May 19, 1999 (Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - The following information is from recent issues of the Calvary Contender. Jerry Huffman is the editor of this bi-weekly paper. The full issues are available on the web at http://www.whoisit.com/contender --

CAN ONE STATE'S COURT RADICALLY REDEFINE MARRIAGE FOR ALL? - Vermont is now ahead of Hawaii and Alaska in the race to legalize unholy same-sex marriages. Voters in the latter two states Nov. 4 rejected "gay" marriage by 2-to-1 margins (2/13 World). Vermont's court is expected to rule within the next three months 3-2 in favor of same-sex marriage. Homosexuals argue that the 1996 Defense of Marriage law conflicts with the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution which says contracts validated by one state should be honored by others. Churches could come under pressure to conform or lose tax-exempt status, and teaching the biblical view of sodomy could be considered a hate crime. Tolerance leads to acceptance, then seeks mandatory acceptance. (Calvary Contender, March 1, 1999)

CHRISTIANS CAN'T CRITICIZE HOMOSEXUAL LIFESTYLE? - Two bills, passed and vetoed in California last year, pose danger for conservative Christians if the new liberal governor supports them (12/98 Nat'l Lib. Jrnl). One would allow taxpayer-funded lawsuits against Christian radio stations, private Christian schools, and other ministries whose religious convictions do not consent to an alternative sexual orientation. Those who oppose a homosexual lifestyle could be severely penalized. The other bill brings churches under state control under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, infringing on churches' religious liberties and employment decisions. (Calvary Contender, February 15, 1999)

CHRISTIANS FORCED TO ACCEPT SODOMY? - Christian employees must accept homosexuality or face demotioneven termination - at a growing number of corporations and government agencies. AT&T, IBM, and DuPont (and Depts. of Justice and Commerce) now routinely conduct diversity-training programs that promote homosexual rights (11/98 What In The World!). The 11/98 Focus on the Family cited another example. (Calvary Contender, January 15, 1999)

NCC GREETS HOMOSEXUAL CHURCH LEADER - Dr. Gwynne Guidbord, a leader in the predominately homosexual Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, was warmly received as a speaker at the recent National Council of Churches' General Assembly. At least half of assembled NCC delegates gave her a standing ovation (2/99 Nat'l Lib. Jrnl.). She actually blamed opposition to homosexuality for forcing young people into prostitution, drugs, and alcohol abuse. Some NCC leaders, including NCC President Craig Anderson, favor accepting the UFMCC as a member denomination. (Calvary Contender, February 15, 1999)

LIVE-IN COUPLES TREND SOARS - In 1998, the number of unmarried U.S. couples topped 4,236,000, up from 439,000 in 1960 (2/1 USA Today). Over half of first marriages are now preceded by cohabitation. Those who live together before marriage are about 48% more likely to divorce than those who don't. Also, the risk of physical and sexual abuse for kids is greater. Unmarried couples have lower levels of happiness and greater instability. So, sinful illicit living together is not "marriage friendly." (Calvary Contender, February 15, 1999)

METHODIST PASTORS BLESS LESBIAN UNION - A lesbian couple was "blessed" January 16 by 95 United Methodist ministers before 1,500 people in Sacramento. CA (3/1 Chr. Today). They used the ceremony to advocate homosexual rights and to protest their denomination's ban on same-sex unions. The pastors may now face discipline. (Calvary Contender, March 15, 1999)

VA. BAPTISTS FUND PRO-GAY SCHOOL - The U. of Richmond, an SBC school established by the Baptist Gen. Assoc. 169 years ago, has added to its non-discrimination policy an amendment that will drop the school's ban on homosexual students (3/31 Baptist Standard). They will now be actively recruited by the University's recruiting staff . (Calvary Contender, May 1, 1999)

SMEDES SPEAKS AT PRO-HOMOSEXUAL EVENTS - Retired Fuller Seminary ethicist professor Lewis Smedes again speaks at a pro-homosexual Evangelicals Concerned July conference (6/1/95 CC & EC's Record). He, lesbian author Kathy Olsen, and EC's Ralph Blair are keynoters. Smedes has defended homosexuals, approvingly quoted liberals, allowed for pre-marital nude petting, and said factors other than rape, incest or the mother's welfare may justify abortion. The 4/87 Moody praised a Smedes book. (Calvary Contender, April 1, 1999)