Three women and two doctors are suing Kansas over a law that nullifies a person’s decisions about end-of-life care if they are pregnant in what appears to be the first such lawsuit since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and a constitutional right to abortion. The women, one of whom is pregnant, argue that preventing pregnant people’s advance medical directives from being acted upon violates their rights to personal autonomy and equal protection under the Kansas Constitution, according to a petition filed Thursday in a state district court. (Somasunderam, The Washington Post)
Read MoreEight people were arrested after pro-transgender demonstrators clashed with Christian protesters. Christian activists with Mayday USA organised a demonstration outside Seattle City Hall on Tuesday that descended into aggressive scenes after it was swarmed by pro-transgender counter-protesters. Footage of the incident shows a woman and three children surrounded by counter-protesters who heckled and pointed at her. (Henderson, The Telegraph)
Read MoreMost Wednesdays, Chris Hilliard finalized plans for evening Bible study at the church he’s pastored in North Carolina for nearly a decade, but on the Wednesday of Feb. 12, he instead “tried to O.D. on medication,” he told Baptist Press. “I say tried,” he emphasized. “I didn’t take a lethal dose because God intervened.” “No one, and I mean no one, saw this coming,” Hilliard said of his experience. (Chandler, Baptist Press)
Read MoreThe proposal is set out in the annual report of the Assembly Trustees, which warns that the Church is “at a tipping point in terms of its financial viability”. In December, the Church had 245,000 members, representing a 5.5-per-cent fall on 2023, and a decline of 35 per cent over the decade. The operating budget deficit stands at £5.9 million, while the free reserves available to cover the Church’s day-to-day charitable activities totalled £51.2 million at December — about five months of operating costs. (Davies, Church Times)
Read MoreThe first known use of the word "pride" dates back before the 12th century. In its early uses, pride referred to an "inordinate self-esteem" and "an unreasonable conceit of superiority," according to Merriam-Webster. Throughout history, the word "pride" has taken on an array of meanings — ranging from a human emotion to a religious vice to a group of lions that live together. But a little over 55 years ago, the word took on a new meaning. (Kim, NPR)
Read MoreIn a decision published Thursday, Judge Frank Geraci of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York sided with photographer Emilee Carpenter in her years-long battle. She seeks to ensure she won't have to take actions that violate her deeply held religious beliefs as a condition of conducting business in New York. "From start to finish, Plaintiff provides a customized, tailored photography service that is guided by her own artistic and moral judgment," he wrote. (Foley, The Christian Post)
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