Religion Today Daily Headlines - August 9, 2012

Religion Today Daily Headlines - August 9, 2012

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

  • Harassed Chick-fil-A Employee Speaks of Forgiveness
  • Nigeria: Suspected Members of Boko Haram Kill Evangelist
  • Olympic Archer: My Identity is in Christ
  • Missouri Passes 'Right to Pray' Amendment by More Than 600,000 Votes

 

Harassed Chick-fil-A Employee Speaks of Forgiveness

The worker at a TusconAriz., Chick-fil-A who was berated by an activist who made a viral video of the incident says she wants to meet with him face-to-face even though he already apologized, Fox News reports. "I appreciate that he came forward, but I'm definitely interested in speaking with him," said 26-year-old Rachel, who was working the window last Wednesday on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day when Adam Smith videotaped himself going through the drive-thru, ordering only free water and expressing his disgust. "Chick-fil-A is a hateful company," he told Rachel on the video, which he originally posted on YouTube before removing it. "I don't know how you sleep at night. This is a horrible corporation with horrible values." Rachel remained polite throughout the exchange and wished Smith a nice day. "I'm Christian and God tells us to love thy neighbor," she said, referring to how she kept her composure. Smith, who received backlash from the public after posting the video and was even fired from his position as a CEO, posted a second video in which he apologized: "Rachel, I am so very sorry for the way I spoke to you on Wednesday. You handled my frustrating rant with such dignity and composure. Every time I watch the video I am blown away by really the beauty in what you did, and your kindness, and your patience with me."

Nigeria: Suspected Members of Boko Haram Kill Evangelist

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamist group Boko Haram killed an evangelist at his residence in the Mafoni ward of the city of Maiduguri at 6:30 p.m. Monday night, International Christian Concern reports. Ali Samari, 57, who was with the Good News Church Maiduguri, had received a warning earlier this year from men suspected to be members of Boko Haram, ordering him to leave the area. Though Samari discussed the threat with a few close friends, he dismissed it, saying: "It is the Almighty God that protects. I leave everything in the hands of God." Borno State police received reports of the killing Tuesday morning, confirming the incident. "It is a place where some members of the Boko Haram sect use as a hideout and from where they launch attacks on other parts of Maiduguri metropolis," said police public relations officer Gideon Jibrin.

Olympic Archer: My Identity is in Christ

Jacob Wukie, part of the U.S. men's archery team that won a silver medal in London, says he wants to use his new platform to share the gospel with other Olympic athletes, CBN News reports. "You just kind of meet some of the other medalists they have there at the time, and it's neat to meet people who are a little more well-known ... but also I'm hoping to be able to have maybe more opportunities to kind of speak and share Christ with people," Wukie said. "While for a long time archery has been a very big part of what I do, my identity is in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since I am confident that He is in control and has a plan for my life, I am able to give my best and let the rest lie in His hands. He has given me the talents and abilities that I possess; He has taught me to love those around me and what it means to push hard."

Missouri Passes 'Right to Pray' Amendment by More Than 600,000 Votes

On Tuesday, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment that supporters feel will protect religious freedom, the Christian Post reports. The measure, known as Amendment 2 but commonly referred to as the "Right to Pray" amendment, gives Missouri residents the right to express religious beliefs in public without fear of their freedom to do so being limited. The amendment also protects voluntary prayer in public schools and requires public schools to display a copy of the Bill of Rights. According to Kerry Messer of the Missouri Family Network, "religious liberty is pretty important to [Missouri voters] and a high priority. ... The public feels like the Supreme Court took this away from them over 50 years ago with a ruling against mandatory school prayer." Not everyone is backing the new piece of legislation, however. Alex Luchenitser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State said: "This amendment promotes unconstitutional conduct. ... It's going to result in a whole lot of litigation." It is still unclear what, if any, immediate impact the amendment, which takes effect in 30 days, will have.

Publication date: August 9, 2012

Religion Today Daily Headlines - August 9, 2012