Earlier this week, I posted about California senate bill SB-1146. As of Friday, August 12th, 2016, I am pleased to announce that California lawmakers have decided to drop California the bill. The bill would have restricted state funding for religious schools due to their religious convictions. A full report on the issue can be found at http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2016/august/california-drops-controversial-bill-to-regulate-religious.html. In a conversation with Biola professor of politics Dr. Scott Waller, I was reminded, however, that this is only a temporary respite. The move to drop the bill appears to have been financially motivated.
One may anticipate that California Senator Ricardo Lana will take up this issue again at some point in the future. When and if such a time occurs, it is imperative that Christians nationwide stand with our California Christian colleagues and speak out against any legislation that impedes religious expression and religious freedom. For those on the east coast, California legislation may seem unimportant to them. However, history has shown that legislation in larger areas, such as California, often influences national legislation and the legislation of other states. Thus, the church must stand together in opposing any move to impede religious freedom.
Conservative political analyst Todd Starnes noted on his social media video that he was shocked that more voices were not heard speaking out against the bill. In his words, “we were almost too late.” For religious Americans who value their liberty to worship and live according to their viewpoints, and even those who are not religious and value individual expression, SB-1146 was a shot across the bow, warning us to stand ready. This is not a time for cowardice. It is a time for bravery and courage. If we fail to stand up for religious freedoms today, our children and grandchildren may not enjoy such freedoms tomorrow.
Copyright, August 12, 2016. Brian Chilton.
Corrective Note: I was informed of a correction that needs to be made to the post. The bill itself has not been dropped, but rather the more controversial language concerning the religious freedom of universities has been erased from the bill. The bill still holds issues that is of concern to many California Christians. While we can be thankful that the language restricting religious freedoms pertaining to higher education has been modified, we still need to pray that when the bill is overturned August 31st when it comes to a vote.
I would like to thank Pastor Donald Shoemaker, Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach, California for the correction.
(8/12/16, 8:40 pm ET).
I just talked by phone to Senator Lara’s Sacramento office (2:02 pm PDT). This bill has NOT been dropped from the legislative process. The particularly obnoxious litigation feature has been removed. The posting and reporting aspects remains. It has passed all assembly committees and now (before August 31) goes to the Assembly floor. It should still be opposed in its current form by those who believe in the religious liberty of private religious educational institutions.
Donald Shoemaker
Pastor Emeritus
Grace Community Church of Seal Beach CA
Pastor Donald,
Thanks for the correction and it is duly noted. We all need to pray that this bill is overturned.
Blessings,
BC
I’ll finish soon an important review on the “new” SB-1146. I can send this to you if I know how/where to send it. Also, I’d like to send you a sample of my monthly e-newsletter. Good piece you wrote today on biblical/systematic theology.
Donald Shoemaker
Thank you sir. That sounds great. I would like to read your review.
Blessings,
Brian Chilton