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Dateline Sacramento (8/27/2009


Dateline Sacramento
News with a View from the California Capitol
August 27, 2009
Harvey Milk Day Quest Continues
Senator Mark Leno, a San Francisco democrat legislator, and supporters, are continuing their efforts to create a “special day of significance” in honor of Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk, believed to be the first openly homosexual politician, has become an icon among radical homosexual activists. Their desire to enshrine him as one of America’s national heroes is another attempt to influence children and further mainstream the homosexual lifestyle into the America’s culture. Senate Bill (SB) 572, authored by Senator Leno, would require the governor of California to annually proclaim May 22 as “Harvey Milk Day.” The measure would also “encourage” schools to conduct commemorative ceremonies and informational programs regarding Milk’s life and his contributions.
SB 572 is a reintroduction of a bill (AB 2567) previously introduced by Senator Leno and vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008. The governor stated in his veto message, that while he respects the intent of the author, he believes, “[Milk’s] contributions should continued to be recognized at the local level by those who were most impacted by his contributions.” 
Since Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto of AB 2567, Harvey Milk Day proponents have been active in attempting to change the Governor’s position and increase awareness of Harvey Milk to all Americans. In early 2009, Hollywood film-makers produced Milk, which was embraced by Hollywood elites and won an Academy Award. In July, President Barak Obama named Harvey Milk as a Medal of Freedom recipient, which is awarded to civilians who “make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavor. Finally, only last week, despite his veto, Governor Schwarzenegger selected Harvey Milk as one of 13 California 2009 Hall of Fame inductees.
In spite of all the efforts to establish a Harvey Milk Day, public opposition is strong. Many parents recognize the inherent problem of creating socially-driven causes into our schools and classrooms. Since early July, parents and concerned citizens have been flooding legislators’ and the governor’s office with their concerns, stating their opposition to the proposed legislation. A recent email blast by Equality California, a leading homosexual activist group, encouraged its supporters to increase their lobbying of the Legislature and the governor because of the overwhelming response of concerned parents opposing the measure.
Equality California, as recently as last week, again urged its members to contact the governor in response to a letter from the Secretary of Education recommending the governor once again veto the measure. Rest assured, groups that seek to push non-academic social agendas, such as Harvey Milk Day, will not cease in their efforts. Families, parents and all Californians who are concerned about the direction of our schools must remain vigilant and engaged. Let your voice be heard and take action by visiting our website. Governor Schwarzenegger also needs to hear from you. You can use twitter to let him know your concerns.
Evangelical Lutheran Church Abandons Biblical Foundations to Approve Same-Sex Clergy
In churches across the nation, Christians are working to share the gospel with those who do not know Jesus. They are committed to the “Great Commission” that Jesus articulated in Matthew 28 which states, Christians, are to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them to obey everything [Jesus] has commanded.” They have created ministries to reach a non-believing world. 
However, the battle to reach the non-believer must now include self-professed Christians. Unfortunately the culture battle, which traditionally has been waged with those outside the church, has spilled over into the Christian churches. The clearest indication of this is the growing acceptance of homosexuality within some Christian denominations.
Last week, the Evangelical Lutheran Church continued it’s trend of abandoning biblical foundations by approving policy recommendations that permit practicing same-sex partners to serve as clergy and lay leaders. The approved changes are a culmination of efforts that have systematically eroded biblical foundations and teachings within the church. The church’s previous policy had allowed homosexuals to serve as clergy or lay leaders if they remained celibate. The new policy, while it does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions, allows local congregations to support same-sex relationships and allows members in same-sex relationships to hold clergy positions as long as they are monogamous relationships. 
Regrettably the Evangelical Lutheran Church is not the first domination to permit same-sex clergy and support homosexual relationships  Episcopalian and Unitarian denominations have also abandoned biblical teachings regarding homosexuality. 
The battle for California’s culture continues to be waged in our politics, schools, media and now our churches. Christians must remain focused on the truths in God’s word, not religious organizations.
“What Is Truth?”
“The single most important question any human being can ask, is the question “What is Truth?” –Ravi Zacharias
In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the nation. Only 9 percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview.
Because of this, today’s believers live very similarly to non-believers. A personal sense of significance is rarely experienced. Christians spend their money and time on things, and behave in ways that fail to satisfy. They then begin to wonder what life’s ultimate purpose really is. We are, in short, losing our bearings as a people, a state and a nation.
In response to this alarming trend, Focus on the Family launched one of the most ambitious and powerful projects in the history of its ministry – The Truth Project.
The Truth Project is a DVD-based small group study comprised of 13 one-hour lessons that practically and personally introduces viewers to the truth claims of God. The study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson is winsomely taught by Dr. Del Tackett and discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.
We at California Family Council believe that The Truth Project represents the possibility for exponential change within the body of Christ in California, as we expect that hundreds of thousands will be transformed by this meaningful, transformational study. Since January 2008, CFC has trained nearly 3,000 potential small group leaders to facilitate the study in their homes and churches, and there are more training opportunities coming this fall.
As it has been throughout history, God continues to call ordinary people to make an eternal difference in our world. We invite you to be a part of this cultural change by participating in or leading a small group of your own. Contact us to learn how you can get involved in Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project.
Want to know more about what’s in The Truth Project lessons? See an overview.
Attend a training conference and receive The Truth Project DVD set, which includes all 12 professionally produced lessons on seven DVDs.
“Truth is the search for the things that are most reliable, sustainable, absolute. Truth is the desire to have something that we really can put our trust in. Truth deserves to be tested. Truth is being tested in this age like no other, and the pursuit of truth ultimately necessitates a kind of struggle; a struggle with ourselves, a struggle with the environment we live in, a struggle with those who maintain that they have a position that’s superior to ours, a struggle to really weigh all of the proposals and the answers and ideas and come up with something we can really rely on.”
“The risks of pursuing truth are tremendous. And what could be a greater adventure than to risk everything in pursuit of the one thing that endures. If truth isn’t worth all that, then it probably isn’t truth at all.” – Gordon Pennington
Local Links
SACRAMENTO –While Californians are still feeling the sting of income and sales tax hikes signed into law earlier this year, now comes news that state tax authorities plan to take a little more from their pockets. For only the second time in 30 years, the tax board is lowering the point where each tax bracket begins, bumping many people into a higher category. At the same time, officials are cutting back on some deductions. Everyone will pay more, even people whose bracket or income doesn't change. The extra sums will total as much as $140 per family. Read more on KTLA website.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Board of Education voted Tuesday to adopt a controversial resolution that could turn a third of the schools in the nation's second-largest school district over to private operators. The proposal, which gives Superintendent Ramon Cortines 60 days to develop a plan, was approved 6-1 after a contentious four-hour public hearing and board debate. Proposals will be accepted from private charter school operators, local communities and the mayor's office for the operation of 50 new schools that will open over the next four years, as well as 200 existing schools that are chronic underperformers.
RIVERSIDE – The Rev. Julio Andujo parlays the influence he has over his congregants into improving the health and development of expectant mothers and young children. Andujo's Riverside church is part of First 5 Riverside's faith-based partnership, which is holding a meeting Friday, August 28, to recruit more houses of worship to spread the word about health programs and host seminars. Read more in the Press Enterprise
Truth Project Opportunities
RIVERSIDE – California Family Council continues to expand its offerings of the acclaimed Truth Project group leader training seminars. Training in biblical worldview is a prerequisite to living out authentic Christianity in today’s postmodern culture, with its subjective claims of truth. 
The next Truth Project group leader training seminar:
 
Saturday, September 12, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Host Church: Arcadia Presbyterian Church
121 Alice Street
Arcadia, CA 91006
 
For more information on attending or hosting a seminar, call the California Family Council at 951.354.8362 and ask for Trudy. Online registration for seminars at: www.californiafamily.org.
 
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