Religion Today Summaries - July 5, 2010

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff | Crosswalk.com | Published: Jul 02, 2010

Religion Today Summaries - July 5, 2010

Daily briefs of the top Christian news and persecution stories impacting believers around the world.

In today's edition:

  • Eritrean Refugees in Libya May Face Forced Repatriation
  • No Charges against Christian Praying outside Planned Parenthood
  • Christian Music Fest Draws Fire over Jim Wallis Invitation
  • Albert Mohler Says Farewell to Live Radio

 

Eritrean Refugees in Libya Face Brutality, Forced Repatriation

ASSIST News Service reports that 250 Eritrean refugees were forced into trucks "like cattle" this week and transported from Misrata prison in Libya to a detention centre on the edge of the Sahara. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which has spoken with the refugees, says the group endured beatings, electric shocks and other mistreatment administered by members of the Libyan military. "Once the refugees were too battered and tired to resist expulsion, 250 of them were forced into the trucks and sent to Sabha," said the CSW spokesperson. "However, 20 prisoners were so badly beaten that they had to be sent to hospital, and were returned to Misrata after receiving treatment." Refugees worry the treatment could signal permanent changes for Eritreans fleeing their country into once-sympathetic Libya.

No Charges against Christian Praying outside Planned Parenthood

The U.S. Attorney failed to appear and file formal charges against Rev. Mahoney at the arraignment for his June 8 arrest in front of a Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., according to Christian Newswire. His attorneys say the lack of charges indicates that Mahoney was clearly praying on a public sidewalk and his actions did not violate the law. They allege Planned Parenthood is misleading  pro-life activists by saying the sidewalk in front of their clinic is "private." Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, said, "It was a disgrace and an outrage that the City of Washington, D.C. arrested me for praying on a public sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood.  It was clear that I did not violate the law for simply celebrating my free speech and First Amendment rights in the public square."

Christian Music Fest Draws Fire over Jim Wallis Invitation

The Christian Post reports that the inclusion of controversial Christian activist Jim Wallis has dampened enthusiasm for a popular Christian music festival. Lifest included Wallis among its 58 speakers this year in Wisconsin, drawing criticism and leading one sponsor to pull support for the event. "After researching extensively the words and published positions of Jim Wallis and his organization, Sojourners Magazine, and seeking fervently the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer, we believe the social justice message and agenda they promote is a seed of secular humanism, seeking an unholy alliance between the Church and Government," Q90 FM, a Christian radio station based in De Pere, Wis., stated.

Albert Mohler Says Farewell to Live Radio

The Christian Post reports that a leading evangelical Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., hosted his final live radio program Friday. "As I'm now struggling with issues related to my other responsibilities it has become very clear that I'm going to be unable to continue a live radio broadcast like this on the same terms and schedule that I've experienced for the last several years," he said. Mohler, a prominent theologian, cultural commentator, and president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has been called the "reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S." by Time.com. Mohler used one of his last broadcasts on Thursday to comment on Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings.

Religion Today Summaries - July 5, 2010