Christian Action Commission

The ugly American history of eugenics is exposed

Evan Ludlow

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)—Most Americans live with the belief that we are the greatest society in the world. Our roots stem from proclamations “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We confidently assert that we always take the moral high ground on the world stage. We swell with pride over the idea that the American Dream is for everyone.

However, deep down we know that there is an ugly side to American history. We are not a… Read Full Article

Leaders unite in defense of marriage, religious liberty

Doug Carlson

On matters of theology, religious leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Jewish and Pentecostal communities hold differing views. That is no secret. But leaders from these and multiple other religious traditions are rallying together with a shared perspective on a fundamental institution of society—marriage—and they want to be sure that is no secret either.

In an open letter to the American people, nearly 40 religious leaders “join[ed] together to affirm that marriage in its true definition must be protected for its own sake and for the good of society.”

Entitled “Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods That… Read Full Article

Campaign for Mississippi amendment exposes opposition deceit

Michael F. Haverluck

A press conference held by Mississippi attorneys and legislators has refuted allegations made by the abortion industry against Initiative 26, also known as the Personhood Amendment. It is being voted on today.

“The [Personhood Amendment] merely offers a definition of a person that is inclusive of unborn children,” said Initiative 26 attorney Russell Latino of Ridgeland, Miss. “It does not, itself, outlaw abortions. It is crafted to give the legislature an opportunity to place restriction on abortion, and in so doing, set up a unique challenge to Roe: the question being whether a state can decide that an… Read Full Article

‘I am pro-life, but…’

Jimmy Porter

Those opposed to the statewide Initiative No. 26, also known as the Personhood Amendment, start out by saying, “I am pro-life, but…” Then they begin tearing down the amendment, not with truth and facts, but falsehoods, confusion, rumors and fear tactics.  To say, “I am pro-life, but…” is likened to the lady who said to her doctor, “Doctor, I am afraid I am a little bit pregnant.” Well, you are or you aren’t because in life there are some things you cannot have both ways.

You will hear some who are saying there are going to be unintended… Read Full Article

Vote YES on Pro-Life, Personhood Amendment

Rob Chambers

The MS Supreme Court, consisting of 9 elected justices, handed down a 7-2 decision that Mississippians have a right to vote for the personhood amendment on Nov. 8th.

The justices supporting Mississippians’ right to vote are:  Chief Justice William L. (Bill) Waller, Jr., Presiding Justice George C. Carlson, Jr., Presiding Justice Jess H. Dickinson, Associate Justice Michael K. Randolph, Associate Justice Ann H. Lamar, Associate Justice David A. Chandler, and Associate Justice Randy G. Pierce.  Those opposed are Associate Justice James W. Kitchens and Associate Justice Leslie D. King.

The personhood amendment will define the… Read Full Article

2011 MS Election Resources*

Click here to download spreadsheet of all State, District, House, and Senate positions on abortion**

(Position statements will be updated as questionnaires are received)

Statewide candidate’s position on abortion**

FOR MORE ELECTION RESOURCES CLICK HERE

*The Mississippi Baptist Christian Action Commission does not endorse candidates

**Source: Mississippi Right to Life

2011 MS Statewide and Legislative Candidates Contact Information

CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF CANDIDATES AND THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION

MS Baptist response to SBC resolution on immigration

A resolution in terms of Southern Baptist polity is a statement of the sentiment of a majority of voting messengers at any given annual meeting of the convention. Resolutions approved at an annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention do not carry over from year to year, have no enforcement powers, do not bind anyone or any organization to a course of action, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the autonomous bodies that choose to voluntarily affiliate with the SBC such as churches, associations, state Baptist conventions, and auxiliaries. This is true for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board.… Read Full Article

House Speaker McCoy won’t seek re-election

House Speaker Billy McCoy announced today he will not be seeking re-election.

McCoy has represented Alcorn and Prentiss counties since 1980 and served as House speaker for eight years.

“With a humble heart I thank my family for their faithful support during more than 40 years of public service,” McCoy said in a news release announcing his decision. “I thank the voters of District 3 for their many votes for us and I want to thank my colleagues in the House for bestowing their highest honor on me as their speaker. I am grateful to previous… Read Full Article

Christian, Baptist and Ethics

Jimmy Porter

“Do you know a good Christian realtor in the Jackson area?” asked one of our Mississippi pastors.  He was inquiring on behalf of his son who had just been accepted into dental school.  He desires a Christian realtor because he expects that person to be honest, fair, and just. 

Shortly afterwards in another conversation an elected official indicated his Christian profession did not necessarily influence his decision in matters related to the well being of his constituents.  He felt no moral or ethical obligation to care about citizens who were being exploited by others.

The above… Read Full Article

Considering immigration reform as both Christians and citizens

Staff

The following commentary on immigration reform is authored in part by The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The time has come for our nation to resolve its immigration dilemma. It is imperative that we find an acceptable solution to the disposition of the millions of undocumented immigrants living in our nation.

Currently, the two extremes of deportation and amnesty are being played against each other, resulting in a stalemate in Congress. We believe that neither of the two extremes are appropriate, workable solutions. To force those who are here illegally to… Read Full Article

Payday Lending

Rob Chambers

Payday lending or check cashing businesses has recently received a lot of attention lately - both in the news and in the MS legislature.  A bill has passed in the MS House of Representatives and the MS Senate will be taking it up soon. 

Click here to send a message to your Senator on lowering rates and extending the time for payday loans in Mississippi.

Centered around the debate are the conditions or terms… Read Full Article

Votes, Pills and Polls

Jimmy Porter

Pills and polls have a lot in common.  Probably ninety percent of the readers of this article take some sort of pill or pills.  The pill reveals that something is wrong in the human body but it has the potential to make the situation better.  The pill is an indicator but taken as prescribed, it can become part of the cure.  But if the pill is left in its container and never taken, then it means absolutely nothing.

Polls, like pills, come with many different forms, definitions and implications.  Poll may mean casting and registering of votes in… Read Full Article

MS Congressional Voter Guide

The Christian’s concern for citizenship is not a matter merely of understanding, but also of acting. The final test of our citizenship is not what we think and say, but what we do. Knowledge about our concerns should lead us to action.*

Thomas Jefferson, U.S. President and Chief Author of the Declaration of Independence said, “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but… Read Full Article

Evangelicals reject gay partners in immigration bill

Compiled by Tom Strode, Washington bureau chief for Baptist Press.

WASHINGTON (BP)--Southern Baptist ethicist Richard Land has joined other evangelical leaders in opposing an immigration reform proposal if it continues to treat homosexual partners the same as heterosexual married spouses.

The president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission signed onto a June 4 statement from the religious rights law firm Liberty Counsel taking exception to a same-sex partners provision in federal legislation being proposed by Sen. Charles Schumer, D.-N.Y.

The bill, which has yet to be introduced, would enable same-sex partners from overseas to become legal citizens of this country in the same way… Read Full Article