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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Scalia death clouds abortion, religious liberty cases

By Tom Strode, Baptist Press WASHINGTON (BP) -- The death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia not only brings about a battle over replacing him and elevates the Supreme Court as an issue in the presidential election, but it likely will affect important cases about life and liberty in this term. Scalia, 79, was found dead in his room the morning of Feb. 13 while on a quail hunting trip at a west Texas resort. He reportedly died in his sleep. While President Obama and the Republican majority quarrel over whether the Senate will act to confirm whomever he nominates, the eight remaining justices will be considering cases left in this term. The even number of court members offers the possibility, even probability, of tie votes. One of the highly significant cases that potentially could result in a tie vote involves abortion, and another impacts religious freedom. The high court will hear oral arguments March 2 regarding a Texas law regulating abortion doctors and clinics. Oral arguments are scheduled March 23 in a challenge to the Obama administration's abortion/contraception mandate to religious nonprofit organizations under the Affordable Care Act. A 4-4 tie in either case -- or any other case -- would result in the … [Read more...]

COMMENTARY: Scalia on Christianity and socialism

By Gregory Tomlin, Christian Examiner NEW YORK (Christian Examiner) – Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died unexpectedly on Saturday, often spoke of the intersection of faith and law, politics and economics. During those times, the justice was always certain to issue a disclaimer – he was "speaking as a Christian, and not a federal judge." For those who followed Scalia closely, however, there was little surprise when he extolled the virtues of Christianity. His deep Catholic faith permeated his life, and his friends said his two favorite things were his family and the church. To read the rest of the article, click here. … [Read more...]

Justice Scalia’s death should not be an opportunity for President Obama influence court, conservatives say

By Michael Foust, Christian Examiner GREENVILLE, S.C. (Christian Examiner) – The leading Republican candidates for president Saturday night staunchly opposed allowing President Obama to pick a replacement for Antonin Scalia, a towering conservative on the Supreme Court whose death earlier in the day shocked the nation's capital and ensured that the presidential race will be dominated by social issues. Scalia, 79, was nominated by President Reagan and quickly became a hero of the Right, voting in the minority once to overturn Roe v. Wade and later in the minority to uphold state constitutional marriage amendments. He voted in the majority in several cases affirming religious liberty. But it was his sharp intellect, staunch defense of an originalist interpretation of the Constitution, and blunt opinions that truly won conservative supporters. To read the rest of the article, click here. … [Read more...]

Hyatt surprised during LC chapel service

By Norm Miller, LC communications PINEVILLE – LC officials surprised Leon Hyatt and his wife Ann with a birthday cake during the college's February 11 chapel service, which was the day Leon turned 90 years old. Several times Leon served as an LC trustee, and he was a long-time Baptist pastor in Louisiana. Recently, Leon gave his pastoral library of some 6,000 volumes to the college. "Though I have known Leon for a short time, I have a sincere appreciation for his long-standing service to Louisiana Baptists and for his unswerving love for his alma mater," said Dr. Rick Brewer, LC's president. … [Read more...]

Louisiana Family Forum’s longest married couple award given to Benton couple

Bossier City – Louisiana Family Forum recently honored Louisiana’s top ten longest married couples during a special reception at the Governor’s Mansion on Feb. 12. The longest-known married couples are honored by Louisiana Family Forum each year to encourage individual marriages, build a stronger marriage culture and to remind those in the state that lifelong marriages benefit everyone. Louisiana State Rep. Mike Johnson honored Louisiana's longest known married couple, Lawrence and Varrie Player, during a reception at their home in Benton. They have been married 81 years. A reception also was held for the second-longest married couple, Will Henry and Virgina Teasley, at their home in Bryceland. The couple has been married for 79 years. Each couple was presented an official statement of special recognition from Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. Their names also are entered into Louisiana Family Forum’s Marriage Hall of Fame. “It is a true delight to honor these two great couples for their examples and their commitment,” Johnson said.  “In a day when the stability of so many marriages and families is in jeopardy, these folks stand out as exceptional models for all of us.” … [Read more...]

Answers in Genesis wins lawsuit

By Gerald Harris, Georgia Christian Index PETERSBURG, Ky. — One year ago Answers in Genesis filed a lawsuit against the government of Kentucky for alleged discrimination in refusing to extend a sales tax rebate incentive program to the Ark Encounter theme park the apologetics ministry is building in northern Kentucky near Cincinnati. Baptist Press reported, “The state’s decision to deny the tax incentive based on AIG’s status as a religious organization is against the law and violates legal precedent, the lawsuit asserts.” AIG president Ken Ham said, “The state was so insistent on treating our religious entity as a second-class citizen that we were simply left with no alternative but to proceed to court. This is the latest example of increasing government hostility towards religion in America, and it’s certainly among the most blatant. Our organization spent many months attempting to reason with state officials so that this lawsuit would not be necessary.” On Jan. 25 AIG reported, “In a victory for religious freedom in America, a federal court today issued a preliminary injunction against the Commonwealth of Kentucky for unlawfully blocking efforts by the Ark Encounter theme park developer, Answers in Genesis (“AiG”), … [Read more...]

TOPS announcement turns state upside down, ignites firestorm

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards took to the airwaves Thursday night in an effort to convince citizens of the state additional revenue is needed to shore up what he says is a nearly $1 billion gap in the state budget or the outcome would be dire. If higher taxes and major cuts are not put into place, Edwards told voters, devastating consequences could occur such as closure of universities, elimination of health care services and even the possibility of no college football taking place in 2016. The state faces a $943 million shortfall this year and possibly a $2 billion deficit in the next fiscal cycle, according to Edwards’ staff. “To stabilize our state's budget we should not shy away from the fiscal right sizing that is needed,” Edwards said during his 12-minute speech that aired on television and radio stations throughout the state. “For me ‘right sizing’ requires that we get both the spending and revenue right. Focusing on one without the other would be irresponsible. “But, I want you to understand that, if left unresolved -- if the legislature does not choose a way to raise additional dollars to strengthen the budget -- very soon, we will face unimaginable cuts to vital … [Read more...]

Mike Johnson announces candidacy for 4th Congressional District seat

By Staff, Baptist Message BOSSIER CITY – State representative Mike Johnson (R-Bossier City) officially announced Feb. 9 his candidacy for the 4th Congressional District seat. Johnson will join fellow Republicans Dr. Trey Baucum, a Shreveport cardiologist, and Elbert L. Guillory, a former member of the Louisiana State Senate representing District 24, who announced their intentions earlier this month. Other Republicans who have expressed interest include: state Rep. Jim Morris, R-Oil City; Shreveport attorney Rick John; "Rocky" Rockett, president of the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, and Shreveport Councilman Oliver Jenkins. Rep. Patrick Jefferson of Arcadia has been the lone Democrat who said he is evaluating the race. Incumbent 4th District U.S. Rep. John Fleming (R-Minden) is giving up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter in 2017. “Washington, D.C. has grown completely out of control, and our country has lost its moral compass. I’m running for Congress to defend our freedoms, restore our conservative principles, and get American back on the right course,” said the 44-year-old Johnson. He was elected to the Louisiana Legislature in 2015 when 26th Judicial … [Read more...]

Guest editorial: consultant spending spree continues in state government

By John Kennedy, State Treasurer BATON ROUGE – The state Division of Administration just released its 2014 - 2015 Annual Report on Professional, Personal, Consulting and Social Services Contracts. A copy can be found here. According to the report (page 4), "During the period 07/01/14 through 06/30/15, 4,017 contracts and amendments worth approximately $14.5 billion were approved by the OSP-PC [Office of State Procurement]." That's "b" as in billion, though the taxpayer money will be spent over several years. The following are a few of those consulting contracts: Louisiana families and Louisiana businesses are being asked to cut their budgets so Louisiana state government does not have to cut its budget. Before we enact the largest tax increase in the history of our state, we should review these 4,017 new consulting contracts and the other 19,000 that the state has with an eye towards saving money. Those contracts that are not as important as universities, public schools, roads, health care, coastal restoration and our other priorities should be eliminated. The remaining consultants should be asked for at least a 5 percent discount. These simple actions could save millions of dollars for Louisiana taxpayers. … [Read more...]