Pastor Saeed's Wife Has Strong Words for Iran President Hassan Rouhani - Jay Sekulow with ACLJ

Demonstrators protest Pastor Saeed Abedini's imprisonment. (Facebook)

Pastor Saeed's Wife Has Strong Words for Iran President Hassan Rouhani

9/28/2015 JAY SEKULOW/ACLJ  charisma news

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Iran's President Hassan Rouhani is publicly holding American Pastor Saeed Abedini and the other wrongfully imprisoned Americans as hostages, demanding ransom for their freedom.

Rouhani told CNN:

"If the Americans take the appropriate steps and set [a number of Iranians in the United States who are imprisoned] free, certainly the right environment will be open and the right circumstances will be created for us to do everything within our power and our purview to bring about the swiftest freedom for the Americans held in Iran as well ...

"If the Americans take the appropriate actions vis-a-vis Iranian citizens who are being imprisoned here, then the right atmosphere and environment will be created for reciprocal action perhaps."

This is an absurd and insulting demand, treating Pastor Saeed—who has committed no crime and is merely imprisoned because of his Christian faith—as a hostage for ransom.

Pastor Saeed's wife Naghmeh emphatically responded:

"My husband is not collateral. He is a father and a man who broke no law. Yet Iran is treating him like a pawn in a game of chess. President Rouhani's demand that America release 19 criminals in exchange for his consideration of releasing individuals like my husband, imprisoned solely for his faith, demonstrates that the Iran of today is no different than the Iran who took Americans hostage during the Iranian revolution.

"The environment is ripe for Iran to demonstrate it is ready to re-enter the global market and international scene of diplomats; it is time to show its good will, to change its image from one of a pariah to a member of the global society who will protect fundamental rights."

As Iran's president prepares to address the United Nation's General Assembly in New York—on American soil—now is the time to garner goodwill on the world stage and release the wrongfully imprisoned Americans. It is time for the U.N. to directly engage and urge Iran to release these wrongfully imprisoned U.S. citizens and allow them to return home—especially Pastor Saeed.

Naghmeh explained the importance of this moment on Fox News recently. 

Our team, along with Naghmeh, is currently in New York, engaging with key world leaders and U.N. delegations to increase pressure on Iran, as Iran's president is on U.S. soil—where Pastor Saeed belongs.

Over 1 million have signed our petition for Pastor Saeed's freedom. Please continue building on this momentum as we aggressively fight for his freedom by adding your name today.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

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School Officials Reconsidering Islamic Indoctrination in Schools

America's schools should not be turned into madrassas, the ACLJ argues. (Reuters)

School Officials Reconsidering Islamic Indoctrination in Schools

CECE HEIL  sept. 18, 2015  charisma news

Each and every victory in the fight against Islamic indoctrination in our public schools is significant. As we previously reported, students in Tennessee have been forced to recite the Islamic conversion creed, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger."

Tenets and fundamental beliefs of the Islamic faith were presented on study guides as facts.

This isn't education—it's indoctrination.

Yesterday, we heard from Tennessee State Board of Education Chairman B. Fielding Rolston on this issue. In an opinion editorial, Chairman Rolston revealed that the Tennessee State Board of Education is reviewing the state social studies standards—the very standards that govern the broad topics that must be taught.  This development was first reported by Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen in a September 8th memo.

Chairman Rolston clarified that the teaching of Islam in schools is a "local decision" and not one regulated by the state.

Local districts determine the curriculum and instruction, adapting what classroom instruction looks like for the students and teachers.

There are no State Board of Education requirements regarding the length of time to be devoted to any topic or guidelines on how that topic is taught in the classroom.

It is always a local decision how long a particular topic is covered in the classroom and the textbooks and curriculum employed.

The fact that curriculum is a local decision means that there is little oversight to what is actually being taught in schools, which in some cases, means that Islam is being taught over three weeks while other world religions  are skipped altogether. This has created a lot of concern for parents  in Tennessee and other states who have reached out to us at the ACLJ.

The outcry has bolstered the Tennessee State Board of Education's decision to dramatically shorten the timeline for reviewing the social studies standards. Chairman Rolston stated,

According to state policy, standards are reviewed at a minimum of every six years. This allows the board the flexibility it needs to consider a set of standards earlier when the members feel it is appropriate.

The members of the Tennessee State Board of Education will review the social studies standards two years earlier using the new Tennessee standards review process.

This is a significant victory. The blatantly unconstitutional promotion of Islam in schools has garnered substantial national attention forcing the Tennessee State Board of Education to review the standards earlier than planned.

The ACLJ is continuing the fight for all students' religious liberty, locally and nationally. We have been contacted by parents in states across America regarding the promotion of Islam in the curriculum of local schools, and our petition in support of ending this unconstitutional practice has been signed by over 160,000 individuals.

In response to questions and concerns we've received  from parents in Tennessee, we have sent over 146 "open records" requests to school superintendents—one request to every school district in Tennessee.

The ACLJ is requesting the information under the Tennessee Open Records Act.

We are asking  for information on exactly what students are learning about Islam and other world religions, how students are being taught this information, and what resources teachers are using.

We want to get to the bottom of this indoctrination. Where is it coming from and why is it happening?

In our letters, we are asking  for comprehensive records from school officials concerning the teaching of Islam. Specifically, among other requests, we asked that school officials provide us with:

Any and all records concerning assignments or activities in which students of [your school district] are asked and/or required to recite prayers and/or chants, speak in Arabic or other foreign language(s), or engage in any other speech and/or conduct associated with any world religion.

This is but one example of how the ACLJ is fighting for the constitutional rights of  students. We continue to be engaged on this issue both locally and nationally, and are committed to fighting for  students, one victory at a time. 

For the original article, visit ACLJ.org.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

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In Our Public Schools, Islam Is in and Christ Is out - Jay Sekulow

Schools follow the lead of President Obama, who said America is "no longer a Christian nation" but is "one of the largest Muslim nations in the world." (Reuters)

In Our Public Schools, Islam Is in and Christ Is out

9/14/2015 JAY SEKULOW  charisma news

Schools follow the lead of President Obama, who said America is "no longer a Christian nation" but is "one of the largest Muslim nations in the world." (Reuters)

What if your child or grandchild's public school forced them to write out the Shahada—the Islamic conversion creed—while "having skipped Christianity"?

What if your child's study guide had a section called "Origins of Islam" that included statements such as, "Around the age of 40, the angel Gabriel told Muhammad that he was to be a prophet of Allah"?

Stated as fact, not belief.

Yet, according to reports and numerous contacts to the ACLJ, that is exactly what is happening.  In fact, children are being forced to learn how to convert to Islam and recite that "Allah is the only God."

It's Islamic indoctrination right here in our schools.

In Tennessee, these are realities facing parents of middle schoolers. Parents and concerned citizens from at least three counties have contacted us at the ACLJ with concerns about what their students are being taught.

As Fox News reports, parents like Brandee Porterfield are speaking out about what their children are experiencing:

Tennessee parents are voicing their concerns about a middle school history assignment in which students were asked to write "Allah is the only God."

Brandee Porterfield joined "Fox and Friends" this morning, saying she has no problem with her seventh-grade daughter learning about Islam as part of world history, but believes time should also be devoted to Christianity.

"They did this assignment where they wrote out the Five Pillars of Islam, including having the children learn and write the Shahada, which is the Islamic conversion creed," she explained.

Porterfield said she spoke with the Spring Hill Middle School teacher and principal, who said there would not be similar lessons on Christianity and Judaism.

She said she reviewed the state standards and there are upcoming lessons on Hinduism and Buddhism. 

Unlike the lessons on Islam, however, Porterfield said students would not be expected to memorize a creed dealing with those religions.

Maury County school officials refuse to acknowledge the blatant constitutional violations at issue here, merely stating that they "covered some sensitive topics" that "caused some confusion."

That's outrageous.  The indoctrination of students with the precepts of converting to Islam and forcing them to recite "Allah is the only God" aren't "sensitive topics"; it's unconstitutional.

School officials claim "By the end of the year, students will have studied Buddhism, Hinduism and other religions," but there is no indication as to what will be covered or for how long.

School officials indicated that in contrast the class would pay mere lip service to Christianity. As the Daily Caller notes:

[I]t appears that Tennessee students don't study Christianity per se. There is not, for example, one class day dedicated to the basic Jesus story.

[School officials] promised that students would eventually come across a reference to Christianity when history teachers reach the "Age of Exploration" in eighth grade. Then, students will hear about Christians persecuting other Christians in some countries in Western Europe.

Outrageous.

But the problem could be much bigger than one school and one assignment.

Our client in neighboring Williamson County said that as part of the middle school class work on Islam—in addition to the worksheet his son was asked to fill out (two portions of which are above)—his son was forced to recite things in Arabic without even being told what it meant.

And this isn't just an issue in one state. Earlier this year, we reported that public school students in Madison, Wisconsin were given an assignment to "pretend you are Muslim,"  while public school students in Florida were instructed to recite the Five Pillars of Islam as a prayer, make Islamic prayer rugs, and perform other Muslim rituals. Suspiciously, the textbook discussing Islam had chapters missing. Which chapters? Those on Christianity and Judaism.

To put this in perspective, imagine the outcry from the ACLU, Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), and other leftist and angry atheist organizations if a study guide stated, "Jesus is the Son of God," and forced children to recite the Lord's Prayer. These organizations would be beside themselves claiming indoctrination of our public school students.

But where are these organizations now?

At the ACLJ, we're taking direct action. We're in direct contact with a number of parents and concerned citizens, we're taking on new clients, and preparing critical demand letters and open records requests to these schools and school districts.

Religious liberty must be protected and Islamic indoctrination must be stopped.

It is a clear constitutional principle that public education may not indoctrinate young minds into a religion. Teachers and schools may teach what different faith traditions believe and how that has affected world history and geography. But a school cannot censor Christianity and promote Islam.

As we take direct action to defend religious liberty and expose the truth, we need you to stand with us.

Join with us by signing our petition below and to defend religious liberty and stop Islamic indoctrination in our schools.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!

P. Parenthood Letter Reveals Baby Tissue Secrets

P. Parenthood Letter Reveals Baby Tissue Secrets

CBNNews.com

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Planned Parenthood officials have written a letter to Congress, defending their practice of selling aborted baby body parts.

The nation's biggest abortion provider is trying to push back against several congressional investigations that have begun in the wake of a series of stunning undercover videos released by the Center for Medical Progress.

In the letter, Planned Parenthood claims they obey all laws, and they admit they are "proud to have a role in fetal tissue research."

But the American Center for Law and Justice said the letter exposes nine shocking practices at Planned Parenthood.

For example, Planned Parenthood finally admits that abortion is a "core" service, something watchdog groups have known for years.

And they acknowledge that nearly 20 percent of affiliates, possibly 100 sites, have been involved in selling baby body parts over the last five years.

The abortion company also admits to receiving "$60 per tissue specimen," which can quickly add up when a baby is dissected and his or her organs are sold.

They also claim that federal law requiring consent for fetal tissue donations is "not applicable" to them.

"The federal rules relating to consent and timing and method of abortion when the donated tissue is used for federally funded fetal transplantation research are therefore not applicable to any recent fetal tissue donations in the United States," the letter states.

ACLJ counsel Matthew Clark says Planned Parenthood believes it has figured out a legal loophole "to exploit the bodies of the babies it has killed for financial gain at the expense of the health and safety of the women in the hands of its supposed 'care.'"

"Planned Parenthood is boldly asserting that federal law requiring the informed consent of the woman and requiring no alteration in the timing and method (how the abortion is performed) is 'not applicable' to Planned Parenthood," Clark writes.

'Viciously' Beaten: Saeed Attacked by Fellow Inmates

'Viciously' Beaten: Saeed Attacked by Fellow Inmates

CBNNews.com

Thursday, June 11, 2015

American Pastor Saeed Abedini was "viciously" beaten last week by fellow prisoners in Iran, theAmerican Center for Law and Justice reports.

His wife, Naghmeh, writes about the attack on her Facebook page, saying, "It is truly heartbreaking to know that one day after I spoke in front of our Congress, Saeed was beaten by fellow prisoners."

The June 3 attack took place as he was attempting to leave his cell. Pastor Saeed was punched in the face near his left eye and nose. Both eyes were beaten black and blue, but no bones were broken.

His attackers also destroyed a small table he used to study and read. Prison guards did not intervene when he called for help.

ACLJ's Tiffany Barrans spoke more about Saeed's situation. Click play below to watch.

"It's time to get Saeed home before it's too late," his wife wrote.

Saeed has been beaten multiple times in the past, including by prison guards.

'Ground Zero' Cross to Stay at National Memorial - CBN News

'Ground Zero' Cross to Stay 

at National Memorial

CBNNews.com

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The famed Ground Zero Cross won't be removed from The National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum for now.

The U.S. 2nd Court of Appeal rejected a challenge to the cross by The American Atheists on Monday.

The cross, found in the rubble of the World Trade Center buildings became a strong symbol for rescue workers and victims' families in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

But the atheist group said acknowledging faith amounts to improper "religious promotion."

The court disagreed. The Supreme Court has long held that accurately telling human history often requires referring to religion.

The American Center for Law and Justice filed an amicus brief to protect the Ground Zero Cross.

"We argued from the beginning that this was a flawed legal challenge designed to re-write history and eliminate a powerful historical artifact," Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ, said.

"This bizarre legal challenge from an atheist group was exposed for what it was - a skewed legal challenge that had no merit," he added.

"This decision is a significant constitutional victory that protects the freedom to display religiously themed artifacts of historical or artistic significance without running afoul of the Constitution," he said.

The ACLJ said they believe The American Atheists will likely appeal.

Pastor Saeed Forcibly Returned to Prison after Beating

Pastor Saeed - in Iranian prison

Pastor Saeed Forcibly 

Returned to Prison after Beating

CBN News 

May 21, 2014

Saeed Abedini, a U.S. pastor who has been imprisoned for his faith, was severely beaten at an Iranian hospital, forcibly removed, and returned to the brutal Rajai Shahr prison.

His Iranian family claims the transfer was unexpected and the reason is unclear. But one of the guards involved in the transfer suggested recent Iranian nuclear talks could be a motive, the family said.

"This is an extremely disappointing development -- one that breaks my heart," Naghmeh Abedini, Pastor Saeed's wife, said.

"Our family is deeply saddened and we continue to pray for Saeed -- for his safety and his release. We are very grateful that so many people around the world continue to pray for Saeed," she added.

In March, Pastor Saeed experienced similar treatment. He was transferred to the same hospital in shackles and beaten by guards. Abedini was then denied medical treatment and visits from relatives.

Saeed's situation at the hospital had improved after global criticism. He was allowed frequent visits from local family members and was given nutritional meals.

His forcible return to prison comes as efforts continue around the world to secure his release.

According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) nearly 260,000 people from around the world have already signed the BeHeardProject petition, in an effort to get him released.

Let your voice be heard, sign the petition.

Watch: CBN News video

Saeed Sends Easter Message from Hospital Bed

Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran

Saeed Sends Easter Message from Hospital Bed

April 22, 2014  CBN News.com

Pastor Saeed Abedini sent an Easter message from his hospital bed in Iran, where he's serving an eight-year sentence for his faith.

The American pastor was visiting Iran to start an orphanage when the Islamic regime arrested and sentenced him to prison.

He was recently transferred to an Iranian hospital to be treated for injuries he has suffered while incarcerated.

"Sometimes we want to experience the glory and resurrection with Jesus without experiencing death with Him," Abedini wrote. "We do not realize that unless we pass through the path of death with Christ, we are not able to experience resurrection with Christ."

Abedini signed the message from a "prisoner of darkness in Iran, but free for the kingdom and light."

Click here to read the entire message.

Abedini's wife, Naghmeh, recently said he's doing better now that he's getting some medical treatment. He's finally being given decent meals and pain medication, but still needs surgery.

Sign the American Center for Law and Justice's petition to free Saeed Abedini here.

Pastor Saeed Abedini Pinned Down, Shackled in Iranian Hospital; Refused Surgery

Pastor Saeed Abedini Pinned Down, Shackled in Iranian Hospital; Refused Surgery - CP World

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  (Photo: ACLJ.org)
  U.S. Pastor Saeed Abedini in this undated photo.

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BY STOYAN ZAIMOV, CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER

March 13, 2014

U.S. pastor Saeed Abedini was reportedly pinned down and shackled on Wednesday at an Iranian hospital, where he was also denied much needed surgery.

"This morning Iranian guards lashed out violently against Pastor Saeed and an elderly relative who had been able to visit him in the hospital. Pastor Saeed was pinned down and shackled. His elderly relative was roughly handled and expelled from the hospital," the American Center for Law and Justice, which represents Abedini's wife and two children in the U.S, stated.

According to the law group, Abedini was moved over a week ago from Rajai Shahr Prison to a private hospital in Iran where he underwent various tests for a deteriorating medical condition and received nourishment. And although he was promised that he would undergo surgery to address chronic pain in his stomach area - the result of numerous prison beatings - Abedini was sent back to the prison without being treated and doctors giving him nothing more than pain medication.

The American pastor's wife, Naghmeh, has been campaigning for his release from Iranian prison since his arrest in July 2012 while working on an orphanage project. Accused of endangering national security, Abedini was later sentenced to eight years in prison. The ACLJ, which has launched numerous petitions on his behalf, says the conviction has more to do with the pastor's Christian faith.

The ACLJ said it believes the timing of the latest incident is suspect, pointing out that the pastor was granted a visit to the hospital when the High Representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, arrived in Iran. As soon as Ashton departed the Islamic country, however, Abedini was sent back to prison without receiving the treatment he needed.

"The EU has been faithfully raising Pastor Saeed's case for some time, and this move would allow Iranian officials to report that he was receiving medical treatment if his case was brought up during the EU's visit to Iran," the ACLJ noted.

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"This disturbing turn of events reiterates the need to keep pressure on Iran. As soon as pressure is let up, the situation gets worse. Iran must not be allowed to continue to abuse and mistreat Pastor Saeed out of the public spotlight. The Iranian government is wrongfully imprisoning him and denying him needed medical care because he is a Christian. Each day apart from his family and away from the care of physicians is another human rights abuse."

In January, Abedini was given a "glimmer of hope" for clemency after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif seemed to suggest a possible reduced jail sentence. ACLJ noted that the Iranian New Year is March 21, "a time when clemency is often granted to prisoners of conscience."

Following outcry from human rights groups and Abedini's wife that the U.S. government had abandoned the pastor, President Barack Obama called on the Iranian government to release Abedini during his National Prayer Breakfast speech last month.

Over 192,000 people have signed a petition calling on Iran to free Abedini.