We welcome you to FEA, where we are overcoming through the power of the Word. May God bless you richly today.
A wedding photographer in New York is fighting the state’s “non-discrimination” law. She alleges that it violates her right to express her religious freedom and beliefs. According to the Christian Post, in a lawsuit profiled in the Washington Free Beacon, Emilee Carpenter is taking Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration to court because they are threatening her with fines and jail time for her belief that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. The complaint alleges that the state is requiring Carpenter to violate her beliefs about traditional marriage, by forcing her to publicize photos of same-sex weddings on her website. The laws require her to create photograph collections on her website celebrating same-sex weddings because she celebrates opposite-sex weddings. Violating the laws could result in tens of thousands of dollars in fines, the state taking away her business license, or even jail time.
Carpenter stated in the report, “My faith has been really integral to me as a person, but also to my business and the way I operate it and the artwork I create. My faith is really the lens through which I view my art.” The state is also prohibiting Carpenter from making any statement explaining that her business activities are restricted by her religious beliefs. The case alleges that the state’s anti-discrimination laws are violating Carpenter’s First Amendment rights.
The lawsuit points out that the laws do not simply dictate what Carpenter does; they dictate what she says. Carpenter is already willing to work with clients no matter who they are, her attorney says. But not satisfied with equal treatment, New York officials demand ideological purity. They want Carpenter to violate her conscience by professing the state’s approved view about marriage.
Jonathan Scruggs, Carpenter’s attorney highlighted the fact that, ever since American courts handed “rights” to LGBT activists, this issue has been conflicting with First Amendment’s protections for religious rights. But other recent court decisions have recognized religious rights. Among them are the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Colorado, a decision involving a video company in Minnesota and a ruling in Arizona’s courts regarding a calligraphy company.
Emilee Carpenter is to be admired for the bold stand which she is taking in the interest of God’s kingdom. The Bible says, “…He who made them at the beginning made them male and female. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife.” (Mt. 19:4-5). Homosexuality has no place in God’s plan. Let us pray for Emilee Carpenter that God would be her defence.
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SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
- INTERCESSORY PRAYER MEETING
- Today, 5:00 p.m. The PI’s, Ni’s & GI’s will meet
- LUNCH HOUR HOTLINE/PRAYER
- Wednesday, 12:00 noon – Lunch Hour Hotline
- 5:30 p.m. – Prayer
- HOUR-OF-POWER PRAYER SESSION
- Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
- NEXT SUNDAY
- Worship & Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
- Communion
THE YEAR OF ADVANCEMENT
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Calendar of Events
| Date | Activity |
| May 9th | Mother’s Day |
| May 30th | Youth Sunday |
| June 20th | Father’s Day |
| August 15th | Marriage Seminar |
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Kingdom Men’s Ministry
Would like to inform all the men of the Church that Mother’s Day Donation Envelopes are now available. They are due back on or before May 2nd.
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MEDIA MINISTRY
World Overcomers: WSTA 1340 AM station: Sundays at 8:30 a.m. & Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m.
- Website: http://www.wom.vi & Email: info@fea.vi
- On our Website you will find: Live Streaming, free copies of our audio message & radio broadcast. You also can see Live Streaming on Periscope , Facebook, & YouTube
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The vision of FRENCHTOWN EVANGELISTIC ASSEMBLY, INC. is to be a mighty people who live as world over-comers: being all God wants them to be, doing all God wants them to do, possessing all God wants them to possess, and manifesting the power of God through signs, wonders and mighty deeds.
The mission of FRENCHTOWN EVANGELISTIC ASSEMBLY, INC. is to bring sinners to Christ, to establish believers in the faith, and to equip the saints to impact the nation and beyond for the glory of God.
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