One Voice, One Word-Freedom

September 19, 2008


Dear Friend,

Last week I had the opportunity to travel with Brother Copeland to the New England Pastors and Ministers Conference at Faith Christian Center in Seekonk, Mass. During our time there we met hundreds of people from all six of the New England states who are passionate about standing together for religious freedom. I was also interviewed on Shine Radio broadcast throughout southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We discussed the upcoming election and the importance of voting, as well as the clear message of believers supporting one another, which is certainly one of the hallmarks of Believers Stand United. What a pleasure to meet many new Partners and Friends from this beautiful part of our nation.   

Interest and involvement in Believers Stand United continues to grow. We now have 21,903 “YES” votes and 1200 active members of our Internet Response Team, representing nearly every state in the union. Congratulations and thank you to all who have joined this important effort in standing up for religious freedom across the United States. Also, since we last spoke, friends in the Hawaiian state government are drafting a Religious Freedom Day bill to be introduced at the 2009 legislative session. God is truly blessing this vital ministry with Partners and Friends who are serious about making a difference for God in this generation.

Have you heard about the latest issue out of Phoenix? A group of agnostics have gotten together to purchase billboards throughout the city promoting the statement “Freedom From Religion,” and other anti-God sayings. When a Phoenix newspaper interviewed leaders in the community the only comment from a pastor of one the local denominational churches was, “I see nothing wrong with that.” However, there was an outcry from state Sen. Linda Gray who stated, “This is an insult to people of faith in Arizona….”  I contacted Linda Gray personally to say thank you for her stand. I’m sure there were pastors in the community wanting to take a loving yet strong stand for faith, but either they were unable to make their voices heard or they simply remained quiet. This is just one reason an organization such as BSU is so important, because together we have a voice that not only can be heard, but it can be powerfully deafening when it comes to issues of faith and justice.

I’ve included four email links this week that will be informative and interesting, and will also give us the ability to let our voices be heard. The first deals with an article entitled, “Freedom of Religion Is Protected; Fraud Not So Much.” Be sure to post your comments on this Beliefnet.com site. The next article is from a Doug Wead blog that at first glance seems strictly political. But be sure to focus on information beginning with the fourth paragraph. The Barna statistics on Charismatic and Pentecostal church members in this country should be of particular note. Next, I’ve included an update on an Illinois hospital’s battle to retain nonprofit status. Finally, I’ve added an article by Daniel L. Dreisbach, titled “Origins and Dangers of the ‘Wall of Separation’ Between Church and State.” Be sure to read, respond where appropriate and then pass along these articles to others. Thanks very much.

We had a lot of response and appreciation on the article last week citing where God is mentioned in every U.S. State Constitution. This is an awesome fact to remember, and I know you enjoyed seeing how your State Constitution reads. I want to thank my mother and father who researched each state in our union to make sure the wording we cited was correct. This is certainly a family commitment and that is why I am so glad you are a part of what we are doing as a team.

Have you noticed the additions to our BSU Web site? We’ve included our live BSU events schedule as well as a link to order patriotic T-shirts. I’ve given these shirts to family and friends to proclaim their dedication to faith and freedom…everything this nation was founded to represent. I know you will enjoy them as well. Please notice that Kellie and I will be speaking at the Fortress of Joy Church in Helena, Mont. on Sept. 30, 2008. That’s just a little more than a week from now, so if you are anywhere near the area come and join us. We would love to meet you personally.

Blessings to you and those you love as we stand together and remember that JESUS IS LORD!

Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
www.believersstandunited.com

Keeping You Informed

To read full entries, click the links below. Once you’ve read the blogs, feel free to interact with the blogging community by posting your comments about each piece.

Freedom of Religion Is Absolutely Protected; Fraud Not So Much – Read this excerpt by the Rev. Barry W. Lynn in which he discusses his thoughts on the Sen. Grassley investigation of prosperity gospel televangelists. (Lynn, Rev. Barry W. Freedom of Religion Is Absolutely Protected; Fraud Not So Much. http://www.beliefnet.com/. September 12, 2008.)

Has Sarah Palin Spoken in Tongues?– In this entry, Doug Wead discusses his thoughts and shares some statistics concerning the 2008 presidential candidates. (Wead, Doug. Doug Wead the Blog: A Contrarian View of History and Events. “Has Sarah Palin Spoken in Tongues?” http://dougwead.wordpress.com/, September 9, 2008.) 

Hospital Loses Latest Fight Over Tax-Exempt Status – Read this article by Doug Trapp on an Illinois hospital’s battle to retain nonprofit status. (Trapp, Doug. American Medical News. “Hospital Loses Latest Fight Over Tax-exempt Status” amednews.com. Sept. 22/29, 2008.)

“Origins and Dangers of the ‘Wall of Separation’ Between Church and State” – In this article by Daniel L. Dreisbach, read the history of the metaphor “a wall of separation between church and state” and its intended purpose.  (“Origins and Dangers of the ‘Wall of Separation’ Between Church and State.” The Constitution Party of Washington. http://www.constitutionpartyofwa.com/index.html.)  

Thank you again for joining us in this endeavor. Together we’re making a difference!