Posted on 11/05/2016 10:47:36 AM PDT by NYer
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 3, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) — Some of the nation's leading African-American religious leaders are denouncing Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, in part because of her involvement in and defense of abortion, which they describe as "black genocide."
Twenty-six clergy, including eight bishops, signed an open letter to Clinton, castigating her for her extremist and unwavering support of the abortion industry across the nation and worldwide.
Dr. Jacqueline C. Rivers of the Seymour Institute in Washington, D.C., personally took the epistle entitled, “An Open Letter to Hillary Clinton Regarding Religious Freedom for Black America” to the Hillary Clinton campaign headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
The letter addressed several concerns, including education and employment, religious freedom, violence, and "justice for the unborn" in the black community.
Describing biblical teaching as "eternal" and "authoritative," the concerned leaders inform Clinton that abortion is directly against both "biblical principle and natural law" because it is "the deliberate destruction of a human life in its most vulnerable state."
Lamenting that "black babies are dying at terrifying rates" by Clinton-supported abortion-on-demand, the bishops and ministers ask the candidate, “Don’t black lives matter?”
"The Bible places an extremely high value on human life and particularly on the lives of the innocent," the writers explain. The letter then condemns those who, like Clinton, support unrestricted abortion. "Those who take the life of the innocent violate a key biblical principle, as well as a fundamental principle of natural justice."
The authors seek to educate pro-abortion Clinton that abortion is a social justice issue, tied with racism and other social ills. "For the same reasons that we as black Christian leaders oppose racism … we oppose the violent denial of life to the unborn through abortion," they wrote. "Our opposition to abortion is a logical outgrowth of our view that there must be justice for all."
The black leaders then issue a not-so-gentle challenge to Clinton. "How do you justify your unconscionable silence in the face of such destruction of innocent black life?"
The letter addresses other concerns, including the First Amendment freedom of African-Americans to live their faith and "follow their conscience."
Signers called out Clinton for her words to the National Organization for Women in 2015, demanding that "deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed,” and concluded, "For political leaders to call for changes in citizens’ beliefs is reminiscent of totalitarianism. In our view, such a proposal constitutes a denial of our religious freedom."
After calling out Clinton for advocating that "religious beliefs … be changed," the black leaders write that such a stand hurts their flock, which is composed largely of underprivileged minorities. "Those who would oppose our right to live by the teachings of the Bible set themselves against the interests of the poor," they explain.
The letter addresses homosexuality as an issue of Christians’ religious freedom and not a civil rights issue for gays. Referring to recent legal and cultural shifts toward same-sex "marriage" and transgenderism as a "drive to normalize immoral sexual behavior," the letter warns that "a well-financed war is now being waged by the gay and lesbian community … on the faith of our ancestors."
The letter singles out Clinton staffers' contempt for Catholic Christianity as "one grievous example of open contempt for religious freedom within your own campaign. … (Y)our staff has sought to subvert Catholic teaching on sexuality by planting externally funded groups in the church to advance a politically correct agenda."
Continuing their concerns about religious freedom, the authors criticize a growing trend in government to label moral exhortation as "hate speech," and to legislate against it as President Obama did in 2009.
"There are some in your party who seek to criminalize our biblical texts as 'hate speech,'" the letter states, concluding, "We … insist upon having freedom to fulfill our call to righteous living."
They also criticize Clinton's record as Secretary of State, noting that "80 percent of all acts of religious discrimination in the world are directed against Christians," and drawing a direct cause-and-effect from Clinton's record to Christian persecution. "Since the beginning of your tenure as Secretary of State, most of the Christians of northern Iraq have been internally displaced or become refugees."
In defense of their religious freedom, the Christians threaten civil disobedience. "We are prepared, for the sake of the Gospel, to suffer the consequences of standing on our convictions," they write.
The letter, and other public call-outs against Clinton by African-American leaders, might be having an effect on the election, now less than one week away.
At least one secular black leader, BlakPAC National Director George Farrell, claims that "blacks are finally leaving their Democrat slave masters who care nothing about us other than getting our votes," and predicts that Clinton rival and pro-life presidential candidate Donald Trump "could get 25 percent of the African-American vote."
Farrell served as Florida Human Relations Commissioner under Governor Jeb Bush and founded BlakPAC with his wife Sandra Lopez "to attract conservative minority voters and elect conservative Candidates who support pro-life, traditional family values and the Second Amendment."
Included in the 26 national black leaders who signed the letter are Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding over the Church of God in Christ denomination; Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination; Professor Frederick L. Ware of Howard School of Divinity, the Seymour Institute's Malcolm R. Rivers, and Congressman Bobby Rush.
The letter can be read in its entirety here.
FYI, Ping!
I pray it’s not too late for this message to get out.
black lives apparently only matter when they’re thugs... when in the womb, who cares?
Hillary is FINISHED.
Lose the AA vote and she is “one and done”.
As we review his words, we might remember that this 2016 Candidate, who is believed by a majority of Americans to be "untrustworthy," should she win the election, must take an "Oath"--although, as can be seen in the historical document quoted below, that "Oath," was required originally because it was intended to be a "sacred" acknowledgement of accountability before the "Supreme Ruler of the Universe."
What did the Framers mean? What is the Oath's significance?
The oath of office required for representatives of "the People" was intended to be sacred and binding, because that oath is a vow before the "Sovereign" of the Universe, and its violation carries penalities both human and Divine. President George Washington described it in this manner:
"Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths?"
For an amazing history lesson and sermon by the Rev. Benjamin W. Arnett, a Black Ohio State Legislator and A.M.E. Bishop in the Year 1876. Readers might want to visit the Library of Congress and read the entire text of his Centennial Thanksgiving Sermon, paying special note to the excerpts below which discuss and describe the nature of the oath:
From the Library of Congress: African American Perspectives: Pamphlets from the Daniel A.P.Murray Collection, 1818-1907
Centennial Thanksgiving sermon,: delivered by Rev. B.W. Arnett, B.D., at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Urbana, Ohio
Excerpt from P. 31, in which he is discussing the Declaration of Independence:
"We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare: That these United Colonies are and of right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as Free and Independent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, and in a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." - JOHN HANCOCK.
Arnett continues:
"And the names of the whole Congress followed. You see that there is Divinity in this immortal document. Can we find in the "Articles of Confederation" anything to support the position that the founders of this government intended that it should be a nation for God, and that his religion should have a place in this land. It says: "Whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, to approve of and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual union." Thus we find this assembly thanking the Governor of the world for inclining the hearts of men. Who can move the hearts of men but God? But we find them in reverence bowing to the Governor of men.
"We now call your attention to the Constitution of the Nation and let us examine that instrument in the light of the men who formed it, and we will see that this was intended to be a Nation founded in Righteousness and Justice. What does the instrument say on this subject:
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
"Article VI says: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall be required as a Qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
On Page 37, Rev. Arnett described the nature of "oaths and affirmations" as follows:
"Oaths and affirmations are appeals to God, by him who makes them, that what he has said, or what he shall say, is the truth. It is the most solemn form under which one can assert or pronounce anything, and its violation is a crime of the darkest hue; one which God has declared he will punish; one that is made infamous and punishable by fine and imprisonment, by the laws of the land. Thus Christian obligation is required of every officer of the general Government, who fills any position of trust, honor or emolument. Many reports are required in the form and shape of affidavits." Note the following section of Rev. Arnett's "Sermon" which deals with the effort of prominent self-described "liberals" of the day to "change" America. Note, also, that one of the proposed "changes" dealt with "the oath."
"The Danger to our Country."Now that our national glory and grandeur is principally derived from the position the fathers took on the great questions of right and wrong, and the career of this nation has been unparalleled in the history of the past, now there are those who are demanding the tearing down the strength of our national fabric. They may not intend to tear it down, but just as sure as they have their way, just that sure will they undermine our superstructure and cause the greatest calamity of the age. What are the demands of this party of men? Just look at it and examine it for yourselves, and see if you are willing that they shall have their way; or will you still assist in keeping the ship of state in the hands of the same crew and run her by the old gospel chart! But ye men who think there is no danger listen to the demands of the Liberals as they choose to call themselves:
"'Organize!Liberals of America! The hour for action has arrived. The cause of freedom calls upon us to combine our strength, our zeal, our efforts. These are The Demands of Liberalism:"'1. We demand that churches and other ecclesiastical property shall no longer be exempt from just taxation.
"'2. We demand that the employment of chaplains in Congress, in State Legislatures, in the navy and militia, and in prisons, asylums, and all other institutions supported by public money, shall be discontinued.
"'3. We demand that all public appropriations for sectarian educational and charitable institutions shall cease.
"'4. We demand that all religious services now sustained by the government shall be abolished; and especially that the use of the Bible in the public schools, whether ostensibly as a text-book or avowedly as a book of religious worship, shall be prohibited.
"'5. We demand that the appointment, by the President of the United States or by the Governors of the various States, of all religious festivals and fasts shall wholly cease.
"'6. We demand that the judicial oath in the courts and in all other departments of the government shall be abolished, and that simple affirmation under the pains and penalties of perjury shall be established in its stead.
"'7. We demand that all laws directly or indirectly enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath shall be repealed.
"'8. We demand that all laws looking to the enforcement of “Christian” morality shall be abrogated, and that all laws shall be conformed to the requirements of natural morality, equal rights, and impartial liberty.
"'9. We demand that not only in the Constitution of the United States and of the several States, but also in the practical administration of the same, no privilege or advantage shall be conceded to Christianity or any other special religion; that our entire political system shall be founded and administered on a purely secular basis; and that whatever changes shall prove necessary to this end shall be consistently, unflinchingly, and promptly made.'
"'Let us boldly and with high purpose meet the duty of the hour.'
"Now we must not think that we have nothing to do in this great work, for the men who are at the head of this movement are men of culture and intelligence, and many of them are men of influence. They are led by that thinker and scholar, F. E. Abbott, than whom I know but few men who has a smoother pen, or who is his equal on the battle-field of thought. He says in an address on the duty of his leagues:
"'My answer may be a negative one to all who see nothing positive in the idea of liberty. The conviction I refer to is this: that, regarded as a theological system, Christianity is Superstition, and, regarded as an organized institution, Christianity is Slavery. The purpose I refer to is this: that, whether regarded as theological system, Christianity shall wholly cease to exercise influence in political matters. Although the national Constitution is strictly secular and non-Christian, there are many things in the practical administration of the government which violate its spirit, and constitute a virtual recognition of Christianity as the national religion. These violations are very dangerous; they are on the increase; they more and more give Christianity a practical hold upon the government; they directly tend to strengthen the influence of Christianity over the people, and to fortify it both as a theology and a church; and they are therefore justly viewed with growing indignation by liberals. Not unreasonably are they looked upon as paving the way to a formidable effort to carry the Christian Amendment to the Constitution; and the liberals are beginning to see that they must extinguish the conflagration in its commencement. I believe all this myself, with more intense conviction every day; and therefore I appeal frankly to the people to begin now to lay the foundations of a great National Party of Freedom. It is not a moment too soon. If the liberals are wise, they will see the facts as they are, and act accordingly. Not with hostility, bitterness, defiance, or anger but rather with love to all men and high faith in the beneficence of consistently republican institutions, do I urge them most earnestly to begin the work at once.'
"He acknowledges that this is a religious nation and wants all men to assist him in eliminating the grand old granite principles from the framework of our national union. Will you do it freeman; will we sell the temple reared at the cost of so much precious blood and treasure? These men would have us turn back the hands on the clock of our national progress, and stay the shadow on the dial plate of our christian civilization; they would have us call a retreat to the soldiers in the army of Christ; the banner of the cross they would have us haul down, and reverse the engines of war against sin and crime; the songs of Zion they would turn into discord, and for the harmony and the melody of the sons of God, they would give us general confusion; they would have us chain the forces of virtue and unloose the elements of vice; they would have the nation loose its moorings from the Lord of truth and experience and commit interest, morally, socially; religiously and politically to the unsafe and unreliable human reason; they would discharge God and his crew and run the ship of State by the light of reason, which has always been but a dim taper in the world, and all the foot-prints it has left are marked with the blood of men, women and children. No nation is safe when left alone with reason.
"But we have no notion of giving up the contest without a struggle or a battle. We are aware that there is a great commotion in the world of thought. Religion and science are at arms length contending with all their forces for the mastery. Faith and unbelief are fighting their old battles over again, everything that can be shaken is shaking. The foundations of belief are assaulted by the army of science and men are changing their opinions. New and starting theories are promulgated to the world; old truths are putting on new garbs. Error is dressing in the latest style, wrong is secured by the unholy alliances, changes in men and things, revolution in church and state, Empires are crumbling, Kingdoms tottering; everywhere the change is seen. In the social circle, in the school house, in the pulpit and in the pews. But amid all the changes and revolutions there are some things that are unchangeable, unmovable and enduring. The forces that underline the vital power of Christianity are the same yesterday, to-day, to-morrow and forever more. They are like their God, who is omnipotent, immovable and eternal, and everywhere truth has marched it has left its moccasin tracks.
"The Conclusion of the Whole Matter.We have patiently tried to examine the record of the nations of antiquity and learn the cause of their decay and decline, their fall, why their early death; and why so many implements of destruction around and about their tombs, and everywhere, in the silent streets, mouldering ruins, tottering columns, mouldy and moist rooms, and the united voice from the sepulcher of the dead past is, "sin is a reproach to any people." We see it written on the tombs of the Kings, and engraven on the pages of time, "sin is a reproach to any people." These are the principles of governments, Right and wrong; and the people who are the advocates of Right have bound themselves together and by their united effort they have brought light out of darkness and forced strength out of weakness.
"We as a nation have a grand and glorious future before us. The sun of our nation is just arising above the horizon and is now sending his golden rays of peace from one end of the land to the other. The utmost extremities of the members of the body politic are warm and in motion by the commercial and financial activities of the land. Her face is destined to blush with beauty when peace and justice shall be enthroned. The grand march of progress shall mark her in her onward advancement in moral strength, intellectual brilliancy, and political power. Then we can say that we give to every man, woman and child the benefit of our free institutions, giving all the benefits of our common school and the freedom to worship God under their own vine and fig tree. Then will we see written, on the banner of our free, redeemed and disenthralled country, the sublime words written, not in the blood of men, but in the sun-light of truth, that "Righteousness exalteth a nation." It will fall like the morning dew on the lowly; it will descend like the showers of May on the poor; and like the sun it will shine on the good and bad, dispensing from the hand of plenty the blessings of a government founded on the principle of justice and equality.
"Standing on the threshold of the second century of the nation's life, with the experience of the past lying at our feet, we are saluted by the shout of triumph from the millions who left their homes and business and attended the Great Exposition of the skill and genius of the world, collected at Philadelphia. We were permitted to receive the greetings from the oldest to the youngest nation of the earth. Egypt and the United States clasped hands over the waste of 5,000 years, and lay their treasures at the feet of our civilization. The material, intellectual and mechanical deterioration of the one, and the unprecedented progress of the other, stand in great contrast; in all that makes the nation great,—morally, religiously and socially, the young nation is ahead.
"Following the tracks of righteousness throughout the centuries and along the way of nations, we are prepared to recommend it to all and assert without a shadow of doubt, that "Righteousness exalted a nation"; but on the other hand following the foot-prints of sin amid the ruins of Empires and remains of cities, we will say that "sin is a reproach to any people." But we call on all American citizens to love their country, and look not on the sins of the past, but arming ourselves for the conflict of the future, girding ourselves in the habiliments of Righteousness, march forth with the courage of a Numidian lion and with the confidence of a Roman Gladiator, and meet the demands of the age, and satisfy the duties of the hour. Let us be encouraged in our work, for we have found the moccasin track of Righteousness all along the shore of the stream of life, constantly advancing, holding humanity with a firm hand. We have seen it “through” all the confusion of rising and falling States, of battle, siege and slaughter, of victory and defeat; through the varying fortunes and ultimate extinctions of Monarchies, Republics and Empires; through barbaric irruption and desolation, feudal isolation, spiritual supremacy, the heroic rush and conflict of the Cross and Crescent; amid the busy hum of industry, through the marts of trade and behind the gliding keels of commerce.”
"And in America, the battle-field of modern thought, we can trace the foot-prints of the one and the tracks of the other. So let us use all of our available forces, and especially our young men, and throw them into the conflict of the Right against the Wrong.
"Then let the grand Centennial Thanksgiving song be heard and sung in every house of God; and in every home may thanksgiving sounds be heard, for our race has been emancipated, enfranchised and are now educating, and have the gospel preached to them!
"Sons of freedom, sing the glad hymns of praise on the Western plains! Daughters of sorrow shout the joyful tidings amid the savannahs of the South-land! Proclaim it on the Atlantic's western stand and declare it on the slopes of the Pacific! Humble followers of the Son of Mary, chant the eternal truth in the temple of the Most High, that “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
"We invite every nation, kindred, tongue and people, to come to our land. Come from the bogs of Ireland; come from the dykes of Holland; come from the mountains of Switzerland; and from the sunny plains of Italy; and enjoy a government made for man! Come from the jungles of Africa or Egypt, the university of the infant world; come from Asia the cradle of humanity; come and bring your gifts from the Islands of the South Sea and spice land! Come ye men of every clime and race and see a nation founded in Righteousness, guarded by Justice, and supported by truth and equity, and defended by God!
"When thus united in one grand commonwealth of nationalities the universal prayer will be:
"Show us our Aaron, with his rod of flower!
Our Miriam, with her timbrel soul in tune!
And call some Joshua, in spirits power,
To praise our sun of strength at point of noon.
God of our fathers! over sand and sea,
Still keep our struggling footsteps close to thee." - (End of Excerpt from "Righteousness Exalteth a Nation, but Sin is a Reproach to Any People")So said Rev. Benjamin Arnett in 1876. Where is the leader who will declare these things today? Arnett, the learned statesman and minister, chose as his theme, "Righteousness Exalteth a Nation, but Sin is a Reproach to Any People."
Might such outspoken thoughts enlighten the minds of Americans today as they discuss the topic of this thread?
Ah, we’re sure you DO, madame (my damn) Clinton
What a wonderful vision. How horribly has it gotten short circuited by the basest selfishness.
Hey, A-A’s: Hillary’s ideological sponsor Agenda 21 wants to reduce the population of the world by at least 90%.
And Guess What! It ain’t going to be wealthy white elites that are going to be doing the twenty-three skidoo, know what I’m sayin’?
But she’ll be happy to accept your mindless political support while you’re still here, don’t worry about that.
In NYC, many pregnancies among blacks end in abortion than live births. Of the live births, maybe 40% are to two-parent families.
25% of the black vote? That’s generously optimistic, but we’ll see. Tuesday is going to be a true watershed moment for this country, one way or another.
As a social conservative - NOT libertarian - this lead article and thread is the most encouraging I’ve read in quite a few years.
I’ve often wondered, where are the black Christian conservatives in all this mess? They are as devout in their Biblical faith as white Christians. We have desperately needed their voice in this fight...we hope what they say here is not coming too late.
Dr. Arnett traced the history of nations, the various ideas which had prevailed and failed in those governments, and the uniqueness of America's.
To Dems, they love #BlackLivesMatter, but only when talking about police shooting black criminals, not about black babies being aborted or black on black crime...
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