Thank you, Heroes of Faith!
Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, November 24, 2017 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler
Sometimes Thanksgiving comes and goes with not much thought about the wonderful gift of salvation provided by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died on the cross. But let’s not let that happen this year.
As I thank Him for paying for my sins with His blood, I am, also, thankful that so many Christians are standing in the gap for nation-wide religious liberty. These heroes of faith include men and women whose refusal to compromise their faith resulted in untold personal hardship, economic loss, and undeserved repercussions in the workplace.
Most of you have heard of Jack Phillips, who owns Masterpiece Cakeshop, where he told two men he could provide other products for their wedding reception, but he could not do a wedding cake for them. So, they sued him and two courts ruled against him. Despite that, Mr. Phillips is still standing on his Christian beliefs, and Alliance Defending Freedom will represent him before the U.S. Supreme Court in early December. The Trump administration filed a brief, urging the Supreme Court to rule in Mr. Phillips’ favor on free speech grounds. 72-year-old Barronelle Stutzman was sued in Washington State by the ACLU and the state attorney general, because she wouldn’t sell flowers for a same-sex wedding. Her Alliance Defending Freedom attorney reminded us of this, “If the government can ruin Barronelle for peacefully living and working according to her faith, it can punish anyone else for expressing their beliefs.” Her attorney is asking the Supreme Court to consolidate her case with the Masterpiece Cakeshop case.
When Lansing, Michigan officials barred Steve and Bridget Tennes from selling produce in the local farmers’ market, they would not renounce their position against same-sex marriage. Their Alliance Defending Freedom attorney, who represents them in a lawsuit against town officials, obtained an injunction to overturn the ban until the case is decided. That injunction allowed them to sell produce in the Lansing farmers’ market during the remaining half of the season.
Five years ago in Kentucky, Blaine Adamson refused to print shirts promoting the 2012 Lexington Pride Festival, hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Services Organization that complained to the local Human Rights Commission, but lost the battle. The printer won his case on May 12, 2017.
Many, many others are standing for religious freedom and religious expression in this country, even in the workplace. But today I’m thankful, especially, for Jack Phillips, Barronelle Stutzman, Steve and Bridget Tennes, Blaine Adamson, and Alliance Defending Freedom. They are standing in the gap, contending for our faith, as well as their faith. They are my heroes, and I’m forever thankful for each one! For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.