MetaFilter posts tagged with church and government

In the name of Defense.

zarq — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:32:55 -0800

In December 1974, New York Times reporter Seymour Hersh's front-page account (paywall) of the CIA's MK-ULTRA program documented their illegal domestic intelligence operations against the antiwar movement and other dissident groups in the United States. The article eventually prompted investigations by the Rockefeller Commission and the Church and Pike committees. "There have been other reports on the CIA's doping of civilians, but they have mostly dished about activities in New York City. Accounts of what actually occurred in San Francisco have been sparse and sporadic. But newly declassified CIA records, recent interviews, and a personal diary of [George H. White,] an operative at Stanford Special Collections shed more light on the breadth of the San Francisco operation." SF Weekly: "Operation Midnight Climax: How the CIA doped San Francisco citizens with LSD." MK-ULTRA: Previously on Metafilter. (Via)

No Marriage Until Gay Marriage Is Legal

reenum — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:21:59 -0800

The Douglass Blvd. Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky has voted to stop signing marriage licenses until gay marriage is legalized by the state.

Malaysian churches attacked over "Allah"

divabat — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:20:40 -0800

Malaysian Catholic newspaper Herald was recently involved in a major lawsuit against the Malaysian government, stating that their constitutional rights were violated when they were stripped of their license to publish in East Malaysian indigenous language Kadazandusun. The ruling was overturned, amidst support by state ministers and protests by the Government, the Islamic Opposition party, and Muslim activists - some of whom have spent the past week attacking churches and convents through firebombs, Molotov cocktails, paint, and bricks thrown at glass. The Malaysian Prime Minister and the Islamic Opposition party have decried the attacks, with the Inspector-General of Police stating that it was the work of "emotional persons". Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and the King of Malaysia urged the public to keep calm, while the current Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak hits backs against claims that his party, UMNO, is racist, stating that his 1Malaysia policy will remain intact. This claim has come under suspicion, following the Home Minister's statement that he would allow protests over the ruling (which he has since refuted.) Malaysian political veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah claims that UMNO is fanning intolerant and racist sentiments, playing on the complicated political position of Malay Muslims in Malaysian society. Meanwhile, with civil society groups protesting the arson attacks, Muslims volunteering to provide more security to Christians, and the hacking of the Judiciary website, the ruling allowing Herald to use the word "Allah" has been overturned, claiming possible "racial conflict". Some have scoffed the idea that Malay Muslims are under threat - "the suraus and masjids have not been bombed" - while Malaysian Christians remain fearful and wary, though Sunday Mass proceeded as usual. The IGP has warned against further speculation and claims stern action against further attacks. Indonesian Muslims were told not to copy the attacks, while the Malaysian government plans to hold an inter-faith dialogue and may use the Internal Security Act (detention without trial for anyone suspected of "threatening national security"). The Tourism Ministry fears this will affect the Malaysian tourism industry, some observers are baffled over the whole debacle, while some others feel that the Christian community got what they deserved. In the midst of this highly challenging and volatile time, with some fearing the return of May 13 riots, there are reminders of other unresolved Malaysian issues, including a possible coverup of controversial submarine purchases.

What would Jesus do?

mrducts — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:19:35 -0800

Reviving an ancient practice, churches are exposing sinners and shunning those who won't repent. Unfortunately, some of the worshipers are expelled not because of willful or unrepentant sins, but for criticizing the pastor on matters of church polity. "A lot of times, flocks aren't willing to submit or be obedient to God. If somebody is not willing to be helped, they forfeit their membership."

Dubya wishes to end "discrimination" against churches.

Spirit_VW — Thu, 01 Feb 2001 22:31:37 -0800

Dubya wishes to end "discrimination" against churches. In regards to his recent faith-based services funding thing, Dubya speaks to the religous folks he's targeting. Apparently, he feels the separation of church and state is "discrimination." Is there any vacancy left in Canada for about four years?