Where we agree with one another in God's family is greater than where we disagree.

At the end of the day, all believers are related to one another through Christ's blood....and we have an eternal connection with each other because of the love of God. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (Ephesians 1:7) How cool is that!

And besides....I have never heard of a family where everyone agrees with one another on every issue....have you?


Dan Delzell is the pastor of Wellspring Lutheran Church in Papillion, Neb. He is a regular contributor to The Christian Post.


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Christians ask for one church during Week of Prayer


Hundreds gather to seek unity among churches


By Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel

5:20 a.m. EST, January 29, 2013



Can Christians shed their denominational loyalties to become one church? Hundreds of South Florida congregants who have high hopes for unity gathered in Palm Beach County churches last week to pray for a single Christian faith.

Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists: All asked for guidance, respectful dialogue, cooperation and an emphasis on what the denominations have in common.

"The differences between us are not that great," said Kenneth Vianale, a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church west of Boca Raton who is studying to become a deacon. "There has been foolishness on all sides, and we are ready for a thaw."


Each denomination believes in the Trinity and Jesus Christ as their savior, and reads the same 27 books of the New Testament, Vianale said. But differences persist on issues such as the primacy of the Pope and the sacraments.

Vianale, an attorney, reached out to a former colleague, the Rev. Russell Silverglate, a former attorney and pastor of Hammock Street Church, a Presbyterian congregation west of Boca Raton. Silverglate attended a Week of Prayer ceremony at Vianale's church and said he was thrilled to speak at a Catholic church for the first time.

"Our differences are more like a family squabble," Silverglate said. "We are all supposed to be one. We're not supposed to be divided."

Although a Great Schism in 1054 split the Latin-speaking church based in Rome from the Greek-speaking Eastern churches, the 16th-century Reformation initiated by Martin Luther spurred the separation of Catholics and Protestants. That split led to wars, family divisions, new churches and new Christian religions.

In 1965, the Second Vatican Council urged Catholics to embrace fellow baptized Christians without sacrificing their own beliefs. They were encouraged to pray together and learn from each other. The council's Decree on Ecumenism listed Christian unity as a primary goal.

Although many say the ecumenical enthusiasm of the 1960s and 1970s has waned, many Catholics still seek to find common ground with Christians and non-Christians. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, begun in 1908 by the Graymoor Franciscan Friars, has become the focus of interfaith activities at many churches.

Still, the week is not the only outreach program in the Diocese of Palm Beach. Year-round activities include monthly meetings among pastors and rabbis, social justice events and holiday gatherings such as an interfaith Thanksgiving service.

"We are building relationships," said Dennis Demes, a deacon and chair of the Diocesan Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. "Hearts are moved through these relationships. I just keep learning."

The Rev. Steven Thomas, of St. David's in the Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington, said the interfaith services he has attended for the past few years have taught him to be patient about the goal of unity.

Thomas said he was hopeful after the Second Vatican Council but thinks Christians have entered an "ecumenical autumn," with less enthusiasm and hope for a single church.

"It may not happen in our lifetime," Thomas said, "but you don't give up."

Lsolomon@tribune.com or 561-243-6536


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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Train up a child





Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6



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Bob Menendez and Marco Rubio? Marco Rubio, Bob Menendez?

All of the sudden as 2013 kicks into gear two Cuban American Senators Bob Menendez and Marco Rubio have taken the spotlight. Why?

Last week, these same men headlined at Hillary R. Clinton's Benghazi Attack Hearings; This week they are front and center at the Immigration Reform Plan. Why?

It's a Jersey City-Miami thing? Is it a Northeast-South Florida phenomenon?

These two out of 100 are best suited for this job?

Why are they so prominent? So Prolific?

Somehow I feel a star is being created; someone  is being groomed, catapulted to the top.



Philadelphia Inquirer (blog) 


Marco Rubio, Bob Menendez Launch into Espanol at Press ...


Marco Rubio, Bob Menendez Launch into Espanol at Press Conference ... Menendez and Rubio apparently caught cable news networks and ...




















Senators: Immigration reform to come by summer

... Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, one of the proposal's architects. Another co-sponsor, Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio, said ”This ...



Hillary Clinton Testifies on Benghazi, Robert Menendez and Marco ...

Two Latinos played prominent roles in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Wednesday in which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ...



What Menendez, Rubio said about Clinton's testimony on Benghazi ...

VOXXI-by Griselda Nevarez-Jan 23, 2013

Among them were senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). During her testimony, Clinton defended the actions she and ...



lllllllllllllllllllllll~~~~~~~~~~~~~~lllllllllllllllllllllll



Last week:



Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Chairman John F. Kerry (D) Massachusetts

Ranking Member Bob Corker (R) Tennessee


Majority

Barbara Boxer (D) California

Robert Menendez (D) New Jersey

Benjamin L. Cardin (D) Maryland

Robert P. Casey Jr (D) Pennsylvania

Jeanne Shaheen (D) New Hampshire

Christopher Coons (D) Delaware

Tom Udall (D) New Mexico

Chris Murphy (D) Connecticut

Tim Kaine (D) Virginia


Minority

James E. Risch (R) Idaho

Marco Rubio (R) Florida

Ron Johnson (R) Wisconsin

Jeff Flake (R) Arizona

John McCain (R) Arizona

John Barrasso (R) Wyoming

Rand Paul (R) Kentucky




This week:


The Immigration Overhaul Group:
The plan was backed by Republicans McCain, Marco Rubio of Florida, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Jeff Flake of Arizona; and Democrats Schumer, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Robert Menendez of New Jersey, and Michael Bennet of Colorado.


ON ANOTHER NOTE:



BTW, the same Senate Foreign Relations Committee of which John F. Kerry is the Chairman, will vote today for his confirmation as U. S. Secretary of State. A sure [Neighborly] thing...



NDTV

Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote on Kerry nomination Tuesday

NOLA.com ‎- 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to vote Tuesday on President Barack Obama's nomination of Sen.


.......

Antonin Scalia: The Constitution is 'dead'






'The judge who always likes the results he reaches is a bad judge,' Scalia said. | AP Photo


By KATIE GLUECK | 1/29/13 8:26 AM EST


Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says the Constitution is “dead, dead, dead,” rather than a “living document.”

“It’s not a living document,” Scalia said on Monday while speaking at Dallas-based Southern Methodist University, according to a report from the Dallas Morning News. “It’s dead, dead, dead.” 

He appeared with SMU law professor Bryan A. Garner, with whom Scalia has written books, as they also addressed keeping personal views out of legal interpretation.

“The judge who always likes the results he reaches is a bad judge,” Scalia said.

Scalia, a Reagan appointee, noted that he has not “expressed my views” on gay marriage and gun control, the report said.


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Monday, January 28, 2013

Constitution of the United States


Current United States Roman Catholic Supreme Court 
(Front row left, Clarence ThomasAntonin ScaliaJohn G. RobertsAnthony M. Kennedy; Standing, Sonia Sotomayor; Second from left, Samuel A. Alito.)  
The other three Justices are Jewish.

~~~

Many people wonder whether Ellen G. White was a prophet, and if Adventists have a proper interpretation of Prophecy?   


And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 18:20, 21
How many other Christian denominations have or have had a prophet that foretold the erosion of our Constitutional rights and the imposition of tyrannical laws? 
Which other prophet foresaw our nation's Constitution (and mentioned it specifically) repudiated?  

Well, with this in mind let's look at what Ellen G. White foresaw about the United States Constitution.  

000

Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the phrase . . .


Constitution of the United States


By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {5T 451.1}


By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {Mar 216.2}


By the decree of enforcing the institution of the Papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and Republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan, and that the end is near.-- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 451. {ChS 160.4}

When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.-- 5T 451 (1885). {LDE 131.4}

By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation [the United States] will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. {Mar 190.1}

A time is coming when the law of God is, in a special sense, to be made void in our land. The rulers of our nation will, by legislative enactments, enforce the Sunday law, and thus God's people be brought into great peril. When our nation, in its legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance, and bringing oppressive power to bear against those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to all intents and purposes, be made void in our land; and national apostasy will be followed by national ruin. We see that those who are now keeping the commandments of God need to bestir themselves, that they may obtain the special help which God alone can give them. They should work more earnestly to delay as long as possible the threatened calamity. If, in our land of boasted freedom, a Protestant government should sacrifice every principle which enters into its Constitution, and propagate papal falsehood and delusion, well may we plead, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law." Some may think that because it has been revealed in prophecy that our nation shall restrict the consciences of men, it must surely come; and that if we make an effort to preserve our liberty, we shall be acting the part of unfaithful servants, and thus come under the condemnation of God. {RH, December 18, 1888 par. 6}


The Constitution of the United States guarantees


"The Constitution of the United States guarantees liberty of conscience. Nothing is dearer or more fundamental. Pope Pius IX, in his Encyclical Letter of August 15, 1854, said: `The absurd and erroneous doctrines or ravings in defense of liberty of conscience are a most pestilential error--a pest, of all others, most to be dreaded in a state.' The same pope, in his Encyclical Letter of December 8, 1864, anathematized `those who assert the liberty of conscience and of religious worship,' also 'all such as maintain that the church may not employ force.' Great Controversy, page 564.5


This BEAST not only compels the earth and its inhabitants to worship the first beast, as above noticed, but it causes them that dwell upon the earth to make an image to the first beast. The can be done only by a UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE, or by so subordinating the CIVIL to the ECCLESIASTICAL POWER that the state will be compelled to enforce the tenets and requirements of the CHURCH. A RELIGIOUS AMENDMENT to the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES would speedily insure that result. {4SP 503.3}


We have now an exhibition in our land of how serious a matter it is to lightly esteem, or rise up against, and prove disloyal to, the government or constitution of our land. And then consider how high a crime it must be to trample upon and despise the laws of God's government, and bow to, and reverence, an institution of [the] Papacy, framed by the Man of Sin, who exalted himself above God, and who is the great enemy of God. Is not this the highest and most heaven-daring rebellion? Does it not deserve the highest punishment? Will God take to heaven, and into his own glorious presence, those who are living in open violation of one of the plainest precepts of the decalogue? No, no. It can never be that he will take those who are living in rebellion to his holy law to heaven, among pure angels who delight to do his will, and obey the laws of his righteous government, for there would be a second rebellion in heaven. The indignation of heaven is aroused at man's open and daring rebellion against God's holy law. {RH, September 16, 1862 par. 3}


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Memory Loss in Elderly Caused by Poor Sleep


Posted by David Arnold on Jan 28th, 2013



Researc
hers from the University of California at Berkley found a link between memory loss and the deterioration of the brain and poor sleep, among elderly adults.

Researchers said they found that during sleep, that is deep and restorative, slow brain waves normally take place in younger people and play a key role in the transference of memories between the brain’s hippocampus, the area that stores memories for the short term and the prefrontal cortex the area that provides storage of memories over the long term.

However, in the elderly, memories at times become stuck in the hippocampus due to poor deep sleep and therefore less slow waves are created. That causes some of the short term memories to be written over by new ones, said researchers. The new discovery has created an opportunity to give a boost to sleep quality among elderly people in an attempt to improve their overall memory.

The findings also give reason to some of the forgetfulness that is common amongst the elderly including having a difficult time remembering names.

Adults that are considered healthy tend to spend about a quarter of their night of sleep in a deep non-rapid eye movement phase known as REM. That form of sleep is the best at generating slow waves in the frontal lobe of the brain. In elderly people that have a deterioration of that region of the brain have been linked to not having sufficient deep sleep, said the findings in the recent study.

More similar types of studies must be performed by researchers, to help enhance the sleep of the elderly and find a way to increase their overnight memory.


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West Point center cites dangers of ‘far right’ in U.S.


By Rowan Scarborough


The Washington Times

Thursday, January 17, 2013

**FILE**
A U.S. flag flies July 3, 2012, over a field during

Audio

Audio Clip: 01-18-13 Rowan Scarborough with Andy Parks



A West Point think tank has issued a paper warning America about “far right” groups such as the “anti-federalist” movement, which supports “civil activism, individual freedoms and self-government.”

The report issued this week by the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., is titled “Challengers from the Sidelines: Understanding America’s Violent Far-Right.”

The center — part of the institution where men and women are molded into Army officers — posted the report Tuesday. It lumps limited government activists with three movements it identifies as “a racist/white supremacy movement, an anti-federalist movement and a fundamentalist movement.”

The West Point center typically focuses reports on al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists attempting to gain power in Asia, the Middle East and Africa through violence.

But its latest study turns inward and paints a broad brush of people it considers “far right.”

It says anti-federalists “espouse strong convictions regarding the federal government, believing it to be corrupt and tyrannical, with a natural tendency to intrude on individuals’ civil and constitutional rights. Finally, they support civil activism, individual freedoms, and self government. Extremists in the anti-federalist movement direct most their violence against the federal government and its proxies in law enforcement.”

The report also draws a link between the mainstream conservative movement and the violent “far right,” and describes liberals as “future oriented” and conservatives as living in the past.

“While liberal worldviews are future- or progressive -oriented, conservative perspectives are more past-oriented, and in general, are interested in preserving the status quo.” the report says. “The far right represents a more extreme version of conservatism, as its political vision is usually justified by the aspiration to restore or preserve values and practices that are part of the idealized historical heritage of the nation or ethnic community.”

The report adds: “While far-right groups’ ideology is designed to exclude minorities and foreigners, the liberal-democratic system is designed to emphasize civil rights, minority rights and the balance of power.”

The report says there were 350 “attacks initiated by far-right groups/individuals” in 2011.

Details about what makes an attack a “far right” action are not clear in the report, which was written by Arie Perliger, who directs the center’s terrorism studies and teaches social sciences at West Point.

A Republican congressional staffer who served in the military told The Washington Times: “If [the Defense Department] is looking for places to cut spending, this junk study is ground zero.

“Shouldn’t the Combating Terrorism Center be combating radical Islam around the globe instead of perpetuating the left’s myth that right-wingers are terrorists?” the staffer said. “The $64,000 dollar question is when will the Combating Terrorism Center publish their study on real left-wing terrorists like the Animal Liberation Front, Earth Liberation Front, and the Weather Underground?”



Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/17/west-point-center-cites-dangers-far-right-us/#ixzz2JIMIG9Mv

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Senior British figures linked to paedophile ring



Former officials from the British Establishment have been linked to organized child sex abuse.

Mon Jan 28, 2013 5:20 PM GMT



A group of former officials from the British political establishment has been linked to organized child sex abuse, which is said to have taken place in the early 1980s.

The Metropolitan Police of London launched a full-scale criminal investigation called Operation Fernbridge 10 days ago, into the past claims of perverted activity, but police officials did not provide full details.

So far, several former members of the Conservative party have been named on the internet in relation to the case of the emerging paedophile ring, including an ex-Cabinet member and other former government ministers, MPs, and officials of the right-wing Monday Club.

The claims have been published widely on the internet in around 60 documents reported to have been part of a dossier gathered by concerned care worker Mary Moss.

Among the top figures involved include at least one ex-Labour MP, ex-Liberal MP Cyril Smith, former Richmond councillors and officials, a number of top lawyers, police officers and one-time leader of the National Socialist Movement in Britain Colin Jordan.

Images posted recently that are alleged to come from Moss’s dossier feature typed and handwritten notes, names and addresses, which are said to have been recorded by at least one care worker seeking allegations of systematic child sex abuse at the Elm Guest House in Barnes between 1979 and 1983.

The launched investigation follows Labour MP Tom Watson's October demand for an inquiry into an alleged paedophile ring which he claimed reached the top of the British establishment.

BGH/MOL/HE


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Experts Warn North Korean Rhetoric May Be Serious


Monday, January 28, 2013




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00:44 / 03:58

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After the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved new sanctions against North Korea, the country's new leader called for all out action against America. Renee Montagne talks to Georgetown professor Victor Cha about North Korea's latest possible threat.


Source: NPR


Rwe.
Note:

Professor Victor D. Cha (Ph.D. Columbia, MA Oxford, BA Columbia) is director of Asian Studies and holds the D.S. Song Chair in the Department of Government and School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.



Victor Cha
Former Director for Asian Affairs
National Security Council


In December 2004, Dr. Victor D. Cha joined the National Security Council as Director for Asian Affairs (Japan/Korea/Australia/New Zealand). Before entering government, Dr. Victor Cha (Ph.,D. Columbia, BA/MA Oxford) held the D. S. Song-Korea Foundation Chair in Asian Studies and Government in the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.

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Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord



1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

2 Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Psalm 33
King James Version (KJV)
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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Canadian woman makes history as first gay province leader


Kathleen Wynne's successful bid to become Ontario premier means country's four most powerful provinces are female-led


Reuters in Toronto
The Guardian, Sunday 27 January 2013 11.42 EST


Kathleen Wynne gives a victory speech after winning her leadership bid to become the new premier of Ontario. Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters


Ontario's Liberals have chosen a former cabinet minister to become the province's first female premier and first openly gay leader of a Canadian province.

In her acceptance speech as the new provincial Liberal party leader, Kathleen Wynne, 59, a former Ontario education minister, thanked her partner, Jane, for her support during a three-month campaign. Ontario was one of the first Canadian provinces to allow same-sex marriage.

Wynne's victory means Canada's four most powerful provinces will all be led by women. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec already have female premiers. Women are also at the helm in the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador and in the thinly populated Arctic territory of Nunavut.

Wynne replaces Dalton McGuinty, who said in October he was stepping down as party leader and premier, amid controversy over costly cancellations of two natural gas power plants and battles with teachers over provincial plans to freeze wages.

The centre-left Liberals have been in power for nine years in Ontario, which is Canada's most populous province. It is also home to most of the country's banks and a large part of its manufacturing sector. But the party lost seats in the 2011 provincial election and needs support from at least one other party to stay in power.

The left-leaning New Democrats are the natural ally for Wynne, who has a reputation for seeking compromise and is viewed as being to the left of other Ontario Liberals.

In her address to the party faithful, she invited leaders from both opposition parties to work with her to advance the interests of Ontario communities. "But make no mistake. If that stops working, I will fight them for every seat, for every poll, for every vote in the next election," she said.

The Liberals are facing a C$12bn (£7.5bn) budget deficit. They have vowed to curb growth in spending, as modest economic growth hurts revenues, and say it will take five more years to balance the budget.

Ontario accounts for roughly 40%of Canadian gross domestic product and is among the largest sub-national borrowers in the world, issuing bonds worth nearly C$35bn in 2012.


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Police: 6 wounded by gunfire during melee at headquarters of main Dominican opposition party


Published January 27, 2013

Associated Press


SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – A melee erupted Sunday at the headquarters of the Dominican Republic's main opposition party and at least six people were wounded by gunfire, according to police and party officials.

Dominican Revolutionary Party president Miguel Vargas said the violence broke out when partisans of former President Hipolito Mejia attempted to take over the party's offices in Santo Domingo during a Sunday meeting of party organizers.

Vargas alleged that the mob was "hired and directed" by Mejia, who was expelled from his own party earlier this month after a disciplinary panel found him guilty of insubordination, divisiveness and promoting actions for personal benefit. Three other politicians also were expelled for the same reasons after an internal power struggle.

Police spokesman Maximo Baez said detectives are investigating and authorities have taken control of the party's headquarters. One of the injured people was a cameraman for a local TV news station that was covering the meeting, he said.

Mejia and the three other expelled politicians had been prevented from attending Sunday's meeting and warned to keep their distance. They were accused of trying to oust Vargas after Mejia lost the general election in May. Mejia blamed his loss on Vargas, insisting he had formed a pact with the ruling Dominican Liberation Party.

Mejia had sought to control the party ever since he beat Vargas in the 2011 primaries, which Vargas claimed were rigged.

The former president, who calls himself "Papa," told reporters after the melee that police must carry out an investigation to determine who was responsible for the violence.

"We have not done an assessment of what happened nor do we know what will happen to the party," he said.

Mejia was the Dominican Republic's president from 2000-2004, a period marked by a deep economic crisis after three banks collapsed. He lost a bid for a second presidential term in 2004 and he also lost the last general election after the first round in May. Mejia won nearly 47 percent of the vote during last year's election, but Danilo Medina of the Dominican Liberation Party won over 51 percent, enough to avoid a runoff.

Politics in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, largely revolves around the two main parties. The ruling Dominican Liberation Party is considered center-right and the PRD center-left, but their difference largely turn on personality, loyalty and patronage.



Source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/27/police-6-wounded-by-gunfire-during-melee-at-headquarters-main-dominican/

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'Monsignor Meth' dealt drugs, bought sex shop, feds say

By Dave Collins Associated Press

POSTED: 05:00 a.m. HST, Jan 27, 2013
LAST UPDATED: 05:04 a.m. HST, Jan 27, 2013


Watch PIX Video:
http://landing.newsinc.com/shared/video.html?freewheel=90719&sitesection=honolulu&VID=24261411



ASSOCIATED PRESS / MAY 2006
Monsignor Kevin Wallin spoke at the Catholic Center, headquarters of the Diocese of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport, Conn. Wallin, of Waterbury, Conn., awaits a March 2013 trial on federal charges of shipping methamphetamine from California to his apartment and making more than $300,000 in drug sales in the second half of 2012. He was one of five people arrested and indicted by a grand jury in January 2013.


HARTFORD, Conn. » To onlookers, Monsignor Kevin Wallin's fall from grace at his Connecticut parish was like something out of "Breaking Bad," the television series about a high school chemistry teacher who becomes a methamphetamine lord.

The suspended Roman Catholic priest was arrested on federal drug charges this month for allegedly having methamphetamine mailed to him from co-conspirators in California and making more than $300,000 in drugs sales out of his apartment in Waterbury in the second half of last year.

Along the way, authorities said, he bought a small adult video and sex toy shop in the nearby town of North Haven named "Land of Oz & Dorothy's Place," apparently to launder all the money he was making. He has pleaded not guilty, and jury selection in his trial is scheduled to begin March 21.

On social media sites, people couldn't help but compare Wallin with Walter White, the main character on "Breaking Bad" who was making so much cash that he and his wife bought a car wash to launder their profits. He has also been dubbed in some media as "Monsignor Meth."

Wallin, 61, was the pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Bridgeport for nine years until he resigned in June 2011, citing health and personal problems. He previously served six years as pastor of St. Peter's Church in Danbury until 2002.

He was granted a sabbatical in July 2011. The Diocese of Bridgeport suspended him from public ministry last May.

Diocesan officials become concerned about Wallin in the spring of 2011 after complaints about his appearance and erratic behavior, diocese spokesman Brian Wallace told the Connecticut Post.

Some reports of his behavior were startling.

"We became aware that he was acting out sexually — with men — in the church rectory," Wallace told the newspaper, adding that church officials deemed the sexual behavior unbecoming of a priest and asked Wallin to resign.

Wallace didn't return several messages left by The Associated Press.

"News of Monsignor Kevin Wallin's arrest comes with a sense of shock and concern on the part of the diocese and the many people of Fairfield County who have known him as a gifted, accomplished and compassionate priest," the diocese said in a statement on Jan. 16 after learning about Wallin's arrest. "We ask for prayers for Monsignor Wallin during the difficult days ahead for him."

Wallin's arrest called attention to larger problems within the church, said Voice of the Faithful in the Diocese of Bridgeport, one of many local chapters of the lay organization formed in response to the sexual abuse crisis in the church.

"Catholics have to ask whether the mandatory obligation of celibacy imposes a harmful burden on priests and whether women ought to be admitted to the priesthood," the group said in a statement. "The steady decline in the number of priests, the aging of priests, the terrible sin of pedophilia among priests, and the downfall of Monsignor Wallin are all signs of a sickness in the priesthood. It is time to seek a remedy for this awful malady that threatens the Eucharist, the center of Catholic life."

Elizabeth Badjan, a member of the St. Augustine congregation, told The New York Times that Wallin needed the prayers of parishioners.

"This is all the work of evil," she said as she left Mass last weekend. "He was not close enough to God. He was tempted by the devil."

Wallin's case has drawn comparisons to that of the Rev. Ted Haggard, a well-known evangelical megachurch pastor in Colorado who was forced out of his job in 2006 after a male escort alleged Haggard had paid him for sex and bought crystal meth.

Federal agents arrested Wallin on Jan. 3, and a grand jury indicted him and four other people on drug charges on Jan. 15. All are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine and 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, a crime that carries 10 years to life in prison upon conviction.

Wallin is also charged with six counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Last July, Drug Enforcement Administration agents in New York told agents in the New Haven office that there was an unidentified Connecticut-based drug trafficker distributing methamphetamine in the region. Two months later, an informant told the DEA that the trafficker was Wallin, according to an affidavit by agent Jay Salvatore in New Haven.

The Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force was also investigating Wallin.

Authorities said an undercover officer with the state task force bought methamphetamine from Wallin six times from Sept. 20 to Jan. 2, paying more than $3,400 in total for 23 grams of the drug.

Federal agents also say they learned through wiretaps and informants about other sales Wallin was making.

Connecticut U.S. Attorney David Fein said federal and state authorities worked together in "the dismantling of what we allege was a significant methamphetamine distribution organization that spanned from California to Connecticut."

Also charged in the case were Kenneth Devries, 52, of Waterbury; Michael Nelson, 40, of Manchester; Chad McCluskey, 43, of San Clemente, Calif.; and Kristen Laschober, 47, of Laguna Niguel, Calif. Authorities say McCluskey and Laschober were involved in the shipping of methamphetamine to Wallin.

Messages by the AP were left lawyers for Wallin, McCluskey and Laschober. Wallin is being detained without bail at the Bridgeport Correctional Center, state records show.


Source
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Brother commits suicide: Self-inflicted knife wound cited



January 27, 2013





Brother Paul Stephen Baker was facing allegations of abuse at Bishop McCort.
Kathy Mellott and Patrick Buchnowski

kmellott@tribdem.com


HOLLIDAYSBURG — Brother Paul Stephen Baker, the Franciscan friar who was the subject of a sex scandal at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, died Saturday from a self-inflicted knife wound.

Baker, 62, who was living at the St. Bernardine Monastery, took his life at the facility, located at 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, said a statement from Blair Township police Chief Roger White.

White said his department, Hollidaysburg EMS and the Pennsylvania State Police were called to the monastery at 7:35 a.m. in response to an individual who reportedly was not breathing.

Baker, also known as Stephen Baker, was discovered in his room by another resident of the monastery who initially summoned an ambulance, White said.

He is believed to have stabbed himself just prior to him being discovered, White said.

Baker was pronounced dead at the scene by Blair County Deputy Coroner Brian Reidy.

Confirmation of the suicide did not come until late Saturday afternoon following a 2 p.m. autopsy at Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring.

In a short statement from Brother John Kerr, inside a small room in the aging multi-story brick monastery, Father Patrick Quinn, Third Order Regular, minister provincial confirmed Baker’s passing.

“We regret to announce that Br. Stephen Baker died this morning,” Quinn wrote in the statement. “The matter is under investigation by the authorities.

“We will not be able to make further comment until the investigation is concluded.”

During the past 10 days, dozens of former male students from Bishop McCort have come forward, alleging that Baker sexually molested them.

Quinn fell short of citing the allegations, though he made reference to them.

“We express our regret and prayers to his family and especially to all who have been impacted by this tragic situation,” Quinn concluded.

Kerr, who answered the door at the monastery, said that Quinn was out of town Saturday and unavailable for comment.

In responding to questions by The Tribune-Democrat, Kerr said that Baker was the cook at the monastery. He added that he was a good cook.

Prior to Baker’s death, there were eight residents at St. Bernardine, Kerr said.

Tony DeGol, spokesman of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, said Bishop Mark Bartchak was saddened by news of Baker’s death.

Citing pending legal action, DeGol said in a statement that no further comment would be made.

“Bishop Bartchak continues to pray for everyone during this difficult time,” DeGol wrote.

Baker, whose past has been difficult to track, came to Bishop McCort around 1992. While a Franciscan, he worked at the high school under the authority of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese as a religion instructor and in the athletic department.

It was while he worked with high school athletes through the early 2000s that many of the sexual assaults allegedly occurred. Victims who have been coming forward are alleging various degrees of sexual assault. The offenses usually took place in a whirlpool or on a table in the athletic department.

Victims also have told attorneys that some of the assaults occurred in Baker’s van.

The allegations from former Bishop McCort students surfaced after a settlement of civil suits recently was announced between 11 former students of the John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

Baker had worked at the Ohio school as an instructor and in the athletic department from 1986 to 1991. It was his last assignment before coming to Bishop McCort, according to a timeline provided to The Tribune-Democrat by SNAP – the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests.

During his time in Ohio, it is alleged that Baker molested at least two boys attending St. Mary’s Catholic Middle School, a feeder school for JFK.

Last week, Greensburg attorney Susan Williams filed notice of intent to pursue civil action against the Franciscans, the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese and Bishop McCort.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Saturday that an allegation in 2000 out of Minnesota prompted Baker’s reassignment from Bishop McCort to Blair County, initially to St. Joseph’s Friary in Hollidaysburg, then to St. Bernardine.

Quinn told the Post-Gazette the Minnesota allegation was a single event and did not involve a school.



Source
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Sadie, 11-Year-Old Transgender Girl, Writes Essay In Response To Obama's Inauguration Speech

Posted: 01/23/2013 9:28 am EST | Updated: 01/23/2013 3:20 pm EST





















Barack Obama made history on Monday when he became the first president to speak about the Stonewall uprising and the gay rights struggle during an inaugural speech.
While many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community were thrilled with the mentions, an 11-year-old transgender girl named Sadie wondered why the President didn't directly address trans people, too.
(SEE A SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS OF SADIE BELOW)
"Sadie was so proud of President Obama for including the gay community in his inaugural address on Monday; however, she felt like the trans community wasn't included," Sage, Sadie's mother, told The Huffington Post on Tuesday. "That inspired her to write her own 'speech.'"
transgender girl obama speech
The speech, which began making the rounds on the Internet soon after the President spoke and was published in full on the TransGriot site, reads:
"The world would be a better place if everyone had the right to be themselves, including people who have a creative gender identity and expression. Transgender people are not allowed the freedom to do things everyone else does, like go to the doctor, go to school, get a job, and even make friends.
Transgender kids like me are not allowed to go to most schools because the teachers think we are different from everyone else. The schools get afraid of how they will talk with the other kids' parents, and transgender kids are kept secret or told not to come there anymore. Kids are told not to be friends with transgender kids, which makes us very lonely and sad.
When they grow up, transgender adults have a hard time getting a job because the boss thinks the customers will be scared away. Doctors are afraid of treating transgender patients because they don't know how to take care of them, and some doctors don't really want to help them. Transgender patients like me travel to other states to see a good doctor.
It would be a better world if everyone knew that transgender people have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else. We like to make friends and want to go to school. Transgender people want to get good jobs and go to doctors like they are exactly the same. It really isn't that hard to like transgender people because we are like everyone else."
Sadie socially transitioned from male to female in kindergarten. She was home schooled until this year and is now in fifth grade and attending public school. A vegan, she loves anything that "protects the environment," as well as reading, swimming, basketball and texting her friends. She listens to Lady Gaga, Pink and Justin Bieber and wants to work for Green Peace when she grows up. She also wants to be a mom.
Though Sadie has been openly discriminated against, her mother says that she "isn't shy or ashamed of who she is," and adds, "I'm always 'on' when we go out because I never know when she'll strike up a conversation with the person in front of her in line at Trader Joe's. When she chats with people, she introduces herself as, 'Hi, I'm Sadie, my favorite color is pink, I'm vegan, and I'm transgender. Who are you?'"
Sage says she encouraged Sadie to write the essay because she thought "it might help empower her and overcome any feelings of oppression." In the end she says that she wants Sadie "to know that she has a voice. My dream for her is that she will be happy. That's all, really. I just want her to be happy."
Below, see a slideshow of photos of Sadie and her family:
Sadie's Dream
1 of 12
Courtesy of Sadie's Family
Source 

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