News In Focus with Chris Long

Pastor Lydon Allen of CUFI discusses America's support for Israel

Pastor Lydon Allen of CUFI discusses America's support for Israel

Part 1   Pastor Lyndon Allen is the Central Regional Coordinator for Christians United for Israel (CUFI). He discusses the importance of the Christian church supporting our Jewish brethren and the State of Israel. Annually, there is a national conference at which 5,000 attendees gather in Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators to advocate for the State of Israel and the Jewish people. 

Part 2   Mike Goldstein, State Director of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, a Christian organization that also supports the State of Israel. Mike, who is Jewish, has family in Israel and discusses the importance of the United States and the State of Israel as allies in the Middle East. Mike is a retired Naval Intelligence officer and brings an interesting perspective to the threats that Israel faces on an on-going basis from some of its hostile neighbors. 

Pastor John Coats and OCA President Chris Long Discuss the Trump Administration's Proposed Rule Change That Protects Religious Organizations and Institutions in Hiring Practices.

Pastor John Coats and OCA President Chris Long Discuss the Trump Administration's Proposed Rule Change That Protects Religious Organizations and Institutions in Hiring Practices.

ACTION ITEM:  Click on the link below. The comment section will be open until September 15. It is important that people of faith express their support for the rule change. 

 

U.S. Department of Labor Proposes a Rule Clarifying

Civil Rights Protections for Religious Organizations

 WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking intended to clarify the civil rights protections afforded to religious organizations that contract with the federal government. The proposed rule ensures that conscience and religious freedom are given the broadest protection permitted by law. The proposed rule is currently available for public inspection and will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, August 15, 2019.

The proposed rule is rooted in statute, Supreme Court decisions, and Executive Orders. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes a critical, protective exemption for religious organizations. A similar exemption is included in Executive Order 11246 and OFCCP’s regulations, which govern certain employment practices of federal contractors. Recent Supreme Court decisions - Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, and Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores - further address the protections afforded religious organizations and individuals under the Constitution and federal law. Executive Orders 13798, Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty, and 13831, Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, along with U.S. Department of Justice guidance, likewise instruct federal agencies to protect religious exercise and not impede it.

In keeping with that rich history, the proposed rule would clarify that religious organizations may make employment decisions consistent with their sincerely held religious tenets and beliefs without fear of sanction by the federal government. The proposal also reaffirms employers’ obligations not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or other protected bases and does not exempt or excuse a contractor from complying with any other requirements.

“Today’s proposed rule helps to ensure the civil rights of religious employers are protected,” Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella remarked. “As people of faith with deeply held religious beliefs are making decisions on whether to participate in federal contracting, they deserve clear understanding of their obligations and protections under the law.” 

D-Day Conneaut-Where History Comes to Life on the Shores of Lake Erie

D-Day Conneaut-Where History Comes to Life on the Shores of Lake Erie

Eric Montgomery, one of the organizers of D-Day Conneaut who is a veteran liaison for the D-Day Conneaut event, shares the history of the WWII reenactment event as they prepare to observe the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. The event is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 15, 16,& 17, with a live reenactment of the beach landings Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Don't miss this spectacular WWII reenactment right here in our own back yard in Conneaut, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. 

Part 2 - Encore presentation with author and historian Bill Federer, who discusses the Prayers of WWII and God's providential help to the Allies. He discusses the prayers of WWII and God's miraculous intervention in a number of key battles that helped the Allies and the cause of freedom. 

Coming Out of the Homosexual Lifestyle. A Conversation With Greg Quinlan.

Coming Out of the Homosexual Lifestyle. A Conversation With Greg Quinlan.

Gregory Quinlan left the homosexual lifestyle in 1992. Greg was a gay activist for 10 years lobbying in Washington DC & Ohio for the homosexual agenda. As an LPN and then Registered Nurse he watched over 100 of his friends and acquaintances die of AIDS. He has shared his testimony on the 700 Club, TBN, countless radio programs and has been quoted in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, WorldNet Daily among others. He has a compelling testimony of leaving homosexuality and boldly stands in the public square proclaiming that “Homosexuality doesn’t have to last a lifetime, Ex-Gays prove change is possible.”  Tune in and tell a friend! 

 

Referendum Effort on City of Medina SOGI Ordinance With Attorney Josh Brown

Referendum Effort on City of Medina SOGI Ordinance With Attorney Josh Brown

On this program of News in Focus Attorney Josh Brown discusses the proposed SOGI ordinance for the City of Medina. Citizens expressed their concerns to Medina City Council concerning the comprehensive ordinance for LGBTQ special rights that included a public accommodation section which allows for members of the opposite sex to use the bathrooms, showers, and locker rooms of their choice, including in the city schools. Council was tone-deaf to these concerns and went ahead in a 5-2 decision in favor of the ordinance. A referendum petition has been filed with the City Finance Director.  The measure will be placed on the 2020 ballot. According to ORC section 731-29 concerning referendums and petitions, the ordinance cannot go into effect until the referendum is decided by the voters in November of 2020. If the residents vote in favor of the referendum, the ordinance issue is dead.  

How Is The Coal Industry Faring? A Round Table Discussion on Today's Energy Policy

How Is The Coal Industry Faring? A Round Table Discussion on Today's Energy Policy

Chairman and CEO of Murray Energy, Mr. Bob Murray, with Jim Martin of the 60 Plus Association and Pat Boone, National Spokesperson for the 60 Plus Association join OCA President Chris Long in a round table discussion to address President Trump's promise to the coal industry and the challenges that are still facing the industry after the eight years of Obama's War on Coal. Mr. Murray gives us an update on the current market rate for coal compared to other energy sources - gas, wind, solar - and how coal remains an affordable, reliable option.  Jim Martin and Pat Boone discuss the importance of affordable energy rates for seniors, families and those on fixed incomes, and how coal is helping to keep energy costs low, but he warned that if coal is eliminated from the energy supply, costs will go up for those who can least afford it. 

Independence Day Special Program Celebrating Liberty With Our Founders In Mind

Independence Day Special Program Celebrating Liberty With Our Founders In Mind

On this special program celebrating our nation's 243rd birthday, the pastors round table discusses the principles of liberty. Joining OCA President Chris Long is Pastor Alfred B. Davis and Pastor John Coats with a full reading of The Declaration of Independence and the quotes and thoughts of our Founding Fathers. Tune in and tell a friend. 

Discussing the State Budget With Greg Lawson of The Buckeye Institute

Discussing the State Budget With Greg Lawson of The Buckeye Institute

Senior Research Fellow at The Buckeye Institute weighs in on the 2019 Biennium Budget currently being negotiated in the conference committee at The Ohio Statehouse. Discrepancies between the House and Senate versions of the state budget are being worked out. The budget must be signed by June 30 by Governor DeWine. What is decided on what stays in and what is thrown out is determined by the Conference Committee. Then the question remains, what will survive Governor DeWine's line-item veto pen? Tune in to this informative discussion and learn about the process of the state budget that affects your bottom line.  

Part 2 - Encore presentation of State Board of Education member Kirsten Hill

Fighting for Parents' Rights on the State School Board with Kirsten Hill

The Ohio State Board of Education recently considered a proposal to adopt learning standards for what is termed "social and emotional learning standards." Members of the State School Board expressed concerns with the Department of Education as to the ambiguous nature of the concept. Some of the concerns that were expressed were data collecting on students, indoctrination, and erosion of freedom of attitudes, values, and beliefs with no regard for parent autonomy, and concerns with more federal overreach. Unfortunately, even after a valiant fight by some members on the board, the motion carried to adopt social and emotional learning standards for Ohio schools. But the fight will go on as parents and community leaders will be monitoring it on the local level.

Fighting for Parents' Rights on the State School Board with Kirsten Hill

Fighting for Parents' Rights on the State School Board with Kirsten Hill

The Ohio State Board of Education recently considered a proposal to adopt learning standards for what is termed "social and emotional learning standards."  Members of the State School Board expressed concerns with the Department of Education as to the ambiguous nature of the concept. Some of the concerns that were expressed were data collecting on students, indoctrination, and erosion of freedom of attitudes, values, and beliefs with no regard for parent autonomy, and concerns with more federal overreach. Unfortunately, even after a valiant fight by some members on the board, the motion carried to adopt social and emotional learning standards for Ohio schools. But the fight will go on as parents and community leaders will be monitoring it on the local level.  

Part 2 - Interview with Tim Grendell, the original sponsor of the Founding of America Documents Curriculum that guarantees the teaching of the U.S. Constitution with the Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, The Northwest Ordinance, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Paper, and The Ohio Constitution in the Ohio classroom in grades 8-12 with an end of course exam, speaks out against the effort to do away with the end of course exam as H.B. 239 proposes. Also joining the program is current State School Board member Sarah Fowler of Ohio's 7th District. Sarah presents evidence that the effort just two years ago by the Ohio General Assembly to do away with testing assessments in the 4-6th grades in American history has resulted in the subject not being taught, as it is no longer required. ACTION ITEM - CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO OPPOSE H.B. 239 AND THE EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THE END OF COURSE EXAM IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND HISTORY! TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE CONSTITUTIONAL STUDIES IN OHIO SCHOOLS! 

 

Saving the Founding of America Documents Curriculum in Ohio Schools

Saving the Founding of America Documents Curriculum in Ohio Schools

By defeating H.B. 239 that would eliminate the end of course exam in American History and American Government

 Tim Grendell, the original sponsor of the Founding of America Documents Curriculum that guarantees the teaching of the U.S. Constitution with the Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, The Northwest Ordinance, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Paper, and The Ohio Constitution in the Ohio classroom in grades 8-12 with an end of course exam, speaks out against the effort to do away with the end of course exam as H.B. 239 proposes. Also joining the program is current State School Board member Sarah Fowler of Ohio's 7th District. Sarah presents evidence that the effort just two years ago by the Ohio General Assembly to do away with testing assessments in the 4-6th grades in American history has resulted in the subject not being taught, as it is no longer required. ACTION ITEM - CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO OPPOSE H.B. 239 AND THE EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THE END OF COURSE EXAM IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND HISTORY! TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE CONSTITUTIONAL STUDIES IN OHIO SCHOOLS!